Truth or Dare Read online

  “Is my baby girl in love?” Her mother raised her eyebrow suspiciously.

  “No,” Sophie growled her denial. “He just makes me feel lost. I just need him out of my life so I can think straight.”

  “I know that I tainted your view of love, it breaks my heart knowing what I put you through, but even after all those years of failed, horrible relationships I finally found love, making all that pain worth it. Do you think that all of this would start making sense if you just opened up your heart and see where it takes you?”

  “I’m scared.”

  “Aren’t we all? Just promise me that you won’t miss out on one of the greatest parts of life because you’re scared of getting hurt.”

  “Mom…he hates me,” Sophie said discouragingly.

  “I sincerely doubt that. Do you want me to beat some sense into him?” her mother teased. “I could get Peter to arrest him under some bogus charge.”

  “Don’t offer that because I might take you up on it,” Sophie said thoughtfully, licking her spoon. “He has so much power over me. I have never actually given him my heart and yet he finds a way to break it time after time. What happens if I actually do give it to him? These feeling are too deep, too wide, too everything. Can I survive it?”

  “It certainly sounds like love.” Her mother placed her hand on her shoulder. “I would do anything for you, you know that, right?”

  “I know…let’s focus on planning your wedding. That’s what I want to do right now.” Sophie sat up straighter in her chair. She was amazed how much better she felt being with her mom. “Thinking about Ashton just makes me feel angry right now.”

  “Okay, but this conversation is not over.” Her mother leaned in to give her a hug.

  A couple hours later Sophie and her mother were buried in all the magazines her mother had spread out. They were going over every detail of the plans while the music selection for the reception played in the background. Her mother had downloaded popular wedding tunes and the list included music from every genre. They laughed and sang along to “Sex Bomb,” turning it up and dancing around the kitchen.

  “Seriously, Mom, you have to at least play some music from this decade,” Sophie said, falling into her chair.

  “I know but that one is definitely in.” She laughed.

  “I’m a lucky guy to come home to two of the most beautiful women in the whole world.” Peter walked in the kitchen dressed in his police uniform. He had salt and pepper short cropped hair, deep brown eyes, and a square jaw. Sophie watched her mother’s face light up when he walked into the room, like he was the most handsome man she had ever seen.

  “Hey Peter.” Sophie stood up to give him a hug.

  “Hey Sophie, you have no idea how happy I am to see you. Your mother is driving me crazy talking about every little detail of the wedding.” He patted her on the head like she was a little girl after he hugged her tightly.

  “Hey there, Peter, watch it. You don’t want me turning into bridezilla,” she warned.

  “Not even possible, Rachael.” He wrapped his arms around her mother and kissed her on the head before looking over at Sophie. He mouthed to Sophie so her mother couldn’t hear that she was already a bridezilla. Her mother caught on when Sophie laughed and elbowed him jokingly in the stomach.

  “Hey now, you might break your elbow on my abs of steel.” He laughed.

  Sophie couldn’t wipe the smile from her face as her mother and Peter danced around the kitchen floor. He spun her around, dipping her so low her mother squealed with delight before he kissed her silent. It was beautiful to see her mother so happy. Peter showed her how much he cared for her in every touch, every smile, and every look.

  Peter grilled his famous hamburgers for supper, and they spent the evening sitting under the stars, enjoying each other’s company. It was the first time that she really spent an extended period of time around Peter and her mother together. They both asked endless questions about classes finishing up, her new job, and about her painting.

  Her mother teased her about it being the first time she had seen her in a long time without paint staining her hands or smudged through her hair. Peter fit so perfectly, like they were always waiting for him to come along to complete their little puzzle. She was so glad her mother found someone she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. They moved like magnets, an invisible force always drawing them closer.

  Peter excitedly spoke of his tales fighting crime. He loved doing his part to keep people safe; she knew that look in his eye when he spoke about his job. It was the same look she donned when she held a paintbrush in her hand. It was the feeling that warmed you from the inside out when you realized that you had found your purpose in life, knowing without a doubt that you are doing what you were created for.

  When the night eventually won the battle and they could not resist the temptation of sleep anymore, Sophie retreated to the spare room in her mother’s small two-bedroom rental house. The room had only been Sophie’s for a short time before she moved into her own place to attend school. When she crawled into bed she checked her phone for any messages before she went to bed. There was a frantic message from Mel, actually multiple messages. Sophie called her back and let her know that she was fine and staying with her mom this weekend. After a couple of choice words from Mel, who ranted on about leaving her hanging all day, Sophie said she would see her on Monday.

  There was another message that made Sophie’s stomach drop when she noticed it was from Ashton. It was a voice message, and when she listened to the sound of his voice it made her insides ache. “Hi Sophie…I don’t really know what I should say, but from the look on your face this morning, sorry is probably where to start. I apologize for last night. I don’t even know what to say to make this better. Have a good time with your mother and I guess I’ll talk to you later.”

  Sophie dialed his number with shaking fingers. His beautiful deep voice answered after the first ring. She liked the thought that he was waiting for her call.

