The Kissing Challenge

by Cookie O'Gorman

  Forgetting about the bet and the people surrounding us, he kissed me like he couldn't get enough. And I knew I'd always want more of him.

  Catcalls and whistling finally filtered through my brain. But it took Knight touching Captain's shoulder to break us up. We pulled back at the same time, Cap still looking at me as he backed away.

  "Job well done," Knight said.

  Liam nodded and grasped Captain's hand, exchanging what I saw was a wad of money.

  "That Gwen girl didn't even try to argue," he said. "Just handed over the cash."

  Dorothy smiled and gave us a nod. "That show was almost as good as the concert. I wish you a ton of happiness, but I better go find my best friend," she said. "Gwen hates to lose."

  I could've called that one.

  "It was nice meeting you," I said once Captain had turned away to talk to his bandmates, and I could form a coherent sentence. "Sorry about all that. I don't know what happened."

  She shrugged. "No need to apologize. You were just claiming your man."

  I opened my mouth to correct her, but she talked over me.

  "I really should go," she said. "Nice meeting you, Anne."

  "You, too," I said.

  My mind was still reeling when Captain came over a minute later.

  "Me and the boys are going to pack up and leave," he said.

  "So soon?" I asked. But what I really meant was: You're leaving now? After that kiss we just shared?

  Cap ran a hand through his hair and lifted his shoulder in a half-shrug. "I'm pretty tired. Plus, my head kind of hurts. Thought maybe I could use some sleep."

  He had a headache after kissing me? And here I was still daydreaming about how awesome it had been. Gah, I guess I'd read that wrong after all.

  "Oh yeah go," I said. "I hope you feel better."

  "Do you need a lift?" he asked.

  "No, I'm fine. My car's parked out front."

  He nodded but avoided my eyes.

  As he turned, I said, "Hey Cap?"

  "Yeah?" he said.

  "You were wonderful tonight." Hastily, I tacked on, "You know, you and the rest of the guys from Hero Complex."

  The last thing I needed was for him to think I was commenting on what an awesome kisser he was—which yeah, I kind of had been, but there was no need to make this even more awkward.

  Cap met my eyes. "Thanks, Anne. I'm glad you were here."

  Was he? Or did his quick departure mean he already regretted the kiss?

  "Make sure to take some Advil, and drink plenty of water," I said.

  His brows pinched.

  "For your head."

  "Ah yeah, I'll do that," he said. "See you later, Anne."

  "Night, Captain," I said, but he had already turned away.

  On a scale of one to ten, that kiss had been a freaking one hundred plus, plus. But if it was so good, I wondered, why did it leave me feeling this off-kilter? I'd never thought we would kiss again. I couldn't believe Captain had agreed to a repeat tonight. Though, I guess, maybe he didn't want to back down from the bet and look bad in front of his boys. That was entirely possible. It could've all been a show just to win.

  But he'd kissed me with such emotion and heat. I hadn't known my best friend was capable of that—at least not with me. It had felt real.

  The thing was…I couldn't decide whether that was the truth or wishful thinking.

  CHAPTER 5

  "Where were you last night, Anne?" Lady asked.

  My father looked like he couldn't care less as he spread a thin layer of strawberry jelly onto his biscuit and then savored the first bite. My younger sister Beth just rolled her eyes.

  "Who cares?" she said under her breath.

  But Lady wouldn't be deterred.

  "I tried to call," she said, "but you didn't pick up your phone. I was a bit worried since we were supposed to watch that documentary on Princess Diana."

  I winced. Lady had been a close family friend for the longest time. She'd helped all of us after my mom passed away, and I hated letting her down.

  "Oh I'm sorry," I said. "It totally slipped my mind."

  Mary, my youngest sister, who up until this point had only been interested in her crepes and the copy of Vogue she was perusing, finally looked up.

  "It was lovely, Anne. The princess had such wonderful gowns."

  "You watched it together then?" I asked.

  "We did," Mary said. "It wasn't like I didn't have other things to do. But Lady asked me to watch since I have such refined taste."

  Beth snorted at that.

  "You?" she said. "Refined? You should become a comedian, Mar."

