Truth or Dare - Danielle Allen Page 0,41

“This happened out of the blue.”

“That’s different than this.”

“How?”

“This is different.”

“How?”

He stared at me, pinning me to the wall with his intensity. “I don’t like Corrine.”

My breathing hitched. “We didn’t like each other until this weekend,” I argued weakly.

He crossed the bathroom until we were only inches apart. “I meant I don’t like Corrine as a friend, as a person.”

“Oh.”

“But you said we didn’t start liking each other until this weekend…”

“Yeah…” I dragged the word out as I stalled. “I meant we didn’t start being sexual until this weekend.”

He held my gaze. “That’s not what you said.”

I didn’t respond.

“And that’s not all you meant.”

A chill ran through me and I shivered.

“I think you just admitted to having feelings for me.” He caressed my cheek and then allowed his hand to move down until he was gripping my neck.

God, I love it when he chokes me.

I didn’t even know I was into that until he did it.

He applied a little pressure and brushed his lips against mine. “Didn’t you?”

Breathlessly, I nodded.

“And I have feelings for you, too.”

His thumb was in the perfect position to feel my pulse and to know the effect he was having on me. Breathing heavily, I grabbed the sides of his vest.

“Truth or dare?” he asked.

“Dare,” I whispered, knowing if I said truth, he would ask me about what I’d meant. I didn’t even fully know how to explain my feelings.

He brought his face closer to mine, his mouth hovering just out of reach. “I dare you to let me show you how it’s different with you.”

“Show me,” I murmured.

Butterflies spread across my belly as his full lips overpowered my own, devouring me. I knew that I craved him, but with that kiss, I realized it was something otherworldly about the way I wanted him. I wasn’t sure if it was the magic of weddings that Chloe was talking about, but I felt something magic happen. I wasn’t sure if it was the combination of friendship and attraction, but I’d never felt something so intense.

It was mutual.

It was reciprocal.

It was undeniable.

“Do you feel that?” he breathed.

My lips moved against his as I replied, “Yes.”

“That’s why this is different.”

My body buckled as I gave in to every emotion I felt. I melted into him and his kiss.

Nine

After a quick photoshoot that had everyone except for Dom and Chloe looking like we fell overboard, the reception was in full swing. The food was delicious, the drinks were strong, the toasts were funny, the first dances were sweet, and the couple of the hour was immensely happy. Everyone was having a good time. It felt like back in our college days because we did not leave the dance floor.

We didn’t dance with anyone in particular. We just danced near and beside each other. The DJ was playing hit after hit and it was high-energy. So, when he decided to slow things down, I felt a little panicked. I knew who I wanted to dance with, but Chloe and Corrine were right there watching. If it were any other day on any other weekend for any other event, it wouldn’t have mattered. But for Chloe, I was going to have to take the L.

Fanning myself dramatically, I announced, “I’m going to get something to drink.”

“Are you okay?” Kingston asked.

I flashed him a smile and nodded. “Just hot.”

There was a glint in his eyes. “I agree.”

Shaking my head, I went to the bar and got a bottle of water. I gulped it down, finishing it before the song was over. The next song that played forced everyone to their feet. People who hadn’t danced the whole time ran to the floor. So, I took that opportunity to get some fresh air.

“Simone,” Kingston called out as I made my way down the hall.

I turned and waited for him to catch up with me. “You’re not dancing? Everyone is on the dance floor.”

“Everyone I’m trying to spend time with is wandering the halls.”

I looked behind him. “Are you talking about me or Inez?”

“Obviously, I’m talking about Inez,” he deadpanned.

I snickered, pushing his arm.

“Where are you headed?” he asked.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I just…” I gestured to the ballroom. “I’m just trying to lay low until tomorrow. Or at least until after the celebration is over.”

“Do you think it’s going to be that big of a deal if Corrine sees us dancing? Because I have to tell you—she hasn’t said shit to me all night.”

I gave him a tight smile. “She said she was being