Truth or Dare: A Sweet Romantic Comedy Collection Read online

  Truth or Dare

  A Sweet Romantic Comedy Collection

  Laura Burton

  Contents

  What I Don’t Like About You

  1. Debbie

  2. Mark

  3. Debbie

  4. Mark

  5. Debbie

  6. Mark

  7. Debbie

  8. Mark

  Epilogue

  Dare Number One: Kiss Me Like You Mean It

  1. Holly

  2. Cameron

  3. Holly

  4. Cameron

  5. Holly

  6. Cameron

  7. Holly

  8. Cameron

  9. Holly

  Epilogue

  Dare Number Two: Don’t Fall in Love

  1. Michelle

  2. Jonah

  3. Michelle

  4. Jonah

  5. Michelle

  6. Jonah

  7. Michelle

  8. Jonah

  9. Michelle

  Epilogue

  Dare Number Three: Pretend to be Mine

  1. Katia

  2. Ryder

  3. Katia

  4. Ryder

  5. Katia

  6. Ryder

  7. Katia

  8. Ryder

  9. Katia

  Epilogue

  A Note From the Author

  The characters and storylines are fictitious, and any resemblance to real-life people and events are purely coincidental. The author retains all of the rights to this work which may not be copied and distributed online or elsewhere without the written permission of the owner of the rights.

  All rights reserved by Laura Burton 2020.

  First Edition

  Published by: Burton & Burchell Ltd

  Please contact the rights holder for translation and audio rights to this book at [email protected]

  This book is written in U.S. English

  Edited by: Tochi Biko

  Cover Design: Sweet Heart Books

  Created with Vellum

  What I Don’t Like About You

  Debbie and Mark’s story

  Debbie

  Note to self: consuming excessive amounts of sugar is just as bad as drinking too much alcohol. This is why I don’t go to parties. Everyone knows I’m much happier at my tiny apartment in upstate New York, curled up with a snuggly blanket, breaking the spine of a new book and tearing through the pages like a literary monster.

  In fact, right now I’d rather be at my local DIY store looking at thirty-two different shades of white than sit in Michelle’s living room with all of these people.

  I don’t mean to be a Debbie-downer. Though, my name actually is Debbie. But parties make me uncomfortable. Especially in a suburban home in New Jersey. With twitchy neighbors and uptight locals with the cops on speed dial.

  Besides, parties often involve too many people, deafening music blasting my ear drums, and nothing but junk food in sight.

  So, what do I do? I down sugar shots like I’m twelve years old because I do not drink, and the sugar rush has me bouncing off the walls.

  “Debbie Brown. It’s my twenty-first birthday, and you’re my best friend. You have to come to my party,” Michelle said, giving me her puppy-dog eyes. Michelle and I have been friends since we were in diapers. In fact, as I look around the cramped living room at the sea of faces, I realize there isn’t a soul in this house who isn’t a close friend.

  Cameron and Jonah have been part of the group since our first year in college when Michelle made me join the Glee Club. Holly and Katia have been our roommates since our second year. And then there’s Ryder. He looks as awkward and disgruntled as I feel.

  But now the sugar is rushing to my head and my brain is full of bees.

  “Where are you going?” Michelle asks, her big round eyes fixed on me as I rise to my feet.

  “I’m going to use the bathroom. Is that okay with you?” I ask, sticking my brows up and giving her some sass. Michelle rolls her eyes and nods.

  They won’t miss me, I figure, as I stroll down the narrow hall and consider making a break for it. It’s getting late, and before long Cameron will be over-tired and suggest a game of charades. Holly will go along with it because she worships the ground he walks on. And Katia will act cool and aloof but secretly plan to kick everyone’s butts and win the game 10-1. Jonah will shamelessly flirt with Michelle all evening, and Ryder will make sarcastic comments from the corner while tapping away on his laptop.

  I could totally sneak out the back door and make it home before anyone notices. The idea is tempting. All I have to do is text Michelle; tell her I’m sick, and that I have to go to bed. Which is kind of true, because I’m sick of these lame parties.

  I march to the back door and reach for it just as a face pops up to the glass. The sight of it makes me shriek so loud, a stampede of footsteps rushes towards me.

  “What is it?” Holly cries, as the kitchen becomes crowded. I clamp my teeth together as the door swings open and the last person I want to bump into towers over me.

  Perfect. Just when I think this night can’t get any more awkward. He’s here.

  “Hey there Debbie. Did my manly muscles scare you? Sorry about that.” His casual smirk tells me he’s anything but sorry.

  Typical Mark.

  The room relaxes as everyone realizes I’m not being attacked.

  “You’re just in time, come on in and grab a drink,” Michelle says as she bounces on the balls of her feet and her eyes glint at me.

  Oh no. She’s giving me that look. The one that tells me she’s going to force me to do something I will absolutely regret in the morning.

