Truth or Dare Read online

  Charlotte rounded the corner. “I just checked on Margaret and she said you could leave for the rest of the day…work on your mother’s dress, maybe,” Charlotte suggested. “She’s just going to rest.”

  “Maybe I should stick around in case she needs anything.” Sophie tried to make her voice casual, not wanting to let her discovery be suspected. She didn’t know what Charlotte knew but Sophie suspected that she might be the only one in the house that was kept in the dark.

  “I promise I will call. I can handle things as they are now.”

  ***

  Sophie was so preoccupied with thoughts of Margaret she was caught off guard by Mel standing in her apartment. “Mel! You scared me.” Sophie dropped her bag and placed her hand on her chest.

  “Why are you so jumpy today?” Mel asked, standing in front of the painting of Ashton, lain against the wall. Sophie was unsure what to do with it.

  “Nothing…I’m just distracted.” Sophie waved her hand dismissively.

  “Thinking about that?” Mel raised her eyebrows as she pointed at Ashton’s likeness. “Did you sleep with him yet?”

  “No, I didn’t sleep with him.” Sophie sighed, falling back into her sofa.

  “Why on earth not?” Mel sunk down beside her.

  “Didn’t you work last night?” Sophie furrowed her brow.

  “Yes.”

  “Why are you awake right now?”

  Mel moaned and leaned back against the sofa, throwing her arm over her face. “Corbin came into the club last night. The guys stopped him, nothing happened, other than him getting thrown out, but I’m still nervous. Dustin drove me home last night and searched my place for me before he left, but still I can’t feel comfortable knowing that he’s out to get me. I tried to sleep but I wake up with every little noise. I’m just so nervous he’s gonna find out where I live.”

  “Stay here,” Sophie offered. “Lie down and get some sleep. You look exhausted. I’m just going to be working on my mother’s dress.”

  “Thanks, Sophie. You’re the greatest.” Mel slapped Sophie on the leg before jumping up. “Oh look!” Mel grabbed her purse off the sofa and rummaged through it before she pulled out a small white envelope that Sophie recognized immediately. “Your mother loves me after all.” Mel had a ridiculous smile on her face.

  Her mother didn’t mention that she was inviting Mel to her wedding, but Sophie was thrilled that she did. Mel was her closest friend and even though Mel always made her mother nervous, her mother knew how important Mel was to her.

  “What’s not to love?” Sophie made a note to call her mother later to thank her.

  The hours flew by as Sophie worked with her mother’s material. She constantly checked her phone to make sure that Margaret wasn’t trying to get a hold of her. When she had the general shape of the dress constructed, she fixed it on the mannequin to make some adjustments.

  “Wow…looking good.” Mel yawned as she climbed out of bed to see Sophie’s progress.

  “It’s taking shape at least.” Sophie nodded. “I ordered us a pizza. It should be here any minute.”

  “Yum. I’m totally in love with you.”

  “I know.” Sophie laughed. “I’m awesome.”

  Sophie and Mel ate until they were stuffed and talked until it grew dark outside. When Mel left for work Sophie organized her things for class the next day and realized she must have left her report at Margaret’s house. Grabbing her purse, she decided to head over. It gave her a reason to check on Margaret, anyway. Luckily the bus was still running at its regular intervals before the schedule changed to evening hours. She didn’t have to wait too long before the bus pulled up. Once the late evening hours arrived the bus goers tended to change from the working class to a more rowdy group who weren’t always good company.

  When she arrived at Margaret’s, Ashton answered the door. She hadn’t prepared herself to see him; her thoughts were occupied with concern for Margaret. It was like being hit in the chest when she looked into his eyes. “Margaret isn’t here.”

  “Is she okay?” Sophie’s eyes widened nervously. “She didn’t feel like herself this afternoon.”

  “She’s fine.” There was no playful humor in his eyes. He was quick to the point and Sophie wasn’t sure how to act with him.

