Page 30 of Truth or Dare

“Evan, no,” I whispered, placing a hand on his cheek, trying to push him back gently.

He exhaled harshly and pulled away, frustration etched across his face. “Damn it, Pres, when will it be time?”

I sat up, my heart racing. “Why can’t you understand? I’m just not ready.”

His jaw clenched, and he ran a hand through his hair, pacing at the foot of the bed. “Maybe you’ll never be ready. Maybe you’re just stringing me along.”

I blinked, taken aback. “What are you talking about?”

Evan stopped pacing, arms crossed over his chest, his gaze hard. “Maybe it’s not me you want. Maybe it’s the shit I can give you—my car, my popularity. Whatever.”

My eyes narrowed. “Are you serious right now? You really think that’s why I’m with you?”

He threw his hands up, voice rising. “Look around, Presley! You’re the queen of the school. Everyone adores you. And me? I’m the fucking guy they wish they could be.”

I stood, anger boiling beneath my skin. “I never asked for that. You’re the one turning this into a power trip, not me.”

He snorted. “Yeah, right. You know how many girls would jump at the chance to be with me? You think I’m gonna sit around waiting forever?”

I grabbed my shoes, my coat, anything within reach. “You’re unbelievable. Pressuring me isn’t going to get you what you want.”

He leaned against the dresser, arms still crossed, watching me like I was overreacting. “Maybe we should just take a break then. Figure out what we really want.”

I stopped mid-motion, biting my lip to stop it from trembling. “Is that what you want? A break?”

“Yeah,” he said flatly, his eyes flicking away. “Go get your head straight. Maybe you’ll realize what you want.”

It felt like a punch to the gut, but I forced myself to move. I couldn’t stay here with him. The tension was suffocating, and the conversation was on the edge of exploding into something even worse. I slipped on my coat and headed for the door, my voice barely above a whisper. “Fine. We’re on a break.”

Evan didn’t respond. He just stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

The wind whipped through the dark streets as I walked, pulling my coat tighter against the cold. I shivered, regretting not bringing a heavier jacket. My heels clacked against the pavement, each step harder than the last as the chill bit at my toes. It was only a few blocks to home, but it felt like miles.

A sharp honk startled me, and I turned to see headlights approaching. The familiar rumble of a truck slowed beside me.

“Presley?” Hudson called out, rolling down the window. His voice was warm, filled with concern. “What the hell are you doing out here? Are you okay?”

I managed a weak laugh. “Yeah, just... walking.”

He frowned. “Get in. It’s freezing.”

For a second, I hesitated, guilt swirling in my chest. I’d been avoiding him all week, trying to ignore the pull I felt whenever we were near each other. But right now, I needed a friend. I slipped into the passenger seat, the warmth of his truck a welcome relief.

“I’m sorry,” I muttered, avoiding his gaze.

Hudson glanced at me as he pulled back onto the road. “For what?”

“For... everything. For avoiding you.”

He shot me a sideways glance. “What did I do?”

I sighed, pressing a hand to my forehead. “Nothing. You’re perfect, actually. It’s me.”

He stopped the truck at the corner, turning to face me fully. “You’re seriously going to hit me with theit’s not you, it’s meline?”

I couldn’t help but smile at his exasperation. “It’s true.”

He shook his head, rolling his eyes. “You know you still have two dares to finish, right?”

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