  Like the time she convinced me that climbing into her neighbor’s hot tub was a good idea. She had promised me they were on vacation, and I guess that was true. But what she didn’t know was their elderly parents were housesitting. We gave them the shock of their lives at 3am, when all of the liquor Michelle had had took over and she started singing We Are the Champions with all of the strength in her lungs.

  Everyone files back into the living room and I follow, chewing my lip and swallowing the groan in my throat.

  Mark settles on the couch, resting his ankle over his left knee and reclining back like he’s the most chilled-out person in the room. Actually, he probably is. And yet, just the sight of him so confident and comfortable gets under my skin.

  “Who’s ready for a game?” Michelle asks. Everyone settles in their seats, except for Ryder who remains at the dining table with his laptop. His laser focus on the screen prompts me to think he’s under the impression that if he doesn’t make eye contact, he is invisible.

  It works, no one so much as looks in his direction. My stomach knots with jealousy. I wish I could sit in the corner and get away with it.

  “Everyone sit in a circle,” Michelle barks. I look back to see her brandishing an empty bottle and a jar.

  “Aren’t we a bit old to be playing spin the bottle?” I ask with a brow raised. Katia stifles a giggle and grins over at me. I take it back. Maybe some of us aren’t too mature for spin the bottle. Holly cosies up to Cameron and playfully strokes his back. He just scrolls through his phone, as if oblivious to the attention.

  “We’re not playing spin the bottle,” Michelle says with a chuckle. As if I’ve just suggested we take a trip to the moon. That’s right, silly Debbie with her wild ideas.

  “Come on gorgeous, you can sit next to me.” Mark pats the empty floor beside him and flashes me a smile. His heavy brows pinch together and he’s smoldering. It’s a look that would melt a thousand hearts. I imagine he’s spent his en
tire life practicing in front of the mirror.

  I give an exaggerated sigh and sit with my legs crossed. Katia’s eyes shoot to Mark and return to my gaze as she gives me a knowing look. I keep eye contact and purse my lips. Yes, twin telepathy is totally a thing. I know that she’s teasing me about Mark being my lover boy, or something. And I know she can read my warning.

  Don’t you dare say anything.

  There are three people in this room that know a secret. But if Katia opens her mouth and lets the cat out of the bag, then I’m going to need to move state and change my name. It’s embarrassing enough I have to face him again. But if Michelle, or Holly, or the guys knew about what happened at the lake last summer… I’d straight up die.

  “So, what’s the game?” I ask, breaking eye contact and looking at Michelle. She clears her throat and casts her eyes about us like we’re a group of teenagers.

  “Truth or Dare,” she announces with a glint in her eyes.

  Katia and I share a look. I guess Michelle thinks we are a group of teenagers. I can’t even remember the last time I played Truth or Dare.

  There’s a grumble among the rest of the people sitting on the floor. To my surprise, Ryder settles next to Michelle and finally appears to show some interest. I never knew him to be the type to play childish games. Yet, neither am I, and look where we are.

  “We spin the bottle to find out who goes first. These dares are designed to change your life.”

  “Why am I getting horror vibes from this? Nothing good ever came from a Truth or Dare game you know,” Mark says. For the first time, I agree with his statement.

  What if I have to tell everyone what happened between us last summer? I make a mental note to pick a dare. Nothing can be worse than sharing that.

  “Hey, I just got my bachelor’s in psychology. Trust me,” Michelle says with her hands on her hips. It takes all of my resolve not to roll my eyes. “I’ve put a lot of thought into these challenges. And I promise, you’re going to love them.”

  I glance at the sea of unimpressed looks in the room and my duty to support my bestie rises within me.

  “Come on guys, it’s Michelle’s birthday. Let’s just give it a go, shall we?” I offer, trying my best to impersonate a cheerleader and failing miserably. I worry my pitiful attempts to pump my arms and put on a smile makes me come across as sarcastic.

  Despite my worries, everyone agrees.

  “Great. Let’s see who goes first,” Michelle places the bottle on the carpet and sets it into a spin.

  My stomach knots each time it faces me, and I chew my lip while keeping my eyes on the bottle.

  Please don’t land on me. Please don’t land on me.

  The bottle slows right near my knee and my heartrate quickens. Then, it stops.

  “Mark, that’s you,” Michelle says brightly.

  Cameron nudges Mark, who smirks.

  “So Mark, truth or dare?” Michelle asks.

  “Easy one. Dare,” he says with confidence. I exhale, relieved he didn’t pick truth. At least my secret is safe, for now. I wonder what dare could be so life-changing for Mark. Maybe he’ll have to play chess against Ryder. And lose. Then he’ll have to admit he’s not all that.

  The guy’s ego is so inflated, it’s a wonder how he can walk through doorways with such a big head.

  “You need a partner to join this dare,” Michelle says, looking at the piece of paper she picked out from the jar.

  Mark’s eyes shoot to mine and I want to kick him in the shin for even considering it.

  Don’t you dare.

