Truth or Dare

by A. J. Bennett

  They continued the evening going over the plans for the big day.

  Grayson’s enthusiasm was contagious. Seeing her sister so happy made her believe true love was an actual possibility. Very rare, of course, but still …

  Chapter Twelve

  Hunter texted, asking to see her. Her mother’s words had freaked her out. If her mother thought she’d fallen in love, had Hunter been able to sense it as well? She was going to have to put up some distance between them. They’d been seeing each other every day for the last two weeks. Even though they would start out doing something normal, like watching a movie or going out to eat, they always ended up tangled in each other’s arms.

  I’m not going to be able to see you for a few days.

  Why?

  Her fingers hesitated over the keyboard. It took a lot of effort to get her body to cooperate with her mind. She typed the words quickly and hit send before she could back out. Just need a break. We’ve been seeing a lot of each other. I’ve been letting things in my life slide.

  I‘ve gotten too close, haven’t I?

  She stared down at his message, startled. How the hell did he know that?

  What? No. I just need a breather that’s all. I have to help my sister plan her wedding.

  I’m coming over.

  Closing her eyes she typed. Please don’t.

  If you’re going to break it off, it’s going to be in person and not over a damn text message.

  Luna sighed. He was right, she was taking the coward’s way out. Hell, she was a coward when it came to him.

  Fine.

  I’ll be there in twenty minutes.

  K.

  Clicking off the phone, she dropped her head into her hands. Why couldn’t he just leave her alone? She knew she wouldn’t be able to hold her ground once he walked through the door. Whenever he was around her body and mind betrayed her. Every. Single. Time.

  She had no idea what the hell he had done to her, but he had wreaked havoc on the life she was trying to live.

  Luna forced herself to get to her feet. Looking down at her yoga pants and T-shirt, she realized she wasn’t exactly dressed for company. It was her day off and she wanted to be lazy. Instead of getting dressed, she just sunk into the chair and waited. She kept going over what she could say to get him to give her a little distance. That’s all she needed to get her head on right.

  They were spending too much time together. It was unlike her to get to know someone the way she had with Hunter. Usually, the men she ended up with were nothing more than skilled hands that brought her pleasure. It was different with Hunter. She wanted to know what made him tick. She found herself texting him to tell him about her day. It frightened her.

  She knew without a doubt that she had given him the ability to hurt her, just as easily as he could please her. She opened herself to him in a way she hadn’t done since Trevor. She had to put a stop to it before it was too late. She knew she had long passed just sex. At least on her end.

  The doorbell rang and she made a halfhearted attempt to smooth down her hair. Slowly, she rose to her feet and crossed the room, pulling the door open. As usual her heart lurched at the sight of him. She stepped aside so he could come in.

  “You shouldn’t have wasted your time coming over here.”

  He looked down at her, frowning. “I had to see you with my own eyes. What’s going on, Luna?”

  Flustered, she crossed her arms over her chest to keep from touching him. “Nothing. You’re reading more into this than there is. I just need some space, that’s all.”

  Hunter dragged his hand through his hair. “I’ve been too pushy?”

  “No. I mean, not really. It’s not you. It’s me.” As Luna looked up at him, her eyes widened. “Jesus, how cliché. Did that really just come out of my mouth?”

  His jaw clenched. “Don’t run from me.”

  “I’m not running. I just think we’re spending too much time together.” She knew damn well she was pushing him away.

  He looked at her skeptically. “I’m a patient man.”

  “This is crazy. You know it is.”

  “What’s crazy?”

  “Whatever’s between us. This wild crazy chemistry.”

  His voice was unusually gentle. “It’s not crazy and you know it.”

  Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew she should tell him to get out. They needed to slow things down. However, she was caught up in the wild current and couldn’t stop it if she tried.

  Luna couldn’t breathe. If felt as if the walls were closing in on her.

  She panicked; things were happening too quickly. She shook her head. “I don’t do this.”

  “Do what?”

  Luna waved her hands back and forth between them. “This. I’m not the settling down type. I don’t date. Don’t have sex with only one guy. I don’t believe in monogamy.” She paused, fumbling for words. “It’s unnatural.”

  “Well, you see, I’ve got a problem with that.” He pulled her into him, his strength and possessiveness could not be denied, and said in a low voice, “I intend to be the only man in your life.”

  Luna’s breath caught in her throat. She opened and closed her mouth. His words paralyzed her. She couldn’t think when he touched her.

  “Get used to it, Luna. I’m not going anywhere.” One of his thumbs brushed her collarbone. “Your days of being single are numbered. If I have anything to say about it.”

  She eyed him warily. She should be appalled by his primitive talk, but surprisingly, his words soothed her. Which scared the hell out of her.

  “You make me crazy and I’m not about to let you get away.” His mouth came down on hers ravenously, and his fingers twisted in her hair.

  His words took her off guard. All of a sudden, Luna had to get away. As an irrational panic settled over her. She felt as if she was suffocating. With a will she didn’t know she possessed, Luna pushed him away. “You need to go.”

