Page 65 of The Dare

“I know it is,” I counter. “And I don’t expect you to make a public announcement on day one. But not telling your mom where you are, not even telling your best friend where you are…” I trail off, letting my words sink in.

“WhatshouldI do?” she asks, sounding like she’d genuinely appreciate some advice right now.

“Do you want me to call her back, tell her what we did and what we’re about to do?” she asks, her voice rising but still keeping the mood friendly with me.

“You don’t know my mom. Or Suze for that matter.” She explains.

I can agree with her on that point.

She’d know way more about her friends and family than I do right now.

Although I think I have her best friend Suze pretty well pegged.

I stand up, and walking over to her I wrap my arms around her waist from behind, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head.

“I just thought I’d tell you I think you should let your mom and Suzanna know where you are, so they don’t worry.”

Natasha goes quiet, only humming as I hug her, eventually giggling by the time my hands prove they have a life of their own, threatening to destroy our semi-serious conversation.

“All right, all right,” she says, unhooking herself from me so she can do what she knows is the right thing.

“Just keep away from me until I make some calls, will ya?” she asks, glancing at me sidelong, her nipples showing me just how aroused she is, my own hardness pulsing in my pants.

“Deal,” I tell her. “I really do think you should at least tell...” I say but I’m cut off by the sound of the gate intercom.

I make a low sound of annoyance at being disturbed, but given the trouble we had earlier I was almost expecting it.

I urge Natasha with my eyes to go ahead and make her calls, smiling as she looks away awkwardly while I take a look at the intercom camera.

Not cops.

A quick hello and I’m introduced via video intercom to a neighbor.

Father of one of the jocks from the beach.

I thought as much.

Using it as the perfect excuse not to call anyone, Natasha joins me as I buzz the guy in through the gates and stands by me as I swing the front door open, ready for anything.

“I just wanted to come by and thank you personally,” The man says.

He’s a little shorter than I am, heavyset, but looks like he could handle himself.

But that’s not why he’s here though. Nothing like that.

He’s got the same eyes as the kid who got cut, but softer.

Mature from age and experience.

“…To thank me,” I parrot back to him, not sure I catch his full meaning.

“I heard about what happened on the beach, and I just wanted to make sure you were all okay, and to apologize for my son,” he continues, thrusting a hand out.

“Brett Jacobs. My boy, Lance got his comeuppance it seems,” he smiles wide. “Down on the private section of the beach,” he remarks, grinning wider as if he’s pleased beyond belief.

As if he was actually there.

I start to shake my head. “Look. Mr. Uh… I’m not sure what your son told you, but—”