  “Hey Sophie.” He spoke cautiously like he didn’t know what direction this conversation would take.”

  “Why did you lead me to believe you were Jack? Did you think that I wouldn’t find out? Was it your intention to make me feel like a complete idiot?”

  There was a moment of silence before Ashton spoke. “When you thought I was Jack…I just went for it. I thought I might be able to figure out how to get close to you. I don’t know what I was thinking, Sophie, but I fucking loved that you started opening up to me.”

  There was a stretch of silence that lingered between them until Sophie spoke. “I was thinking about last night and there is a favor that I would like to ask.” Sophie tried to sound confident.

  “Sure.” His tone eased slightly.

  “When I get home tomorrow night, will you come over to my place?” Sophie tried to keep her words smooth but they felt like they wavered as they flowed from her lips.

  “Are you planning to beat me up?” His tone turned lighter. Sophie let out a breath of relief and they both stared to relax.

  “No, actually, I was hoping you could give me a play by play of what happened last night because I don’t remember…I wanted to know what it was like…being with you.” Sophie’s words dropped off like the ground fell out beneath them. She quieted, waiting for him to respond.

  “Okay.” He drew out the word in confusion. “Let me get this straight. You are asking me to come over to your house tomorrow night to sleep with you?”

  “Ah…yes? I won’t be home till around ten, though. I’m not sure if that’s too late.” Sophie’s words trailed off.

  “I’ll be there.”

  Sophie went to bed with a smile on her face. It was not possible to find a happy ending with their history, but at least she would know what it was like to have him physically. Maybe it would finally ease her desire for him. Maybe being with him was what she needed to get over him. Nothing else seemed to work so far. Excitement and anxiety of what was to come mad
e it hard for her to fall asleep.

  ***

  The next day Sophie and her mother browsed the local dress shops. Her mother was still unsure in regards to her dress. With her wedding less than two months away she was getting nervous.

  “What do you think?” Her mother stepped up onto the platform in front of a large mirror. It was the eighth dress she had tried and none of them brought out the reaction Sophie was waiting for.

  “You aren’t smiling,” Sophie commented as her mother twirled around to show off all the details of the dress.

  “It’s just…I have a certain style in mind and I can’t seem to find it in my budget.” She scrunched up her face in the mirror, making Sophie laugh.

  “If you let me know what you want I could try and make it for you,” Sophie offered.

  Sophie watched her mother’s face light up. “Really? Are you sure you have time for that?”

  “Of course. We can go look at fabrics if you want.”

  “Yay! You make the most beautiful things.” Her mother hopped off the platform and disappeared into the changing room. “Before we leave I want you to try on the dress I picked out for you,” she said from behind the curtain.

  Sophie and her mother both agreed on the dress she had selected for her. It was a strapless red dress, similar to the dresses she’d already selected for her bridesmaids, only they were in black, although hers was more elaborate than the simple design of the others, having lace detail around the bodice. The bottom flowed gracefully around her thighs.

  The fabric store brought back so many memories as she walked through the familiar aisles. She hadn’t been to this store since she had moved. She and her mother shuffled through all of the material that was suitable for a wedding dress. She gravitated toward the off-white material, trying to create more of a vintage design. Sophie lifted up a soft material that caught her eye.

  “Perfect!” her mother agreed. Before they left the store they had also found some elegant lace that paired with the fabric beautifully. Her mother couldn’t have been more excited.

  Sitting in the cake shop, her mother sketched out the basic idea she had, giving Sophie the direction she needed to create the dress. She had never fashioned a wedding dress before but the idea of it was not new to her. She had created many dresses and she was confident that it would turn out. They were served tea by the woman who had brought out samples of the different flavors of wedding cakes available.

  “Peter likes everything, so I knew he would be useless helping me make this decision.” Her mother chuckled. “He even says he loves my burnt pancakes.”

  For as long as Sophie could remember, her mother had always burned the pancakes she made—she was easily distracted and had a habit of putting the burner on high. “You guys are perfect for each other.”

  “I know. I am so happy, Sophie.” Her mother grabbed her hand. “Sometimes I think it’s too good to be true and that I’m going to wake up and this is all a dream.”

  “I love you, Mom.”

  “I love you too, baby girl.” Her mother smiled warmly. “I have a surprise for us to do when we leave here. We’re going to get our nails done. I booked an appointment for us. It’s the place that’s doing our hair and makeup for the wedding.”

  “Sounds good to me. So does this French vanilla cake.” Sophie savored the taste. “With the strawberry layers.”

  “Yeah…it’s my favorite too.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Sophie looked down at the pale pink color being applied to her nails while she listened to the endless one-sided conversation from the girl painting them. When Sophie sat down she recognized the girl from somewhere but she couldn’t place her. She didn’t have to wait long to make the connection. As it turned out, Marsha had gone to high school with Sophie.

  Marsha felt it necessary to fill Sophie in on all the latest gossip she had recently heard from their graduating class. Her face was fuller than it had been in high school but other than being slightly heavier, she looked the same as Sophie remembered her. Marsha used to follow wherever the excitement led, changing friends like someone changes clothes. Her natural red hair was untamed and pulled back into a frizzy mess on the top of her head and her makeup looked like she couldn’t decide on a certain idea, so she blended different techniques together to create an awkward look that did nothing to enhance her features.

