Page 17 of The Dating Dare

“Don’t worry. I didn’togleyou. I put my T-shirt on you as quickly as possible.”

“But you still saw… everything.”

The corner of his mouth twitched suspiciously. “Only for a few seconds.”

She glared at him hoping to burn away his memory of that night.

“Once you were happily snoring,” he continued, “I rinsed the vomit out of your dress so you’d have something to wear back home. Then went to sleep next to you. That’s it. Nothing else happened. Not even a kiss.”

“I was wondering why the hem of my dress was damp,” Tara said under her breath. After all the kindness he’d shown her, he must’ve been shocked by her almost-accusation. “I can’t believe I just panicked like that and ran out on you. I should’ve waited for you to wake up and asked you what happened. I’m sorry, Seth.”

“I can understand how you could’ve reacted that way when you woke up with no memory of the night before. But you should’ve at least called me. I could’ve spared you the weeklong torture.”

“Right? Panic is not conducive to thinking.” And it had taken her this long to discover his kindness. He hadn’t taken advantage of her. He’d taken care of her. Warmth spooled in her heart. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” His gaze softened as it roamed her face. He’d seen her at her worst. Truly, nothing was worse than vomit. How could he still look at her like that? But his expression turned serious once more. “Tell me one thing. I’m not questioning why you had to ask me whether we had sex. It’s heinous, but it is something that happens to people in this messed up world. But do you really think I’m capable of taking advantage of a drunk woman?”

“No, Seth. I don’t,” she said, scooting on the couch to get closer to him. “I’ve seen how you are with your family and friends. You’re… all right.”

“You think I’m ‘all right’? Wow, that’s high praise coming from you,” he teased with a genuine smile.

“Yes, it is. And if you don’t behave, I’m taking it back.” Her smile widened in response. “But youarekind of one of the good guys, I guess.”

“That wasn’t so hard, was it? But do you mean it?”

“Yes, I do.”

“That’s good.” His expression turned tender again. “Because I wouldn’t have held you to the dating dare if that was how you saw me.”

He was giving her a chance to back out of the dare. She hadn’t expected such consideration from a player. Wasn’t his game to seduce and leave? But that just didn’t sound like him anymore. Well, the dating dare was still on.

“I may have grossed you out by spewing vomit on you, but you aren’t getting out of those dates,” Tara said.

With everything cleared up, she knew Seth was someone she could trust, and she wanted to spend more time with him. Was it wise? Most definitely not. Especially since he kept diverging from the playboy she had him pegged for. But she needed to distract herself from the hollowness that followed her since the wedding, and Seth provided the perfect solution.

“You promised me four interesting dates, and I’m holding you to it.” She narrowed her eyes at him so he knew she meant business.

“Is that so?” A cocky grin lit his face, wreaking havoc on her libido.

“That is so,” she confirmed with as much hauteur as she could muster.

“I can’t wait,” he said in a low, panty-zinging voice.

The air between them sang with electricity, reminding her of their dance at the wedding. She really wanted to touch him again, and from the look in Seth’s eyes, he wanted to touch her back. It was time for her to get out of there so she didn’t jump him even before their first date.

“Great.” She shot to her feet. “I guess I’ll be on my way.”

“Right.” He stood up and walked her to the door.

A sudden thought occurred to her when they were almost at the door. “Does tonight count as one of our dates?”

“Oh, hell no.” He shook his head emphatically.

“Even if I kissed you good night?” she asked huskily.

“No.” Seth swallowed with some difficulty and croaked, “Not even with a good-night kiss.”

“Okay. Just making sure.” She rose to her tiptoes and placed a feather-light kiss on his lips. It was impulsive, but it felt right. Like marking the beginning of a new adventure. “Good night.”

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