LOVE AT FIRST DARE

Chapter two:A GAME WITH STAKES

Chapter Two: A Game with Stakes

James POV

As her eyes met mine, time seemed to stop. Emma, the girl that has been occupying my thoughts for many years as she stood before me looking more beautiful and stunning than ever. I took a deep breath, calming my racing heart.

" Uhm, so Emma, how have you been" I said, managing to keep my voice steady." It's nice seeing you again"

" Oh James, I have been doing great, obviously, and it's also nice seeing you again" Emma said in a calm voice.

"Alright, enough of this awkwardness, come on Emma, sit and let's have some drink and you know, have fun, shall we" John said almost immediately.

Emma took a seat next to me and a familiar and intoxicating scent embraced me, her favorite perfume. John poured our drinks, chatting away, but all I could focus on was Emma. Every time she laughed or smiled, it just made me wonder if I'm in a dream or reality, memories from high school keep flashing back.

I knew staring at her too much might make her a bit uncomfortable, so I decided to come into the conversation they were having.

"So, Emma, what have you been up to all these years," I asked with a smile.

" Well, after high school, I went to college in New York and i got a job. I'm a graphic designer now" she replied.

"Wow, that's amazing" John said, genuinely impressed. " New York must have been quite the adventure, so what about your love life, do you have a boyfriend or fiancee?"

I sat upright to listen to what she would say. " Oh, no I don't have a boyfriend, talk less about having a fiancée" she said, smiling at John.

Emma's pov

Leaning in a little closer, I said " Well it was quite an adventure, but it's good to be back. I missed this place and the people, so What about you James, What have you been up to? Are you like married" I regretted asking him immediately, what's going on in my head, i can't even control my mouth, i should take it slowly.

I could see the surprise on James's face when those words came out of my mouth, " I'm actually not married, I'm currently single, I took over my father’s business after college. It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s rewarding” james said in a cool voice.

" Wow, that's nice to hear. I have always known you would do something nice" I said smiling.

" Well, he has been single for a very long time, and his parents have been asking him to go for a date but he seems to be attached to his feelings instead", John said playfully. "Why don't we end this evening with a game. It has been long since I played truth or dare. What do you think Emma," John said smiling, pleading with his eyes.

" Of course, let's do it" I said immediately, seeing this as an opportunity to find out more about James.

"James, what do you think" John said looking at his direction.

" Yeah sure let's do it" James said immediately, but I could tell, he wasn't up for the game.

John began to arrange the table for the game, and I could see how serious he is, but my mind took me back to my parents' last words. I immediately snapped out of it when John excused himself saying he saw someone he knew and he wanted to say hi.

Leaving me and James alone at the table. "Emma" James said in a calm voice. " There is something I have always wanted to say to you for a very long time"

I looked at him, not expecting him to say anything. " What is it, James"

He took a deep breath, coming closer to me and I could feel my heart beating fast all of a sudden. He looked straight into my eyes and said.

James pov

“Emma,” I started, my voice softer now, “There’s something I’ve always wanted to say to you for a very long time.”

She looked at me, her eyes wide open, I bet she was surprised. “What is it, James?”

Taking a deep breath, I got closer to her, looking straight into her eyes because this is now or never. “Back then, when we were in high school, I had feelings for you. Strong feelings. But I was too afraid to tell you, because I don't want to get rejected.”

I looked at her and I could see how surprised she is, when she opened her mouth to say something. " James, I--"

Emma POV

I could see the sincerity in his eyes, His confession took me by surprise, my heart skipping a beat again. “James, I--”

He raised his finger and gently touched my lips to stop me from saying anything. “You don’t have to say anything. I just needed you to know how I feel towards you, Seeing you again has brought all of my feelings back, and I can’t keep the secret anymore.”

I felt a mix of emotions, surprise, confusion, and a little bit of hope. “James, I'm sorry I had no idea. If I’d known...”

He shook his head. “It’s okay, Emma. It wasn't your fault. What really matters is now. I don’t want to lose touch with you ever again”

I reached out, placing my hand on his. “You won’t, I promise.”

His eyes softened, and for the first time in years, I felt loved by someone I didn't expect. But I would be using this against him to get more information on how my parents died.

As the night drew closer, John returned with a mischievous grin. “Hey guys, let's continue.

"We've been waiting like forever” I said, feeling more relaxed.

John started with simple questions and dares, making us all laugh. Then, after a few rounds, the bottle turned to me and john turned to me with a twinkle in his eye. “Emma, truth or dare?”

I was caught up in the moment, but I replied, “Dare”

John leaned in, his grin widening. “I dare you to marry James.”

The words hung in the air, and I felt my heart stop. I was stunned for a moment, my eyes flicking to James and then back to John.

“John, what are you doing” James asked, half-laughing, half-panicking.

John smiled, looking too pleased with himself. “ Just a game, right ”

I took a deep breath, a slow smile spreading across my face, but i shouldn't let go of this opportunity. “Alright, I accept the dare.”

The room fell silent, and then we all burst into laughter, the tension breaking. But as the night wore on, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this dare might be the start of something real.