Free Catering to Three by Kalissa Alexander Page B

his eyes darting between the three of them.
    “I guess it depends on the game.”
    “I like games, like Truth or Dare,” Noah said, catching and holding her gaze. “Are you up for it?”
    “Let’s hope so,” Keith said, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Julie has to go first.”
    “Oh no. It’s too late to play a game and I’m not at my best now.”
    “All work and no play?” Noah asked.
    “Come on, Julie, indulge us?” Mark’s eyes pleaded, his face becoming more boyish.
    She really shouldn’t, but how could she refuse them? Looking from one to the other, she said, “Okay. But I’m not going first.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Noah had known Julie would play. She wasn’t ready for the evening to be over, even if she didn’t want to admit it. And they sure as hell weren’t ready to let her go if they could help it. Both Mark and Keith gave him a knowing a look.
    “All right,” Noah said, redirecting his attention from Julie to Keith. “Truth or Dare?”
    “Truth.”
    “Describe for us,” Noah began, “the type of woman you’re attracted to.”
    “Yeah, that’s it!” Mark shouted. “Inquiring minds want to know.”
    Noah watched Keith, whose eyes had never left Julie’s. He knew it, too. When she blushed, Keith smiled, finally releasing her gaze.
    “I would be lying if I didn’t say”—Keith put his hands behind his head and locked them—“that the woman I’m attracted to has blonde hair that surrounds her beautiful face in waves, sexy blue eyes, blushes easily, and has a knack for knowing how to throw a party. And she’s also a helluva good cook. Remind you of anyone you know…Miss Julie Larson?”
    Julie put her hand to her mouth. He could see the conflict in her eyes that told him she thought she should be mortified when in truth Keith had said exactly what she wanted to hear.
    Mark shook his head. “Damn, Keith, I know that’s the truth.” Noah couldn’t help but laugh at the way Mark’s eyes were now looking Julie up and down blatantly. The gloves were coming off.
    He felt his groin ache as she bit her lip, blushing. “You’ve embarrassed her,” Noah said in mock reprimand.
    “Are you really embarrassed, Julie? Should I say I’m sorry?” Keith looked anything but sorry.
    Julie picked up her drink. “I’m sure it was meant as a compliment. However, I’m not so sure it’s true. After all, the woman you were here with tonight was a tall brunette who looked like she knew her way around the bedroom and not the kitchen.”
    They all three stared at Julie. Noah could see her turning red.
    “I really do need to leave,” she said, “before I say something else that’s totally inappropriate.”
    “That woman was just a friend. Nothing for you to worry about,” Keith said happily.
    “Please, forget that I said anything,” she said, getting up to leave.
    “Sit back down, Julie. This game is only beginning, and so far, I like the way you play.”
    Julie slid back into her chair. Noah nodded toward Keith. “Okay, Keith, it’s your turn.”
    Keith smiled. “Well, let’s see. Noah. Truth or Dare?”
    “Dare.”
    “Kiss Julie.”
    “Keith!” Julie exclaimed.
    “A dare is a dare,” Noah said, pushing himself up from his chair. Before Julie could escape him, he lifted her into his arms. When his lips touched hers, they opened without resistance. His tongue plundered the sweetness of her mouth with an urgency that surprised him. She kissed him back, slipping her arms around his neck. Keith coughed, breaking the kiss. Quickly, she disentangled herself from him, looking downward as she sat back down in her chair. That, he thought, was the answer he had been looking for.
    “You’ll learn, Julie, that Noah never wavers from a dare, especially one so obviously enjoyable. And,” Keith said, eying Noah, “I’d say you’re the one who needs to apologize this time.”
    “I would if I were truly sorry. But I’m not.”
    Noah could see the mortification on her face. He had