Truth or Dare Page 12

  Sophie flicked on the lights, flooding the room with a warm, low light. It smelled freshly cleaned, with inviting décor and crisp looking linens on the bed. Ashton set her bags on the bed before he excused himself to make a phone call.

  Mel was in the shower when Ashton returned with a couple bottles of water and food from the vending machine. “These were the healthiest options,” he said, placing them on the table. “I didn’t know if she would be hungry.” Sophie folded the last of Mel’s clothes that had been thrown in her bag and placed them neatly on top of the dresser.

  “Margaret called and asked if everything was all right. Charlotte must have mentioned that we both took off in a hurry.”

  “What did you tell her?” Sophie asked curiously.

  “I told her we were on a date.” Ashton looked at her as if he was curious what her reaction would be.

  “What? Why?”

  He shrugged. “Seemed better than the truth.”

  “Was she mad?” Sophie asked nervously.

  “She actually told me not to mess it up. Apparently she has little confidence in my moves.” Ashton shook his head in disbelief.

  “Actually I was going to mention something about that,” Sophie teased. “I mean truth or dare…come on.”

  “As I recall, you enjoyed yourself.” Their light conversation suddenly turned intense. His penetrating blue eyes looked as if they were undressing her, causing Sophie to practically melt to the floor. Mel opened the bathroom door and the moment dissipated. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Sophie and Ashton. She was wearing pajama pants and an oversized sweatshirt that floated on her small frame, making her seem so much younger. “I thought you two would be making out or something. Your sexual tension is suffocating.”

  Sophie left the comment alone. “How are you feeling?”

  Mel crawled into the bed. “I feel like I could sleep for days.”

  “Ashton got you some food in case you’re hungry.” Sophie offered a bottle of water and a granola bar from the table.

  “Thanks, I can’t remember the last time I ate.” Mel pulled back the wrapper and devoured the bar.

  Sophie climbed onto the bed and snuggled in next to Mel.

  “Thank you.” Mel smiled sadly, tears clouding her eyes.

  Sophie wrapped her arms around Mel and leaned back against the headboard of the bed and let Mel shed all of her tears while rubbing her back. Mel eventually drifted to sleep, completely exhausted.

  Ashton sat quietly in the armchair. He was quiet as time passed into the late hours. “Are you thinking this is the worst date you’ve ever been on?” she whispered.

  “No.” His voice was sleepy, his features relaxed and handsome. He had run his hands through his hair a few times, making it messy and irresistible at the same time. “You can go home. I’m going to stay in case she needs me,” Sophie offered.

  “This chair is actually very comfortable.” He smiled lazily back at her.

  Sophie wasn’t sure when she had fallen asleep, but when she woke up the lights were off and Ashton was asleep in the chair. Mel was still curled up against Sophie’s side, her breathing deep and even. Sophie slowly slipped out from under Mel, pulling the covers up over her shoulders.

  She quietly opened the closet, removing an extra blanket that was neatly folded on the shelf. She quietly walked over to Ashton, unfolded it, and laid it over his long legs that were stretched out in front of him. He looked so peaceful in sleep. The streetlights cast a soft glow into the room, highlighting his relaxed features. He was breathtaking. She couldn’t think of a face more flawless than his. The memory of his kiss caused her mouth to tingle with recollection. His full lips knew how to dance with hers expertly, like they knew all her secrets. He really was a knight in shining armor tonight, saving both of them from the horrible situation that Sophie would have walked blindly into.

  Sophie looked up, noticing his eyes were now open. She froze, wondering how long he had been watching her gazing at him. He lifted his hand and gently touched her fingertips with his. It was the lightest contact but the effect was immobilizing. He intertwined his fingers with hers, pulling her down against him. Sophie didn’t resist, climbing onto his lap and laying her head against his chest. He smelled of everything wonderful as she melted against him. “Thank you for tonight,” she whispered. He didn’t say anything, only pulled the blanket up over them, wrapping her in his warmth. She fell asleep to the rhythm of his heartbeat.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Sophie woke when she felt a gentle touch brushing her hair from her face. She slowly opened her eyes, remembering where she was. Her body was curled around Ashton’s in the chair. “Sorry…I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” Her voice barely cooperated in her drowsy state.

