“I don’t know, something about not seeing me before seeing me twice in one week.” I stared out at the sea as I spoke, not wanting to see the hurt expression on her face.
“He likes you then. I just think you should be careful. He just drops people.” Her voice was bitter, and I nodded slowly.
“God, I’m not interested in Reuben Fenton!” I laughed nervously as she smiled.
“Who isn’t, really? He is a really nice guy. Well. I thought he was…” Her voice drifted as she lowered her sunglasses, her brown eyes widening.
“Hey, shall we go and watch the games?” I looked at her in horror. Games werenotmy thing at all. She laughed then and hugged me, whispering into my hair.
“We just watch, don’t worry.”
We made our way through the crowd, finally reaching Aurora and her friends. About twenty people were sitting roughly in a circle, and I blushed when I noticed a couple kissing deeply, much to the catcalls and encouragement around us.
“That’s Melissa and Ryan.” Ray filled me in on the kissing couple as I frowned. This didn’t seem like much of a game. “Truth or dare, I guess. Ryan’s her ex-boyfriend’s brother.” I gasped as my eyes widened, and she laughed. “Welcome to college life, baby.” Someone had to strip and run into the ocean naked, followed by someone doing ten shots of vodka straight.
“Wanna play?” Ray grinned as she sat in between two girls on the floor.
“Absolutely not.” I shook my head and began to back away, walking into someone.
“I’m sorry.” I began as I whirled around to see no other than Bailey Fenton grinning at me.
“Don’t be.”
Eleven
Dare
Istared at his lips, suddenly longing to feel them against mine again. He glanced around us and smiled as he said softly,
"I don't think I have ever seen you at a party, Anna."
I tried not to stare at him, but it was virtually impossible. The effect he had on my body could be medically verified, I'm sure of it—my skin felt like it was on fire, heat spreading through my body as his eyes ran up and down it, chewing on his lip as he frowned. Then, finally, he stepped closer to me, and I felt my heart trying to escape from my chest as I tried to breathe normally.
"You look good. Judging from the looks, you're getting here. He nodded to the crowd of people around us yet didn't take his eyes from mine. "I think you may not need my services any longer."
We stared at each other then, unsure of what to say next. I wanted to close the distance between us and kiss him, but I knew he would probably laugh at me.
"Oh God, what are you doing? Bailey, go and prey on some unsuspecting girl. This one is off-limits." I heard Ray say as she grabbed my hand, pulling me back to the game. "You are playing; end of discussion."
Bailey lifted his eyebrows as I stared at him in horror. He seemed to sense my fear, his blue eyes locking onto mine.
"Aurora, it's Annabelle's turn," Ray called as Aurora nodded, looking in my direction. "She's never played." I felt eyes on me as I slumped to the sand on my knees, staring daggers at Ray, who grinned.
"Ok, Annabella," Aurora crooned as my cheeks flushed at the nickname.
"Truth or dare?"
I felt sick with nerves, trying to avoid the stares. I tried to think of what to say. Truth is social suicide—questions of ‘have you ever' and 'who do you' —no thanks. Dare- equally as terrifying. My body started to shake as Aurora regarded me coolly.
"Annabelle? Truth or dare?"
"Dare," I muttered as I stared at the floor, awaiting my fate. I heard Ray squeal happily beside me as a murmur went through the crowd.
"Ooh, a dare." She looked around the group dramatically as she paused.
"I dare you to make out with a stranger."
What?!