  His eyes searched hers and saw the apprehension and panic. “Tell me you don’t feel it? Whatever the hell is between us is the strongest emotion I’ve ever felt. I can’t explain it, but I know it’s real and I’m not about to throw it away.”

  “I don’t know what to say. We barely know each other,” she whispered.

  She ignored the tug at her heart. The thought of never seeing him again made her heart clench.

  He pressed his forehead to hers and caressed her cheek. “You’re going to look me in the eyes and say we have nothing between us?”

  Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, before glancing up again. Why was he doing this right now? She just couldn’t deal with it on top of everything else. Her resolve was slipping quickly. “I didn’t say that. I mean, obviously we have fun together and the sex is insane, but I can’t give you any more than that. I’m sorry, it’s just everything is happening so fast.”

  When he saw the resolve, he dropped his arms to the side. “Then I guess I should get home.” His voice was tight.

  “That would be great,” she said more sharply than she intended.

  Their gaze met again and she could see the stricken expression in his eyes. She knew it had cost him a lot to tell her how he felt. An overwhelming need to comfort him came over her. She wanted to tell him she didn’t mean it, that she wanted to belong to him as much as he wanted her to, probably even more so, but fear stopped her from speaking.

  She brushed past him and nearly dropped to her knees when the familiar electricity passed through her. Turn around and tell him you feel the same. Instead, she put one unsteady foot in front of the other and pulled the door open.

  “Luna.” He opened his mouth to say more, but stopped himself. They shared a long look, unspoken words passing between them.

  Finally, he walked out the door.

  She shut it with a bang. Her heart was pounding so loudly, she was surprised it didn’t jump out of her chest.

  He was asking too much.

  Chapter Thirteen

 
Her head throbbed. She massaged her temples, but it gave little relief. Her phone dinged. Marcus.

  Hey girl. You wanna hang tonight?

  She stared at the phone for a few moments before replying. It was probably best if she went out so she didn’t end up calling Hunter. Sure, what are you thinking?

  Your choice. Bar? Bowling? Whatever.

  Okay. Just pick me up around ten and we’ll decide.

  Works for me.

  Luna sighed and dropped the phone on the end table. Already, she was regretting pushing him away. Had she just made the biggest mistake of her life and thrown away any chance they had?

  What was she doing? Why was she pushing away the only man that made her feel the exhilaration she’d been seeking for so long? Even with Trevor she hadn’t felt this kind of mind numbing desire. She just couldn’t risk having her heart broken again.

  She leaned her head against the back of the futon and waited for the panic to subside. She’d done the right thing. She wasn’t relationship material, and it wouldn’t be fair to let him believe otherwise.

  And yet, the thought of never being in his arms again, nearly dropped her to her knees. She didn’t really want things to be over between them. She’d acted rashly out of fear. The feelings she had for Hunter were real and more powerful than anything she’d ever known.

  Unable to help herself, Luna peeked out the window. Her heart raced. Hunter’s truck was still in the parking lot.

  Quickly, she closed the blind. She hadn’t expected him to be there, thought he’d be long gone.

  Conflicting emotions tore through her. Somewhere during the time they’d been spending together, Luna knew she was falling in love with Hunter and it terrified her. Was she really going to blow this chance because she was afraid? Wasn’t she someone that loved adventure? Someone who took risks? When it came down to it that’s what love was, one big adventure. Why the hell was she acting like a damn fool? Why did love have to be constricting? Couldn’t it be wild and free?

  Her arms ached to hold him.

  Taking a deep breath she yanked open the door and her heart nearly burst when she saw the door to his truck open. As soon as Hunter saw her, he jumped down from the vehicle, and in several long strides he was at her side, pulling her into his arms. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling deeply. She leaned into the embrace, closing her eyes. She’d been so close to running away. They clung to each other, neither of them speaking.

  “What are you doing still out here?”

  He pulled back, staring at her for a while, as if making sure she wasn’t going to push him away again. “I was just sitting there thinking. Pissed at myself for screwing things up. I shouldn’t have pushed you.”

  “I can’t believe you didn’t hightail it out of here.”

  “If I find something that brings me pleasure, I’m not going to let it slip through my fingers.”

  Her stomach was in knots. “Is that so? Is that how you see me, Hunter? A thing that brings you pleasure?”

  “Would that upset you, Luna? If I thought of you as my most prized possession?” His voice was quiet.

  Her breath caught in her throat. She knew it should bother her, should cause her to run for the hills, but she was so drawn to this man, she knew there was no backing out now. Even though she did feel a slight twinge of hurt that his feelings didn’t run deeper, it couldn’t stop the throb between her legs.

  Finally working up the courage, Luna admitted, “I need you. I thought it would go away, but it’s only grown stronger.”

  Hunter gave her a crooked grin. “It’s about time you came to your senses.”

  Luna gently shoved him. “You have no idea how hard that was for me to say.”

