Page 28 of In Too Deep

Truth or Dare might be the most sadistic game ever invented. When Robbie suggested we all play it, I tried to tell him it was a bad idea, but Andrew had already convinced him it would be a great way to test Cat’s feelings for him. Cat is clearly hating this as much as I am. She’s been pleading with Caroline to stop the game. Her bestie seems to be enjoying herself, though. Likely having an agenda of her own. One involving me and making Andrew jealous.

This is a nightmare.

Andrew rubs his hands together as his eyes narrow in on Cat. She shrinks into the brick exterior of Robbie’s house, avoiding eye contact with him. “Okay…it’s your turn, Cat. Truth or dare?”

Cat’s cheeks go red as she looks to Caroline with pleading eyes, but Caroline only gestures for her to answer. Her eyes close as she takes a deep breath, but there’s a fire behind them when she opens them again.

Her hard glare is focused on Andrew as she answers through gnashed teeth. “Truth.”

“All of us are dying to know, are you in love with Robbie?”

Cat’s wide eyes dart over to Robbie before falling to the green grass at her feet, her shoulders sinking as she sighs. “Dare,” she relents.

“You sure about that, Cat? If you change to dare, you have to go through with it.” The glee in Andrew’s voice is undeniable, and I look at Robbie in disbelief. I can’t believe he’s allowing him to harass Cat.

“Just get on with it,” Cat hisses.

“All right. I dare you to kiss one of us.”

My heart stops beating when Cat’s eyes flicker to me. I should look away, but she looks incredible in the glow of the moonlight. I merely say a silent prayer that Robbie doesn’t notice as my stomach flutters. Before any of us realize what’s happening, Cat places a quick kiss on Caroline’s cheek. It’s the perfect move, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.

“Oh my gosh, Cat. What the hell?” Caroline groans, wiping her face.

“Hey, that isn’t what I meant,” Andrew protests.

Cat shrugs, giving him a smug smile. “Well, I guess you should’ve been a little clearer with your request.”

Cat’s feeling of triumph doesn’t last long. Andrew’s eyes darken with ill intent as he invades her space. “Oh…you think you’re clever, huh? You’re going to pay for that.”

Andrew’s threat obviously spooks Cat, her face paling as she takes a step back. She tries her best to hide her fear, her shoulders squaring as she replies. “Whatever. It’s my turn to pick.”

She can’t pick Andrew; it would only give him another chance to torture her. So, she starts with Caroline, and we all end up getting a turn before Andrew gets another chance to mess with Cat. Except this time, he drags me into it.

“Lawrence, truth or dare?”

My eyes move to Robbie, wanting direction. After all, he’s the reason we’re all playing this fucking game in the first place. But he only shrugs.

“Dare,” I answer with a sigh.

“Perfect.” Andrew’s lips curl into an evil grin, and my stomach sinks. “I dare you to kiss Cat.”

An audible gasp comes from Cat as I eye Robbie again, unsure if this is part of his plan. When he gives me a slight nod of his head, I consider refusing, telling them I want to do truth instead. But that might only prove Robbie’s suspicion over my interest in Cat, so I take a deep breath and move toward her. Cat’s entire body is stiff as I approach her, and I wonder what she’s thinking at this moment, how she’s feeling about being forced to kiss someone. I don’t know what Robbie is hoping to gain here, but I hate that he’s making me part of it.

As I lean in closer, her gaze lifts to meet mine, and my heart skips a beat. Her eyes are very telling. There’s this hopeful anticipation behind them. She wants me to kiss her. This is bad. So, so bad. I really want to kiss her too, just not like this. Not as part of some fucked up game, and not in front of everyone.

My lips land on her cheek, delivering a light, soft kiss before I pull away again. As I take a step back, I allow myself one more glance at her. She smiles shyly, a rosy color spreading on her cheeks. This girl is beautiful.

I’m playing with fire.

I purposely try to avoid her as we make our way through another round of the game, but I can feel her eyes on me. Robbie isn’t even trying to hide his aggression toward me, and I know he noticed the spark I felt with Cat. It’s his fault, but I still need to do something to make this right before it does permanent damage to our friendship. Clear lines need to be drawn with Cat.

When it’s my turn again, Andrew dares me to kiss Caroline, and I know what I need to do. In a flash, my lips are on Caroline’s. Our kiss is intense, the kind of kiss I wanted to have with Cat. I hate that she’s watching this, but I need to kill any disillusions she might have about us. By the time I’m done, Caroline is practically panting, and Robbie has a satisfied smile on his face.

“Damn…” Andrew whistles. “I think you got ripped off, Cat.”

There’s a pit in my stomach as we all laugh at Cat’s expense, and I can’t bring myself to look at her.

Catelyn

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