  “I think I left something here…” Sophie started. Ashton stepped back before she could finish, opening the door for her to come in. He turned and strode toward the kitchen. Sophie walked in and closed the door behind her and followed after him. The last place she remembered seeing it was in the kitchen when she took her computer out. “Looking for this?” He closed the folder and slid it down the counter toward her.

  “Did you read it?” Sophie asked in a small voice, looking at her report sitting in front of her.

  Ashton shrugged his shoulders as he filled a glass of water, drinking the entire glass before he turned around. “Didn’t care for it much.”

  “It’s my opinion.” Sophie grabbed the report and tucked it in her bag, taking out the tablet. She selected the truth or dare app that Ashton had installed and slid it toward him. He looked up at her with his sexy, curious stare. He was dressed in well-fitted jeans and a thin gray shirt that made him look irresistible as usual. Sophie was pretty sure that he could make anything look amazing. “Truth or dare?” Sophie asked, staring back into his eyes.

  “Truth.” He looked at her challengingly.

  “Are you staying with your grandmother because she’s sick?” Sophie’s words tumbled out in a rush.

  He looked taken back. “Yes,” he finally answered.

  “Why didn’t she tell me?” Sophie continued. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “You already asked your question. My turn. Truth or dare?” he asked as his intense eyes were on her.

  “Truth.”

  “Do you really believe that shit?” He pointed to her report tucked away in her bag. “About romantic love being a myth?”

  “Yes,” she answered, breaking eye contact. “Who else knows she’s sick?”

  “My parents, Charlotte, me, and now you.” He stepped closer to her, leaning against the counter. “Were you relieved when you found out you didn’t sleep with me?” Sophie felt her heart quicken in her chest. She had no idea how to attempt answering that question; her own thoughts had refused to settle since last night, leaving her conflicted. “Yes or no?”

  “Yes,” she whispered. He didn’t respond, only nodded slightly.

  “How sick is she?”

  Ashton pushed himself off the counter. “She’ll tell you when she’s ready,” Ashton said as he walked away from her.

  “Ashton? I’m not finished playing,” Sophie called after him.

  “I am,” he called back, not even turning to look at her.

  Sophie followed him toward the staircase. “Ashton? Wait, please.” Ashton grabbed the railing and stopped, as if contemplating his next move. “I don’t know what to say but I don’t want to leave things like this,” Sophie beseeched. There were so many things that she wanted to say to him but she couldn’t put it in words. She didn’t think she could survive the explosive emotions that he inflicted in her. “I’m so confused. I don’t understand what this is between us.” She looked up at him with pleading eyes. She wanted him to shed some light on what was happening.

  “There is no us,” he said coolly before heading up the stairs.

  “Thanks for clarifying,” she called after him angrily. Sophie couldn’t contain her anger as she stomped out of the house and closed the door with more force than necessary.

  The next few days leading up to Margaret’s fundraiser, Ashton avoided her in every way possible. Sophie never saw him in the house during the day and she didn’t stick around in the evening to find out how angry he was with her. The thought of a confrontation made her nervous. Ashton made it very clear he didn’t want anything to do with her. Although she missed him desperately, she figured it was for the best to let things lie. Sophie found herself hover
ing over Margaret, trying to make her comfortable. She didn’t know if she was being too obvious but she was worried.

  Mel had stayed at her place every day since the incident. Sophie was grateful for the company because it distracted her from wallowing in her thoughts. She wished she could dismiss Ashton from her thoughts as easily as he did her. Sometimes it felt like it hurt too much to breathe. She knew this was coming. It’s why she’d avoided getting involved with anyone for so long. This pain was the result of her own stupidity and she could blame no one but herself.

  She finished the last of her classes for the term. When Sophie passed in her report to Mr. Walters he skimmed the title and raised his eyebrow.

  “A strong opinion for someone so young,” he commented, skimming through the pages. “Should be an interesting read. Maybe someday you’ll be able to prove yourself wrong.”

  “Maybe.” She smiled sadly. Sophie walked out of her classroom knowing that she was finished with school. The last three years were over and now she had to look ahead to establishing her life.

