Free Reasons Not to Fall in Love by Kirsty Moseley

want to wimp out…” I raised one eyebrow teasingly, knowing he’d never back out; it just wasn’t in his nature.
    He groaned in frustration. “I’m starting to hate this game,” he muttered, pushing himself off of the stool, scowling at me.
    “And I’m starting to think this is the best game ever invented!” I countered, shooing him with my hand and laughing.
    I watched as he walked over to his co-worker and started talking to him. He put his hand on Eric’s arm as he leant in, looking him right in the eyes. I must admit, he was playing his part better than I thought he would. When Eric’s eyes widened and his shoulders stiffened, I burst out laughing as he moved his arm, letting Harrison’s hand slide off his elbow. It was a clear rejection, and now Harrison was back-pedalling, holding his hands up in protest as he pointed to me in explanation. I chuckled wickedly and sent a little wave in their direction. Finally, Eric’s shoulders loosened and they both laughed before Harrison slapped him on the shoulder and strutted back to me.
    When he got back to me, he downed his drink before taking mine from my hand and downing mine too. He waved to the barman. “Another round, make them doubles this time,” he requested before turning back to me. “Son of a bitch actually believed I was gay! Can you believe that? I thought he’d see through me immediately, but the bastard actually thought I was hitting on him,” he whined, shaking his head.
    I choked on fresh air as I burst out laughing. “He thought you were gay?” I practically screamed through my laughs.
    His hand clapped over my mouth as he looked at me pleadingly. “Just shush!” he hissed. I licked the palm of his hand and he let go, closing his eyes and putting his head down on the bar, groaning. “I want to die.”
    I rubbed the back of his head soothingly but I couldn’t stop laughing which really didn’t seem to help him much. “Aww poor baby. Maybe you should go tell him how many girls you’ve screwed over the years. Will that help your male ego?” I teased, leaning forward and resting my head on his back. I sighed as his smell filled my lungs. He literally smelt good enough to eat. He was so comfortable that I wanted to go to sleep on him.
    He shifted, so I pulled back and leant on the bar heavily. My head swam from the alcohol I’d consumed. “I’ll pay you anything you want if you never mention this to anyone, especially Skye,” he pleaded, giving me the begging look.
    I smiled and patted his cheek. “I don’t even think I’m gonna remember this in the morning, so you’re safe,” I joked, winking at him.
    He laughed and settled back onto his stool, looking at me with pursed lips. “Let’s carry on with the game. Truth or dare?”
    “Truth,” I slurred.
    “Why didn’t you call me and tell me you were getting divorced?” he asked immediately.
    I laughed at that. “I thought you were gay,” I joked.
    “Not even just a little bit funny,” he stated, looking at me warningly.
    I giggled and thought about the truthful answer to that question. “Well, let’s see. First off, why the heck would I? It’s not something that you would be interested in. And secondly, I don’t have your number,” I replied, hiccupping.
    He frowned and sighed. “Dare,” he said after a minute of silence.
    I chewed on my lip trying to think of something that would probably make him feel better after the whole coming out of the closet to his friend thing. “I dare you to kiss a woman in this room. Don’t ask her permission, just walk straight up to her and plant a big fat kiss right on her lips,” I suggested, crossing my arms over my chest and looking around to see who he would choose.
    “Dare accepted.”
    Before I could even comprehend what was about to happen, he’d cupped my face in his hands and the soft lips that I’d been secretly fantasising about for the last eight years covered mine. I squealed from the shock of it, not knowing what