The Sweetest Dare by Leigh Ellwood Page A

her at the Den, I got upset,” she said. “Sidney likes her fun, too, and I worry what Annalise has in mind.”
    “Then why are you talking to me?” Tish stood and made a shooing motion with both hands. “You like Sidney… and want to be with her?”
    “Yeah.” More than anything, she wanted to cozy up in bed tonight with Sidney and surrender this horrible afternoon to sleep. Even if they didn’t make love tonight, she’d be content with spooning the shorter woman, her arm draped over Sidney’s and their legs twined.
    “Go to her, now. Listen to what she wants. You believe she’s worth it, so give it to her. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
    Kit remained in place, and Tish rounded the desk and hugged her. “I don’t care if you’re gay or straight, but I care for your happiness, Kit. Be happy.”
    “Okay,” Kit said, standing still.
    “Go. Now!” Tish barked, and she skidded out of the office.

Chapter Seven
    Sid checked her phone for the umpteenth time, her mood falling closer to the floor to find no response from Kit. The idea of hanging around the Den all night with Annalise and two of her friends appealed less to her now, especially since the other women shared none of her interests. She’d tried to engage them in conversation, but every time the live karaoke band struck a chord to begin a new song, her voice faded into the background.
    She sat in a corner circular booth with Annalise, who clamped a protective arm around each girl. They could have been twins with their matching piercings, hairstyles, and clothes, but Sid spotted the differences in their faces. The one on the right, Skylar, directed much of her attention to her phone, while Paris chewed gum and stared at the band with vacant eyes.
    “I’m surprised they started the music this early,” she said after the rather jarring rendition of Janelle Monae’s “Tightrope” ended. “Any other place, things don’t get rolling until late.”
    “This is late for Dareville.” Annalise tipped her beer bottle to her lips. “Downtown rolls up the sidewalks at six, but you know that because you work at Tish’s.”
    She didn’t need the reminder. She thought of Kit—actually had her on the brain all this time—and wondered what would happen at work tomorrow if tonight passed without an appearance from her. Roman’s voice nagged at her, but she’d called and texted a few times. It wouldn’t help to appear desperate. She’d lobbed enough balls into Kit’s side of the court.
    “Yeah, I guess. Have you decided on a song yet?”
    Annalise had a copy of the song list, and three heads bent to study the tiny print. “I changed my mind about Mary Lambert. I’ll probably play it safe, maybe ‘Raise Your Glass’ or ‘Wrecking Ball.’”
    One of the pierced pseudo-twins snorted at that, and waved down the waitress. The slim brunette took their orders, then smiled at Sidney and complimented her outfit. “Haven’t you seen you in a while, sweetie.”
    Sid tried to recall the server’s name, and when nothing sprang to memory she thanked her and ordered the Key Lime Pie martini. Annalise gave her a puckered frown.
    “What?” Sid laughed.
    “I don’t know how anybody can drink those. Kit loves ’em, but I think they’re too damn sour.” Annalise held up her beer in rebuttal.
    “Depends on who makes them, I guess.” Sid glanced at the bar and didn’t recognize the woman making drinks there.
    “I wouldn’t mind trying one,” said Skylar, who looked as if she regretted ordering a Cosmopolitan.
    “I don’t see Marie tending bar tonight, so I can’t vouch for how it will taste.” Kit told her as much that night in the back room, where they danced and flirted and turned each other on to the point that the rest of the club beaded with sweat.
    Why am I here? She wasn’t enjoying herself without Kit. She moved to slide out of the booth but her companions emptied from the other end, with Annalise returning as Skylar and Paris