  The names Marsha mentioned washed over Sophie. She barely recognized most of them. She nodded politely as Marsha paraded on endlessly. It was only when Ashton’s name came into the conversation that Sophie perked up.

  “Apparently he just came into town and beat the…” Marsha looked around to see who was watching her before she continued. “…shit out of Collin. Collin looked horrible with two black eyes and a busted lip, but if you ask me that creep deserved it, always treating girls like they were objects.”

  “Does anyone know why Ashton beat up Collin?” Sophie asked curiously. In the back of her mind she wondered if it had anything to do with her confession of what Collin had done to her on prom night. It was nice to think that Ashton would defend her honor, but she didn’t read too much into it. It could have been anything. For all she knew Ashton and Collin were still friends and could have had an argument about anything.

  “No…who knows? I hadn’t seen Ashton in a while. He left right after high school, traveling and working for his father and all that. You know, off being the gorgeous golden boy that he was.”

  Sophie shook her head like she had no idea what Ashton was up to. “Yeah, well. You can probably recall we weren’t on great terms.” Sophie shrugged.

  “Yeah, whatever.” Marsha rolled her eyes. “Everyone knew that Ashton had a thing for you. What boy didn’t?”

  “What are you talking about?” Sophie was completely confused by her statement.

  “Every guy in our entire school was enamored by you but no one would dare even approach you because they were scared of Ashton, who had threatened them all to back off.” Marsha widened her eyes as she purged her gossip.

  “Ashton hated me,” Sophie objected.

  “No one knows why you guys had this weird hate thing going on when it was clearly not the case. The only thing I could figure is that he was trying to keep Lucinda off your case. That girl would have torn you apart if you had stolen her man. As bad as she was to you, it could have been much worse.”

  “I highly doubt that. That girl loathed me and made me miserable.”

  “Because her boyfriend only had eyes for you,” Marsha explained. “How did you not know all this? Did you seriously think he hated you?”

  “Yes, of course I did. I know he did. He and Lucinda always found ways to make sure I knew it,” Sophie defended herself.

  “Think whatever you want, I guess. You probably just have to point at a guy to have him come with his tail wagging.” Marsha’s tone was almost bitter as she released Sophie’s hands. “I, on the other hand, have to practically pay a man to even look in my direction.”

  “Thank you, Marsha.” Sophie smiled politely, taking the opportunity to leave. Marsha was becoming a little overwhelming and she was anxious to leave.

  ***

  Sophie enjoyed a meal with her mother at their favorite restaurant before she left that evening. Her mother and Peter both insisted on driving her home. Anticipation twisted her stomach in knots on the ride home. She texted to see if Ashton was still coming over to her place, he responded with a quick yes. A nervous excitement made her unable to sit still. The ride home seemed to last forever before Peter pulled to a stop in front of her apartment. After saying goodbye to her mother and Peter, she headed inside. She had told Ashton to come at ten, leaving her enough time to shower and get ready before he arrived.

  Once in her apartment she quickly unpacked her things, straightened up her place, and then jumped in the shower. Trying to calm her nerves was not an easy task. She felt as if her skin could not contain her, so much untamed energy rattled through her. She took care in selectin
g her underwear and slipped on a night dress that made her feel sexy. The thin material clung to her body and the narrow line of lace that lay over the top of her breasts was very complementary. Once she had dried her hair she checked the time and realized she had only minutes until Ashton would arrive.

  When his knock sounded through the room she was too nervous to walk toward the door. After his second knock she took a deep breath and forced her legs to move. Turning the door knob, she pulled it open to reveal Ashton. His tall powerful frame filled her line of vision and she found it hard to remember to breathe. He looked like he belonged to a fairytale as the impossibly handsome prince that sweeps the girl off her feet. She felt more than swept in that moment, blown away was a better description. She realized she wanted more than anything for Marsha to be right.

  “I was beginning to think you weren’t home.” He smiled.

  “I’m home,” Sophie confirmed nervously.

  He tilted his head with a crooked smile. “I see that.” He stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. Sophie tried to stop her legs from shaking. “So, I’m not exactly sure what you want of me,” he stated, standing before her with a curious expression.

  “First, I want to apologize for how I acted yesterday morning. It was overwhelming waking up with no memory of what happened the night before and I panicked.”

  “Understandable,” he responded as he leaned against the door frame.

  “And…I want you to show me what happened…step by step, if possible,” she said as heat pulled at her cheeks, making them feel heavy when she spoke. “I know this may seem ridiculous to you but I can’t stand not knowing how it went down between us.” Sophie waved her hand between them nervously.

  “Went down?” He chuckled. Sophie could feel his power as it radiated off him, calling to every part of her. He reached down and took her tentative hands, placing them around his neck. Leaning down, he grabbed hold of her bottom and pulled her body up into his arms. “This is what happened first.” He breathed hotly against her ear.