  “Don’t apologize,” Ashton whispered.

  “What time is it?” Sophie pulled herself up.

  “Still early, but we should get going.”

  Sophie wasn’t certain what to think of her night curled up in Ashton’s lap. She didn’t question why he pulled her close. She took comfort wrapped in his arms and fell into a deep, satisfying sleep. She wondered what he thought having her curled around him the entire night. She was in unknown territory with Ashton. Ever since he came back into her life she had been trying to figure out the new set of rules when it came to him and her.

  Sophie woke Mel to tell her that she had to leave, promising to call later to check on her. She slipped out of the room and followed Ashton to his car. The sun was relentlessly bright and intense for the early morning, promising a clear and beautiful day.

  “Mel is a colorful character,” Ashton said when Sophie hopped in the car.

  “That’s a good way to describe her.” Sophie tilted her head thoughtfully. “Most people say she’s brash, crazy, and even scary.” Sophie chuckled.

  “That description works as well.” He nodded thoughtfully. “How did you guys become friends?”

  “She lives in my apartment building, which is why she’s also temporarily homeless. I think we should be able to move back home tomorrow. Then you will be rid of me, at least during the evenings.” Sophie hated how nervous she sounded. It was one thing to be a mess on the inside but she didn’t want Ashton to know.

  Ashton grew quiet for a moment before he spoke again. “You wouldn’t have just been another notch on my belt.”

  Sophie wished she had her sunglasses to hide behind. She was terrified her emotions were written all over her face. She was surprised there was no more humor in his eyes. “Why? Is there no more room left?”

  He tilted his head and bit his lip in a very sexy expression. “Do you think me some kind of man whore?”

  “Does it matter what I think?”

  “Yes.”

  Sophie didn’t know how to respond to his words. She found herself freefalling without any way to save herself from the inevitable impact.

  “I think…that I don’t know what I would have done without you last night. Thank you.” She smiled at him. Suddenly too shy to hold his gaze, she turned away and watched the landscape change as they drove.

  “I’m glad I could help.”

  Sophie was relieved when they got back and Margaret was still asleep. She didn’t want her thinking they were out all night, especially if Ashton actually did tell her they were on a date. Sophie showered and dressed quickly with the hopes that she would be able to speak to Margaret before she left for the day.

  Margaret came down into the kitchen as Sophie was helping Charlotte clean up some dishes from breakfast. Margaret shook her head with a laugh.

  “She’s a stubborn girl, Miss Margaret—always insisting on doing my job.” Charlotte chuckled.

  “I’m just doing my part,” Sophie defended herself. “I’m glad I caught you before I left for class. Your schedule is all cleared for this morning. Karen sent you an email with some questions about the fundraiser. We can get back to her by the end of the day, and Mr. Graves wanted to reschedule your meeting from yesterday to this a
fternoon. He says he has some things he wants to run by you and doesn’t want to wait.”

  “Very well, dear.” Margaret smiled appreciatively. “What would I do without you ladies in my life taking care of me?”

  “Relax this morning, Margaret, have a bath or something. We can save the world after lunch,” Sophie teased.

  “A bath does sound nice,” Margaret said wistfully.

  Sophie flew through her morning of classes. Most of the professors had lost interest in trying to push their lectures until the very end. Everyone’s mind was occupied by the summer ahead, planning their adventures. Everyone except for Sophie, who planned to work every opportunity she had to make her savings account slightly less pathetic.

  She called Mel the first opportunity she had, hoping she was already up.

  Mel answered the phone after the first ring. “Tell me you slept with that man god you brought last night,” she said.

  “Glad to see you’re back to your old self.” Sophie rolled her eyes.