  When Sophie arrived home from the restaurant to get ready for Margaret’s annual fundraiser that evening, she noticed a delivery man standing on the door step.

  “Miss Rogers?” he asked when she approached.

  “Yes?” Sophie answered curiously.

  “This is for you.” The young man in a gray uniform held up a garment bag and a couple of boxes were tucked under his arm. “They are from a Mrs. Darcy. She said that I needed to stay here until I delivered them directly to you because you would need them for this evening.” He seemed nervous as he waited to follow her into the building.

  “Thank you. Come on in.” Sophie opened the door and he walked in behind her. “Were you waiting long?”

  “Naw. I’m getting paid so it doesn’t matter. Where should I put these?” His voice cracked when he spoke and his neck became red and splotchy.

  “Oh, honey, you’re home.” Mel walked over in only a tank top and tiny boy shorts. She wrapped her arms around Sophie. She knew what Mel was up to immediately. Mel always liked to get a rise out of people, especially those who were easy targets. She tried to keep the smile off her face as Mel ran her tongue up Sophie’s cheek seductively. “Hurry up and get naked. I’ve been waiting for you all day,” Mel said enticingly as she ran her hand down Sophie’s body before she turned toward the delivery boy. His eyes were wide with delicious wonder. “I’ll take that.” She held out her hand to him.

  His hands shook as he reached out to pass the garment bag to Mel and then placed the boxes on the counter. He kept his eyes on the girls as he walked toward the door. Giving a nod, he fumbled for the doorknob and slowly slid out of the doorway.

  “Mel, you are evil. That poor guy.” Sophie laughed.

  “I think he jizzed in his pants.” She wiggled her eyebrows deviously before breaking into laughter. “It will give him something to tell his friends. What is all this, anyway?” Mel waved at the packages.

  “Dresses that Margaret bought me for functions like tonight’s fundraiser.” Sophie unzipped one of the garment bags.

  “Wow, she likes you,” Mel commented excitedly, running her fingers over the smooth fabric. “What one are you wearing tonight?”

  “The black one, I think,” Sophie said, pulling it out of the bag and holding it up in front of her. “What do you think?” Sophie asked. The dress was floor length with a slit up one side to expose her leg to mid-thigh. The top was a halter style with a tasteful open back.

  “Hell yeah. Love it.”

  Sophie showered and primped herself. Instead of her usual moisturizer she smoothed on scented lotion with a shimmer, giving her skin a nice glow. Sophie styled her hair in loose waves, pulling half of it up in a twist while leaving her hair long down her back. She layered her eyes heavy with a smoky shadow and added color to her lips before sliding the dress over her head for the finished look.

  “You look like a goddess, Sophie. Here put these on.” Mel handed her a pair of silver earrings.

  “Thanks.”

  “What happened to that stack of paintings you had in the corner, the bright colorful ones with the flowers?” Mel pointed to the corner that had been her storage area in her small apartment.

  “Oh. I forgot to tell you. I offered them to Margaret to auction off for the charity event. I thought I would put them to good use.”

  “You’re crazy. You could have sold those pictures. People pay lots of money for paintings like those. You probably just gave away enough money to buy a car.”

  “I can always paint more.” Sophie shrugged. “It just felt like the right thing to do. Besides I have so many more that I can sell.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  When the limo pulled to a stop, Sophie looked through the window at the most expensive looking hotel she had ever seen. The exterior looked like a modern take on a stone castle, dropped in the middle of the city, surrounded by sleek looking buildings with exteriors consisting of mostly glass. A long row of cars lined the street, awaiting their turn to pull up to the front of the hotel. Wow. A gentleman in a suit held the door open as Sophie followed Margaret out of the car. Flashes surrounded them as photographers captured the guests exiting the vehicles. Sophie nervously trailed Margaret as they walked along the carpeted path leading up to the grand entrance.