  “Yeah, I do. You terrify the hell out of me, too. Do you think I like the fact that I can’t go to bed or wake up without you being the first thing to cross my mind? I crave everything about you. The more I have of you, the more I want. I thought I could get over it. Have you a few times, get you out of my system, and move on. Like hell! The more time I spend with you only intensifies my desire—bordering on obsession.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really. You’re wildly exciting, the most passionate woman I’ve ever known. I can’t get enough. You practically drip with sensuality. Everything you do … the way you laugh, how your mind works and Jesus don’t get me started on the way you make love. I’ve wanted you ever since I saw you walk into the bar that night. You were so sure of yourself. Completely comfortable in your own skin, I love that about you.”

  Luna gazed at his strong face. She knew exactly what he meant. To her, he was better than a shot of whiskey. He could sooth her nerves after a rough day with just a glance. And his touch always left her begging for more.

  His hand trailed down her face. “Every move you make is seductive. You’re vibrant and alluring. Combine that with your ‘I don’t give a fuck’ attitude, and you’re unforgettable. When we walk into a room, every head in the place turns. I’m half torn between pride and jealousy. And yet, there’s a part of me that knows you’re like an exotic, wild animal, not meant to be tamed or caged.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Luna, when I say I want you to belong to me, I don’t mean I want to control you. It would be a shame to tame your wildness. The very essence of who you are. I just want you to come home to me every night. Even when we’re apart. God knows my job takes me away too much.” He paused, and his eyes bore into her. “Do you think I’m enough for you, Luna? I know there will always be assholes trying to get into your pants, and you get off on the attention. But I can tell you this right now. None of them see your worth the way I do.”

  Luna wiped away tears she hadn’t realized had fallen. She had no earthly idea how she almost let this man slip away.

  “I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me,” she said, her voice unsteady.

  His fingers grazed her throat, and she fought to catch her breath.

  He kissed her with the hunger of a starving man. As his lips trailed down her neck, she arched into him, allowing him better access.

  Oh hell, she wanted to fall asleep with him and wake up every morning in his arms. She was in way over her head, and for the first time, she felt maybe that was a good thing.

  Luna stood up on her tippy toes and grabbed the back of his head, pulling him toward her. Hunter’s arms tightened around her. Slanting his head so he could deepen the kiss, his lips devoured hers; she felt her knees grow weak and her pulse race. She slid her hands up his shoulders and held him close.

  Pulling away to catch her breath, Luna’s muttered, “How can you get to me like that?”

  Luna had always been aware of her sexuality, and how to use it to get what she wanted, but Hunter brought out something completely different. A craving that only he could quench. Since she’d met him, she hadn’t even glanced at another man. And if anyone tried to talk to her, she gave them the cold shoulder instead of flirting shamelessly like she usually did.

  “Like what?” Placing his palm on her lower back, he pressed her body to his; his arousal apparent against her.

  “You make me feel like I’m spinning out of control and wanting the feeling to never stop.”

  His body went still almost rigid. “Do you mean that?”

  A surge of panic filled her. Forcing a smile, she pulled back. “Maybe it’s a slight exaggeration. But you have to admit the sex is earth shattering.”

  “Yes, it is. I can honestly say the best sex of my life. And I don’t think it’s an exaggeration at all. You don’t need to do that around me.”

  “Do what?”

  “Play coy when you think you’ve said too much. Pull back when you want to move forward.” He kissed her again, harder, and Luna let her body meld into his. The cloth of his shirt was soft and thin, but still pissed her off, because it kept his bare skin from her. She heard herself making little sounds in her throat. God how she wanted him.

  They stumbled back to the
bed, and as usual their clothes didn’t last long. Their bodies collided in a frenzy that continued to overwhelm her. Hunter ignited something in her that was beyond her control.

  ***

  A few hours later her phone went off. She reached for it with the tips of her fingers. I’m on my way.

  Crap, she’d forgotten about Marcus.

  “Hunter, Marcus is on his way to pick me up. I forgot we made plans for tonight.”

  “Marcus?” His posture shifted from relaxed to tense. “What kind of plans?”

  “Just hanging out.”

  “I need to ask you something. And I want you to be completely honest no matter what.” His face was serious and made her heart lurch.

  “Okay,” she said slowly.

  “What’s going on between you and Marcus?”

  Pulling away, she stared up at him confused. “We’re friends.”

  “With benefits?”

  She sucked in a breath. “What? No. Purely platonic.”

  “You might want to tell him that. He’s obviously in love with you.”

  “No, he’s not.”

  “Luna, I know when a guy is into a girl and he’s got it bad for you. I could tell that night at the bar.”

  A part of her knew Hunter was right, but there was no way she was going to lose her only friend over jealousy.

  “You’re wrong. And even if he did, he’d never do anything to jeopardize our friendship.”

  Hunter looked at her like yeah right, but didn’t say anything.

  “I’m not giving up my friend. So if you’re even thinking about asking that of me, get it out of your head right now.”

  “I never said that. I just wanted to make sure the lines were clearly drawn.”

  “If you want to stay involved with me, you need to accept he’s part of my life. I’m not going to toss him to the side.”

  “Okay. I get it. I wouldn’t ask you to do that anyway. Loyalty is something I take very serious.”

  “Good.” Luna leaned her body into his. He caught her lips in a lingering kiss which she melted into.