Page 61 of Dare
WhenValentine’s Day comes, Ayda groans, “Why do I have to be out of bed so early?”
“BecauseI have a surprise for you.” She jumps when I smack her ass. “Now get ready. Mysister will be here soon.”
Hereyes pop open. “Your sister’s coming?”
“She’son her way.”
Witha smile, Ayda hops out of bed and heads for the shower. She’s excited to meetthe only family I have left. Since my mom failed to protect Leah, and stilldenies Dad’s brother molested her, we’ve cut her out of our lives. After seeingwhat Ayda has to deal with when it comes to her mother, I’m grateful to have atleast one stable family member.
Leahbounces through the door in a cloud of enthusiasm and smiles. My kid sister hasalways been the happy, outgoing one who can make anyone smile. Ayda is going tolove her. She gives me a big hug, then asks, “Okay, where is she?”
Aydaenters the room and Leah bounds over to her. “Hi! Dare told me he found a womanwilling to put up with him, but I didn’t believe it! And look how tiny you are,I’m totally jealous. We’re going to have so much fun today!”
Aydalaughs and hugs her, raising her eyebrows at me. “Ayda, this is Leah. I’vearranged for you two to go to a spa for the day. Alex will accompany you.According to him, he’s man enough to get a pedicure.”
“It’sgoing to be great. We’ll get our nails and hair done, get a massage, relax inthe steam room. Oh! And they have this cute restaurant that makes the bestlittle cakes you’ve ever tasted,” Leah gushes.
“Soundsgreat,” Ayda replies. “I’m dying to get out of here for a while.”
Alextaps on the door before entering. “Ready to be pampered, ladies?”
Theexcited expression on Ayda’s face makes my day when she turns to hug me. “HappyValentine’s Day, darlin’. Go have fun.”
“Ilove you,” she murmurs.
Leahis boring holes into my skull, a hopeful smile on her face. “I love you, too.”
“Yourmasseuse better be female!” I call out as they leave, grinning as Ayda and Leahgiggle.
Theywon’t be back until this evening, which gives me plenty of time to prepare forour date night. I can’t take her out, so I’m going to do my best right here.Zoe shows up right on time, accompanied by her best friend, Frannie.
“Okay,show me what you picked out,” Zoe says as she and Frannie take a seat at thekitchen table.
There’sa slight frown on Zoe’s face when she sees the silver hummingbird necklace witha tiny diamond for an eye. “It’s pretty and all, but I’m not sure it’s her.”
“Itis. It reminds me of her.”
“Andyou’re making dinner tonight?”
“I’mhaving the Italian place deliver, but I need some stuff, you know, a box ofchocolates, some flowers and candles.” Zoe gives me a look like I’m a puppytripping over its ears. “Stop it.”
“Sorry,but sometimes I let the fact that you’re this big scary behemoth covered intats make me forget you’re really a sweetheart.”
“No,I’m not,” I growl.
Zoegrins at her friend. “Second opinion?”
“Fuckingadorable,” Frannie agrees, laughing.
Ugh.I hope Ayda likes what I have planned because I’m never going to live thisdown. “Here’s my card. Get whatever you think I need. The jewelry store knowsyou’re coming for the necklace. They’re holding it for me. Same thing goes atthe lingerie store. Just give them my last name.”
Zoehops to her feet. “We’ll take care of it. It’s going to be so romantic! Landonbetter be planning something for me tonight or he’s not getting laid for a longtime.”
Frannielaughs. “You know he is.”
“Thanks,Zo,” I tell her, as they leave, and she gives me a wave.
Now,all I can do is wait.