  The event planner, Susan, closed in on them as soon as they entered the building. The poor woman looked frazzled and close to breaking down in tears. Sophie tried to pay attention to Margaret and Karen’s hushed conversation, discussing the minor problems that arose in case she could be of assistance, but she was too distracted by the grandness of the hotel. Exquisite flowers covered every surface, filling the space with pleasing aromas. It was as if they were walking through a garden. Everything was immaculate and considered to the smallest detail.

  All of the guests were led into a large room through grand double doors. Wine and appetizers were being served to the awaiting guests before the main dinner and auction to follow in the dining room. Women of all shapes and sizes were draped with stunning fabrics, anchored in the room by the staple black suits of their dates standing by their sides. A pianist played a soothing rhythm that flowed over the constant hum of the voices lingering in the air. A large chandelier hung overhead and beautiful swags softened the walls.

  “This is such a beautiful hotel,” Sophie finally said when she found her words. A few guests who knew Margaret had joined their small group. Sophie found herself wandering when Margaret became preoccupied with old friends. She exchanged pleasantries with other guests that acknowledged her as she passed. She took in all the details of the room. The fabrics paired with the walls had an embossed pattern that could only be truly appreciated up close. She couldn’t help but run her fingers over it, memorizing the beautiful design. The paintings were heavily textured and all of the objects in the landscaped views flowed into the next, blurring all of the edges to a dreamy finish.

  Sophie could feel the energy change in the room even before she noticed who walked in. She turned to see Ashton. A blonde girl in a very short dress hung off his arm and laughed shrilly at something he whispered in her ear. Her dress was covered in sparkles and reflected the light at every angle. She looked like a glittery disco ball. Sophie tried to ignore the jealousy that stirred within her. She met eyes with Ashton briefly before turning away. Sophie turned back to examining the freshly cut flowers lining the tables of the room.

  “I would love to see the world through your eyes.” Sophie couldn’t stop her eyes from widening at the gentleman who came to stand beside her. Sophie looked up into the darkest eyes she had ever seen. His rich brown hair was styled in a sleek manner that complemented the expensive looking suit he wore. He was striking and Sophie couldn’t help but appreciate his allure. He was not as breathtaking as Ashton but he was quite impressive in his own right.

  “I was just trying to guess what flowers they were.” Sophie smiled with reddened cheeks.

  “I mus
t admit that I couldn’t take my eyes off you since you walked in the room. I have been to many of these events and yet this is the first time that I have seen you. It’s nice to see a new face, especially one so lovely.” He was confident and smooth. It was hard not to be drawn in by his charm.

  “Thank you. I am here with Margaret Darcy. I started working for her recently.” His compliment. made her turn a deep shade of red. “My name is Sophie Rogers.” Sophie offered her hand.

  The dashing stranger was quick to take it in his own, lifting her hand up to his mouth. He kissed her softly and looked up at her with his captivating eyes, making Sophie even more nervous. “Xavier Peirce,” he offered.

  “Peirce.” Ashton was suddenly standing beside them. His bottle blonde with telling roots stared around the room in a daze—her gaze slid over everyone around her. Nothing seemed to hold her attention for more than a few seconds.

  “King,” Xavier replied with equal malice. “I heard you were back in town. Got tired of working for Daddy?”

  “At least I work.” Ashton’s smile dripped with ill intent. There was obvious dark history between the two, and Sophie didn’t want to stick around to find out how far things would go. Sophie noticed Ashton’s blonde was staring at her, and all Sophie wanted to do was withdraw from the suddenly very uncomfortable encounter.

  “It was nice to meet you, Xavier. I should go find Margaret. If you will excuse me.” Sophie couldn’t breathe the air—it had become as thick as mud with the tension.

  “Let me walk with you,” Xavier offered. Sophie’s eyes unconsciously found Ashton’s, that were narrowed and directed at Xavier.

  “That would be lovely,” Sophie replied, turning away so she didn’t have to see Ashton and his date all over each other. She took Xavier’s arm when he offered. She didn’t know what got into her but it made Xavier more appealing knowing that Ashton didn’t like him.

  “How do you and Ashton know each other?” Sophie asked Xavier as they made their way through the crowd. Xavier glanced back toward Ashton.