Truth or Dare Page 9

  “Why are you doing this?” She complained as he sat her down in the passenger’s seat.

  “Because my grandmother likes you and she likes to take care of the people that she cares about. I want my grandmother to be happy.” Sophie stared at him across the car. “And I figure if I’m nice to you, you might show me your tits again.” He raised his eyebrows at Sophie.

  “Never!” Sophie gasped. “I can’t believe you are related to Margaret. She is such a wonderful person and you are—”

  “Sexy?” he offered.

  “No! More like…”

  “Gorgeous?” He grinned.

  “No! More like arrogant and pig-headed,” she spat out.

  “Funny, that is not what every other girl tells me. They seem to find me irresistible.”

  “I’m not like every other girl then,” Sophie proclaimed, crossing her arms across her chest.

  “No, you’re not.” The humor fell away from Ashton’s tone as he kept his eyes forward on the road.

  “Can we just not talk? I have a headache.” Sophie turned to look out the window as Ashton drove.

  “As you wish.” Ashton did not speak a word the entire way.

  Chapter Ten

  Sophie tried to concentrate on her work. She was trying to put the finishing touches on her art history project, but her mind would not focus on the words in front of her. Thoughts of Ashton clouded her mind to the point of suffocation. She didn’t understand this undeniable attraction she felt for him, knowing how destructive it was to her well-being.

  Sophie’s phone started vibrating in her purse.

  Jack: Did you sleep with him yet?

  Sophie: Is that all you think about? Honestly…The idea might have crossed my mind but that’s it. I am such a mess right now. Where has my sanity gone?

  Jack: REALLY? So are you going to…?

  Sophie: No. I like Margaret too much to fuel the fire of hate between Ashton and me. And we all know what happens when you sleep with the enemy. BTW you owe me more than coffee at this point…maybe a nice dinner after coercing all this info from me. I’m not usually a sharer. I hope you feel special.

  Jack: I feel very special to know more about the beautiful Sophie.

  Sophie: I may be wrong but when it comes to Ashton the rules of the game seem different now that Lucinda isn’t involved.

  Jack: How so?

  Sophie: For the longest time I was convinced that he hated me but now I’m not so sure that hate is the right word. Everything feels different. Maybe it’s me who has changed. Maybe it’s wishful thinking. I don’t really know but there is this new element of attraction I feel from him that confuses me. Can a guy hate and want a girl at the same time?

  Jack: Yes but he doesn’t hate you.

  Sophie: How do you know?

  Jack: Didn’t you know that us gays have superpowers?

  Sophie: Haha. Gotta go to my next class. Later.

  Jack: Later. xox

  When Sophie walked into the art studio, Mr. Walters called her over for a word. Sally looked like she was about to burst, her words barely contained behind her lips. Sally had witnessed Sophie getting dropped off this morning by Ashton and apparently had been dying to inquire about it.

  “I have noticed your approach you took toward presenting your final project. Am I right to presume that you will enlighten me as to why you decided to step so far away from the specifications in your written report?” Mr. Walters paused for her nod of confirmation. “I’m looking forward to your explanation. I must say it was a bold move when it was specifically outlined to include both.”

  “I know but you always say that art cannot be confined within rules.” Sophie smiled innocently.

  “Very well, I will await your report before we discuss this further.”

  Sophie sat down in front of her nearly complete painting. She was pleased with how she had captured the girl’s features. Her depiction of the woman embracing the love of herself came across exactly how she intended. Now she needed to come up with a convincing excuse why she didn’t include the male model, other than the fact that she didn’t want Ashton to have the satisfaction. It was not an option to fail. I am such an idiot!

  “So?” Sally pulled Sophie’s attention from her painting.

  “It’s not what it looked like. I work for his grandmother and he just gave me a lift this morning,” Sophie explained.

  “I don’t believe it was nothing. He watched you walk all the way into the building with longing in his eyes. That boy has it bad and he is so gorgeous.” Sally beamed. “You are so lucky.”

  “He was probably plotting my demise.” Sophie waved away Sally’s comment. Watching and hoping she would trip and fall so he could make fun of her was more like it. “We’re practically enemies.” Sophie ignored Sally’s snort of disbelief and began working the paint on her canvas. Were they still enemies? Do people make out with their enemies? I’m so confused!

  Mr. Walters left the studio open after class for anyone who wanted to stay to finish their work. Sophie took advantage of the opportunity, completing her work to her satisfaction. She slid her finished painting into the rack to dry, taking in the other paintings. Ashton’s beautiful body was portrayed in everyone’s except hers. Every artist had had their own signature technique used to create his image, but he was well embodied in all of them. He was beautiful and it caused an ache in her. A maddening need for him continued to haunt her. She wanted to run her fingers over every curve depicted in the paintings. His full lips did wonders to hers. They had stirred a desperate heat in her that she could not extinguish. What is a girl to do?

