It Started with a Dare

15

"What would you like?" Ridge asked.

"Uh, strawberry and vanilla swirl," I said with a smile. Ridge grinned and wrapped an arm around my waist. He told the ice cream guy what he wanted then paid for it. We waited for the guy to scoop it then we left the shop.

Ridge eyes the park across the street then looked at me. "Park?" he asked.

I licked my ice cream and nodded. "Yes," I said.

We made our way over to the park, and Ridge dipped his finger into his ice cream and wiped it on my nose. I gasped, and he laughed, "I gotta say. Rocky Road suits you."

I did the same thing he did, and Ridge smiled then tried to lick his nose, making me laugh. "I can't get it!" he said then did something I did something I didn't expect. He licked my nose.

"Did you just lick my nose?" I laughed, wiping my nose.

"I did," He said proudly, wiping his nose.

I shook my head, smiling. "You're weird."

"And you're beautiful," he said seriously.

I blushed. "Thank you," I said then licked my ice cream.

Ridge and I took a seat on the swings. "So, Braelyn, remember when I asked you if you thought people can change?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, what about it?"

"Did you know who I was referring to?" he asked.

I shook my head. "No, who?" I asked.

"Myself," he said, licking his ice cream. "All throughout high school I have played girls. I would make them feel special for a day then break their heart the next."

"I know," I said.

"Then, I met you," He said. "I've been doing some thinking, and I really want to change. I really do. I'm ready for it."

"Like I said, people can change, Ridge," I said.

"Even someone like me?" he asked, sincerity in his eyes.

I nodded. "Yes," I said almost in a whisper. Then, Ridge leaned over and kissed me. "What was that for?"

He smiled. "I don't know, but I liked it," he said.

I finished off my ice cream cone then began to swing. Ridge did the same thing. "I'll bet you twenty bucks that I can jump further than you," Ridge said.

"What are we six?" I laughed.

"Aw, is Braelyn scared?" he teased, swinging higher.

I glared and began swinging higher. "No," I said.

"When I count to three, we jump out," Ridge said, grinning. "Alright. One. Two....three!"

We both jumped out, and I landed further than him and on my feet. He landed on his side. "Are you okay?" I laughed as he groaned.

He smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine." I walked over to him and held my hand out to him. He rolled his eyes, taking it, and I helped him up. "I guess I owe you twenty bucks."

I held my hand out and grinned. "Yes, you do," I said. "And a kiss."

Ridge handed me a twenty and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. I wrapped my arms around his neck. "I had a good time tonight," I said.

"Me, too," he said then leaned in. I leaned in, too, until our lips met. Ridge smiled against my lips, and put more force. I didn't want it to end, but it did, unfortunately. "I think I should take you home."

I sighed, "Yeah."

"We'll do this again sometime," he promised, planting a kiss on my nose.

"Okay," I said. We made our way back to the car, and Ridge opened my door for me. "Thank you," I said, getting in.

"Your welcome," he said, shutting the door. He got in on his side, fastened his seatbelt, and turned the car. He pulled out of the parking lot and grabbed my hand as he drove me home.

"So, I'll be busy this weekend, but I was thinking next Wednesday we could do something," Ridge said.

I smiled. "Okay, sounds good."

"I really had a good time with you tonight, Braelyn," Ridge said, looking over at me.

"I did, too, Ridge," I replied. The rest of the car ride was in a comfortable silence. When he pulled into the driveway, I sighed. "Guess it is time to face the Stooges."

"It shouldn't be too bad," Ridge said. I unfastened my seatbelt, and I leaned over. Ridge planted a kiss on my lips, and I got out. "Goodnight, sunshine."

"Goodnight, Ridge," I said then shut the door. I made my way into the house, and was greeted by my three brothers. "Hola, amigos."

"Do you know what time it is?" Nick demanded.

I looked at my watch. "Eleven thirty," I said.

"It's late," Kyle said.

"Oh, shut up. It's okay for the twins to stay out all hours of the night," I said.

"We're older," Nathan said.

"By a year, stupid," I said. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," they all mumbled. I went up to my room, where I got ready for bed. I flopped onto my bed when I was done, and I closed my eyes. Immediately, Ridge clouded my dreams.