Page 54 of Echoes of Us
"What?"His innocence was studied, practiced, and belied by the dangerous glint in his eyes."They clearly want to.Might as well get it over with."
"Come on, man," Eddie shifted uncomfortably."Maybe we should-"
"It's just a dare," Cole cut him off, voice slurring slightly."No big deal, right Ashley?"
Mike let out a nervous laugh, too loud in the tense room."Yeah, just a kiss.We've all done worse in this game."
"Unless," Cole's eyes locked with hers, challenge burning in them, "you're scared?"
"I'm not scared."The wine made her tongue loose, reckless."It's just a game, right?"
"Right."Lisa's voice was high, uncertain."Just a silly game."
"Exactly."Cole's grin turned sharp."So go ahead.Show us how not scared you are."
The music playing softly in the background felt jarring now - something about eternal love and second chances.Ashley's hands shook as she pushed herself to her knees.Someone - probably Sarah - whispered, "You don't have to."
But she was already turning toward Dale.He watched her with that same gentle understanding he always had, but there was something else in his eyes now - hope, maybe.Or resignation.The room spun slightly as she moved closer - too much wine, too much emotion, too much everything.
"It's no big deal," she heard herself say, the words hollow."Just a dare."
"Just a dare," Dale echoed softly, but his eyes said something else entirely.
Behind her, Cole's laugh was bitter."Better make it good.Wouldn't want to disappoint everyone."
The carpet was rough under her bare legs as she shifted closer - when had she taken off her shoes?One of her feet had fallen asleep, pins and needles shooting through her toes.
Dale didn't move as she shifted closer, but she heard his breath catch.That familiar scent of his cologne wrapped around her - earthy and warm.From this close, she could see the faint freckle near his temple, the slight chip in his glasses frame, and all the tiny details that made him Dale instead of Cole.
"Come on, Ashley," Mike called out, trying to break the tension."Show us how it's done!"
Someone shushed him.The music switched to something slower because, of course, it would.Ashley's wine-addled brain registered Sarah reaching for the speaker controls, but Cole's hand shot out to stop her.
"Let it play," he drawled."Sets the mood, doesn't it?"
Dale's eyes dropped to her mouth.She was close enough now to feel his breath on her lips, to see his pupils dilate slightly.His hand had risen unconsciously, hovering near her waist without touching.
"This okay?"she whispered, the words feeling thick in her mouth.Acting like this was just another drunk dare, just another moment that would be laughed about tomorrow.
"Yeah," Dale breathed, but his voice cracked on the word.
"Jesus, just kiss already," Cole's voice cut through the haze."Or do you need instructions?"
Lisa made a small sound of distress.Eddie muttered something that sounded like, "not cool, man."
Ashley's fingers trembled as she reached for Dale's shoulder to steady herself.The room tilted slightly - too much wine, too much wanting to prove something, too much everything.Dale's sweater was soft under her palm.She could see his throat working as he swallowed.
Just before their lips met, she stopped.Reality crashed through her drunken haze like ice water.
"I can't."Her voice cracked on the words, barely a whisper."I'm sorry."
The silence that followed was deafening.Someone - Sarah maybe - exhaled sharply.Dale's expression shuttered, but not before she caught the flash of hurt in his eyes.
"I have to-" She stumbled to her feet, nearly tripping over Mike's legs."I need air."
"Ashley-" Dale started to rise, but Cole's voice cracked through the room like a whip.
"Let her go, brother.Clearly, we're not good enough for her particular tastes."
