Truth or Dare Page 19

  Sophie’s customers covered everything from families with small children to groups of rowdy men, drinking their fill of beer and watching the game on the televisions that were suspended from the ceiling. The restaurant was large and consisted of a bar section and a dining room where the families normally gravitated. Though, on busy nights people took seats wherever they could get them and the bar crowd normally spilled over into the dining section. Sophie was normally in the bar area; she had her regular customers that usually requested her and Friday nights brought many familiar faces.

  Sophie took the order from a group of regulars. All four of them were married but that didn’t stop them from their playful flirting. Sophie smiled and played along. They came almost every Friday night and Sophie knew all of them by name. When she turned from their table to enter their order, Sophie caught sight of Ashton leaning against the bar. She stopped in her tracks at the unexpected sight of him staring shamelessly at her.

  Megan leaned over the bar, drawing Ashton’s attention. Sophie was grateful for his distraction and headed back toward the kitchen. She had an awkward conversation with Megan earlier in regards to not wanting to date her brother, Jack. She found herself dancing around the truth when Megan insisted on digging into the matter. Somehow the conversation always steered toward Ashton and she couldn’t help the guilt that swirled within her. She could tell Megan had her suspicions but how could Sophie possibly go about explaining the chaos between Ashton and her? She felt it better just to pretend there was nothing to talk about.

  Sophie tried to busy herself and ignore Ashton but she kept meeting his gaze across the crowded restaurant. He stood out in the sea of people with his height and piercing beauty. His intense blue eyes could literally make anyone swoon. When things died down and he wasn’t showing any signs of leaving any time soon, Sophie decided to confront him.

  “Why are you here?” Sophie leaned over his shoulder. She couldn’t help but appreciate how his T-shirt hung over his muscled back. She watched the other women around the bar discreetly steal glances at him, their eyes hungry for what a man like him could do to them.

  “I needed a drink,” he stated simply. He leaned his body back into her. She didn’t know if it was intentional or not but she didn’t move away.

  “No Marilyn tonight?” Sophie teased.

  “No, she got a little upset when I called her by someone else’s name last night while things were heating up,” he said. How easily it seemed he could shrug off women. Reality check!

  “Too many to keep track of, huh? I feel so bad for you,” Sophie said.

  “No, just hung up on one in particular. Unfinished business, you know.”

  “Hey, Sam.” Sophie cut off Ashton’s words as Sam approached them from the inside of the bar. Sophie greeted him warmly. Sam had been true to his word and hadn’t pressured her into giving him an answer to his request to spend time together. She had told him she needed time and he was being very giving. Sophie couldn’t help but notice that Sam’s smile fell from his lips when he surveyed what was happening between Sophie and Ashton.

  “This is Margaret’s grandson, Ashton,” Sophie introduced. “Ashton, this is Sam, he’s the manager here.”

  “Ah…Sam. I have heard so much about you. In fact, Sophie tells me she has quite the crush on you. Did you know that she painted a picture of you?” Ashton spoke with evil intent.

  “Ashton!” Sophie cried out, horrified. “Sam…I didn’t paint a picture of you. He’s joking. That would be creepy.” Her face burned with embarrassment.

  “She did, I saw it. Sophie has been dying to ask you out but she’s just too nervous. We should all go out after her shift. What do you think, Sam? It would be a good way to break the ice.”

  Sam looked completely lost for words but a smile pulled at his lips with the offer.

  “It can be a double date. You and Sophie and me and…” Ashton looked around the bar. When he noticed Megan approach, he reached over and grabbed her. “Megan.”

  The biggest smile Sophie had ever seen exploded across Megan’s face. “What’s going on?” She tried to talk through her smile and the words sounded awkward.

  “The four of us are going out on a double date after work.” Ashton declared. Sophie could see Megan melt into his hold.

  “I don’t think this is a good idea.” Sophie shuffled her feet nervously. “You probably have plans.” She offered Sam an out.