  “I know you’re rolling your eyes at me, Sophie, but seriously, does he have a brother, or cousin, anything?” Mel rambled.

  “No, only child, and I don’t know of any extended family. Sorry, but if you want a shot at Ashton, go for it.” Sophie didn’t have any claim on him but a small part of her hated the idea of Ashton being with someone else.

  “Yeah, right. I saw the way he looked at you. He looks at you like you’re the only girl in the world. I mean, did you see my tits in that shirt last night? Not one look.”

  Sophie laughed. “You’re wrong. I don’t know what we have but it’s far from ever being anything.”

  “Riiiggghhhttt. You know I love you, right?”

  “Yep.”

  “Good. Stop being stupid!” Mel barked into the phone.

  Sophie sighed. “I gotta go.”

  “Dream boat paid for me to stay tonight too. I’ll be here till tomorrow when I have to face the world again and go to work.”

  “Are you sure you’re up for work after what happened?” Sophie questioned. Mel’s relationship with Corbin had taken its toll on her. It was the first time Sophie had seen Mel so vulnerable.

  “I’m fine. I’m not letting that asshole have the satisfaction of interfering with my life anymore. You’re still coming, right?”

  “Ugh…yes.” Sophie sighed in defeat. Any hope she had that Mel would forget died away.

  “Good. Give hottie a big thank you kiss for me right on the…”

  Sophie cut her off. “Gotta go! Bye.”

  Before she tucked her phone away she sent a message to Jack.

  Sophie: Home yet?

  Jack: No, no yet.

  Sophie: Are you really away or are you avoiding me?

  Jack: Never. I’d rather spend time with you than be here.

  Sophie: I spent the night with Ashton. Not what you think. We just slept…at least I did. He helped me with a friend. I saw another side of him.

  Jack: And?

  Sophie: I don’t know. I just know when I was sleeping against him I felt like I was home. Is that weird?

  Jack: No.

  Sophie: Anyway do you want to hear something crazy? I agreed to work at a strip joint tomorrow night for my friend Mel. Not taking clothes off but it will be my first time there. Getting nervous now that it’s getting close.

  Jack: What! Why would you do that?

  Sophie: She asked. Maybe it’s time to do something a little crazy. I always play it safe and besides it’s hard to say no to Mel. She makes everything sound like the greatest idea ever. They just want extra girls mingling for the event. It seems simple enough.

  Jack: Probably not a good idea. Being around a bunch of rammed up guys. NOT good.

  Sophie: Are you worried about me? Sweet but I am a big girl. I will be fine. I already agreed anyway.

  Jack: Cancel.

  Sophie: Nope.

  Jack: What place?

  Sophie: Be happy that I am gonna shake things up a bit and stop being boring.

  Jack: What place? Safe is good. Safe is very very good and you are far from boring.

  Jack: Don’t do it.

  Jack: Seriously don’t do it.

  Jack: Sophie?

  Sophie didn’t bother answering his text. Jack seemed so adamant about her not going through with it. She wasn’t going to change her mind. She’d already told Mel she would. Sophie tucked her phone in her purse and headed toward the bus stop. She had a lot of things to do this afternoon with Margaret before her shift at the restaurant.

  When Sophie walked into the restaurant that evening it was busy as usual. She grabbed her apron and set to work. She tried to pretend she didn’t notice Sam’s subtle looks. When she caught him watching her she gave him an innocent, friendly wave. The evening passed quickly with the rush of customers.

  Megan flagged her down when she walked into the kitchen. “Hey, Sophie, Jack is at the bar asking for you.”

  “I didn’t know he was back. Thank you.” Sophie beamed, heading in his direction.

  Jack looked up and noticed her approach. An adorable smile brightened his entire face.

  “Sophie. How have you been?”

  “Great! Why didn’t you tell me you were back?” Sophie questioned excitedly.

  A baffled expression crossed his features. “I just got in this afternoon. I came here tonight hoping you would give me a second chance after running out on you last time.”

