Truth or Date

by Susan Hatler

  A few phone calls weren’t all that time consuming, but this request felt like something more. “Sure, I can do that.”

  Her face lit up. “Thanks. You rock.”

  “Not so fast.” I made an eh-eh-eh sound. “Truth or Dare?”

  “For real?” She flipped her light brown hair over her shoulder, then crossed her arms. “Fine, Truth.”

  “Are you avoiding Chris for any specific reason?” I said, using a sultry tone. Chris Bradley was super hot and a serial dater. Maybe since her last date had been such a meltdown she’d had a little fling with him.

  “No! Of course not.” She gasped. “I can’t believe you even thought that.”

  “Just checking.” I set the top back on the crystal candy jar, then laughed, holding my hands up in surrender. “Not like it’d be an insult to hook up with Chris Bradley.”

  I pictured his sunny California tanned muscles, brown hair lightened from the sun, and baby blue eyes framed in dark lashes. No, dating Chris Bradley wouldn’t be a hardship at all. My belly danced at the idea, then my face heated as I mentally cringed. Sure, I’d always known Chris was hot, but I’d never thought of him in that way. My new single girl perspective must’ve clicked into overdrive.

  Rach stared at me pointedly, showing she’d guessed where my brain had gone. “Maybe you should ask him out. I hear he’s not dating Cyndi anymore.”

  “Me?” I shook my head, adamantly. “No way.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “Why not? Chris is sweet. And you thought he was good enough for me.”

  “Yeah, but I’m not interested in the casual dating scene. I’m looking for a guy I can settle with and you know as well as I do that Chris never brings the same girl to a company party twice.”

  “Dating’s not against the law, you know.” She turned toward the door, then flipped back around. “You should give him a try. I totally see you guys together.”

  My mouth dropped open. “Do you want me wasting more of my golden years with another commitment-phobe?”

  She pursed her lips. “Uh, I think the golden years are in our fifties.”

  “Whatever.” I pulled out my keyboard tray to finish my work and leave. “I made a vow not to waste my time on guys who aren’t looking for a serious relationship and that’s a plan I’m sticking to. I’ll order his cake for you, but that’s it.”

  “You’ll be missing out.” Turning around to leave, her voice sang the words as if issuing a grave warning.

  Wrapping my arms around my chest, I watched her saunter down the hall and wondered how she’d gotten me all riled up.

  I spent the rest of the afternoon emptying never-ending boxes at the condo—moving the rest of my stuff from the apartment went smoothly, thanks to George being at work. For dinner, I ordered a pizza but Kristen opted to stick with her protein shakes which, in my opinion, were void of any flavor.

  While eating/drinking our perspective meals, Kristen told me she’d left a message for Ethan and was waiting to hear back from him. Then, she and I battled over the TV remote, finally compromising on a historical documentary (her choice, such a snoozer) and then a reality dating show (my choice, completely engaging). While watching twelve hopeful guys compete over one girl, I suddenly pictured myself as the bachelorette with Chris and an imaginary Ethan as the final candidates vying for my attention.

  My body shuddered.

  Rachel’s absurd suggestion that I date Chris Bradley must’ve affected me on a molecular level because I’d certainly never partake in a dating game. Between a man interested in a lifelong commitment and the other going for short-term fun? No contest. I’d only take a chance on Ethan.

  Assuming he called Kristen back, of course.

  The fact that my mind had even entertained the idea of Chris? Ridiculous. He could be the sweetest, most undeniably handsome man in the world, but the way he ran through girls told me to steer clear. Tingles over a hot guy would not divert me from my goal ever again.

  ****

  The next morning I strode into the office dressed in a casual business suit, glad that all aspects of my life were now headed in the right direction. Since I lived further from the office, I’d had to drive, instead of walk, to the bakery to get my morning pastry (okay, pastries), but it was worth it for the possibilities that awaited me. While munching on my scone, I checked emails and found a reminder from Rach to set up Chris Bradley’s farewell festivities.

