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  Daniel’s Dare

  Sasha Devlin

  Daniel Rich and Kaitlyn Dow have been friends for fifteen years, and playing an increasingly outlandish game of Truth or Dare for nearly as long. In love with her friend for longer than she’d like to admit, Kaitlyn prefers to hide in the safety of truths she can guide away from embarrassing secrets. While ladies’ man Daniel can’t help but push Kaitlyn’s boundaries with bolder, sexier dares every chance he gets in hopes that he can finally get his friend to notice how he feels.

  With her bed-and-breakfast overbooked, the two are forced to spend the night together. Under the twinkle of Christmas lights and the temptation of mistletoe, Daniel is ready to move their relationship to the next level. Kaitlyn suspects he’s still playing a game, and resigns herself to a one-night stand. But she’ll soon learn that Daniel is willing to risk any dare to get Kaitlyn to see the truth—that they belong together.

  Ellora’s Cave Publishing

  www.ellorascave.com

  Daniel’s Dare

  ISBN 9781419937378

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Daniel’s Dare Copyright © 2011 Sasha Devlin

  Edited by Grace Bradley

  Cover design by Dar Albert

  Photography: Jeff Thrower/Shutterstock.com

  Electronic book publication December 2011

  The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

  With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

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  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  The publisher and author(s) acknowledge the trademark status and trademark ownership of all trademarks, service marks and word marks mentioned in this book.

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  Daniel’s Dare

  Sasha Devlin

  Acknowledgments

  To the ladies of MoChat, thanks for keeping me motivated and sane. To Gillian, who read it first and still speaks to me. And to my sister Nikki—just keep beating that horse.

  Chapter One

  “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” Kaitlyn Dow closed her eyes and concentrated on not panicking. Or running. Her costume wouldn’t be able to handle either scenario. The great room looked awesome, but she could barely concentrate on the festive air when she was all but naked in front of her clients. She tugged again at the faux-fur-edged hot pants, careful not to snag her stockings. Still not enough fabric to make her comfortable or decent. Friendship was supposed to uplift you, not make you crazy. Why did she let him bait her?

  “Well, you don’t have to do it. You can always say no.” Daniel Rich sounded helpful, but if that were anywhere near the truth, Kaitlyn would eat the miles of red garland Tina had draped everywhere.

  “You mean forfeit.” She turned, caught him staring at her butt and glared. Her hands smoothed over her thighs, glad for the stockings even if they made her feel like a streetwalker. “And have you brag to everyone that you finally won after fifteen years?” She shook her finger at him. “Don’t think so.”

  Daniel leaned in close as if he was going to tell her a secret and Kaitlyn nearly leaned into his heat. He smelled edible, like spice and man and Daniel, a scent guaranteed to make a woman think of sex. She blinked slowly, sure people would notice if she tried to creep into Daniel’s sweater while it was still on his body. He spoke and broke the spell.

  “You know, most people would think two grown adults playing Truth or Dare for this long were crazy.”

  “Most people who know I’m friends with you accuse me of being crazy,” she retorted. She didn’t bother telling him her girlfriends thought she was crazy for not sleeping with him. Some days she thought the same thing.

  “You cut me deep, Kait.” He gave her the look that usually melted her into a puddle and tonight was no exception. What woman could resist it? All puppy brown eyes and crooked smile guaranteed to have you agreeing to whatever foolishness came out of his mouth next. “You know what would make me feel better?” He reached out a hand and stroked it down the side of her red Mrs. Claus corset. His breath caressed her breasts. “If you danced a bit. That would definitely make me feel better.”

  Kaitlyn’s face flushed and desire clenched low in her belly. Daniel was playing around, but part of her really did want to dance for him. In her imagination he wanted to see her moving, her body flowing from move to move so gracefully he was in awe. So sensually he couldn’t resist reaching for her and giving her what she’d been wanting for as long as she could remember.

  Of course she wasn’t the most graceful thing on the planet and would probably crash into the fir. And the reindeer cut-outs and snowflakes hanging from the ceiling didn’t yell seduction. His hand stroked her side and she fought not to arch into his touch. Kaitlyn was the first to look away, but not before she smacked his hand. He was toying with her again—something he’d started doing in the last year or so.

  “Yeah, anything for the man who always gets what he wants.” She crossed her arms beneath her chest which made him look down. Some emotion flashed across his face, so quick she thought she had imagined it until he met her gaze head on and something odd shone in his eyes. Or maybe it was a trick of the string lights that twinkled overhead.

  “And what if I was serious?”

  She snorted. Daniel had a history of petite women, the blonder the better. Kaitlyn couldn’t be more different if she’d tried. Most days she embraced her curves, but standing next to any of Daniel’s girlfriends made her feel like a marauding giant. She tucked a dark curl behind her ear, only to have it spring back in her face. The shorter cut made the mornings faster, but by the end of the night she had a funky, curly halo happening. “I know how you operate, Rich.”

