Page 5 of Dare
“Ayda,I know you’re there.”
Icould switch to headphones, but they aren’t really comfortable to fall asleepin, and why should I change anything for an obnoxious neighbor anyway? It’s notlike it’s blaring. I doubt he can even make out the words at this volume. He’sjust being an ass.
“Whatis your fascination with British shows? Everything you listen to has anaccent.”
I’mnot engaging him.
“Isit a porno? Do I get to hear your vibrator tonight?”
Ugh!“I don’t watch porn!” I shout, forgetting I’m supposed to be ignoring him.
Adeep chuckle follows. “Nothing wrong with porn.”
“Can’tyou just shut up?”
“Whatwere you cooking? It smelled great.”
“Youseriously want to have a conversation through this wall?” I huff, pausing thepodcast.
“OrI could come over.” The delicious threat delivered in that deep come-fuck-mevoice makes me shiver. It does more than that, if I’m being honest with myself.I haven’t had sex in five years, but not because I want to be celibate. My sexdrive is fine, overactive if anything, but it’s hard enough for a beautifulwomen to find a man who won’t jerk her around, much less a scarred mess likeme. Hence the vibrator.
“No!”
“Okay,then. What did you have for dinner?”
“Asausage and pepper omelet.”
“Soundsgood.” I hear a faint scrape and picture him leaning against the wall, maybesitting on his bed. “Do you want to know what I had?”
“I’mgoing to assume this is all so you can tell me you ate pussy.”
Hislaughter rings out loud, and I find myself wishing I could see his face when helaughs. It’s such a great sound. Smooth and deep. I wonder if he has a dimplewhen he smiles?
“Thatwasn’t what I was going to say. I had leftover pizza actually. I’m not much ofa cook.”
“Hmm,too bad.” I yawn and turn on my side.
“Anice neighbor would invite a poor bachelor over for a home cooked meal.” Theamusement in his voice makes me smile, despite my aggravation.
“Well,I bring food to the homeless man who sleeps by the dumpsters. Maybe if you waitout there, I’ll bring you a sandwich sometime.”
“Harsh,Ayda. Now I’m really hurt.”
Ican’t hold my eyes open anymore. “Good Night, Dare.”
“Goodnight, Ayda.”
ChapterTwo
Dare
“Derek!”My sister, Leah, barrels into me as soon as I enter her house, wrapping herarms tight around me. She’s the only one who still calls me Derek.
Hergaze is filled with barely restrained excitement. “Hey, kid. Are you ready todo this?” I know she’s grown now, nearly twenty-two years old, but I stilldon’t like the idea of her moving so far away. She’s spent the past few yearstaking classes at a nearby community college, and now she’s moving a state awayto work towards a doctorate in psychology.
“Allpacked up!”
Asmall rented moving truck sits by the curb, packed and ready to go. I’m drivingthe truck so she can drive her car. After locking the door and leaving the keysin the mailbox for the landlord, she practically darts to her car. “Keep to thespeed limits!” I call, climbing into the truck to follow her.