  Since I had to go upstairs anyway, I took the elevator to the second floor, and knocked on the open door of Chris’s office. “You got a sec?”

  Chris’s face lit up, obviously happy for the distraction from whatever he was working on behind his large mahogany desk. “Hi, Gina. What’s up?”

  Stepping inside, I tried to ignore how handsome he looked today. “I’m ordering your bon voyage cake for next Friday. Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla?”

  He chuckled. “You came all the way up to the sales department for that?”

  I shrugged. “No big deal. I needed to stretch my legs.”

  “Maybe.” He leaned back in the leather chair and laced his hands behind his head. “Or, perhaps you’re secretly going to miss me and wanted to spend as much time with me while you still can.”

  “Hmmm. . . plausible, if not a tad overconfident, but I actually had to drop a vacation request form off for Ellen so she can go on her honeymoon and still have a job when she gets back. And I figured as long as I’m up here . . . ” I plopped into one of the two chairs across from his desk.

  His lips curved upward. “Well, I’m glad you stopped by. I don’t get to see you enough.”

  I swallowed, wondering why he’d want to see more of me. “Are you excited about going to work for our largest competitor? I heard they made you an amazing offer.”

  He eyed me critically. “Chocolate.”

  My head tilted in confusion. “They offered you chocolate?”

  He laughed. “The cake. You asked me which kind I preferred.”

  “No,” I corrected him. “I asked about your new job and you dodged the question.”

  A strange look crossed his face, but he didn’t answer.

  “What? I’ve known you for five years and you’ve never been shy. Now, suddenly, you’re clamming up on me?” I felt instantly intrigued, wondering what about his new job he didn’t want to tell me. “Truth or Dare?”

  He rubbed his chin, his knuckles sliding across his noticeable five o’clock shadow. “I’m trying to figure out what you mean by that.”

  “It’s a game I’ve been playing. You have to either answer my question honestly or perform the dare of my choosing.”

  “I see.” He set his hand on the desk. “And what do I get out of this?”

  My gaze dropped to his hand and I couldn’t help noticing how strong it looked. And smooth. Like he could lift an axe effortlessly, but also give a shoulder rub that’d make me go boneless.

  I cleared my throat. “Well, in the game you’d get to do it back to me.” The word ‘it’ caused all kinds of inappropriate scenarios to go through my mind. “Although fair warning—I never pick Truth, which is actually how I ended up moving in with my crazy roommate last weekend.”

  “Oh, really?” The phone on his desk rang, but he sent it to voicemail. “Who did you move in with?”

  For some reason I felt flattered that he’d ignored his call. Even though he’d done the same thing during plenty of our conversations over the years. Weird. “One of the other bridesmaids in Ellen’s wedding. She also set me up on a date as a dare and . . . oh, wait.” My eyes narrowed. “You diverted me again. Truth or Dare, Chris? And I won’t be distracted this time.”

  He laughed, making me realize he really had intentionally diverted me again. “What are the ground rules on Dare? My days here are numbered, but I don’t think I’d get a good send off if I streaked the office in my boxers.”

  Hmmm. Boxers. Interesting. . . .

  I cleared my throat. “Okay, ground rules. No taking off clothes.”


  He winked at me. “Much appreciated.”

  I flushed. “Second rule, no bodily contact with someone else. That’s pretty standard. Or, at least, it should be.”

  “I’d say so. Especially since we’re in the office. On the other hand, if it were after hours—”

  “Please don’t finish that thought.” I held my hand up.

  He made a face like I’d wounded him. “Where’s the fun in that?”

  Although Chris was teasing me, I knew there’d be plenty of fun with a guy like him. No doubt about that. But I wanted more than a good time. I needed a partner in life, not just for the time being. “Let’s just agree to keep it clean.”

  “You’re the boss,” he said.

  My thoughts drifted to all the different ways I’d like to give him orders and I sucked in a breath. What had we been talking about? Oh, right. “Truth or Dare? Pick one.”