  Daniel narrowed his gaze, then mimicked her crossed arms. Definitely a better look on him as his dark-blue Henley stretched over his shoulders. “You know what I noticed, Dow? Whenever I say something you don’t want to hear, you start talking tough and calling me Rich. Got news for you, sweetheart. You’re not tough. You’re also not one of the boys.” His eyes traveled from her face down to her toes, not missing a stop in between. The corner of his mouth kicked up. “I guarantee no one would ever mistake you for one of the boys.”

  Her nipples peaked as his gaze rested there a moment longer than normal. What she wouldn’t give to tug that dark head down and feed her flesh into his sexy mouth.

  “Know what I noticed, Rich? You make it sexual when you would lose otherwise.” Kaitlyn’s voice sounded breathier than she’d intended. These days it was getting harder and harder to pretend he didn’t affect her.

  “First, let’s get something straight. It’s always sexual with me. I’m a guy. Second, I’m not going to lose.” He took a step forward, his min
ty breath giving her all sorts of ideas she couldn’t afford to contemplate. It wouldn’t be good for her opening weekend if she jumped her best friend’s bones right in front of everyone. “You have thirty seconds to get in there and perform, or you forfeit.”

  Kaitlyn gave him the evil eye. “I hate you sometimes.”

  He grinned down at her. “I know you don’t really mean that. So I’ll forgive you. Oh, and twenty-five seconds.”

  “You’re a jerk.” She whirled around before she kicked him in the shins or kissed him senseless. Either would be deserved at this point. Her feet were screaming in the heels he’d picked, but they were the only part of the outfit that didn’t feel like a complete fail. Kaitlyn weaved through the crowd, careful not to make eye contact with any of her guests.

  Before he’d given her the stupid challenge, her mind had been focused on all the tasks she needed to do to make this weekend a success. Rooms had been straightened, cinnamon rolls mixed and left to rest for tomorrow, and she’d mopped the mudroom for what felt like the seventeenth time. Now her concentration was focused on not flashing anybody. So much for making a good impression.

  This wasn’t the most humiliating thing he’d dared her to do, but her insides always felt jittery each time she had to do something like this. Daniel’s idea of a dare always ended up sexual in some way. Not for the first time she regretted agreeing to the three truths in a row rule. It had been nothing but trouble for her. She was still pretty sure she never would have agreed to such a thing had it not been for the Jell-O shots. The jerk knew all her weaknesses.

  Forcing a smile she didn’t feel, Kaitlyn climbed the few stairs that led to her makeshift stage and faced the crowd. Cozy Corners wasn’t profitable yet, but it looked damn good even if the excessive decorations made it look like a Hallmark store had exploded over every surface. She was proud of her work, and if she had to make an ass of herself in front of her guests, well at least most of them would be gone by the end of the week. She might see them for next season, but by then certainly all of them would forget how her ass jiggled in her tiny costume.

  She gestured for Deon to give her the mic, refusing to look him in the eye. Daniel’s brother was looking at her as if he’d swallowed his tongue, which didn’t bode well for how the others were taking it. She snatched the mic from his limp fingers.

  “Hi, everybody!” She hoped they thought the pink in her cheeks was because she was married to the jolliest man in the world and not because she wanted to run screaming into the night.

  Daniel was going to pay.

  “I wanted to thank everyone for a wonderful talent show. Give yourselves a round of applause.” There was much cheering and foot stamping and Kaitlyn used the time to get her bearings. She pulled in a steadying breath, the bite of the corset reminding her just how confined she was. Daniel’s smirk taunted her from across the room. Payback would be a bitch. He was addicted to dares and she’d make damn sure she thought of a good one soon.

  “Before I close us out, I want to remind everybody that breakfast tomorrow morning won’t be until ten o’clock, giving everyone an opportunity to unwrap any private gifts they might receive.” She waited for the catcalls and giggles to die down.

  “Dinner will be a bit later as well. There will be another sleigh ride opportunity around nine p.m. Standard breakfast on Friday and then checkout before one p.m. Any questions?”

  “Yeah,” Deon called out. “If I tell Santa I’ve been really good, can I get you in my stocking tomorrow morning?”

  Kaitlyn held on to her smile but her fingers tightened on the mic. There were going to be two dead Riches by the morning. “I could lie, but we both know Santa’s only bringing you coal.”

  She shuffled through sheet music before giving Tina the one she needed. Tina chuckled but slid behind the piano, ready to back her up. Kaitlyn turned back to the audience, fighting the urge to adjust her satin shorts. “I normally wouldn’t sing, but this was a request. Be kind.”

  She nodded and Tina began playing Santa Baby. There were several laughs as the audience recognized the song, but Kaitlyn decided to go for it. If Daniel wanted to see her dance, he was going to get the show of his life. With a confidence born of sheer stubbornness, she worked the stage for all she was worth. A couple of the notes were a bit breathier than she had intended, but her shakes and shimmies were definitely getting a reaction from the men in the crowd. When the last note had trilled on the piano, she risked a glance at Daniel and found him watching her with an odd look on his face.