  “I’ll choose Debbie,” he says, his voice dripping with total satisfaction. My mouth hangs open. I stare at him wide-eyed, as the room erupts into laughter, then I shoot Michelle a look. Her eyes wrinkle at the corners as her face breaks into the evilest grin.

  “Perfect,” she said.

  Mark

  Debbie is the ultimate tease. She’s sitting right next to me, and the warmth of her bare leg pressing against my jeans makes my heart race. The way her bottom lip puckers as she pouts encourages me to wind her up even more.

  Sure, she can play the act and pretend she hates being in the same room as me, but we both know that’s not true. Not after last summer.

  I don’t think I’ve had a restful night since.

  Debbie had her hair up in a loose bun, flyaway hairs framed her gorgeous face and rested on her round cheekbones. Everyone was out celebrating. With graduation behind us, and a whole host of possibilities ahead, we all felt like there was nothing we couldn’t achieve.

  Debbie has been pretending to hate me for years - which I know is her way of flirting with me - and I freaking love it. Especially the way her cheeks grow rosy when she furrows her brows at me, obviously trying to act mad. But we both know she’s just resisting the urge to make out with me.

  Just the thought of kissing her sends my brain into overdrive. I can still remember the taste of her cherry lip balm, and the pressure of her hands against my chest. I’m sure she could feel my heartbeat thumping against the palms of her hands.

  “Right. Mark and Debbie, here is your dare.”

  Michelle’s words drag me out of a delicious replay, and I zone in on Michelle, waiting for our challenge. I’m hoping it’s a good one. Maybe we’ll have to make out right here, right now. Once our friends watch Debbie succumb to my charm and moan like she did last summer… she’ll have to stop playing the I hate you card. Because frankly, it’s getting old, and I’m not sure anyone else is buying it. Not even her twin sister, Katia.

  “Just tell us already,” Debbie snaps at Michelle with her arms folded.

  “Hey, careful. Anyone might think you’re actually excited about this,” I tease her. She shoots me a dark look before turning away again. The rest of the room laughs.

  “I dare you both to spend the night in the basement. Alone.” Michelle’s face is flushed and the girls gasp, while the guys wolf whistle. I make a mental note to buy Michelle an expensive Christmas present this year. I’ve hit the jackpot. A whole night with this gorgeous, dynamite girl? There’s definitely going to be fireworks. Best dare ever.

  “No way.”

  Debbie’s sharp words wipe the smile off my face, and I look at her as if she just announced that Christmas is cancelled.

  “Why not? You’re not scared of me, are you?” I ask in a jovial manner, but underneath it all I can’t help but worry. Am I being delusional? Does she really hate me?

  The corners of her mouth twitch and she gives me a steady glare. But there’s a twinkle in her eye.

  “No,” she says, a smirk creeping across her face. I relax into the couch and the knots in my stomach loosen.

  “Last time we went down there a giant spider crawled on my leg.”

  Katia howled and pointed at her.

  “I forgot about that.”

  “Don’t worry, you’ll have Mark with you to protect you from creepy crawlies,” Cameron says as he nudges me. I square my shoulders and grin at him.

  “Right, let’s do this thing,” I say clapping and rising to my feet.

  “You’re not serious? This isn’t happening.”

  I turn back to find Debbie protesting to Michelle, who flicks her dark hair back and lifts her brows with an expectant smile.

  “You can always take the forfeit,” she offers, flashing her pearly whites. Debbie hums and grazes a finger across her lips with thought.

  “What’s the forfeit?” Holly asks, twirling her golden hair around her finger. I notice Cameron staring, entranced by her every move.

  “You have to go skinny dipping in the lake,” Michelle says triumphantly. I scratch my jaw.

  “I’m game for that,” I say mildly. Even better than staying in the basement for the night. But Debbie gives me a look that could kill.

  “Fine, but I’m taking these,” she grabs the giant bowl of chips and a packet of donuts. I pick up a couple of drinks and follow her out of the room. The guys start wolf whistling again.

>   “You’ll be locked in, just to make sure you don’t go running away in the middle of the night,” Michelle says. Debbie turns back and a look of horror flashes across her face. Then she nods.

  “Fine.”

  She turns back and stomps down the basement steps like a teenager. If I didn’t know better, I’d find it irritating. But once that door is closed and no one is around to see, her frown will vanish, and she’ll melt in my hands like butter.

  The door swings shut and the lock clicks. A bubble of excitement grows in my chest and I promise myself that the next time that door opens, Debbie will be mine.

  All mine.

  Debbie

  Of all the dares, and of all the people to be doing this with, I never, ever imagined that I would be spending the night locked in a basement with Mark. It’s awkward. We have history. But Michelle doesn’t know that, she only suspects there’s something between us. Even though I’ve put all my energy into avoiding the guy and telling Michelle how much I don’t like him.

  Yet, somehow, she knows. As if best friends have the ability to read minds. Mark had spent our entire time at college teasing me. He knew exactly how to push my buttons and crawl under my skin. And for some crazy reason, he gets a rise out of seeing me angry.