The Dare

Emery's POV

I accidentally kissed a guy today, not knowing he's the new CEO the company I work in.

Two Hours Earlier

"I'm sorry Amanda, I can't come with you guys. I have to submit all the designs by tomorrow," I say in a pleading tone. The papers scattered in front of me were giving me anxiety, and I knew I needed a break but I had to finish all the pending work. And it's not like I afford a break, all my life I've just kept grinding, and now when I'm so close to achieving my dream, I can't stop.

"Emery! Listen to me, we're not going without you okay?". I hear Amanda's firm voice creak through the other side of the phone.

"But–," before I could say another word, she hung up. The signals were weak and maybe that's why the call dropped.

I shook my head and started working on the designs again. Sometimes, I really just want to run away from everything and start a new life, where no one could recognize me, where I won't have to worry about anything or do any work.

But I can't, no matter how much I want to break free from all the chains holding me back, I can never run away. I have to do this for my mom, I have to keep working hard so she can live a peaceful life, so she can break free from my alcoholic father.

I pushed aside all my thoughts, hoping that Amanda and the others would have left without me but I was wrong. I was deeply engrossed in my work when a sudden knock on the door startled me.

"Who is it?" I asked anxiously.

I recognized Amanda's voice calling my name from outside the door. "Hurry up Emery, open the door, we're not getting any younger out here," she said, her tone mischievous.

I opened the door, expecting to see just Amanda, but to my surprise, three more figures pushed their way into my apartment. My friends from fashion school – Amanda, Jules, and Mindy.

"We're going out to celebrate Mindy's break up," Jules announced, "And you're coming with us."

I hesitated, my eyes darting back to my unfinished work on the table. "I really can't, guys," I protested, my voice tinged with regret. "I have so much left to do, and this deadline is looming over me."

"I told you, sweetie, we're not going without you," Amanda patted my head and jumped on the sofa.

Mindy, with her eyes red from tears and heartbreak, stepped forward and held my hands. "Please, Emery," she whispered. "I need you tonight. I can't face this pain alone. I know you hate going out, but come for me only."

How could I have said no to her puppy eyes? These people have always been there for me in my moments of need, they were truly my found family.

I cupped Mindy's face, and hugged her, " It's okay Mindy, you'll find someone better than that stupid Mason. And you deserve the best man out there."

"So, you're coming with us right?" Mindy asked innocently.

"Yes, just let me organize all this," I say as I tidy up the table covered with scattered papers.

Amanda wasted no time, thrusting a dress into my hands.

"What's this?" I ask.

"A dress, now hurry up and get ready," Jules pushed me towards the bathroom.

The three of them glanced at each other and I knew something was fishy.

It was a dress I would have never chosen for myself – bright red, tight, short, revealing all my curves. As I hesitantly slipped into the dress, I couldn't help but feel a rush of insecurity. My curves, usually hidden beneath the baggy clothes, were on full display.

"You look....gorgeous," Amanda said, as I stepped outside. Jules and Mindy nodded in unison.

"Come on, let's go. We'll do your makeup in the car. We can't keep the night waiting," Jules declared.

With the clock ticking, we hurried out of my apartment, our laughter filling the hallway. The night air was cold, and as we piled into Amanda's car, I couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom. My friends were my only escape from the reality, and I was grateful to have each one of them in my life.

Jules did my makeup while Mindy helped her. I wasn't allowed to speak until the makeup was done, they knew me too well.

Arriving at the bar, the pulsating music and vibrant atmosphere surrounded us. For a moment, I forgot about all my worries, my work, and that I had to wake up at 7 o'clock to attend the ceremony held for the new CEO of our company.

Amanda ordered the drinks as we settled on our seats.

"Okay, so here's the thing girls. To make this night more exciting we're going to play dare devil," Jules explained, and right from the start I didn't like this idea. The last time we played this game, Amanda had ended up having a one-night stand with a total stranger.

The game was simple, complete the dare or take a shot. Normally, Mindy would have been the one to refrain us all from playing this game, but she was too heartbroken and wanted some thrill, so she was the most enthusiastic today.

"Yay, let's do it. I choose Amanda," said Mindy, while looking around the bar trying to find her target.

"You see that nerd right there, with glasses," she pointed and our eyes instantly followed her finger and towards a young guy, sitting all by himself.

"I bet he's not even eighteen," Amanda claimed, and we all chuckled.

"Doesn't matter, you have to seduce him into buying all of us a drink or you can just have a shot of this tequilla," Mindy got excited, which was a good sign. It meant the game had worked.

"Piece of cake," Amanda stood up and approached the guy as we all watched her from afar. Amanda had a charm in her, people were instantly attracted to her. We couldn't quite see from this distance, but it was clear the guy was swayed by now.

Amanda came back smiling, ruffling her hand in her hair, "Four more drinks, please, and add it to that young man's bill."

"That's my girl. It's your turn now," Mindy said in a loud voice and we all applauded.

"I'm going to pick Emery," Amanda looked at me and I couldn't help but feel anxious. All eyes were on me now.

"You have to kiss the next person that enters this bar."

For a second, I forgot how to breathe. Their eyes were fixed on me as they waited for my answer. Kissing a complete stranger was the last thing I wanted to do tonight, but being hungover at the ceremony tomorrow, haunted me even more.

I had a choice, and then I thought of something. It was my life and I wanted to be free even if it was for a mere second. This was solely my decision and I chose what my heart wanted, I wanted some excitement in my life as well and so I said yes.

"Wish me luck, girls," I said as I made my way to the entrance door. I heard hooting from behind, knowing my friends were rooting for me and had my back.

My hands trembled as I surged through the crowd, hoping I wouldn't have to kiss a man triple my age.

The door opened and my heart skipped a beat, it was indeed a man triple my age. I closed my eyes, and let out a deep sigh. There was no going back now, I opened my eyes ready to kiss the man but to my surprise he turned around and left the bar. I let out a sigh of relief, the door creaked opened again and there he was.

A man in his late twenties, and in an expensive blue suit. I had never seen anyone more attractive than this man who was coming straight towards my direction.

This was my chance, I had to complete the dare. So I grabbed his collar by both hands, pulled him closer and without wasting a single moment, I kissed him.

Even with my eyes closed I knew he was surprised, and shocked to the extent that he didn't even flinch. I abruptly pulled away, his eyes were open wide and before he could ask me for an explanation I spoke,

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I thought you were someone else," I quickly made my way to back to my friends, I could see the shock evident in their eyes as well. Thier mouths wide open, " Come on, we need to get out of here," I said hurriedly, I didn't want us to get in any kind of trouble or the guy chasing us down.

We quicly grabbed our things and went straight outside, by using the backdoor so no one could catch us. As we sat inside the car, our laughter got louder and it was truly a night to remember.

And if I was being honest with myself, I really liked the little kissed I shared with that handsome stranger.