We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 193

Chapter 193

The room erupted in protests.

“What kind of depressing question is that?”

“It’s a party, Ridley, not a philosophy class!”

But I couldn’t look away from Ridley’s eyes. There was something

there–a vulnerability I’d never seen before, as if the answer actually

mattered to him.

I thought about it, remembering all those melodramatic K–dramas I’d

binged during college. “If I knew I was dying,” I said slowly, “I’d

probably find some quiet place to be alone. I wouldn’t want to burden

anyone else with my pain.”

Something flickered across Ridley’s face. Without a word, he picked

up his glass and drained it in one go. The action seemed so out of

character for a man who usually sipped his drinks with calculated

restraint that I found myself staring.

Before I could decipher his reaction, Gordon had already spun the

bottle again. I watched with mounting dread as it slowed and, against

all probability, pointed at me again.

175

Chapter 193

“No way!” I protested.

“You can’t pick truth twice in a row,” Gordon declared. “House rules.

It’s dare or nothing, Cedar.”

“Fine,” I sighed, mentally preparing myself. In college, these dares

had been harmless–chug a beer, eat something gross, sing an

embarrassing song. How bad could it be?

Gordon’s grin turned predatory. “I dare you to kiss any man in this

room. One full minute.”

“What?” I blinked in disbelief.

This wasn’t college anymore. This was a room full of heirs from

different industries. Most of them probably had their wild days

behind them. And here I was being dared to kiss one of them like we

were still teenagers.

The room fell uncomfortably silent. I could feel my cheeks burning as

I looked around at my options.

Ethan, who was watching me with amused curiosity.

Gordon, who was practically preening.

2/5

Chapter 193

Three other men whose names I barely remembered.

And Ridley, whose dark eyes hadn’t left my face since his strange

question.

“Come on, Cedar,” Gordon pressed. “Just to warn you, I had garlic

bread with dinner. But if you insist on picking me, I’ll nobly accept.”

He placed a hand dramatically over his heart.

I couldn’t help rolling my eyes. Even drunk, I knew Gordon wouldn’t

be my choice if he were the last man on earth.

I scanned the room again, weighing my options. Kissing someone I

knew seemed weird, but kissing a stranger seemed worse. My gaze

lingered on each potential candidate as my heart pounded wildly in

my chest.

I decided to go with a stranger. Someone I’d never have to meet for a

second time. That seemed like the safest bet in my alcohol–addled

logic.

With newfound determination, I raised my arm and pointed across

the circle at a group of men I barely recognized,

To my surprise, they scattered like startled pigeons, leaning

dramatically away from the trajectory of my finger. One nearly spilled

3/5

Chapter 193

his drink in his haste to avoid being selected.

“What the…?” I blinked, wondering if my aim was off due to the

alcohol. I adjusted my finger slightly, pointing more deliberately.

Again, they dodged, practically diving behind each other for cover.

One actually stood up and took a step back.

I rubbed my forehead in frustration, trying to make sense of their

reaction.

“Am I that repulsive?” I muttered. I’d never felt so mortified. Getting

shot down by a whole room full of guys? Talk about a blow to the ego.

Dizzy from the sheer awkwardness, I managed to croak out, “Okay, if

nobody wants to… maybe we could switch to truth instead…”

Before I could attempt a third try, the sofa dipped beside me. A warm,

woodsy cologne with notes of bergamot–a scent I’d come to

recognize all too well–enveloped me. My breath caught as a strong hand gently lowered my pointing arm.