Just One Dare (The Kingston Family 5)

It was time to face her past.

“I’m ready,” she said to Chloe.

Her sister pulled her into a hug—something that even after five years, she was still getting used to, after a lifetime deprived of affection.

She hugged Chloe back. “Thank you.”

“Don’t be silly. That’s what family is for.” Chloe shot her a look and Aurora nodded.

Chloe stepped towards the bathroom door and walked outside, and Aurora followed behind. But she didn’t have to go far.

Just as she stepped out into the hallway, she came face to face with Nick.

Chapter Two

Arms folded across his chest, Nick waited, leaning against the wall in the small hallway. His patience was wearing thin and he was this close to barging into the Ladies’ Room when the woman who’d followed Aurora inside stepped out, with Aurora right behind her.

He pushed himself up and blocked her escape. Up close, her porcelain skin looked pale and those blue eyes seemed a little too large in her face. But she was still gorgeous. She’d grown up, filled out in all the best ways, and looking at her knocked him on his ass.

“Nick.”

His name, coming from those glossed lips, did something to him. “So, you remember me.”

She swallowed hard and glanced at her friend. “I’m okay, Chloe. You can go find Beck. I’ll look for you after Nick and I talk.”

Chloe, an attractive blonde—though not as pretty as Aurora, at least in Nick’s eyes—gave him a long, assessing look. “Okay. But you know your brothers are all here if you need them,” she said, her gaze never leaving Nick’s. Clearly that comment had been for his benefit. A warning, not to hurt Aurora.

Wait a minute. Brothers? Aurora had told him she was an only child.

Chloe strode off, leaving them alone.

“So…this is a shock.” Her hands twisted around her small purse, showing her nervousness.

“I came back to the diner to see you.” He believed in getting right to the point.

After she’d left his room all those years ago, he’d tried to convince himself that what they’d shared was nothing more than one special night. But he couldn’t let her go. He’d been drawn to her in a way he couldn’t explain. So, he’d shown up at the diner where they’d met a couple of hours later, only to have another server inform him that it was her day off. He’d left with a weight in his gut, knowing he was getting on a plane at six a.m. the next morning, and it was likely he’d never see her again.

“I know,” she said softly. “I thought it was best if we didn’t get any further involved.” She glanced away, obviously finding it hard to meet his gaze.

As realization dawned, his gut began to churn. “You were there and didn’t want to see me.”

She tipped her head, acknowledging the truth. “It was only supposed to be one night, and my life was more complicated than I let on.”

He groaned, understanding her reasoning even if he hated the truth. “Then tell me now.” He wanted to understand what had cost them all these years.

She drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. “We do need to talk, Nick, but the movie is going to start soon and I can’t miss it. A lot of my family members are involved in the production.”

“So is my brother,” he said. “Which brings me to another question. You told me you had no family.” Had she lied and if so, why? And had she lied about anything else?

“I didn’t. At least, not until Linc Kingston came to find me. Look, it’s a very long story and I will tell you. Just not now.”

Patience wasn’t his strong suit, but he had to agree with her, especially once the lights began flashing, indicating they were to head into the theater.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell. “Give me your number,” he said, handing it to her. No way would he rely on her calling him.

She accepted the phone and input her number.

He took it back and immediately hit send, causing a ring to sound from her purse.

“You don’t trust me?” she asked, her eyes open wide.

He couldn’t control the smirk that crossed his lips. “Just not taking any chances of losing you again.” He winked at her and walked off, leaving her to think about the possibilities of their reunion.

He’d be doing the same. No way would he be able to pay attention to whatever was happening on the big screen in front of him. Even if his brother’s ugly mug was front and center.

* * *

Aurora walked into the theater and strode toward the front row, where her family would be seated. But instead of everyone settling in to watch the movie, the Kingstons were in a group, talking excitedly.

“Chloe? What’s going on?” Aurora asked, joining them.