  Sophie bumped her shoulder into his arm. “Of course. How do you want to make it up to me?” Sophie teased playfully.

  “Any way you want.” He suddenly seemed nervous.

  “Ooh, how about that expensive dinner you promised me?” Sophie wiggled her eyebrows. Jack’s confusion wiped away his smile. “Have you forgotten already that you owe me for telling you all my secrets?” Sophie searched for recognition in his expression, anything that indicated he knew what she was talking about. “Do you have any idea what I’m talking about? Our texts?”

  “Texts?” His expression confirmed that he had no knowledge of the conversations. Oh god.

  Sophie’s stomach twisted with the realization that Jack was not the person she had been texting. She suddenly felt sick to her stomach. “Excuse me, Jack. I suddenly don’t feel well.” She could feel all the color drain from her face as she flew toward the bathroom.

  “Sophie?” Jack called after her.

  Pushing the door open to the washroom, Sophie locked herself in a stall. She tried to take deep, calming breaths but panic had a tight hold on her.

  The bathroom door opened. “Sophie?” Lori called hesitantly as she walked in.

  “Yeah?” Sophie’s voice sounded brittle.

  “Sam said you didn’t look well. I wanted to check on you.” Lori’s feet stopped in front of the stall door. “I saw you talking to Jack. Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah…I just need a minute. Something came over me all of a sudden.” Sophie leaned against the wall. Someone was playing a sick joke on her and she was devastated. She pulled her phone from her pocket, skimming through the conversations she had when she thought it was Jack. She knew without a doubt who was capable of this deception. She cringed at the thought she actually believed Ashton had actual real feelings for her. She was such an idiot. She knew he was trouble but she invited him in anyway.

  “I’ll get you a glass of water,” Lori offered.

  A few minutes later Lori returned, passing the glass under the door. “Thanks,” Sophie managed. She tried to sip the cold liquid but it wouldn’t pass the lump in her throat.

  “Sam said he would drive you home. It’s pretty much the end of the night anyway. I can handle your stragglers and I won’t even steal your tips.” Lori attempted to make her laugh with her teasing tone.

  “I think I’ll have to take the offer.” Sophie squeezed her eyes tight. “But keep the tips.” In the two years since she had started working there she had never missed time or left early. She took pride in the fact that she was dependable, b
ut in this moment she had to admit defeat. She’d had the rug pulled from beneath her. She couldn’t bring herself to face the customers and pretend that she wasn’t completely devastated.

  “I’ll let Sam know. He’ll probably jump with joy at the chance to spend time with you. I hope you feel better soon,” Lori added before she left. “And I’ll let Jack know you’re leaving. He’s been lingering around waiting for you.”

  When Sophie came out of the washroom Lori was handing Sam her purse and sweater. “Thanks, Lori,” Sophie managed. She felt like she was going to cry any moment. “And thank you for taking me home, Sam.”

  “Anytime.” Sam smiled warmly as he led her out toward his car.

  “I’m really sorry to abandon ship and make you leave to drive me home as well. I feel really bad about it.” Sophie looked over at Sam. She could only see his darkened features until a car passed by, lighting up his face.

  “It’s really no problem. I’m glad I could help. Considering this is the first time in two years that you have had to leave early, I-I mean. I think you’re a-a great employee. Don’t worry about anything. Just feel better,” he stammered through his words. He reached over and patted her on the leg, letting his hand linger. His touch didn’t cause heat to rush through her body. It didn’t make her breathless and desperate like Ashton’s did, but it felt nice.

  Sophie could see longing in Sam’s gaze. He was no longer trying to be discreet, his eyes searching hers for some sign of approval.

  Sophie wondered if it would be possible to feel even a fraction of the passion for Sam she felt for Ashton. She thought about taking his hand and going down a path with him that would lead her far away from Ashton. She tried to focus on Sam but all she saw was red in her haze of anger and complete shock that were both warring for center stage.