Page 54 of Dare You to Run
“Nope. But I would suggest you bring a sweatshirt. It can get chilly even with the fire. Other than that, just wear that pretty smile of yours.” Hendrix groans and rolls his eyes and it makes me laugh.
He really is a grump. No one is spared from his sour mood. He makes it clear that he doesn’t want to continue our conversation when he grabs Malik by the shoulders and steers him towards the door he came in from.
“See you tonight, Malik.”
“Bye Day,” he sings and it echoes through the house.
When the door is closed, Hendrix struts back into the kitchen and damn does he strut good. Defined, well toned chest and abs covered in beautiful art and his black boxer briefs sitting low on his hips, just on the border of obscene.
“You’re gonna get it,” he warns.
“Well I would surely hope so.” I smirk and watch his eyes turn a torrential shade of blue.
With a wink, I sprint up the stairs rushing for my room. I don’t really try too hard to not get caught. After all, it’s the thrill of the chase.
We pull up to the beachside parking lot on Hendrix’s bike and he comes to a stop. I’m almost a little sad that our ride is over. I don’t have an excuse to have my arms wrapped around him in public when we’re not on his bike.
After climbing off and peeling out of our gear, we walk down to the beach side by side. I want so desperately to reach out and hold his hand, but I don’t think he’s the holding hands with a girl type. So I keep my hands tucked into my pockets and let the most touching we do be our arms rubbing against each other.
As we get closer to the group of people gathered around the bonfire, we hear loud laughter and music playing. I scan the group, hoping and praying that Kinsley has come because I really need back up for tonight.
“Day! You made it.” Malik calls out from where he stands with a few girls.
They all turn their heads towards us and Malik leaps over a couple of people seated in the sand. He jogs over and inserts himself between Hendrix and I, throwing an arm around each of us.
“You’re just on time. We’re just about to start the dance party.” Hendrix bats his hand at Malik, smacking him in the chest.
“No dance party, no dares. Just a chill evening on the beach. Got it?”
Malik sticks his tongue out and jacks his hand. “Such a spoilsport. Remember when you used to be fun?”
“No,” Hendrix answers, curtly.
“Yeah, me neither. Hey everyone! This is Dagen. My new best friend.”
I spend the first several minutes being dragged around and introduced to various people whom I will definitely not remember their name. When they ask if I live in Cattywump Bay, Hendrix tells them I’m visiting then moves me right along.
At one point I ask about Kinsley’s whereabouts and am told that she’ll be joining as soon as she’s done with the work she hasn’t been doing since I crashed into town. Chairs get opened up along with blankets that get spread out, and I’m handed a beer from one of the guys that rides with the Dare brothers.
I think about the fact that there is one person in particular missing just as a deep voice laced with venom speaks up.
“Well look at that. If it isn't Henny and his new gal. How’s it going, Dagen?” Danté slithers up to me and places a handon my shoulder before squatting down to my level where I sit. “Hey, I want to apologize. I tend to push people’s buttons a lot, and I think I pressed too many of Henny’s last night. I don’t like fighting with my brothers and I certainly don’t like making pretty girls sad. Forgive me?” He smiles with a wicked gleam and the roaring fire behind him seems to be very fitting.
I’m not a person known to hold on to grudges with both hands. My parents have always taught me to give second chances when they’re due. I’ve always tried to live by that. So I’d be a hypocrite if I turned a cheek to Danté knowing I would encourage someone to put discretions aside and forgive.
“Of course. I’m sure you were just looking out for your brother,” I tell him and he glides his hand down my arm and stops when he reaches my hand.
“Actually dollface, I was looking out for you. Us Dare Bros are nothing but trouble. The last thing you need is to get twisted up with one of us. We’ll only bring you down.” He lifts a hand and taps the underside of my chin. “Can we let bygones be bygones?”
I pass him a small smile and agree. “Sure.”
He jumps to his feet. “Alright. Now that we’re all friends, how about we get the Dare games started now that the devil himself has arrived.”
The group cheers and I feel the heat of Hendrix’s stare on my face.
“We aren’t playing,” he tells me very matter of factly when I look at him.
“Why not? If everyone else gets to, why can’t we?”