  “No, I think it would be nice,” Sam encouraged.

  “Great.” Sophie tried to seem happy for his sake. She was angry, embarrassed, and a number of other things.

  “It’s so adorable how nervous you are,” Ashton pressed. She felt anger heat her skin.

  “I have to get back to work,” Sophie excused herself, biting her lip so hard she tasted blood. For the rest of the shift Sam kept watching her and it made her uncomfortable. Ducking into the kitchen, she pulled her phone out of her purse.

  Sophie: I can’t believe you did that! So mad right now.

  Ashton: Just helping out…I know you have a crush on him. You can thank me later. I have something in mind.

  Sophie: Never. And I don’t have a crush on him.

  Ashton: Stop denying your feelings…oh right…you don’t have any.

  Sophie: Haha so funny. You’re the heartless one. Fine. I will go on this stupid date. But I’m not talking to you.

  Ashton: I will be too busy with my date to notice you anyway.

  Sophie shoved her phone back in her purse and finished her shift. The rest of the evening flew by, the dread of their double date growing. She watched time slip away until her last customer thanked her as they walked out of the restaurant. Ashton stayed at the bar, chatting with the employees as she worked. He didn’t acknowledge her for the rest of the shift and that was fine by her because she was fuming.

  The four of them decided on a place not far from the restaurant. Sophie had never been there before but it was well-known, especially for late night crowds. It was a tavern-style bar, with a rustic wooden interior and lots of tables scattered throughout the interior. Groups of people sat and enjoyed the music and each other’s company. Sam and Megan mentioned that the nachos were amazing and recommended they order some for their table.

  After Sophie’s shift had ended, she freshened up in the bathroom. She hadn’t brought a change of clothes but luckily she had worn a black dress that was appropriate for their destination. It was a fitted, cap sleeved design that was very simple except for three buttons that ran down from her neckline. She ran her fingers through her hair and applied some gloss to her lips. When she looked at her reflection she opted to undo the top two buttons, allowing the swell of her breasts to be exposed. Ashton said that he was going to ignore her but she wanted to make it hard for him.

  Sitting in the tavern now, she was glad she did. She found Ashton’s eyes noticing her reveal. Megan was so enamored with Ashton she practically drooled on him, leaning as close as she could get without crawling into his lap. Sam sat nervously beside Sophie and slowly warmed up after a few drinks. Ashton pulled out his phone and a moment later hers buzzed in her purse. Sophie pulled it out and read what Ashton had sent.

  Ashton: Do up your buttons before Sam gets the wrong idea.

  Sophie: It was your idea for this date and maybe that’s what I’m going for. I want to find out what I have been missing.

  Sophie was trying to be discreet as she typed her answer, continuing to chat with Sam after saying it was a message from her mother. When she hit send she saw Ashton glare over at her. He seemed angry, he didn’t even try to engage with Megan, who looked over at Sophie, trying to figure out what was behind the tension that was building between Sophie and Ashton. Ashton insisted on glaring daggers and Sophie ignored him, refusing to let her eyes settle on him.

  Sophie focused all her attention on Sam, leaning in and touching his arm. When she moved to shift closer, she realized Ashton had put his foot up on the bench between her and Sam. Sophie tried to push it aw
ay but he was unmoving. He didn’t flinch as Sophie reached up his pants and pinched his leg. When Sam leaned in and told her he was having a wonderful time, the guilt surfaced. She was leading him on and it was completely unfair. She smiled and then excused herself to go to the washroom.

  Sophie stood in the bathroom for a few minutes to clear her head before she opened the door to return to the table. She was surprised to come face to face with Ashton in the hall, leaning against the wall. It was just the two of them standing in the dark narrow hallway. He pushed himself off the wall.

  “What?” she asked angrily. “Bored with your date already?”

  “Don’t sleep with him,” Ashton ordered.

  “It’s none of your business who I sleep with,” Sophie bit back. “Go back to your date. It was your idea to play matchmaker, after all.”