  He palmed the air with both hands turned up as if weighing each side before he brought his hands together in decision. “Truth.”

  My mind immediately raced back to his strange reaction when I’d brought up his new place of employment and I wondered what he hadn’t wanted to say. “Are you looking forward to your new job?”

  “That again, huh?” He held my gaze with a serious expression. “This is just between you and me?”

  “Absolutely.” I held my index, middle, and ring fingers up. “Rule number three. What happens in Truth or Dare stays in Truth or Dare.”

  “All right then.” He got up, shut his office door, then sat in the chair right next to me. He swiveled so we faced each other directly, our knees almost brushing. “It was time to move on.”

  After several seconds, my brows came together. “That didn’t answer my question.”

  “Boy, you don’t let me get away with anything.” He smirked, then looked at a spot on his desk. The air between us thickened before he finally turned back to me. “Making the switch was the right decision. I’ll . . . miss the people here though.”

  He used few words, but I could tell how much he meant them. “Of course you will. I mean, you’ve been here a long time and it’s a great place to work.”

  “Exactly.” He nodded, then scratched the back of his neck. “But, what can you do?”

  My stomach sank as I realized I’d miss getting to see Chris every day. Not that I did, but I’d always had the opportunity to and now I wouldn’t. “Must’ve been a really nice offer.”

  “Too good to pass up.” He shrugged, then leaned back in the chair. “Time to grow up and make the tough choices.”

  That’s how I’d felt these past couple years with George. It had been good while it lasted, but wasn’t what I wanted in the end. It seemed so obvious now that I couldn’t believe I’d let it go on so long.

  Chris cleared his throat. “My turn.”

  My head snapped up as I jerked from my thoughts. “What?”

  He wiggled his brows. “Truth or Date?”

  Listening to him reveal his private worries about leaving had made me forget we were playing a game. “It’s Truth or Dare, actually.”

  “Just trying to expedite things since you told me you never choose Truth.” He smirked. “But, if you want to go through the motions, I’ll play along. Truth or Date?”

  I should’ve known he’d have something up his sleeve, but the seriousness of his expression and tone during our conversation had thrown me. “Dare. With an ‘r,’ but—”

  “Perfect.” He clapped his hands together. “There is this dinner thing for my new job tomorrow night. My boss will have his wife. Since I’m single, it might be awkward being a third wheel. So, I dare you to be my date.”

  A string of beautiful girls on his arm at various holiday parties rolled through my mind. “I’m sure you can check your speed dial and pick out a real date from your many options.”

  His eyes danced. “I’d rather go with you.”

  My stomach fluttered in a way that seemed dangerous. Very dangerous.

  I scoffed. “You can’t dare me to be your date.”

  “Why not?” He seemed amused at my discomfort. “No taking off clothes, no bodily contact with someone else, and what happens in Truth or Dare stays there. You chose the rules and I haven’t violated any of them. So how about it?”

  It was hard to argue with logic, but I grappled anyway. “My roommate is setting me up with a guy she says is perfect for me.”

  Without hesitation he said, “This is the roommate you referred to as crazy? You probably shouldn’t rely on her advice too much. Take mine. Even at my worst, I’m always sane.”

  Wow, he excelled at selling himself. No wonder he’d been offered the big bucks in software sales. But why was he being so flirty with me? “Kristen isn’t really nuts. More like annoyingly right all the time.”

  “Except in this instance.” His lips turned up in a swoon-worthy smile. “Is this theoretically perfect date tomorrow night?”

  My shoulders tensed. “No.”

  “I’ll pick you up at seven then.” He snatched a notebook and pen from his desk and handed them to me. “Just write your new address and phone number here. Unless you want to forfeit, that is.”

  It’s not like I could back out of the game when I’d started it. “No way.” My shoulders tensed. “Game on.”

  With shaky hands, I scribbled out my contact information and he let out a chuckle. “Don’t be so nervous. Just think of it as a favor to an old friend.”

