Page 74 of Truth or Dare

“If only I could see you like this all the time,” I teased.

She scowled, glancing around. “Are you crazy?” she hissed, her eyes darting back to the house. “You shouldn’t be here!”

“Where’s your mom?” I asked, stepping closer.

“She went to run errands, but she could be back any minute. Seriously, you need to go,” she said, waving me off.

Ignoring her protests, I reached over and grabbed the broom from her hand, holding it just out of reach. “Let me help.”

She scowled, trying to snatch it back, but I pulled her into my arms, catching her by surprise as I pressed my lips to hers. She resisted, her hand pushing against my shoulder, but then her body relaxed, melting into the kiss.

“I missed you,” I whispered, my lips brushing hers.

She let out a sigh, her voice softer. “You still have to go, though.”

“Come on,” I pleaded, giving her my best innocent look. “Just let me help.”

After a moment of consideration, she rolled her eyes, her mouth quirking into a reluctant smile. “Fine, but you can only stay for an hour.”

Grinning, I grabbed the broom, and together we started clearing out the clutter.

I finishedthe last bite of my burger and wiped my mouth, glancing at my phone when it buzzed on the table. Swiping the screen, I saw Presley’s message pop up.

Thank you for helping today. Mom gave me my phone back.

Can you come out?

School tomorrow.

The reply camein so fast, I didn’t even have a chance to set the phone down again. With a sigh, I hit "Call."

“Are you still grounded?” I asked as soon as she picked up.

Presley clucked her tongue, a dry sound of annoyance. “Yes. Mom said I never should’ve hit Evan.”

“Did she ask why?”

“She did,” she said, her voice lowering. “But I wouldn’t tell her the truth. I promised Neil.”

I chuckled. “You’re a good sister.” I paused, the words feeling heavier than I meant them to. “I’ll miss you tomorrow.”

“Tell that to Neil,” she muttered, her tone turning sour. “He still won’t talk to me. You’re the lucky one—another day off, then one day of school, and you’ve got the weekend.”

I rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling, phone pressed to my ear. “It’s no big deal. This crap they’re teaching—I already know it.” I hesitated. “Neil’s young. He doesn’t get it yet. Let’s hope he keeps his distance from Evan.”

“I still want to mess him up,” she growled, her voice dark with anger.

“Don’t even think about it,” I warned. “Getting caught by Mrs. Braddock wasn’t close enough for you? One more close call, and we’re both done. No more, Presley.”

Silence hummed on the line. I didn’t want to be the voice of reason, but Presley was out for blood, and someone had to hold the line.

“I want that notebook,” she said softly.

I exhaled, sitting up, pressing my fingers into my temple. “And do what with it? You can’t expose him or his pathetic little friends without putting the girls at risk too. It’d ruin them.”

“That’s not true!” she protested, voice suddenly sharp.

“Yeah, it is, and you know it,” I snapped, letting my voice rise. “You think you can take him down alone? Think it through, Presley!”

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