  “I told her I didn’t want to be with her and she stormed out.” Ashton shrugged his shoulders. “Tell Sam to go home, you don’t want to be with that stiff.”

  “You have no right to tell me what I should do.” She stepped forward and stabbed her finger against his solid chest. “If I want to bring him back to my apartment and show him what a good ‘dancer’ I am, that’s my business.”

  “Fuck no.” Ashton grabbed her finger. “He can’t have you because I want you.” He stepped forward, pinning her against the wall. Looking down at her, he slipped his arm around her waist. Sophie didn’t resist. I want you too!

  “Ashton!” She pressed against his chest with her hands, trying to force space between them. He refused as he steeled himself against her attempt to escape. He brought his lips down toward hers, only a breath away. “Tell me you want me to kiss you,” he whispered against her lips. Everywhere his body touched hers, a tingling heat spread through her. Her body acted of its own accord, arching toward him. Ashton’s hands ran up the length of her body before cupping her face. “Tell me to kiss you…please. I need this,” Ashton pleaded against her lips. The scent of him was intoxicating, causing her instincts to take over, clouding her mind. How can I say no when every cell in my body is screaming yes?

  Her hands reached up and grabbed the hem of his shirt, her fingers gliding over the rippled flesh of his stomach, and he took a deep ragged breath in response. “Kiss me,” she whispered. The words were barely past her lips when he claimed her mouth, pressing his body into hers. His tongue explored her mouth like she was the most delicious thing he had tasted and she lost herself in the passion, returning the fervor.

  “Wait…” Sophie pulled back, breathless. “Sam…I need to talk to Sam.”

  “No need.” Sam’s voice was angry. He was standing at the entrance of the hall, staring at them with a mixture of anger and disappointment. Sophie had never seen him look so devastated.

  “Sam!” Sophie pushed away from Ashton. “I’m sorry, Sam…I—”

  “Don’t bother. I think we can call it a night.” Sam turned on his heel and stalked away.

  “Sam!” Sophie started after him but Ashton grabbed her arm.

  “Let him go.”

  “But I hurt him.” Sophie let her shoulders drop.

  “He’s a big boy, he’ll get over it. Besides, he’s not your type anyway.”

  “And you know what my type is?” Sophie raised her brow at him.

  “Yes…me.” Ashton reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear.

  “You’re impossible.” Sophie shook her head and took off after Sam. She felt horrible for what she had done to him. She couldn’t leave things like they were. She walked quickly toward the exit and out onto the sidewalk. She saw him walking down the street and she ran after him. When she neared him she called out his name. “Sam! Please, let me talk to you.”

  He kept walking and said nothing, only glancing back at her. Sophie could see the pain in his eyes. “I never meant to hurt you. I don’t know what’s going on between Ashton and me. I’ve known him for years and he’d always hated me…he caught me off guard.”

  “He doesn’t hate you now,” Sam said in a clipped tone but his pace slowed and it gave Sophie some relief knowing he was willing to hear her out.

  “That’s just it. He’s just playing with me and I’m stupid enough to fall into his trap…I just need you to know that I care for you, Sam, but I can’t give you what you need from me. I should never have agreed to come out tonight. I can’t leave things like this between us. I value our friendship.”

  Sam stopped and turned toward her. “I need to know if we could ever be more than friends.” Sam looked at her, his eyes full of emotion.

  “Sam.” Sophie took a deep breath before she continued. “I have thought about what it would be like to be with you. You’re a wonderful man, with so many good qualities. You deserve to be loved and you need to know that I could never give you that. It would be selfish for me to enter a relationship with you knowing that there’s nothing for me to give. I gave my heart to someone a long time ago and it was broken beyond repair. I learned the hard way that love isn’t for me. Please understand.” Sophie couldn’t believe the confession she made to Sam. It came directly from her heart and it was a truth she had buried deep.

