The Dating Dare Read online

  It was a brisk, sunny spring morning, and she hummed under her breath as she whizzed down the road. She reached Weldon Brewery before she knew it and let herself inside. It was her home away from home. The place where she felt most herself, but this morning it was all wrong.

  As soon as she’d agreed to Seth’s dating dare, Tara had been filled with a bubbling excitement. It wasn’t a big deal. Just four dates. But it had felt like the promise of an adventure. Now she’d gone and ruined it by getting sloppy drunk. How was she going to salvage her tattered pride?

  Besides, there would be nothing to salvage if they’d slept together. She’d told Seth repeatedly no hookup last night. Even if she’d thrown herself at him as she imagined, he should have resisted. But what if he couldn’t? She could be very persuasive. Tara snorted out loud. Did she think she was irresistible? Talk about having an inflated ego. No matter how hard she came on to him, he shouldn’t have given in. After all, they had their dating dare. He should’ve waited to be seduced properly when she was sober and horny.

  Her thought train came to a screeching stop. Why was she getting worked up over an unlikely hypothesis? Even if he was a playboy, Seth was a decent man. She shouldn’t assume the worst of him. But then why was she naked? Grrr.

  When she walked up to the bar, she found something that reinforced her assessment of Seth as a good guy. She’d expected there to be a pitcher, peanuts, and glasses strewn across the counter, but there wasn’t a speck of peanut crumble. When she went around the counter to inspect further, she discovered the neatly rinsed glassware in the sink. He’d cleaned everything up before taking her to the hotel.

  Despite her urge to blame someone else for her guilt and frustration, blaming Seth didn’t sit right in her gut. She couldn’t assume the worst of him. And she had to resolve this if she wanted to go forward with the dating dare. It was a much-needed distraction that she couldn’t give up easily. Just call him, silly woman. But what would she say? Hey, Seth. This is Tara. I don’t remember shit from last night. Did we fuck?

  “What the hell am I supposed to do?” she asked the sturdy, reclaimed-wood columns in the pub. They stood silent. “Some help you are.”

  If Seth had something to say, or explain, he was going to have to call her himself. There was no way she was calling first.

  * * *

  Seth woke up the next day with morning wood that felt more like iron, but the woman responsible was nowhere in sight. Disappointment slapped him in the face, but understanding soon eased the sting. She was probably too embarrassed to see him after throwing up and passing out on him, so she’d made an early-morning escape.

  He would give her some time and wait for her to call him. Once she got over it, she would probably want to apologize or thank him or whatever. Not that he wanted any of that. He just couldn’t wait for their first date. His heart took off on a gallop at the thought of spending more time with Tara.

  But he had to tie up some loose ends before he treated himself to a date with her. He had to get back to Santa Monica to finish packing up his condo, and finalize the leasing arrangements with his real estate agent. He didn’t plan on coming back to the States anytime soon, but his condo was the first home he’d bought, and he felt too attached to it to sell it outright.

  Seth flipped back the bedsheets and heaved himself out of bed. Yawning long and loud, he trudged to the bathroom. After his shower, he needed some strong coffee to make up for his late night.

  His mom had stayed with Landon and Aubrey last night, and was planning to stay for the rest of the week to help them prepare for their monthlong honeymoon. Well, he wasn’t sure how much of a honeymoon it would be with a three-month-old baby with them, but his brother was an industrious man.

  Landon’s restaurant was opening in about eight weeks, and he wouldn’t get a chance to take long vacations until the place was established, so this was their last chance to get away for a while. Aubrey’s bakery, Comfort Zone, was a well-oiled machine with her sous-chef, apprentice, and other employees holding down the fort. As for Landon’s restaurant, there was still cosmetic construction to finish and other minor utility work to be done, so Seth had agreed to oversee the final touches. He also solved the problem of their empty house by staying there while he was around.

  And as a wedding present, he’d offered to create the restaurant’s website. Landon could’ve hired anyone to build the website, but Seth wanted it to be centered on photographs of the restaurant—around Landon’s dream. His brother should share what the restaurant means to him with his future patrons.

