Page 7 of Dare To Kiss You
LILY: Dare.
LILY: I dare you.
LILY: you can’t say no, you know you can’t.
LILY: c’mon Kat, you’ll thank me for this when you’re having hot sex with Hunter.
LILY: Do it…
LILY: Also I know you’re ignoring me. But I’m a parasite, I don’t go away easily.
Chuckling, I finally type out a reply.
KAT: You’re not a parasite. You’re my well meaning but totally insane best friend.
LILY: Okay, thanks? But, you’re gonna take my dare right?!
KAT: I’ll think about it.
LILY: That’s a yes! WOOHOO! That’s my girl.
Even though she can’t see me, I shake my head, knowing it’s futile to try and fight her on this. I said I’d think about it, and I will.
Later. After I get through exams. It’s times like this that I’m relieved I decided to waitress through school, instead of nursing. Sure, the ongoing experience in healthcare would be a good thing, but the lower stress and pressure of working at the café is what gives me the sanity and mental capacity to focus on my studies.
Walking through the doors of the Dogwood Cove Animal Shelter the next morning, I’m hit with the familiar sound of dogs barking. I knew when Mila Monroe and her husband Dr. Jackson Holt — the town veterinarian — said they were opening an animal shelter, I would be one of the first volunteers. Walking the shelter dogs and playing with the cats who are waiting for their forever homes a couple of times a week fills my cup with all the animal love I need. At least until I have the time for a pet of my own, of course.
When I get to the back room where volunteers and staff can store their things, Mila’s there, tidying up the desk where we all sign in. She’s my boss at Camille’s café, and technically, my boss here, but Mila’s never been anything but awesome.
“Hey Kat, how are you?”
“Good. Great.” I yawn. “Okay, tired. I’m in study mode for the next couple of weeks until exams are over.”
“Oh man, I don’t envy you that. You’re done before the fundraiser, right?”
The second annual Dogwood Cove Animal Shelter gala is coming up next month. It’s a night when the town gets to put on their fancy clothes and have a party, along with a silent auction, all to try and raise more funds for the animal shelter. I missed it last year, thanks to my school schedule, but I’m looking forward to it this year. I nod. “Yeah, I’ll be done a couple of days before, so if there’s any last-minute stuff you need help with, just let me know.”
She waves me off. “It’s all good. You’re busy enough with school, work, and here. I know, I’m one to talk, but from one workaholic to another, listen to me when I say, you deserve time to slow down and rest.”
I laugh, but it’s hollow-sounding. “Rest. What’s that?”
Mila fixes me with a pointed look. “Exactly my point. Anyway, I’m outta here, Jackson and I are taking Milo and Annie for a hike.” She pauses at the doorway. “Oh, make sure you visit the nursery. Jackson just finished checking over a mama cat and four kittens. They are the cutest little things.”
That brings a smile to my face. There’s nothing better than kittens. I desperately want one, but I just haven’t brought myself to commit yet. A pet is a big deal, after all. “I will. Have a good hike, Mila.”
“See ya, Kat. Oh, don’t forget to let Rosie know if you’re bringing a date to the fundraiser. She’s in charge of seating. Right now, we’ve got you at a table with Lily and your brothers, but we still need to know who’s bringing a date and who isn’t. Just call her at Jackson’s clinic.”
Right. The gala fundraiser. The dare.
How could I forget.
Chapter four
Hunter
“I can’t believe you dragged me to the mall the first weekend of December.”
I turn to Asher, my closest friend since middle school. “You didn’t have to come, dude. I just told you I needed to go and grab a few things in Westport, and you decided to get in the car.”
