Free Dare Me by Debra Druzy Page B

Bruno was wrong, but because he was relentless. Lord knows she wanted to talk to Adam but without the goading.
    “He’d be crazy not to go for you. I’m serious. If I were into the female-persuasion, I’d totally check you out. Of course, I’d prefer a different hairdo—I’m not gonna lie—the slicked-back schoolmarm bun you’re rockin’ is a little bit intimidating. I think you should go for it. You got nothing to lose. The worst that can happen is he’s not interested. Or taken. Actually, I don’t know which would be worse, taken or not interested…”
    “I can’t.” Technically, she could, after being a devout spinster for six sexless months.
    “You can. And you will. I dare ya—”
    “No.”
    “You better go talk to him,” Bruno threatened with a smile, “before I send a single straight girl from the hotel lounge to snatch the opportunity from your little French manicured fingers.”
    “We barely spoke two sentences in high school. I doubt he’ll remember me now.”
    “Don’t sell yourself short, sweets . Who could forget a girl like you? Besides, I’m double-daring ya. Double-dog daring ya. Now go on! Work the goodies God gave ya.”
    Bruno’s strange yet encouraging words brought a crooked smile to Misty’s lips. A grown woman accepting a dare was silly. However, refusing it felt even sillier. What did she have to lose anyway? Nothing at all.
    “You need more champagne.” Bruno caught two fresh glasses from a passing tray and pushed them toward her. “Here.”
    “What I need is a checkup from the neck up.”
    She glanced at her watch. It was only four o’clock, she could still get to the bridal shoppe to help close up by five. That’s what a career-minded person would do, especially one looking to take over the family business.
    But if she didn’t approach Adam tonight, she might never have the chance again…
    “So, what’s it gonna be?” Bruno waggled his brows.
    Misty sighed. “I really oughta go. Sorry, Bruno. I need to get back to work.”
    “Okay, then. I’ll be sure to tell your friend you said hello.” His snarky tone made her stomach roil. “Want me to see you out?”
    “No, thanks.” She gave a weak smile and stood, taking the champagne with her for the lonely walk. “I’ll be fine.”

Chapter Two
    Adam adjusted the focus on the hot little number in the tight black dress strutting like she stepped out of a music video. Of all the folks from Scenic View, she was the one person he’d hoped to run into. The only girl in high school who didn’t put out to fit in.
    He peeked over the tripod to be sure his vision wasn’t playing wicked tricks on him.
    Nope. He’d recognize that angelic face anywhere.
    Had he known in kindergarten what he knew now about the wiles of women, he would have staked his claim on her years ago when he had the chance.
    Thank God, she wasn’t one of today’s brides. That would’ve sucked—to be photographing his dream-girl’s wedding. Instead, she was hanging with the big blonde dude who’d been giving him goo-goo eyes all afternoon.
    Adam switched the camera mode from photo to video—for fun, for himself, for later, in case she kept going and didn’t hear him call her name.
    “Misty?” He stepped in her path to catch her before she blew by like hell on heels. “Misty Morningside?”
    She gasped. The champagne flute slipped from her fingers and smashed on the hardwood floor. “You remember me?” she whispered, nearly inaudible, but Adam was sure he heard her right.
    “Careful.” He nudged her out of the broken glass, taking her hand as she wobbled in those super-sexy unstable shoes.
    She was warm and soft and whatever magical power she possessed made him tingle where skin touched skin. The same zing he’d experienced the first day of kindergarten when they held hands in the hallway, walking side-by-side in two straight lines. He kept his crush a secret all the way until twelfth grade. Wasted the years wondering if she noticed