Page 80 of I Dare You
“No imposition.Get in.”
There’s no point arguing as his mind is made up.
He holds the door open for me, making clear he’s not going anywhere without me.
“You’re so bossy,” I mumble under my breath as I get in.
“You’re welcome,” he responds.
I expect him to close the door, but before I have a chance to slip on my seat belt, he reaches for it and leans across me closely, snapping the buckle into the clip.
I hold my breath as he looks up at me.“Safety first.”
All I am capable of is nodding.
He smirks as he shuts the door.
I watch through the windshield as he strolls toward the driver’s side, no rush to his stride.The asshole knows the effect he has on me.But I keep my cool.
He climbs in, and the truck rumbles to life.It’s a vintage Ford pickup.I wouldn’t expect anything less from Kit.He doesn’t speak and drives away.I avoid looking back and focus ahead.It’s too sad otherwise.
He senses I need some time to process things and switches on the radio.
I think about the last time I was in a car with Kit.I was just a child.He drove me back to my aunt and uncle’s house.I still get anxious riding in cars with others because although my parents’ deaths feel like a lifetime ago, their screams still haunt my dreams.
But there’s a stillness I experience with Kit.I felt it when I was a child.And I feel it now.
I don’t give it much thought because my head hurts.
So much for feeling rested.
I lean my head against the headrest and close my eyes.I don’t sleep.Just listen to the world passing me by.It’s not long before Kit pulls the truck up.
I gradually open my eyes.It takes me a moment, but I realize we’re at the garage.Kit opens the door for me.He has my box of belongings in his hand.
“My place is above the garage,” he explains, reading my confusion.
I nod and jump down from the truck, not speaking.
This is all too much.
Kit leads the way through the garage.It looks and smells like any garage.This is a piece of Kit’s world.I’m thankful he’s allowed me into it.
We climb the stairs and find a door at the top.Kit unlocks it.
“Welcome.”He holds the door open for me.
I enter and am surprised.It’s bigger than I thought.It’s an open-plan living room and kitchen area.But the space is big enough to fit a small dining table, a three-seater couch, a coffee table, and two leather bean bags, which are propped in front of the mounted TV.
The brick walls give it a rustic look.
I like it.
“There’s only one bed.”He quickly adds, “But I’ll take the couch.”
“The couch is fine,” I reply.“I’ve slept on far worse.”
Kit seems to understand this isn’t up for discussion now, but I know come nightfall, I’ll be in the bed.
