Page 23 of Unmasking Secrets
My ex never even brought it up. He commented on the flower when I first got it, but he never looked close enough. It’s not like he paid attention to the small things.
“Whatever you say, Tab.” James laughs.
I ignore him and move to sink another ball and miss. “I’m done with this game.”
I’m not trying to be a sore loser. I just don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to talk about my tattoo, whatever is going onbetween me and Archie, my house, my ex—none of it. Tonight is supposed to be about letting loose with a few friends. I want to forget my problems, notfeel.
My steps are soft as I move toward the bar and slide the glass across the old wooden bar top.
“How many have you had?” Lee hesitates as he reaches for the rum.
“Two, Dad.” I scrunch my nose up at the man. He’s not my dad; he’s Archie’s. I still like to tease him when he acts fatherly—which he does—often.
He shakes his head as he makes my drink. “Last one, sweetheart.”
“Thank you.” I smile as I reach for my cup.
I turn around and carry the drink towards the dartboard. Archie is erasing the score on the chalkboard. My eyes trail over his dark denim jeans hugging his backside. I swallow as I take in the way his muscles flex with every move he makes. Okay, maybe I didn’t need another drink, because I can’t stop the thoughts that are coming to mind.
“Up for another game?” I lean against the back of the chair before setting my glass down on the table.
Archie chuckles and looks over his shoulder. “I heard you’re not finishing games tonight.”
I scoff. “I will if you don’t bring up anything serious. I just want to have fun for one night. We can worry about the real world tomorrow. Please, Archie. Let’s just have fun tonight.”
“Alright, but let’s turn it into an actual game.” He passes me a few of the darts.
I rub my finger along the edge of one of them. “What did you have in mind?”
He smiles, and I can’t help but notice the way it reaches up to his eyes. Those blue eyes pierce through me, seeing too deep. “Oh, it’s a game we’ve played before as kids.” He laughs. “Every direct bullseye is a chance for truth or dare.”
I bite the edge of my lip and slowly release it. Is this a trick? It doesn’t have to be serious questions. They could all be silly; this could be fun.
“Don’t overthink it.” He steps closer.
“You’re on.” I reach for my drink.
He steps to the side. “Ladies first.”
I sit my cup back down and line up. Inhale, pull back. Exhale, throw it. Direct hit.
I grin. “Truth or dare?” I glance up at him.
“Truth.”
I tap my lips as I think of something. Let’s keep it simple, nothing too deep. “Did you really miss me?”
Archie rubs the back of his neck. His biceps flex beneath the thin dark material of his shirt. “Of course.”
I miss the next two, and it’s his turn. He hits the center, of course.
“Truth or dare?”
I sigh. “Truth.”
“What’s the tattoo?”
“A sunflower.” I don’t skip a beat.