  Mary just rolled her eyes. "As if your fashion sense is better?"

  Beth sniffed. "It is absolutely one hundred percent more sophisticated than yours."

  "Hmph, whatever."

  "I'm sorry I missed it," I said, but Mary's eyes had already dropped back to her magazine, and Beth didn't pay me any mind.

  "So?" Lady pressed. "Where did you go? It must've been something exciting if it made you forget our plans."

  I shrugged, stalling for time. "I went out with some friends. That's all."

  "Wasn't it to watch that terrible band play again?" Beth said.

  "They're not terrible," I said while shooting her a look. "In fact, they played awesome. A lot of people were there to see them, too."

  "What like ten?" Beth snorted again, and I wanted to tell her how unattractive that was. But I didn't have to. Lady beat me to it.

  "Don't snort, dear," she said. "It's unbecoming."

  Beth frowned but didn't say anything.

  "I'm glad you enjoyed the music, Anne."

  "More like she enjoyed the eye candy," Beth muttered.

  My blush couldn't be contained, and unfortunately, Lady was still watching me.

  "Oh, I see now. Captain must have been there."

  Her lips pursed.

  "I take it you're still friends?" she said.

  "Yes," I said slowly. "We have been for years, Lady. You know that."

  She nodded. "I just thought you'd grow out of that phase. You're so different from each other."

  "How do you mean?"

  "Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but look around. Your family is rich," she said. "And Captain's…isn't. I would've thought he'd feel threatened by you. But it's not just the money," she went on before I could dispute her claim. "You're special, Anne. You're intelligent and sensible. You have a great head on your shoulders."

  I felt my lips turn down. "We're the same. Captain's smart, too. He'd never feel less than me. You just don't know him like I do."

  Lady arched a brow. "So smart that he spends all his time with that band, earning pennies at the dives around town?"

  "They're really amazing," I said. "If you'd just come out and see them, I'm sure you'd agree."

  "Of course, they are. Of course." Her tone was patronizing, but I didn't think she was doing it on purpose. "But honey, every guy under twenty-five dreams of becoming a rock star. Hardly any of them ever make it."

  That might be true, but…

  "You don't know, Captain," I said. "He's so talented and driven. He can do anything he sets his mind to."

  "There are a lot of other men who would make a better match for you," Lady said.

  I gave her a half-smile. "We're best friends in high school, Lady. It's not like we're getting married."

  She held her hands up in defeat. "Okay well, maybe we can watch Princess Di some other time since you ended up having to cancel."

  "I'd like that," I said.

  My father suddenly spoke, "Did you go somewhere, Anne? I didn't even notice."

  Beth's smile was smug, but I just sighed. Dad never paid me much attention which was fine. We didn't have a lot in common. My father had always had a taste for the finer things in life, and he loved going out into society, being seen, rubbing elbows with the other rich people. It was simply his way—whereas I would rather stay home, read a good book, and h
ang out with people who I genuinely liked, whether they had money or not.

  "Dad, did you remember to pay off all your credit cards?" I asked.

  My father waved that away. "We're wealthy, Anne. Why must you constantly worry about these things?"

  "What about the electricity bill? And the water bill? Oh, and that other little thing called the mortgage?"

  "Yes, yes." He huffed while refolding his napkin. "You act as if I'm incompetent."

  No, I thought. Just totally oblivious. My dad enjoyed the high life, but he didn't like to think about costs or deadlines. It wouldn't be the first time he'd forgotten to pay a bill or two. My mother had been the sensible one. My father…not so much.

  "Oh Lady, did you hear about the new spa they're building?" he said.

  "No, tell me," she prompted.

  "They say it only caters to the most elite clientele. There's even supposed to be one of those anti-aging cryogenic machines. We should go and check it out."

  "Ooh sounds fun."

  He smiled, and there wasn't a wrinkle to be seen, though he was pushing fifty. "You know how serious I am about skincare."

  "I do, my friend, which is why you always look your best."

  They continued in that vein for a while and were still talking when the doorbell rang. Beth was texting on her phone, and Mary had already gone up to her bedroom. Our butler—yes, we actually had one of those—was apparently on his break because a few minutes later the doorbell rang again.

