Page 21 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

Billy looks good. He looks like an upgraded version of me. Curly red hair and freckles, but where my hair is a tangled mop on top of my head, Billy’s is styled to perfection. Clearly, Carter has a type.

I take pride in the fact that I’m your classic nerd, but when standing next to Billy, I’d rather be anywhere but here.

Michelle spots us in the kitchen and sashays toward us. “Hey you,” she says to Noah. Something about her smile is over-the-top. “Happy early Birthday.” She turns her gaze toward me and for a moment I see something like annoyance in her eyes before it’s gone.

Luckily, Carter and his boytoy didn’t follow Michelle, so at least I don’t have to face my ex right now.

“Come on.” Noah tugs my hand again. “Now that you’re here, let's go into the family room. My friends know to meet there since these parties tend to attract a lot of random people. They’re always trying to talk to me, hoping to meet Arcade Lake.” Noah’s voice is nonchalant, but he’s told me before how much artificial people bug him.

What would it be like to be brothers with two famous people? To constantly be in their shadows?

We make our way through the crowd, occasionally getting stopped by a random person. Noah is a saint, giving them sweet smiles and answering their questions about his brothers’ band.

As soon as we enter the room, Noah calls out, “Hey everyone. Time for the real party!” Cheers go up around the room and I visibly relax when I see there are only about fifteen people in the room.

Noah clicks the door closed and two people rush forward. “Hey guys, come meet Lawson. Lawson, this is Jules.” He points to the younger-looking guy, who also has curly red hair on top of his head. But where I’m a natural redhead, this red is a pretty, dyed color that reminds me of a red fox. Then Noah points at the blue-haired guy. “And this is Rowan.”

The three attractive men look amazing side by side, with their dyed hair and stylish outfits. I feel like they should be on the set of the latest Netflix show rather than a birthday party.

Rowan throws his arms around me and pulls me into a hug. “Oh my gosh, Lawson. What a small world. Carter was just telling us about an ex with the same name.”

My spine goes ramrod straight, and Rowan feels me tense up.

Rowan’s eyes narrow, and both Noah and Jules snap their heads toward Carter, who has a smug little smile on his face.

“Oh god,” I croak. “What did he say?”

Jules looks at Rowan, and they seem to have a silent conversation between them.

“Someone brought up the topic of virgins, and Carter might have said that his last ex was a virgin and how he could never date another one again.” Jules cringes.

“How many people heard him?” I whisper.

Jules frowns. “He was really loud. I’m pretty sure everyone in this room heard.”

Rowan pulls me back into a hug and whispers. “I’ve always hated your cousin, Noah. He’s a dick.”

I tense again, waiting for Noah to defend him. But to my shock, Noah puts his arms around me and Rowan. “I’m so sorry, Law. I never knew he could be so cruel until you two broke up. If I knew, I never would have set the two of you up.”

Relief washes through me. “Thanks guys.” I squeeze them back, happy that my friend didn’t defend his cousin. “I think we’re making a scene. Let's get this party started.”

Noah, Jules, and Rowan collectively cheer. Noah spins around and greets the group. “Birthday boy is here. Let’s kick this year off with my birthday tradition.”

More cheers erupt, shots are passed around and to my absolute horror, everyone starts to chant, “Truth or Dare! Truth or Dare!”

I down my shot, expecting that familiar burn when vodka hits my throat, but it glides down easily. Damn. This must be expensive.

The group gathers around with their red cups or beers in hand, either sitting on the carpet or claiming vacant chairs.

Jules curls up by my side. He loops his arm in mine. “Be careful,” he whispers. “The dares are known to get a little risqué.”

I smirk. Thanks to my ex, everyone in this room knows I’m the virgin of the group. So it doesn’t really matter what they ask. Other than a few heavy make out and petting sessions, I haven’t done anything with anyone. And there is no way in hell I was picking dare. I would not be losing my virginity or having my first sexual experience with another person based on a freaking dare.

Just as predicted, the game starts off hot and heavy, when someone dares a girl named Raquel to kiss the hottest guy in the group. Then she dares Noah to strip down to his birthday suit, which he does quickly before pulling his boxers back on.

Noah dares Michelle to do a body shot off of the guy she showed up with. For a moment I think I’m in the clear when her gaze lands on me. She opens her mouth to say something but is interrupted by the door clicking open and then closed.

My heart flutters when I see Victor walk into the room, looking hot as hell in a pair of tight dark blue jeans and a white tee stretched over his broad chest. His blond hair is effortlessly styled yet looks soft, almost like it’s begging for me to run my fingers through it.

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