  ***

  Sophie sat on the bus, leaning against the window, wondering why Ashton had to come back into her life. Everything had been on course, predictable, and safe before he showed up. The only time she ever took any risk was with her art, or trying to work with a new fabric or design when sewing. Now, she didn’t know which way was up. She was drawn to Ashton like a magnet, fearing what would happen should she get too close. He was a walking predicament that terrified and excited her. Every logical part of her wanted to get as far away from him as possible but she feared not seeing him again most of all.

  Sophie shook her head in disbelief as her iPod started playing “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift. Ashton was trouble and she knew it. The song was her new theme song for this chapter of her life.

  When Sophie arrived at Margaret’s, Charlotte informed her that Margaret was resting.

  “Is she not feeling well?” Sophie inquired.

  “Just tired,” Charlotte reassured her before she hurried off to finish up her work. Sophie decided to take the time and familiarize herself with Margaret’s schedule. Sophie shuffled through Margaret’s contacts—hundreds of names were listed. Margaret had connections to many influential people. It made the handful of names on Sophie’s contacts pathetic in comparison. Scrolling through Margaret’s schedule, she noticed all the typical appointments to her favorite spa, luncheons, and community events, but there seemed to be numerous doctors’ appointments listed. She wondered why Margaret, who seemed so lively, would need to visit the doctor so frequently. She filed away the thought, not wanting to worry about something that may very well be nothing.

  Sophie jumped when Ashton walked into the room. His eyes seemed dark and distracted when they settled on her curled up on the sofa. Sophie stood up quickly, straightening her clothes. “Margaret is resting,” she informed him quickly. She didn’t know why she was acting like she got caught doing something she shouldn’t have.

  Ashton was dressed in a suit. It was the first time she had seen him in formal attire, and she couldn’t help but be impressed by his exquisiteness. He was temptation, strength, and power, and it made her knees feel weak as she looked at him.

  “Are you finally trying to grow up and get a real job?” Sophie nodded toward his suit.

  “Why would I go and do something like that?” He smiled wickedly.

  “You’re ri
ght. It must be nice to carelessly go about your life chasing girls and squandering your parents’ money. What happened to you, anyway?” Sophie regretted asking as soon as she said it. It felt as if she had crossed a line onto new territory.

  He moved closer, causing Sophie to hold her breath. “Why do you care?” He raised his eyebrow, looking down at her with his beautiful blue eyes.

  “I don’t. Just curious what you’re doing with your life and why you’re here? Did you spend your trust fund and now living off your grandmother?”

  “Always so quick to think the worst of me, Sophie.” He shook his head.

  “You have showed me no other side, so how could I possibly think anything else?”

  “Fair enough.” He smiled before backing out of the room, leaving her alone again. Sophie collapsed on the sofa, releasing her breath. She was in so much trouble. She couldn’t understand why of all the guys in the world she had to have this attraction to Ashton. She had been destined for failure when it came to love, which was why she had avoided relationships thus far. Sophie ran their conversation through her head. When did I become the mean one? Was it possible that they were so far down the path of cruelty toward each other that neither one of them knew how to find their way back?

  Margaret joined Sophie a short while later. She wore her bright smile despite the dark circles under her eyes. “Ashton told me you like to paint, so I think you might enjoy what I have in store for tomorrow evening, if you’re up to joining me.”

  “If it has something to do with art, I am always interested,” Sophie said excitedly.

  “Good, it’s an art gallery opening. Do you have something formal to wear?” Margaret asked. Sophie looked down at her casual clothes that she had worn to class this morning.

  “How formal?” Sophie smiled sheepishly. There was nothing formal in the wardrobe options she had packed before leaving her apartment. Shopping would definitely be in order. A twinge of excitement fluttered through her with anticipation of going to an art show, and one requiring formal wear seemed like it would be very exclusive.

  “I’m sure we can figure something out.” Margaret smiled warmly. “For the rest of the today we’ll take it easy, catch up on a few phone calls. Tomorrow will be a very full day.”

  ***

  Sophie had driven the most luxurious car she had ever been in as she and Margaret made various stops. The responsibly of driving Margaret around in her beautiful car was a little unnerving at first. Sophie took notes and recorded names to ensure she would remember the people she met throughout the morning. Margaret was still very involved in the community for her age.

  One of their stops was an elementary school that was planting a garden for the children to learn how to grow their own food. Margaret had been on the committee that had pushed for the project. Sophie smiled when a little girl no older than six years old took her hand and asked if she wanted to play in the dirt.

  Before long someone passed Sophie a pair of gloves and she found herself in the mess of it all, digging holes for the children to place their plants. It was an experience that she was thankful for. The children were so excited. The process of growing food seemed magical to their young minds and Sophie realized why Margaret felt so strongly about making a difference in her community.

  After Sophie cleaned herself up, she and Margaret headed to a dress boutique. When they walked through the door, Margaret was immediately welcomed warmly by the staff. The interior looked like a glorified lounge. The mostly white décor was immaculate and looked as if it was staged for a magazine shoot with beautiful fresh flowers set out on the tables. Sophie looked around, surprised to see only a few dresses were showcased on mannequins strategically placed to complement the flow of the room. It did not look like any boutique she had shopped in before. Sophie was used to endless racks of clothes to shuffle through.