  "I'll get it," I said.

  Opening the door, I was surprised to find Captain standing there.

  "Hey," I said in wonder. "Were we supposed to do something today?"

  Captain threw me a smile. "I'm here to suck your blood," he said in what had to be the worst Transylvanian accent ever.

  I laughed. "What was that?"

  "Nothing," he said. "Just my semi-decent attempt at a vampire impression. You did say we would do it next time."

  I was taken aback. "Yeah, but I didn't think you'd want me messing with your face again so soon. I haven't even released the alien video yet."

  "Can't hurt to add more looks to your portfolio."

  "That's true," I said, trying to figure out why he was really here. But did I honestly care? No, I decided. I was thrilled to see him, and if Captain wanted me to vamp him up, I was all for it. "Well okay, let's go to my room."

  "Sounds good," he said.

  A few minutes later, I had everything prepared, my tools, all of the colors I wanted to use and a ready and willing Captain in my makeup chair.

  "This is such a cool surprise," I said. "I didn't think I'd see you."

  "But you're glad, right? That I came?"

  My brow scrunched. "I'm always happy to see you, Captain. You know that."

  His shoulders seemed to relax, and it was only then that I realized how tense he'd been before.

  "Is everything okay?" I asked hesitantly.

  "Oh yeah, great."

  "Your head feeling better?"

  Cap nodded.

  I waited a beat, but he didn't say more. Reaching for my phone which was already set up on a tripod, I hit the record button.

  "Hey everyone! Whether you're a fan of paranormal or not, I think we can all agree that shifters and vampires are always in style. And today, our focus is on the undead. Hope you like it!"

  As I was about to put the sponge to his skin, Cap grabbed my hand.

  "Anne," he said then swallowed. "I wanted to say…"

  "What?"

  My heart started beating faster the longer he held my hand. Captain searched my eyes, and I don't know what he saw. But a second later, he grinned.

  "If you make me look like Edward Cullen, I'll never forgive you," he finished.

  I huffed a laugh. "No sparkle. Got it," I said.

  "As long as we're clear."

  "Crystal." I tilted my head. "I was thinking more Vampire Diaries anyway. Subtle, just bringing out your natural vamp. Or even like Eric from True Blood."

  "He's a badass," Cap said. "I'm good with that."

  "Can I carry on then?"

  He gave a nod and then released me. Even that small touch made my fingers tingle. Focus, Anne. He's your best friend, and he's here to help you. That's it.

  Taking a deep breath, I approached Cap again and began smoothing a base across his forehead and cheeks. His natural tan wouldn't do. I had to lighten up his skin a bit, but I didn't want to do too much. A little went a long way. Next, I added shading to bring out his bone structure, his strong cheekbones and jaw.

  God, I thought. He is so beautiful.

  "You okay?" Captain asked.

  Apparently, I'd stood frozen for too long.

  Shaking myself, I said, "Yes. Eyes closed, please."

  Captain complied, and I added some soft cream to his lids. Next came a bit of eyeliner, less than I used for when he played with Hero Complex. The lights here wouldn't wash him out, so I didn't need as much.

  "Okay, almost done," I said, and he opened his eyes.

  Something was missing as I looked over his face. But I couldn't quiet put my finger on what. My gaze went to his lips, and I nodded. That was it.

  "Can you bite your lip for me?" I said.

  Captain's eyes flared, but he did as I asked, biting down on his lips, adding a natural rosy tint. The move caused my breath to quicken.

  "They just needed some color." My voice thankfully remained steady.

  "Is that good?"

  Oh my, yes, I thought.

  What I said was, "Yeah, looks awesome. Now, I'll add a few drops of blood, make it look like you just had a little afternoon snack."

  "A snack would be nice," Captain mumbled.

  I could've sworn he leaned toward me when he said that.

  I tried to concentrate, but he was too close. Plus, Captain's eyes followed my every move. I hoped he wouldn't notice the slight shake of my hand as I left little red dots in strategic places from the corner of his mouth down his strong chin.