  He was looking forward to all of it, especially now that it included spending time with Tara. Seth felt as giddy and excited as a schoolkid the night before a field trip. He whistled while he shampooed his hair, and stepped out of the shower feeling refreshed and motivated. With a promise to visit again soon, Seth checked out of Lola’s and headed to Landon’s before his long drive home.

  Springtime in Southern California was ridiculous. With temperatures in the high sixties and low seventies, it was as though they were living in an ecosphere set to perfect weather. Seth pulled into Landon’s driveway and parked in front of the house. He jogged up the steps and rang the bell, humming under his breath.

  “Good morning, love,” his mom said in a singsongy voice, opening the front door with Morgan carefully cradled against her chest. Holding up one of her little hands, she waved it at him. “Good morning, Uncle Seth.”

  “Morning, Mom.” He bent to peck his mom’s cheek, and planted a kiss on Morgan’s forehead with a loud smack. “Morning, gorgeous.”

  “Come in and close the door. The wind isn’t good for the baby.”

  “It’s close to seventy degrees out there,” he said mildly as his mom fussed over the cheerful baby girl, who did not seem the least bit bothered by the wind. But he obediently shut the door behind him before he removed his shoes in the foyer.

  “The wind might get into her lungs.” His mom shot him a warning look.

  “Come on, Mom. You’re the coolest, most forward-thinking person I know until it comes to Morgan. Then you start spewing superstitions about wind getting into her lungs. We want air in her lungs.”

  She relented with a smile and slapped him on the arm. “We have to heed our ancestors’ wisdom sometimes. When she turns one, I’ll relax on the mumbo jumbo, but until then you have to humor me.”

  “Of course,” he said, giving her a one-armed hug. “Actually, I’m surprised you’re okay with Landon and Aubrey taking her to Asia for a month. They’ll be out and about with people and everything.”

  “Who said I was okay? But I’m not going to meddle in their parenting just because I get unreasonably overprotective around my baby girl sometimes. That’s my problem.”

  “Ah, there’s the amazing woman who raised me.”

  “Stop with your teasing and go find your hyung. See if he needs any help.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He rubbed his nose against Morgan’s tiny nub of one and was rewarded with a happy gurgle before he walked off in search of his older brother.

  He poked his head into the nursery, the study, and the master bedroom but couldn’t find Landon anywhere. “Bro, where are you?”

  “I’m over here.”

  Seth followed his muffled reply toward the back of the master bedroom, and found Landon standing inside the en suite bathroom, holding two bottles of toiletry in his hands with frustration stamped across his face.

  “Are you having a stare off with your bubble bath?” Seth asked, grinning at the domestic scene. His brother had changed so much since he met Aubrey—for the better, of course—and fatherhood looked pretty great on him, too.

  “Shut up,” Landon said halfheartedly. “Aubrey bought these new washes for Morgan, and I can’t figure out the difference between the two. Which one am I supposed to use?”

  “Where is Aubrey anyway?” he said, looking around as though she was hiding behind the dresser.

  “She’s at Comfort Zone. You do
remember that your sister-in-law owns a business, don’t you?”

  “You guys got married last night. I figured she’d take this week off to unwind and get ready for your honeymoon.”

  Landon’s face took on a goofy, dreamy expression. “She just loves it there. She’s so amazing at what she does, you know? She missed going in during her maternity leave, so she’s making up for lost time before she takes more time off.”

  “Sounds like Aubrey.” Seth sat down on the edge of the bathtub. “Do you need help with anything?”

  “Nah. We still have plenty of time to pack. I’m just trying to put my other businesses in order before we leave, which you can’t help with. Besides, don’t you have way more packing to do than us?”

  “It’s mostly done. I just have to get the furniture and boxes into storage, and pack the portable part of my life into a couple of oversized bags.”

  His brother studied him quietly for a second. “This move to Paris … is it what you really want?”

  “What do you mean?” Seth removed imaginary lint off his T-shirt.