  “I appreciate you telling me this. You will always have my friendship, Sophie, but I just need to clear my head. I have always hoped we could be more. I just need some time, okay?” His shoulders were drooped and he looked defeated, but the force of his anger had passed.

  “Okay.” Sophie said softly. Sophie watched Sam continue walking down the street. She jumped when Ashton moved into view beside her.

  “Oh my god.” Sophie put her hand against her chest. “You scared me.”

  “Who was he?” Ashton asked, standing beside her.

  “What are you talking about?” Sophie asked thoughtfully as she watched Sam turn the corner and leave her line of view.

  “Who did you give your heart to?”

  “You heard that? Do me a favor and forget it.” Sophie sighed and headed down the street. She wanted to be home.

  Ashton easily kept up beside her. “Come on. I want to know.”

  “You weren’t supposed to hear that and I don’t want to talk about it. In fact, I want to walk home and not talk at all.”

  “Fine. We don’t have to talk.”

  After Sophie realized he was going to keep walking with her she glowered at him. “Are you planning on following me all the way home?”

  “I’m not following you. I just happen to be going in the same direction.” He smirked.

  When Sophie turned onto her street she looked over at Ashton, who had an amused expression upon his face.

  “You didn’t have to walk me home.”

  “I figured I might as well since I’m going to the same place.” His deep blue eyes looked at her and she had to stop herself from being drawn closer to him, still her feet from wanting to move toward him. She had no control when it came to him. Why am I drawn to such an arrogant jerk who always takes whatever he wants with no consideration for the destruction he causes?

  “You’re not coming to my place.”

  “Yes, I am. We need to talk.”

  “I don’t really feel like talking right now.” Sophie pushed open the front door and continued to her apartment.

  “I know something else we can do then,” Ashton said suggestively as he followed her in spite of her protest. He pulled out his phone and pushed some buttons before holding it up to show the truth or dare screen. “Truth or dare?”

  “Dare,” Sophie responded, turning around to stand in front of her door, her arms crossed.

  “Let me in your apartment.” His lazy crooked smile was adorable and sexy and she knew there was no way that she was having a quiet night to herself.

  Sophie unlocked her door and swung it open wide behind her as she walked in. Ashton followed and closed the door behind him. This won’t end well.

  Chapter Twenty

  “Truth or dare?” Sophie spun around to face Ashton. He was leaning against the door watching her under his dark
lashes that the dim light caused to shadow across his cheeks.

  “Truth,” he answered confidently.

  Sophie let her purse slide off her arm and land on the floor. She let out a breath before she spoke. “Why did you hate me so much?” It was the question she’d wanted to know from their first encounter when he had pulled her hair and left her heartbroken. She had fallen into his beautiful blue eyes when she first saw them looking at her and placed his mark on her heart.

  “I never hated you.”

  Sophie choked off her breath in disbelief. “Do you seriously expect me to believe that? After all that you did to me.”

  Ashton pushed off from the wall. “Do you want to know what I fucking hate? I hate the fact that when I first met you I fucking panicked because I had everything figured out. I had everything where I fucking wanted it. I had more girls than I could have possibly wanted begging me to pay attention to them. Then you walk into the class with your pretty dress and worn out red shoes. You were the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. I couldn’t fucking breathe sitting behind you, wanting desperately for you to turn around so I could see your eyes because they were amazing. I had never wanted anything so bad in my whole entire life and I wasn’t ready for it.”

  Ashton closed his eyes tightly and took a deep calming breath. “It wasn’t me who pulled your hair, it was shithead Collin, but I couldn’t say anything. It was the first time in my life I didn’t know what to say. I knew I was in fucking trouble when I looked up and saw Lucinda watching me when I was practically crawling over my seat to get closer to you. I knew she was going to rip you apart. I could see her evil intentions brewing so I did the only thing I thought would make her back off. I let her think I hated you…I let you think I hated you too because I knew I couldn’t have you and it pissed me off.” Ashton ran the back of his fingers tenderly along Sophie’s cheek.