Chapter 21 - Dares

What was I doing? What did I have in mind?

The man with the huge hat looked at me puzzled, frowning his forehead and wondering how come I walked to him and hastily.

I took a deep breath and mentally curse Cameron for having dared me to go there.

"I …" I stuttered, I barely recognized myself, where was the confident Lily who could manage to speak in front of dozen of people for a business meeting?

I called her to my rescue, "I like your hat." I said, trying to sound as much sincere as I can and oddly enough I succeed in my effort.

He hinted at a smile but from the way, his eyes slightly narrowed I could say he was still puzzled by my approach.

I wanted to confess the truth, that it was only a bet but I doubted he would help me if he did.

I offered a big smile, "can I try it on? I am from Manhattan, and I had never seen such a particular hat!" I put so much emphasis in my exclamation that I felt like a Hollywood actress and like Regina in mean girls with her lying capabilities.

He believed in my efforts that time and lead me the hat.

Oh God, I swallowed down and took it, I turned around to make sure Cameron was looking at me. He giggled under his breath, how silly I was to hope he would take back his dare?!

He nodded to let me deduce I had to wear it. I rolled my eyes and without thinking about it too much since I didn't have any intention to change my mind before it was too late.

Cameron exploded in a loud laugh and I immediately gave the hat back to the owner thanking him and walking back to Cameron.

"Happy?" I said, he was still laughing.

I am sure if any of those people looked at us right now they would think the same thing I thought about them, that we were carefree.

And maybe they were right because despite the embarrassment I felt when I put the hat on, now I felt I was so light and free from any thought and preoccupation.

"My turn!" I said, a grin forming on my lips as I think of my revenge on him.

"Did you already plan where we are going to eat at dinner?"

I knew the answer without the need to hear him say it aloud, "yes I did."

Of course, he did, if he didn't wouldn't be Cameron Collins.

I bit my inner cheek not to laugh at how predictable he was.

"Well cancel the plans now, I will decide the place and what you order."

He shook his head, "I already know the restaurant I booked so.."

I stretched my hand, "I wore a huge hat, you owe me."

we both laughed and he finally gave up, sighing he lifted his hands in a sign of surrender.

"Good," I said, smiling proudly. I didn't know where to book but I knew I had to challenge him so the place had to be a restaurant where he would never step foot inside.

As we walked back on the taxi to drive us to the hotel, a familiar smirk appeared on Cameron's lips and I knew he had another dare for me.

I hoped he would be more lenient with me but something told me I was wrong.

He pointed at a dollar shop in front of us, "go there and steal something."

My eyes opened widely and my jaw dropped.

Did he lose his mind?

I shook my head, "no way." I didn't want to end in jail the first day I spend challenging myself.

"Kiss me then." he rectified and I unconsciously rolled my eyes as I met his gaze again he had already leaned forward and cupped my chin with his hand.

"I hate when you roll your eyes at me, Miss Lily Waldorf. Don'r you dare to do that again." He whispered and the next moment his lips pressed on mine and his hands slipped on my neck.

My back was pushed on the car door, and my hair fell to the side when his hand wrapped around my neck as he slouched forward.

He departed still so close to my lips that I could feel his breath.

"I will show you how to do it," he said.

He stepped down and stretched for my hand and when I took it he pushed me out of the car.

We walked into the shop and Cameron whispered to me to distract the owner as he stole something.

My heart raced in my chest, I didn't steal anything since when I was a kid and stole candy from the doctor. Well, those candies were free but to me, that still counted as stealing.

"Hi, it's the first time in Las Vegas," I said, flashing a big smile on the guy who barely looked at me.

He seemed way too focused on his phone to notice me. I looked at Cameron with the corner of my eye and he was checking the objects.

When he met my gaze I widened my eyes to suggest he hurry since my anxiety level was increasing.

After one minute he walked behind me when he said, "I'm done."

I nodded and waved good night to the owner who still didn't flinch his eyes away from the phone screen.

Until he lifted his chin to glance at us and he spoke as soon as soon as we were going to walk out of the threshold.