This was her bachelorette party, and I was willing to go along with some shenanigans. But I would never do anything that could risk Frasier’s reputation or career. I knew how important it was to him. I knew how hard he’d worked for it, and how much his family had sacrificed for him and his brother when they were younger to make their dreams happen.
“I need my phone,” she said. “I have a website that randomly generates the prompts.”
“Isn’t that cheating?” someone asked.
“Yeah,” someone else chimed in. “I thought you had to come up with your own.”
“More fun this way. More random,” Allie said.
“We play this way all the time,” one of the other bridesmaids said.
Seriously?
They were in their early twenties. Fresh out of college. And yet, it still surprised me that they were playing truth or dare.
“Aren’t we a little old for this?” I asked as the hotel waiter delivered a fresh round of drinks.
“Just for that—” Allie grinned. “You’re going first.” Her smile widened, her eyes taking on a wicked glint.Oh boy.“Everyone knows the rules. If you don’t want to do the truth or dare, you take a shot. So, Bryn.” She looked at me. “Truth or dare?”
I held my sister’s gaze, not even sure I wanted to engage. But then I remembered that I was done with being sad and serious. And I figured, what the hell?
Maybe it was the ocean air—more likely, it was the rum punch. But I could certainly use more fun in my life. And so far, this trip had been fun. Frasier made it fun.
“Truth,” I finally said, thinking that might be more intimidating than a dare.
Allie glanced down at her phone, where the website had randomly generated a question. “What’s the last lie you told?”
I tried not to look at Frasier.
Don’t look. Don’t look…
I swallowed. Hard. “The last lie I told…” I glanced around the circle, trying to buy myself some time.
I couldn’t admit that I was lying about my relationship with Frasier. But when my eyes inevitably landed on him, I found myself blurting, “I’ve been lying about our relationship, saying that we were just friends when we’re so much more.”
It was the most honest thing I could’ve said.
We might be playing a game, but in that moment, my words were meant solely for him. Frasier’s eyes widened ever so slightly, and he rubbed the back of his neck. I wondered what he was thinking. I wondered if he realized just how truthful I’d been.
Because we were so much more than just friends. Frasier was my rock. But I was coming to realize that maybe friendship wasn’t enough anymore. And somehow, that idea didn’t scare me as much as I’d expected.
Allie laughed. “I’m pretty sure everyone knew you were lying about that one, Brynnie.” Kit nodded, which surprised me somehow. “But we’re glad you finally admitted it.”
Tension eased out of me as the game resumed. I finished my drink and ordered another. One of the bridesmaids endedup in the pool on a dare. One of the guys had to tell us the most hilariously awful, embarrassing story involving nudity or a sexual experience. By the end of his tale, we were all laughing so hard, I nearly peed my pants.
My cheeks ached, and I was struck by a realization. I wasn’t pretending to enjoy myself; I was actually having fun. Maybe Georgia’s suggestion hadn’t been such a terrible idea after all.
But as Frasier’s turn neared, I braced myself. Sure, there were no phones, but he was still a celebrity. If we’d been hanging out with other guys from the team, I wouldn’t have been concerned. And while I didn’t think anyone here would intentionally harm Frasier or his reputation, fame did funny things to people.
I smoothed my hand down my throat, enjoying the way his eyes lingered on my every move. I double tapped my collarbone. If he wanted out, now was the time. I could make some excuse, and we could leave the party, head back to our room.
But after tonight—the alcohol, the dancing, the flirting, the touching—I wasn’t sure I could trust myself to be alone with him. I hadn’t been able to take my eyes off Frasier all evening. The prospect of being alone in our room thrilled and terrified me in equal measure.
With his hand on his thigh, he double tapped his response.Okay, then.
“Frasier,” Allie said. “Truth or dare?”
I held my breath, and then he said, “Truth.”