  What in the . . . ? He’d dated girl after girl over the years yet going to dinner with me—when I’m also single—would just be a friend thing? How insulting.

  My gut twisted at his words, but I forced a smile. “Of course. What else would it be?”

  Even though my blood boiled, I fought to stay composed as I made a hasty escape from of his office. Sure, a serial dater didn’t make my list but why didn’t he want me? Was I not good enough for him? Whatever.

  I didn’t realize until later that I’d forgotten to settle the other details for his going away shindig. No way I’d go back right now though. He’d get his chocolate cake, but that was it. And when we went to dinner tomorrow night, I’d dress up extra special. Just to let him know what he was missing.

  CHAPTER THREE

  “Planning this wedding has turned into a major headache,” Ellen declared that evening from the massage table next to me. She’d wanted a group massage with her bridesmaids in lieu of a bridal shower and the day spa had arranged the four tables to center around our heads for easy conversation. “I mean, my dad’s been absent ninety-nine percent of my life and now he’s passionate and emotional about walking me down the aisle? Like it means the world to him?”

  “Maybe your dad feels bad about deserting you,” I suggested, then nearly groaned as the massage therapist rolled her lavender-oiled thumbs into my shoulder muscles. Tension. Way too much tension. “And now he’s trying to make up for lost time.”

  My brutal (but, in a good way) therapist kneaded her way toward my neck, locating each and every one of my never-ending knots and then pressed hard on them until the pain released. If I stopped buying groceries, I could probably afford this two-hour treatment every week. Hmmm, certainly something to consider. . . .

  “If you don’t want him to walk you down the aisle, then tell him so,” Kristen mumbled from the table across from me. “It’s your wedding and you don’t have to justify your feelings to him. Or anybody for that matter. He’s a big boy and made his bed. Now he can lie in it.”

  “Are you giving this advice as my counselor or friend?” Ellen’s voice sounded as strained as my back. If that were possible.

  “Your friend.” Kristen’s tone came across hard as a rock. “Otherwise I’d be charging you a hefty fee instead of buying your massage.”

  I snickered. Somehow Kristen’s tactless honesty was starting to grow on me. Plus, she’d only mentioned Jake twice since we’d met here after work. Major improvement.

  Ellen flipped on her back and stared at the
ceiling. “What do you think, Rach?”

  The room fell quiet except for the soft ting ting ting of wind chimes coming from the built-in speakers above us. When Rach didn’t answer, I lifted my head and glanced over in her direction. Her eyes were closed and she let off a soft snore.

  “You’re not going to get much advice from her. She’s out cold.” I wiggled my face back into the head cradle as the muscle goddess worked wonders on my neck. “I’m with Kristen though. Do what feels right to you. What does Henry say?”

  She sighed. “He tells me he’ll support whatever I choose.”

  “You’ve already decided, Ellen.” Kristen stated this as if it were an obvious fact. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be torturing yourself about letting him down. Counselor this time, but it’s on the house. Happy bridal shower.”

  Her bluntness made me chuckle. Once she said it, I realized she was right. Again. If Ellen wanted her dad to give her away, she would’ve just told him yes.

  “I suppose I have made up my mind.” Ellen motioned for her massage therapist to lighten up on the pressure. “Let’s talk about something else. Upbeat. How’re things with you, Gina? Chris tells me you’re helping him out with a dinner thing tomorrow night?”

  I groaned, my neck muscles immediately squeezing together.

  “What?” Kristen’s head shot up and her eyebrows narrowed, her expression surprisingly aggressive considering she was wearing nothing but a sheet. “But I’m setting you up with Ethan.”

  “It’s not a date, just a friend thing.” While I inwardly seethed about him not finding me date-worthy, the thought of that swoon-worthy smile made me shiver. Gee, I hoped the massage lady hadn’t noticed that. “Seriously. He’s meeting with his boss and his boss’s wife and he needed to bring someone. I’ve known him for years and he asked me to go as a favor. Nothing more to it.”