Текст книги "Truth Or Dare"

Автор книги: Aimee McNeil

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Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

“You took off your bra.” His breathing was deep as he continued to watch her with utter amazement.

Sophie reached up and watched his eyes follow her hands to unclasp her bra. “Like this?” she asked, slipping the straps off her shoulders.

“Yeah.” His voice cracked sexily.

She turned around and let the material slide down her stomach before she threw it at Ashton playfully. A smile broke his serious expression, sitting up like he was being pulled toward her.

“Now what?”

He nodded toward her panties. His eyes thirstily drank in her flesh like it was intoxicating.

She slid her hands over her breasts and continued down her stomach before sliding her fingers under the lacy fabric, pulling them down her legs. He leaned toward her as he lost the battle to keep his distance. She turned around and shook her behind playfully in front of him.

“Did I do this?” she asked with a sly smile upon her lips.

“Fuck,” Ashton growled, standing up.

“Hold on.” Sophie backed up. “So I was completely naked and you had all your clothes on?”

He looked down at himself and then reached up to pull his shirt over his head. “No…” Sophie stopped him. “Let me.” He relaxed his shoulders and let his hands fall to his sides.

Sophie stepped forward and grabbed the hem of his shirt and slowly pulled it up to expose his hard stomach. “I want to touch you, Sophie.” He breathed roughly, like he was in pain. His hands clenched in tight fists at his sides.

“Be patient.” She pulled his shirt up and kissed a trail of soft, delicate kisses along his chest. He leaned down so she could reach as she pulled the fabric up over his arms. He was so much taller than her. She bit her lip as she studied him.

“I don’t think I can wait anymore…I’ve been waiting for a long time.” His voice was so deep it pulled at her; she recognized the need in his voice, matching the intensity of her own.

“One night is not a long time,” she teased.

Ashton watched as Sophie undid his belt. He took over the task, sliding his pants down, then kicked them off. Sophie needed to see all of him, the last piece of the puzzle that created his perfection. She pulled his boxers down to meet the same fate as his pants, freeing him of the restraint. He was magnificent, the perfect representation of a male body. Her need made her insides turn liquid. He pulled her body against him, kissing her feverishly, like a man that had been denied too long and was now driven by pure wild need.

Lying her down on the bed, he leaned over her, kissing her cheek and continuing down her neck. Nerves suddenly uncoiled through her, making her stiffen under him. “What’s wrong?” He looked up at her through heavy lids as his body pressed her legs apart.

Sophie placed her hand on his shoulder. He didn’t take his eyes off hers, searching for an answer to her question. “Did it hurt?” she asked in a small voice.

“What?” Confusion clouded over his expression. “What do you mean? Holy shit, Sophie.” He retracted quickly and sat on the bed beside her. He looked over at her with desperate eyes. “Are you a virgin?”

“Ummm…yes. I mean I was until last night…so technically not anymore.” Sophie tried to smile but it felt too awkward on her face. “I was upset that I didn’t remember my first time…that’s why I wanted to do this.”

“How are you still a fucking virgin?” Ashton squeezed his eyes tight.

“There was never anyone I wanted to be with until now…and I’m not a virgin anymore, remember?” Sophie leaned up, running her hand over his shoulders.

He pulled away from her touch. Standing up, he grabbed his underwear and pulled them on.

“I don’t understand,” Sophie asked with confusion.

“I can’t take that from you, I didn’t know. Shit. Sophie…I wouldn’t have done this shit if I knew. We didn’t have sex last night. You asked me to come in…we kissed, but you were too drunk so we didn’t do anything. You asked me to stay, so I did. You took off your clothes and I fucking didn’t complain. I just wanted to be with you.” He grabbed his pants off the floor and pulled them back on. “I keep pulling this same fucking shit because I don’t know how to stop. I can’t think straight when it comes to you.”

Sophie was too stunned to say anything. She grabbed the blanket from her bed and covered herself. After Ashton pulled his shirt down over his head he looked at her, waiting for her to say something but words failed her.

“I’m sorry. Don’t you have anything to say at all? Yell at me at least.” He stood there silently waiting for her to say something but she couldn’t. She had no words. “Fuck!” he cursed angrily before storming out of her apartment.

Sophie fell back on her bed. She felt like everything had been taken away, but at the same time she had received a wonderful gift. Torn in two different directions, she didn’t know how to react. She was relieved to find out she didn’t have sex for the first time and not remember it, the devastation of what she thought she’d lost didn’t really hit her until she realized how overwhelmed with relief she was to find out it wasn’t true. She also realized as she lay on her bed watching the birds flutter overhead, when Ashton had walked out the door he took her happiness with him.

Sophie slowly crawled off her bed and pulled on her robe before she retrieved the picture she had taken from Margaret’s house. Walking over to her easel, she set the picture down and grabbed a canvas from the stack on the floor. Painting always cleared her head and right now she could barely think. She focused on capturing what the picture so beautifully displayed. She wanted to capture their song.

Chapter Seventeen

Sophie awoke the next day plagued with exhaustion from her sleepless night. She spent most of the night hours sitting in front of her painting, watching her brush slowly creating the exact likeness. She was terrified to close her eyes and dream of Ashton. She was fragile and couldn’t risk letting herself fall to pieces. She stayed in the shower until the water wrinkled her fingers, completely saturating her with hot water, but still it wouldn’t wash away the ache.

