Page 65 of Love Me, I Dare You

Then, in a matter of seconds, everything about the situation changed. I realized how far I’d fallen for him, and how I was willing to go further for a single moment of his time. However, that’s all I’d get. Nash was here temporarily. I knew that, yet I still fell for him once again in a matter of weeks.

The hate I swore I felt became nothing but desire the moment I saw him again. Because I still saw some parts of the boy I knew. The way he spoke to me and caressed my cheek when he knew it’s what I needed.

Nash never made me any promises then, and he sure as hell didn’t now.

Then why was I willing to risk losing myself again for a chance at being temporarily his? Would it be enough?

“Bailey, are you even listening to me?” Billie shouts over the horribly loud music blaring from the speakers. Our usual live band is on a break and the DJ Brynn found online, who also was the son of the owner of the Red Barrel, is awful.

To answer my best friend's question—no, I wasn’t listening to her. Because I’m daydreaming about Nash Bishop on his knees for me as I blatantly stare in his direction.

Caught staring, I turn away embarrassed, my cheeks blushing red as I catch sight of Nash’s devilishly sexy smirk. “Sorry, Bills. What did you say?”

My best friend is adorable, dressed head-to-toe in bubble gum pink, matching denim skirt and vest over a white sparkly tube top and on her feet, white diamond encrusted cowboy boots. “You’ve got to go for it. This was your idea.”

I’m momentarily lost, but as she motions to the dance floor and the round cocktail tables we set up with flashcards for conversation starters and ice breakers, I know exactly what shemeans. “Speed dating is not my thing, Billie. I created this event for you. You are the one tired of online dating and face-to-face meetings that aren't working. I’m not in search of a boyfriend.”

There’s a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, one I know so well, as she flashes me a pearly white smile. “That’s because you already have a certain dark-haired, blue eyed, motorcycle riding ex-cowboy on your mind.”

Monroe laughs, but it's not amused laughter, more annoyed with the constant reminder I have a huge crush on the brother she currently hates. “Nash was definitely never the cowboy type.” She turns her attention to me, bright blue eyes rimmed with silver liner to match her white flared jeans and silver rhinestone top that bares her slightly less toned midriff. She in no way looks pregnant, more like she’s bloated after scarfing down a burger or something.

Billie extends a freshly manicured hand out, laying it on mine. Her bright eyes watch me with interest, unspoken words understood when she gives me a soft smile. “Come on Bailey, you’ve been single for the last four years, and yes, I’m not counting the summer fling you had with what’s his name who came down to the Outer Banks. He was a complete douche, and you were way too good for him.”

“What about Trent Baker?” Brynn interjects as she slides up to our table, a pitcher of mango margaritas in her hand. “Mama just told me he moved back home from California. Apparently, he and the hotshot actress he married are getting a divorce.” Not that Brynn’s here looking for love, but with her boyfriend out of town for the weekend, she claimed having nothing better to do.

I don’t get the opportunity to tell her how obnoxious the idea of dating Trent Baker is before we’re interrupted again.

“Yeah, he sounds like a real winner,” Nash says, creeping up behind us and inserting himself into our private conversation, much like he has the last few weeks.

Much to my dismay, although we’ve been avoiding each other—well, more like I’ve been avoiding him, so I don’t break first—he’s still here almost every night. Apparently, he’s on some quest to win my brother’s friendship back.

After I asked Nash if Jase was the reason he left, he refused to tell me the truth and they both continue to act like nothing ever happened, even though I know they’re both lying.

“Hello?” Monroe says, pushing her brother in the arm. “This is a private conversation. Quit eavesdropping, Nash.” Her tone isn’t as harsh as usual and it makes me wonder how they’ve been getting along recently, since Nash and she have seen each other daily back at the ranch as they continue to work on the renovations.

According to Monroe, things are progressing fast and are going very well, but I really haven’t had the chance to ask her about her relationship with him. It’s a good sign she’s not running out of the room crying when he enters, but she’s also been so preoccupied with everything else I think staying mad at him is low on her list of priorities.

Nash chuckles, an annoyed sound leaving him as he pours himself a beer. “If it’s private, then why are you speaking loud enough for the entire bar to hear?”

“Straighten my saddle and let me ride a cowboy,” Billie sings suddenly as the doors to Stingers open with a loud thud. In walks a gorgeous, horse riding cowboy dressed in blue jeans, a white dress shirt and brown cowboy boots that exquisitely match the hat over his head of light brown curls.

“Ooo, yes,” Billie coos, rubbing her hands together, scheming. “Jake Macallan. He’s been crushing on B since we were in middle school.” Maybe there’s something to be said about embracing the unexpected. And Jake Macallan is as unexpected as they come.

“And he works for daddy,” Brynn says, adjusting the straps of her white sundress to give herself a bit more cleavage.

Billie practically squeals as she takes a big sip of her margarita. “Even better. Mayor King already approves.”

Nash scoffs under his breath, clearly annoyed by their admiration of Jake and trying to mask his frustration. I recall running into him the night Nash took me to my parents’ house. Jake wasn’t happy I was there with Nash, but Nash, he was more than a little upset at the way Jake greeted me.

“Jake Macallan’s a fucking joke. That wannabe cowboy wouldn’t know what to do with a woman if she sat on his lap and told him exactly what to do.”

Sure, Jake has a charming smile and easygoing vibe, and Billie’s right. Daddy would surely approve of one of his daughter’s dating a guy like him.

“What, and you would?” The moment the question leaves my lips, I immediately regret it. Because I know exactly the kinds of things Nash can do with a woman.

Smooth as silk, he slides over to me, trailing a finger over my chin and down my neck as I attentively watch the way his throat bobs when he licks his lips. I unknowingly bite my lip in response and his lips turn up in a dangerous, panty melting smirk I am too much of a damn sucker for.

“Angel,” he says with the slight tilt of his head. His eyes gleam with intensity as he drinks me in, his gaze lowering to the dip in my top, down to the hem of my skirt falling at mid-thigh. I’m captivated by the energy radiating between us, fierce, heavy and ready to set anything on our path ablaze. Beside me, I hear someone gasp, but I don’t really care to see who it is. All I can focus on is the way Nash is looking at me. Like I’m the only one in this sea of women he wants to see. “I can tell you exactly what I’d do, but I’d much rather show you again.”

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