It Started with a Dare

4

"Hello, Sunshine," Ridge greeted, plopping beside me during lunch.

"You know, if I didn't know you, I would think you have a crush on me," I said, not looking up from my book.

He grinned and laid back on the grass. "But you do you know me, so...." Ridge replied as I looked up. He turned his head until he was looking at me.

"Why do you continue to bother me?" I asked.

"Chill. It's only been what three days since you slapped me. I still haven't gotten my revenge for that," he chucked,

I rolled my eyes. "So, you're revenge is to get on my nerves?" I asked.

He nodded. "Precisely," he said.

I feigned shock. "You used a big word," I said.

"I'm not as dumb as I act, Sawyer," Ridge said.

"Could've fooled me."

He placed a hand over his heart. "I'm hurt. You are so rude. Didn't your mother teach you anything about feelings?" he asked.

I flinched at the word mother. Ridge caught it. "Why'd you flinch?" he asked.

I forced a smile and raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? I didn't flinch."

"Yeah, you did."

"Did not."

"Did to."

I groaned, "It's nothing, McCain. Drop it." I took a sip of my tea, and I shook my head. "It's nothing."

"I don't believe you for a second. C'mon, what is it? What did I say?"

I grabbed my tray and stood up. "Ridge, just drop it. I'll catch you later," I said.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Away from you," I said, smirking.

"Now, Sunshine, I'm not that annoying."

I nodded. "Oh, yes, you are."

He groaned, sitting up. "Why do you hate me so much, Braelyn?" he asked truthfully.

I sat back down. "Who said I hated you? I don't. I just think you're annoying."

Ridge nodded. "Then, let's hang out."

I snorted and stood up. "Nope," I said then advanced toward the trashcan. Ridge was hot on my heels.

"Come on, Sawyer. Let's get ice cream or something," he said as we walked back into the school. 

I looked at him. "Why do you want to hang out with me? You met me like what? Two? Three days ago?"

Ridge grinned then wrapped an arm around my waist, stopping me. I eyed his arm until he dropped it. "Sorry. It's just that you spark my interest."

I scoffed, "Is that your best pick up line?"

Ridge laughed, "I'm not that big of a player." I crossed my arms, giving him a flat look. "Okay, maybe I am." I narrowed my eyes. "Fine. I am."

"My answer is still no, McCain," I said, turning on my heel.

He grabbed my wrist. "Braelyn, I'm asking for one date. If you don't like me, you will never have to deal with me again."

I shook my head. "No," I said.

"Why not?"

"For one, your jerk. Two, I don't like you. Three, I barely know you. Four, you are in the same crowd as my two idiot brothers. Fiv-"

Ridge threw his hands up. "Okay, I get it. Your answer is no."

I smiled. "Finally," I said.

"What if you got to know me? We can play twenty questions or something," Ridge replied.

I sighed, "You are not going to give up, are you?"

"I'm an impossible man, Sawyer," he said, flashing me his signature smile that made girls trip on air.

I groaned, "That you are. I'll think about it. Is that good enough for you?"

He leaned against the wall. "Only if your answer is yes."

"I said that I would think about it," I told him, shifting my book under my arm.

"Fine, Braelyn. Fine," he said then winked. "I'll catch you later, Sunshine."

"Stop calling me that!" I exclaimed as he walked away. He just kept walking.
××××××
Emilee met me in the library during our free period. I looked up from my book as she sat down, her face bright. "Spill," I said.

"So, you know how I suggested that we get Ridge back. Embarrass him?"

I groaned, "I didn't think you were serious!"

She gave me a confused look. "Of course I was serious, Braelyn," she said.

I put my hands up. "Whatever it is I don't want anything to do with it."

Emilee groaned, "Come on, Braelyn!"

"Nope. Not in on it."

She rolled her eyes. "Do you at least want to know what I had in mind?"

I shook my head. "No," I said.

"You're no fun."

"Thank you," I replied.

Emilee placed her hand on her fist. "Did anything exciting happen to you today?" she asked.

"Ridge asked me out on a date, but other than that, no."

Emilee gasped, "What did you say?"

"What did you think I said? I said no," I replied.

"You should've said yes," Emilee said.

"Drop it."