She couldn’t decide if she was mad at his deception when all she could think about was finishing what they started. The only thing she could figure was that she needed time. She needed space. She needed to think, and when she was with him it was impossible. She was driven by instinct when she was close to Ashton. Everything about him drew her in, his smell, his body, and the way his perfect lips called to her. Why did things that were bad for her have to be so tempting? It was like she was set up for failure.

Sophie’s hands shook when she knocked on Margaret’s door that morning. She was relieved when Margaret answered the door because she wasn’t prepared to see Ashton. “Good morning. I can tell you’re feeling better.” Sophie smiled, relieved when her tension fell away.

“I am actually feeling very well this morning. Let’s get some tea, shall we? I am in need of some caffeine.” Margaret said brightly.

Sophie followed Margaret into the living room where Charlotte was placing a tray of tea on the coffee table. “Good morning, Sophie,” Charlotte welcomed brightly. “How are your mother’s wedding plans going?”

“Very well. We finalized the cake choice. All the bridesmaid dresses are ready and my dress fit perfectly, no adjustments needed. I’m actually making my mother’s dress. I need to get started on that and I have to plan my mother’s bachelorette tea.”

“I didn’t know you could make a dress.” Margaret eyes lit up.

Sophie shrugged her shoulders. “I made what I am wearing. I’ve made lots of dresses but this will be the first time I make one that elaborate.”

“Amazing. A girl of endless talents,” Margaret raved.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” Sophie shook her head.

“Tell me about this bachelorette tea for your mother.” Margaret sat down on the sofa and motioned for Sophie to get comfortable.

Margaret was always so interested in what Sophie had to say that it made her comfortable opening up. Sophie wondered if this was what it would have been like growing up with a grandmother. Being with Margaret reminded her of the time she spent with Mrs. Martin. She had made such a big impact on Sophie’s life and would always have a place in her heart. Sophie felt lucky to have known two strong, loving grandmotherly figures since her actual grandmother turned her mother and her away long ago. She didn’t understand how someone who was supposed to love you could send you away in your time of need. Looking at the kind-hearted woman sitting across from her she couldn’t imagine Margaret turning away her own child. Her love seemed unconditional and true, the way love is supposed to be for your children.

Sophie found herself talking about her mother having her at a young age and not knowing her own grandmother or any of her family members. Margaret never judged or let the smile fall from her face. Sophie loved how gracious and understanding she was. In turn, Margaret shared with her.

“When I was little I used to imagine having a grandmother just like you,” Sophie confessed.

“I’m glad you came into our lives, Sophie. I’m grateful that I got to meet such a beautiful soul. Your mother must be so proud.”

“She always made sure I was well taken care of, even when we had no money. I always felt like I was her favorite thing in the whole world.” Sophie said thoughtfully. “She’s a wonderful mother.”

“I think we need to work together to make your mother the most wonderful bachelorette ever.” Margaret said warmly.

“I can’t ask you to do that, Margaret. I appreciate it, but…”

“I insist. I love parties and I have just the location in mind,” Margaret said enthusiastically.

“But—” Sophie tried to argue.

Margaret cut her off again. “Please humor an old woman. I want to do this.”

“Thank you, Margaret.” Sophie smiled. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course, dear.”

“What is Ashton like? I know this seems silly but I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot and sometimes I wonder if I really even know him.”

“Ahhh…” She said knowingly. “My Ashton has always been special and close to my heart. He is very strong minded.” Margaret chuckled. “Very intelligent. When there was something he wanted he went after it. He is strong and beautiful with a very hard shell but inside…” Margaret reached over and placed her hand on Sophie’s knee. “Inside he has a lover’s heart just like his grandfather. That man loved with a fierceness that scared me, but it was magical, so very wonderful. I see my husband’s heart in that boy. He is the light in this old woman’s life.” Margaret sat back in her chair, reliving memories that surfaced.

“He sounds like he was a wonderful man, your husband.” Her heart was swelling with sadness for Margaret’s loss of such a great love.

“He was,” Margaret said thoughtfully. “It was the greatest gift, being loved by him.”

“It sounds beautiful.” Sophie could only imagine the kind of love that still had such a strong hold long after the person was gone.

“If you will excuse me for a moment.” Margaret moved to stand up but stumbled, grabbing for the arm of the sofa.

“Margaret?” Sophie helped Margaret regain her footing. “Are you feeling all right?”

“Yes, dear…just a little dizzy. I will be fine.” She patted Sophie’s arm. “I’m just going to go and rest these old bones. Could you cancel my lunch with Mrs. Lockhart?”

“Sure. Do you need me to get anything for you?” Sophie was concerned. Suddenly all of the times she questioned Margaret’s health all piled on top of her and she couldn’t help but worry that there was more to it than what Margaret was telling her.

“No, thank you.” Margaret assured before she left the room.

Sophie walked into the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea. Out of curiosity, she looked up the contact information for Margaret’s doctor. She wanted to pacify her uneasiness about Margaret’s health. Sophie searched through webpages looking for information on Dr. Reynolds—what she found caused her stomach to twist in dread. Dr. Reynolds was a renowned oncologist. Sophie stared at the screen, trying to find fault in her findings. Everything she uncovered only justified her fears. The doctor’s current office location was the address Sophie had dropped Margaret off to the other day for her appointment. Her fingers shook as she quickly closed her computer when she heard footsteps coming down toward the kitchen.

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 hovering 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.”