  “Mom and I didn’t think your fashion-photography stint would last as long as it has. But now you’re making this huge commitment to root yourself in the industry.”

  “It is my profession,” he said stiffly.

  “But your art is your dream. It has been since you were a little kid. The way you brought your painting and photography together was beautiful beyond words. I saw you in each and every one of your works. You put your heart into them. How are you holding all of that in? More importantly, why?” Landon’s gaze seemed to pierce into his soul. Older-brother superpower. “I know what it means to turn my back on my dream, Seth. Whatever happened to derail you from your path, don’t you think it’s time to make your way back?”

  “Look, hyung. I know you mean well, but fashion photography is my calling, and the Paris job is a huge opportunity for me.” My calling? That was laying it on a bit thick. “I’m not going to lose out on the chance to chase a childhood dream.”

  Landon looked unconvinced but gave a resigned shrug. “If that’s what you want, then I’m happy for you. But remember, I’m always here if you need to talk.”

  “I know. I know. Don’t get all sappy on me,” Seth said, swallowing the thick swell of emotion in his throat. His older brother’s wedding must’ve gotten to him more than he’d thought. His feelings were too close to the surface. Well, he couldn’t have that. Slapping on a carefree grin, he said, “If you don’t need any help, then I should hit the road.”

  “Yeah, you have quite a drive ahead of you.” Landon pulled him into a hug. “Thanks for taking over for me while I’m gone.”

  “It’s nothing,” Seth said, hugging him back. “I’ll see you next month.”

  After sneaking in a snuggle session with Morgan, he said his goodbyes and headed home to Santa Monica. Home. He wouldn’t be calling it home much longer. Paris would be home to him soon. Excitement filled him, and his face morphed into a giant smile. He couldn’t wait to start his new life there.

  The wide, open road and the endless blue sky called to him, but he was tempted to stop by the brewery. Tara might be there early preparing for the day or working on a new brew, but he’d promised himself to give her time, so he drove on. He would hear from her soon. His heart jumped at the thought, making Seth grin even wider. He relished the anticipation coursing through him. The dating dare was promising to be something special.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  As soon as she was on break, Tara pulled her phone out of her back pocket. No missed calls. No texts. Grrr. Seth had mentioned he was going to Santa Monica to take care of his condo and the last bit of packing. But Aubrey had left for Asia with her family the day before. He should be back by now, housesitting as he’d promised. Why hadn’t he contacted her? Was a guilty conscience keeping him at bay? Why else wouldn’t he have at least texted her?

  Maybe he didn’t care about the silly dare anymore after whatever happened that night. She didn’t want to care either. Nevertheless, she was still irritated that he’d ignored her for a week. She’d done the same thing, but that wasn’t the frigging point. Then, as though her irrationally angry thoughts were venomous voodoo needles pricking at his mind, her phone chimed to announce a text from him.

  SETH: Hey, Tara.

  After a week of radio silence, this is what he texts me? Why was he texting her anyway? What did he even want? Hang on. Wasn’t she just bitching about him not texting her a minute ago? Oh, shut up.

  With her heart pounding and her hands trembling ever so slightly, she texted him a witty response.

  TARA: Hey.

  SETH: Are you working late tonight?

  TARA: Do you consider nine o’clock late?

  A simple yes would’ve sufficed, but why be accommodating when she could be passive aggressive?

  She stared fixedly at the ellipses that scrolled and scrolled. Was he writing her a sonnet? Why was he taking so long to respond? Then she almost dropped her phone from shock when it rang. As soon as she answered, Seth’s sexy, teasing voice nibbled at her ear.

  “Since I’m not a seven-year-old with an eight thirty bedtime, nine sounds great.”

  “Sounds great for what?” Tara couldn’t believe what she was hearing. He suddenly wanted to see her on such short notice? Like she had nothing better to do? She was obviously overreacting, but she was nervous and confused, which made her so mad at herself.

  “I’m back in town, and I thought we’d meet up to talk about that night. I expected to hear from you during the week, but … that’s fine,” he said magnanimously.