  Not the I just made you make a total ass of yourself look she expected, but something else. Something that could spell trouble later in the night. Familiar heat pooled in her pussy. Daniel was hard to resist when he was joking, and damn near lethal when he was intently focused on you. She was already on pins and needles since he would be bunking with her on the lone couch in the common room. It had been purchased for looks, and there was no way she’d be able to keep the necessary space between them. Kaitlyn’s stomach turned over. Her, Daniel and low lights was a recipe for disaster. She was exhausted and more likely to say something that was better left unsaid.

  While she was glad that Deon had made it down, the man had taken Daniel’s bedroom. It had been a stretch for Daniel to bunk in a kid’s bed, but the thought of the two burly Rich boys sharing a twin bed was laughable. Deon had suggested Daniel sleep in the great room even before he knew any of the furniture folded out.

  On autopilot she accepted the praise that came her way as she threw away cups and half-eaten desserts. An itch between her shoulder blades told her someone was watching her and she didn’t have to look to know it was Daniel. As much as she tried, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something big was about to happen.

  * * * * *

  Daniel tracked Kaitlyn’s movements up to her makeshift stage. Damn, her ass looked good enough to bite. He rubbed a hand over his mouth. She was really going to do it—he’d been sure she wouldn’t while secretly hoping she would. Hell, he’d even bought the outfit weeks ago hoping he’d have a chance to see her in it. Granted he’d been hoping for a more private show and in his version she didn’t stay clothed for very long.

  It fit like a wet dream, hugging every curve and leaving her long legs on display. He’d added the back-seamed stockings himself, remembering how hot she’d looked when she’d worn a similar pair last Halloween. The corset lacing ended in a bow over her right hip. All together she was the sexiest present he’d ever seen and all he wanted to do was unwrap her. His erection grew as she continued her routine. And there was no way to adjust himself without calling attention to the problem.

  Daniel wasn’t sure if she was having fun, but he could vouch for every male in the audience—it was one hell of a show. She turned and dipped down, giving a much-too-quick flash of cleavage framed by white fake fur. The crowd went crazy and her dimple flashed.

  Something inside of him cracked. Between her flushed cheeks, wild curls and the sexiest strut he’d ever seen, Kaitlyn destroyed his control. Wanting her and not having her was making him insane. Hell, he’d wanted to plow his fist into Deon’s face after the bastard had offered to share a room with Kaitlyn and leave Daniel to the common room alone. He kept his eyes glued to her final move—a shimmy that would have made a showgirl proud—but didn’t join in with the applause. Would have been hard when his hands were fisted. Their eyes met and his mind was made up. That was his dark-haired angel up there, and it was past time she knew it.

  “You look ready to charge the stage and take her against the piano.” He tore his gaze away to see Deon beside him, smirking.

  “And you look like a guy who should have his ass beat for that little stunt you pulled.”

  “Oh come on, she liked it.” Deon tried to hand him a beer, but Daniel waved it off. He needed to be clearheaded for what he planned tonight.

  “I don’t give a damn. You don’t embarrass her ever, but especially not in front of clients.”

  Deon rolled his eyes
and took a sip from the beer that should have been Daniel’s. “Pffft. Your coworkers, Kaitlyn’s clients, my nothing. I’m not the one that dressed her like a fantasy and put her on display. Besides, I only said what you were thinking.”

  Daniel opened his mouth and then closed it. He wasn’t as crude as Deon, but he wasn’t exactly innocent. He’d thought about her that way and about a dozen others that had her on her back, on her knees, on top of his desk at work. But mostly just beside him every day. He shook his head. Next he’d start singing power ballads.

  “Still. Don’t talk about her like that.”

  “Someone has to, if you’re not man enough to do it, bro.”

  Daniel turned and shoved his brother, who laughed.

  “You’re wound so tight it’s a wonder you don’t implode. Why don’t you just talk to her? Since when is the great Daniel Rich afraid of a girl? Anybody else and you would have hit it and quit by now.”

  Daniel frowned. It was true he had enjoyed his share of women, but Kaitlyn wasn’t just “some girl”. She was more to him than just a warm body—she made him think of home and happiness and forever in a way that should have terrified him, but didn’t. He’d tried to tell her that once. Also known as the most embarrassing fifteen minutes of his life as he stupidly blurted out his feelings and she’d blamed it on the shots they’d had for his birthday.

  He played with words for a living, and yet his stupid brain refused to give him the ones he needed. Give him five minutes and he could flesh out an ad campaign that would have the devil himself importing snow to hell, but he still couldn’t manage to tell Kaitlyn what was in his heart.

  He cursed and dragged his hands through his hair again. One false step and years of friendship would fly out the window. Was now a good time or was his brain short-circuiting after seeing her sexy performance?