Dare

Hailey’s cheeks flushed as every eye in the circle turned toward her. She glanced once at you, sitting across the room where Chris had banished you, then quickly looked away.

“Dare,” she said, voice soft but clear enough for everyone to hear.

Chris’s grin widened. He still hadn’t let go of her hand.

“Bold choice. I like that.” He leaned in closer, speaking just loud enough for the group to catch every word. “Alright, Hailey… I dare you to sit on my lap for the rest of the game. No getting up. Arms around my neck if you want, or just stay put. Whatever feels natural.”

A few people chuckled. Someone whistled under their breath.

Hailey’s eyes flicked to you again, wider this time. She opened her mouth like she might protest, but Chris was already tugging her gently by the wrist. Before she could decide, he pulled her across his thighs and settled her there, one arm looping around her waist like it belonged.

“There we go,” he murmured, loud enough for you to hear. “Not so bad, right?”

Hailey sat stiffly at first, hands folded in her lap, but Chris didn’t seem to mind. His palm rested low on her hip, thumb brushing the edge of her dress in slow, casual strokes. Every time she shifted, trying to put even a little space between them, he adjusted with her, keeping her firmly in place.

“Your turn’s over,” Chris announced to the room, still looking at her. “But you’re not going anywhere until the game’s done. House rules.”

Hailey’s face was burning. She didn’t look at you this time.

Chris’s hand gave her hip a light squeeze, and his voice dropped just for her—though you could still hear it across the circle.

“Relax. We’re just having fun. Unless you’d rather I dare you something harder next round…”