Dare (Finding Love Book 1) (17 page)
Read Dare (Finding Love Book 1) Online
Authors: Emma Lynn
Thank you so much for reading Dare. It was a great story to write, and it needed to be told. These characters mean a lot to me, as I think of them as good friends, and I’m happy to write such an ending for Jennifer and Dare.
You can continue to the next page for a sneak peak at book 2, Marko, which is Hayley’s story! Enjoy, and don’t forget to leave a review!
-Emma Lynn
The sounds of techno music surround me, the pulsating beat sending a shiver of excitement down my spine. The bottle I’m holding crinkles a bit as I tighten my grip, water splatting out. Drops fall onto my flats, narrowly missing my dress. Bodies crash into me from all sides as I push my way through the crowd, attempting to find one of the girls.
“Hayley!” I spin around to see Jaclyn. Her black hair is loose around her shoulders, a bit of curl to them. Her hazel eyes pop with the smokey eye makeup she put on earlier. I met Jaclyn back before college started. Meeting her and Jennifer became one of the best things that could have happened to me.
Jaclyn said before Jennifer moves in with her boyfriend, Dare, we should all go to one last party. I don’t understand why, since she lives a few minutes away, but I came anyway. They’re always telling me to lighten up and enjoy what the day brings me.
“I’ll get us drinks!” She shouts over the music. Squinting, I almost tell her no thanks, but she leaves without waiting for an answer. I shift anxiously by the door, keeping away from the dancing people, wishing I was at home in my comfy pajamas, and reading my new book. That sounds like a good night, not here at someone’s house, watching it get trashed.
All of this brings back memories I’d rather forget.
“Here!” I jump as Jaclyn thrusts a red cup my way. I grab it, only because she’s already half-way to drunk town and unsteady. She parties like it’s her last night of her life, yet she’s a complete lightweight.
I, however, can hold my liquor.
“Thanks.” I shout over the noise. I try to tug the hem of my dress down without spilling the warm beer down the front of it. Another one of Jaclyn’s dresses. She’s a few inches taller than both me and Jennifer so her dress hangs lower. Thank God to that!
“No problem. Look.” She grabs my shoulders. Really, I think she just needs to balance herself. “Go have fun! School is almost over and you haven’t done much this year. Live it up!” She giggles before stumbling away.
“She means well,” Jennifer says, coming to a stop beside me. Jennifer is about the same height as me, though she’s curvier than I am. Her brown hair nearly reaches her waist, and her green eyes are bright with mischief.
“Yeah, which is why I agreed to this.”
She grabs my hand. It’s astounding how comfortable I am around her. Girls were never a problem for me, but that didn’t mean I felt good around them. Back then, anyone could hurt me. I lacked trust in every way, but as I spend more time around her and Jaclyn, I become more comfortable.
“There’s an empty chair outside by the fence. I know you brought a book, go read.” She winks.
I wish I was like her. So free and able to do what she wants. She’s changed a lot since she first arrived, then again, so have I. Dare, her boyfriend, pulls her into a hug and I smile. He’s a good one. I was a little leery at first, but after spending time with them, I’m okay with Dare. I can tell he won’t hurt her on purpose, and as long as she’s happy, I’m happy.
Dare is pretty tall, though anyone is when you’re only five-three. His dark hair is cut short, face clean shaven, and brown eyes. A body that’s strong and lean, muscles on muscles. Even I can admit he’s cute.
It takes a while, but I finally make it outside without anyone noticing. Spotting the green lawn chair, I head over to it, glad to finally sit down. The heels that adorn my feet are pretty, but killer.
Jaclyn always says no pain means no beauty.
It makes me wonder how she grew up. Obviously she’s rich, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. Thinking back to that day, a few weeks before Jennifer came, I smile.
I was so nervous but something needed to happen. I couldn’t stay at home and my scholarship didn’t cover living in a dorm. Jaclyn was literally my savior. She couldn’t have found me at a better time.
Pulling my paperback from my large purse, I lean back and open it up to the last page I was at. Soon I get lost in the world of Scottish warriors and stubborn princesses. Books have always been my outlet, that’s probably why I enjoy writing so much. I wouldn’t dare let anyone read my stuff, but for me, it’s a way to de-stress from my day.
Time gets away from me, and only the stench of stale beer pulls me out of my reading. I peek over the top of my book in disgust. A guy stands before me, a droopy grin splaying across his face. His dark hair looks greasy, or maybe it’s gel, either way, I want nothing to do with him.
“Hey, b-beautiful.” He slurs as he falls down next to my seat. I ignore him, going back to the page I’m on. I can tell these characters will kiss soon and it’s driving me nuts. Stubborn characters always do. Why wait? If you want someone, then take the opportunity that's before you!
Funny coming from you.
Suddenly, his hand is on my thigh and I tense up. My heart starts to pound and I get lightheaded. “Move your hand,” I grit out.
He chuckles and I veer away from his gross breath. “W-what? I can’t hang out with y-you?”
I shove his hand away and stand up. Before I can walk away, his hand shoots out, wrapping around my wrist. Glaring at him, I demand, “Let me go.”
“Let go of her, and walk away.” I look up in relief as Marko steps around me. No said he was coming tonight, but his presence doesn’t surprise me.