  Sophie sat next to Margaret on one of the pristine sofas, and they were promptly served herbal tea.

  “The dress turned out lovely, Margaret. What do you think?” One of the women displayed a dress for Margaret. The royal blue material of the shirted bottom looked as if it would feel like liquid as it spilled over the woman’s hands. The bodice was fitted with a high neckline and lace sleeves. It looked beautiful and Sophie couldn’t resist touching the soft fabric. She had never felt material that felt so fluid against her skin.

  “It is the most wonderful dress I have ever seen. Are you going to try it on?” Sophie asked Margaret.

  “I never pass up the opportunity to play dress up.” Margaret said before setting her tea down and walking into a dressing room. A few moments later she came out looking amazing in the dress that was obviously made to fit her flawlessly. Sophie couldn’t imagine a more perfect dress to display the graceful woman that she was. Her figure still possessed her feminine curves, refusing to fade with age.

  “It’s beautiful, Margaret.” Sophie raved.

  “Yes, I think it will do quite nicely. Now for you.” Margaret smiled at Sophie like she had a trick up her sleeve. It was the first time that she noticed any similarities between Margaret and Ashton and it made her smile. Margaret nodded toward one of the women before turning back toward the changing room.

  “What are you up to, Margaret?” Sophie asked, confused. The same woman came back with a few dresses in hand, presenting them to Sophie.

  “Do you have a color preference?” the brunette asked.

  “Oh…no, thank you. I am only here to accompany Margaret.” Sophie passed on the beautiful dresses displayed for her. The woman furrowed her brow. Her hair was upswept into a sleek style. She wore a pants suit that was very complementary to her figure.

  “Bring out a selection please, Donna.” Margaret requested, stepping out of the changing room in her original clothes. “It is a formal event tonight so we must dress to impress.”

  “I would love to try on beautiful dresses, but if they knew what my bank account looked like they wouldn’t let me in this store, let alone try anything on.” Sophie said nervously.

  “Don’t worry, dear. I don’t expect you to pay for the dress. It is a work function, after all.” Margaret insisted.

  “Margaret, I appreciate it but I couldn’t possibly accept something so extravagant.” Sophie lowered her voice.

  “This would look darling on you.” Margaret held up a red dress, the perfect shade of red that spoke of romance and endless nights. It was beautiful. Sophie ran her hand over the fabric longingly.

  “It should be your size. As well as these.” The woman hung up the dresses in the changing room for Sophie to try on.

  Margaret had to practically push her into the room because Sophie couldn’t get her feet to move. “Try them all on, Sophie. I want to see them.”

  Sophie closed the curtain and looked at the four dresses. Slipping off her clothes, she first tried on the red dress that slid against her skin with no more than a whisper. She pulled up the zipper that was hidden so intricately on the side. The smallest of straps delicately sat on her shoulders, meeting a fitted bodice that wrapped around her form. The long skirt lay gracefully against her skin, sweeping to the floor.

  Sophie pulled the curtain aside and stepped out to the audience that awaited her. “Sophie, you look so beautiful in that dress,” Margaret gasped.

  “You don’t think it’s too…?” She indicated toward her cleavage that was displayed. It was nowhere near as revealing as Mel’s dress, but she did not feel very professional having her skin exposed.

  “No, not at all. You look perfect.” Margaret beamed. She turned toward the woman at her side. “We’ll need some shoes and a necklace as well.”

  ***

  Sophie stood in front of the mirror in her room at Margaret’s house wearing the new red dress. Margaret had insisted on buying it, along with the three other dresses, shoes, accessories, and a few pieces of jewelry. She claimed that Sophie would need them for future functions. Margaret wouldn’t even entertain the idea of taking it out of her paycheck. She r
efused to tell Sophie how much they cost. In fact, no prices were discussed or disclosed by anyone while they were there, leaving Sophie to only wonder how much the dresses were.

  Sophie sat down on the bed and slipped on her new nude heels before twirling around in the mirror. She felt like a princess and any moment she would wake up and realize that this had been a crazy dream. She had curled her hair loosely and swept it up in a loose low twist with hair cascading from the clip. The jeweled necklace sat on the swell of her breasts and a dainty coordinating bracelet graced her wrist.

  Sophie smiled at her reflection after applying the finishing touch of lipstick. She took time to apply her makeup to complement the quality of the dress she wore. She dropped her lipstick into her clutch and grabbed her phone.

  Sophie: You should see me tonight. Margaret insisted on getting me a beautiful dress to go to an art show tonight. This does not feel like a job at all. More like a dream. She is way too nice to me.

  Jack: I’m sure you are a sight to behold.

  Sophie: How is your trip going? Do you know when you will be back, mysterious guy?

  Jack: I should know soon.

  Sophie: Wish me luck that I don’t fall in my heels.

  Jack: I wish you all the luck in the world. Have fun tonight. xox

  Sophie quickly called her mother and told her about the beautiful dresses and the art show this evening. Her mother’s excitement helped quiet the guilt that she was feeling on having Margaret spoil her.