It was just a simple party game.

    Someone drew a Joker, the rest grabbed number cards. The one with the Joker became King and could tell anyone with a number card to do whatever they wanted—no questions asked.

    Most people at the table were couples: Joshua and Allison, Brian and Sabrina, George and Tracey. The singles were Olivia, Watson, Carolyn, and Eason.

    And that''s where things got interesting.

    Everybody knew Watson was crushing on Allison-he wasn''t exactly subtle about it. Carolyn, on the other hand, made it pretty obvious she liked Joshua. As for Olivia and Eason, nobody could really tell what was going on there, but Allison knew Eason only showed up because Olivia was here.

    The rules were basic, but the dares could get wild-whatever the King said, you had to do.

    First round, Sabrina snagged the Joker.

    She scanned the room, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Ten of Spades-give me a hundred push-ups."

    Brian let out a dramatic groan. "Seriously? You''re the King already? How do you always get so lucky?"

    Sabrina just shed him a smug grin. "It''s called being in sync."

    Brian sighed and got up. "Great. Next time, you''re not allowed to shuffle."

    He dropped right onto the living room floor and started repping out push-ups like it was nothing.

    Brian breezed through fifty without so much as a heavy breath.

    George smirked, "Damn, dude. That''s some stamina."

    Brian shot him a look, grinning. “Of course. Gotta keep someone fromining about my endurance, right?"

    Sabrina''s face turned bright red. "Stop talking nonsense! Shut your mouth!"

    "Yes, ma''am."

    Olivia snickered from the couch.

    Sabrina whipped around, eyes narrowed. "What are youughing at? Don''t tell

    me you got that joke. Olivia, are you even innocent anymore?"

    Olivia just smiled, shaking her head. "I seriously have no idea what you''re talking about."

    Brian finished all hundred push-ups

    and hopped up, just a little out of breath. He grabbed a water bottle took a swig, and grinned at everyone. "Please. Hundred

    push-ups? With my eight-pack, that''s nothing."

    Sabrina shot him a death re.

    Brian just waggled his eyebrows. you

    3ooking at me like t abs I''ve got t

    You know better than

    "Brian!" Sabrina''s blush deepened.

    Their back-and-forth had everyone especially Allison. For the e all night, she felt her

    first

    rx and enjoy the moment.

    Next round, George pulled the Joker.

    He cocked his head, smirking. "Six of Hearts-pick someone of the opposite sex

    and kiss them. Right here, right now."

    Brian whooped. "Whoa, George! Going all out, huh? That''s what I''m talking about."

    George just grinned, totally unapologetic. "It''s a party game-supposed to be fun, right?"

    Brian looked around yfully. "Alright, who''s the lucky or unlucky Six of Hearts?"

    Allison peeked at her cards-Four of Spades. She let out a quiet sigh of relief. Everyone else seemed relieved too.

    Then Joshua quietly flipped over his card for everyone to see. Six of Hearts.

    Brian leaned in with a big, goofy grin. "Well, well, Josh. I wonder who you''ll pick. Gotta be Allie, right?"

    The answer was obvious.

    Who else would it be?

    Allison could feel her cheeks heating up-she wasn''t sure if it was the wine or just pure embarrassment.

    Joshua''s eyes met hers, his voice low and smooth. "Allie, may I have this kiss?"

    Brian couldn''t resist. "Look at you, being all gentlemanly. Asking for permission and everything!"