“So, should we continue our game?” I ask.
He presses his lips together, as if debating. “Sure,” he says, but more cautious now.
I hope I haven’t brought down the vibe with my declarations. Did he just give me those compliments because he felt bad for me?
I set my insecurities aside. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And I’m determined to enjoy it to the fullest.
“It’s your turn, then.” I get comfortable on the floor, my back against the couch. He shifts and our knees touch. Electricity flows between us. “Truth or dare?” I ask, my voice breathless.
“Dare,” he says.
I’m a little disappointed that he didn’t choose truth. I’m dying to ask him if he has a girlfriend, just as he asked me about a boyfriend.
I watch him, considering. I have no idea what to dare him to do. My mind is crowded with inappropriate dares I’d never have the guts to suggest, ones that involve being naked. I’m oh-so tempted to ask for a kiss, but I’d need something stronger than hot chocolate to throw myself at him in that way.
And then I have it. The dare. It’s ballsy, but I’m supposed to take risks. My smile widens. He’s going to think I’m nuts, but I have to do this. For all The Wanderer fangirls in the world, I’m taking one for the team.
“Olivia, your smile is making me nervous.”
“Chase, it should. It really should. But before I tell you your dare, I want to make sure you’re truly feeling better.”
“Why? What are you going to make me do?”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out. But I don’t want you to have a relapse.”
“I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I’m fine,” he grumbles. “Whatever it was seems to be all out of my system. So, what’s the dare?” he asks warily.
I stand up and hold out a hand to him. “Come on. I’ll show you.”
He slips his hand into mine, and the feeling is as sweet as the hot chocolate.
I laugh, feeling younger and more carefree than I can remember. Maybe risks are fun after all. At least, this will be fun for me. Maybe not for him.
Fifteen minutes later, Chase glowers at me.
“Remind me again why we’re doing this,” he complains.
I grin at him. “Don’t even think about backing out of this. You chose to take a dare.”
“I promised, and I don’t break promises. But for the record, you’re evil.” He raises his voice, but not in anger—at least, I hope not too much anger. We’re standing under the overhang outside the hotel’s revolving door, and he’s yelling to be heard over the sound of the pounding rain.
Normally, the street we’re on is packed with cars and pedestrians, but now, the road is deserted. The weather has calmed some, but it’s still pouring. Everyone sane is inside, staying dry.
Wind whips rain toward us. I laugh in exhilaration at the cold shock, feeling more alive than I ever have.
“I’m sorry, but I have to do this. I mean, here we are, in a rainstorm. How could I pass up this opportunity? This is for all the girls everywhere!” I shout back to him, wanting to laugh at his expression, but fearing it will push him over the edge.
He lets out a long-suffering sigh and rips off his hoodie, one-handed. I watch in fascination as a white T-shirt and muscles appear from beneath the shapeless fabric. His shirt lifts a little with the sweatshirt, revealing a patch of smooth-looking skin, strong muscles, and a thin line of hair that I’m dying to explore.
“Lift your arms,” he instructs.
“Why?” I tilt my head.
“So you can wear my sweatshirt,” he says as if I'm a child.
“Oh, but you’ll be cold.”
“But you won’t be, which is what’s important.”
“That’s very gentlemanly of you.” I try to hold back my pleased smile but can’t.
“I am a gentleman. Even with evil girls and their evil plans,” he teases.
I think about refusing his sweatshirt because I feel guilty for taking it, especially since he’s probably still weak from being sick, but then I realize my shirt is so thin that it will be transparent if it gets wet. I’d rather it be his shirt that turns see-through than mine.
So, I lift my arms and luxuriate in the soft fabric that envelops me like a hug.
I can’t believe I had the guts to make him do this.
“Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
“Let’s go!” I squeal and run out into the middle of the deserted city street. He follows me.