  "There," I said with relief. "Now, if you could just muss your hair, we'll be done."

  He ran his hands through those dark locks. The end result? He was even more devastating than he'd been only seconds ago.

  Captain arched a brow, and my heart tried to escape my chest.

  "Perfect," I said.

  Reaching for my phone, I tried to get a few profile shots, but Cap's gaze stayed on me as I walked around him.

  "Um," I said and stopped recording. "Well, thanks, Captain. Edward, Daemon and Eric have nothing on you."

  I turned around, fiddling with my brushes and makeup, pretending to put everything away when in reality I needed a break from those intense eyes. The room had been getting warmer since he sat in that chair. I tried for a joke to break the tension.

  "Seriously though, you're rocking the vampire look," I said with a laugh. My back was still to him. "Maybe you should walk around like this all the time."

  "Maybe I will," he said which made me freeze. I hadn't heard him move. But from the sound of his voice and the warmth at my back, I knew he was standing right behind me. "If you keep looking at me like that, I'll definitely consider it."

  Two feelings were fighting for dominance in my mind.

  I didn't know if I was more embarrassed that he'd noticed me staring—or too turned on to care. As he lowered his head to my neck, it caused goosebumps to rise, and I knew. My attraction was definitely beating out my self-consciousness.

  "Captain," I breathed as he dropped a feather-light kiss to my neck.

  "Hmm?" he asked.

  "What are you doing?"

  "I don't know," he said. "Want me to stop?"

  I was just about to tell him, Never. Please don't stop. But before I could get the words to form, there was a knock at my door. It opened a second later.

  "Hey, hello? Anne?" Lady stuck her head in. Her eyes widened as they traveled from me to Captain. "Oh, I'm sorry. I wasn't aware you had company."

  "That's okay," I said, tryi
ng to regain my cool as Captain took a step back.

  "I really should've waited to be let in. That was rude of me."

  "No, it's fine," I repeated. "We were almost done anyway."

  Captain's brow furrowed, and I threw him a self-depreciating smile.

  "Lady, this is my best friend, Captain," I said. "I can't remember if you've met."

  Lady gave a brief nod. "Though you talk about him constantly, I believe this is the first time we've set eyes on each other."

  Captain leaned forward and held out his hand.

  "It's nice to meet you," he said.

  "Charmed." Lady hummed, but I noticed she didn't take his hand. Instead her eyes simply moved over him as Cap's arm returned to his side. "Do you always look so pale, or is this Anne's doing?"

  "It was me," I said, giving a mental sigh. That explained why she was looking at him so funny. Captain still had on the vampire makeup. "He doesn't usually look so corpse-like."

  "Anne," she huffed. "Please."

  I laughed as Captain threw an arm around my shoulders.

  "Yeah, I let Anne use my face as a canvas whenever she wants," Captain said.

  "Isn't that nice." Lady smiled and then turned her attention back to me. "Your father needs you downstairs, Anne. That's why I came up to get you."

  I blinked. "Really?"

  My father never needed me for anything. He'd talk to Lady or Beth about the latest fashions. It was a passion they all shared. I could've cared less who was wearing what or dating who.

  "Yes," she said. "It's an urgent matter. Sorry, young man, but I'm going to have to steal your friend away."

  Captain gave a slow nod. "That's fine. Thanks again, Anne, for letting me come over."

  "Of course," I said, pushing some wipes into his hand. "Here, take these. Make sure you get all the makeup off, or it will clog your pours. Drive safe, Captain."

  "I will." His lips turned up, and he gestured to his face. "Wouldn't want to get stopped looking like this."

  The smile turned a bit stiff as he looked at Lady.

  "Nice to meet you, ma'am."

  "Likewise," she said.

  "Bye, Anne," he said.

  "Thanks for being the best non-sparkly vampire ever," I called, and he threw a wave over his shoulder, chuckling as he left the room. Part of me was glad Lady had interrupted us. I didn't know what I would've done if she hadn't. And the more I thought about it, the less certain I was that Captain had kissed my neck at all. The brush of his lips had been so soft, barely there, like butterfly's wings. There was a good chance I had dreamed it.