Page 54 of Truth or Dare

She mumbled incoherently. “What?”

“Your phone,” I repeated.

Suddenly, her eyes shot open, and she bolted upright, clutching the blanket to her chest. “Oh crap! What time is it?”

“Almost six,” I replied, watching her eyes widen.

“Shit, I’m so late! I was supposed to be at the club for dinner—6 p.m. reservation. I’m dead.” She scrambled out of bed, tugging on her clothes in a frenzy.

I laughed as she stuffed her feet into her navy Chucks, not even bothering with socks.

“This isn’t funny!” she huffed, her tone sharp.

“If they left without you, just come back over,” I teased, still lying back comfortably.

She paused, chewing on her lip as she ran her fingers through her hair in a desperate attempt to tame it. “I’ll probably be grounded. What the hell do I say?”

I shrugged. “Not sure I’ve got any advice for you on this one.”

With a frustrated sigh, she snatched up her purse and leaned down, giving me a quick kiss on the lips. “I’ll text you,” she promised, before rushing out the door, leaving the room feeling a little too empty without her.

CHAPTER 16

Presley

“Mom, Mom!” I yelled into my phone, the urgency in my voice matching the pounding of my heart. I was still sitting in my Jeep, adrenaline coursing through me as I dialed her number, my palms slick against the steering wheel.

“Presley Ann, you have me worried sick! Where are you?” Her voice came through, sharp and frantic.

I hit the button to rev the engine, tucking my phone into the holder. “Hudson’s house,” I said quickly, my stomach twisting at the thought of how much I was leaving out. “We were watching a movie and… fell asleep.”

The truth felt heavier than my silence; I was naked in his bed, and I hadn’t yet told her I’d broken up with Evan or quit cheerleading. I felt a twinge of guilt, but my recent decisions had taken on a life of their own.

“We’re already seated and waiting for Dad’s friends. It would be rude if you came late. We’ll discuss this when we get home.”

The line went dead with a click, and I knew I was in trouble. A knot tightened in my stomach as I pulled out onto the street, the weight of my choices pressing down on me. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go home; I felt so tired after everything that had happened. My breakup with Evan lingered in the back of my mind like a shadow.

Once I got home, I took a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the tension. I wrapped myself in a towel, then headed to the kitchen and opened the fridge, heating up some leftover beef stew.

I’m in trouble.

I grabbed my phone,fingers dancing over the screen as I texted Hudson.

Are you grounded?

I don’t know. My parents are still at dinner, but my mom wasn’t happy.

I bit my lip,contemplating my next message.

Does that mean I’ll have to sneak through your window to see you?

I dialed his number,heart racing as it rang. He picked up on the second ring, his voice low and teasing. “Well?”

“I couldn’t tell you. I’m pretty sure my brother blabbed about me breaking up with Evan and quitting cheerleading. They might even know about you,” I admitted, biting back a sigh.

“Is that so bad?” he asked, a hint of mischief in his tone.

“No, but I wanted to be the one to tell them. They love Evan, and my mom was so proud when I made lead, just like she did when she was at Ryland.”

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