  “You expected to hear from me? To say what?” To fess up that she didn’t remember a thing? No way. She couldn’t.

  “I don’t know. To apologize or thank … wait a minute. Why do you sound angry?”

  “I’m not angry,” she said through gritted teeth. “I’m … curious.”

  “We obviously can’t do this over the phone. Can you come over to Landon’s place after work?”

  “You want me to come over there?” She was repeating everything he said, but she couldn’t help it.

  Was he hoping for a repeat of whatever had happened that night? You don’t know what happened. Why are you freaking out so badly? From Seth’s casual tone, he didn’t sound like a man ridden with guilt, but that could be good or bad.

  “Look. I would love to meet you somewhere in Weldon, but it’s such a small town,” Seth explained calmly. “Do you really want to have this conversation in public?”

  She wanted to tell him they could talk about whatever he wanted to right at the brewery, but Jack and Alex would watch them like a hawk and eavesdrop shamelessly. She didn’t want her humiliation, whatever it was, revealed in public.

  “Fine. But no funny business,” she added in a rush of nerves.

  “What? What funny business?” He sounded genuinely perplexed. Then silence stretched on, weighing down on her as heavy as a boulder. “God, if you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking, I’m going to be very pissed off.”

  “We’ll talk later.” Tara’s stomach dropped. He already sounded pissed. “Bye.”

  She hung up the phone before he could say anything else, and went back out to the hall. It was a relatively quiet weeknight, so she had plenty of time to dissect her conversation with Seth. As she was in the dark about what went down that night, she’d been at a distinct disadvantage. Since Jason, not being in complete control of a situation terrified her—things could spin out of control in the blink of an eye—so she’d taken the offensive with Seth to hide her insecurities. She couldn’t do that when she saw him later tonight. She had to be calm and reasonable.

  “Hey, Alex.” She put a hand on his arm to get his attention. She’d been wiping at the same spot on the bar for half an hour, and it was already a quarter till nine. “It’s pretty slow tonight. Do you mind if I take off a few minutes early?”

  “Nope. Go right ahead.”

  “Thank you.”
As she turned away to grab her purse, she remembered that she had to drive to Aubrey and Landon’s house. Dammit. She’d rode her bike into work. “Did you drive in with Jack?”

  “No, he had to run some errands, so we drove in separately. Why?”

  “It’s just … can I borrow your car?”

  “Sure,” he said without hesitation. He dug into his jeans pocket and threw her a set of keys, and she snatched it out of the air. “Don’t do anything too wild with it.”

  “What do you take me for?” She scoffed at him. “I’m only taking it for a little drag racing.”

  She left Alex chuckling behind the bar and hit the road. Even though she was an excellent driver, the windy, narrow roads weren’t easy to maneuver in the dark. At least, it kept her mind from drifting to what she was going to say to Seth. More importantly, what he was going to say to her. She couldn’t think about it, or else she would freak out like she had during their phone call.

  Tara drove up to Aubrey’s brightly lit house and parked next to Seth’s fancy electric car. After taking a long breath to calm her nerves, she walked up the short steps and rapped her knuckles hard against the front door. Now that she was here, she wanted to get the whole thing over with.

  Seth opened the door as though he’d been standing on the other side waiting for her. His gaze met hers for a heated second before his eyes traveled over her body. He swallowed hard. “It’s good to see you, Tara.”

  She struggled to breathe properly. Her memory of how attractive he was and how she reacted to his proximity was nothing compared to the combustible lust that hit her like a blast from a furnace.

  “Seth.” She sounded undeniably breathless. “Are you going to invite me in or are we having our conversation on the doorstep?”

  “Shit. I’m sorry. Come in.” He hurriedly stepped aside then led her to the living room.

  It was Tara’s favorite room in the house, cream colored and filled with overstuffed sofas and lounge-worthy chaises. Some of her anxiety eased as the cozy warmth of the room soothed her. Seth motioned for her to take a seat and chose an armchair for himself near her but not within touching distance.