Page 85 of Truth or Dare

I gave her a reassuring look. “No problem. It’s been a night.”

She nodded, guilt flickering in her eyes. “I didn’t mean for things to get so out of hand.”

“It’s not your fault,” I said gently. “But Reagan’s been feeding Neil drinks, and he’s barely holding it together. We need to get him out of here.”

Presley’s face tightened in alarm. “Where is he?”

“In the den, with the older guys. He wouldn’t listen to me, but maybe he’ll hear you out.”

She squared her shoulders, determination replacing her worry. “I’ll try. He trusts me more than anyone.”

Together, we headed back downstairs, bracing ourselves for whatever the next few minutes might bring.

Neil groaned,his head lolling to the side. "Stop. I... I have to throw up."

I hit the brakes hard, pulling the truck onto the shoulder just as he shoved the door open and leaned out, retching. Presley’s hand reached out, rubbing slow circles on his back as he emptied his stomach onto the gravel below, his breaths ragged between heaves.

“Damn it,” he muttered, finally sitting back and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. His face was pale, his eyes half-lidded with regret. He closed the door and let out a shaky breath, slumping against the seat.

“You okay?” Presley asked softly, her hand lingering on his shoulder.

He pressed his head back, shutting his eyes tight. “I’m not drunk,” he mumbled defensively, though his voice wavered.

“You shouldn’t be drinking at all,” she replied, her voice firm but gentle.

I shifted the truck back into gear and eased us back onto the road. The silence in the cab hung heavy, punctuated only by the low hum of the engine and Neil’s labored breathing. He didn’t say anything for a while, and I was content to leave it that way. But as we got closer to his house, his voice cut through the quiet.

“Are you… are you telling Mom and Dad?”

I glanced over at him, weighing my words. “If you promise not to do this again, I won’t.”

He let out a defeated sigh, the kind that spoke of too many sleepless nights and bad decisions. When we reached Presley’s driveway, I parked the truck, the glow from the porch light casting a dim halo over the house.

“You should go inside, Neil,” Presley said gently, her eyes filled with concern. “Sleep it off.”

He nodded, the exhaustion pulling down his features, and he stumbled out, turning to mumble, “Thanks, Hudson,” before closing the door with a soft click. I watched him until he disappeared inside, the front door creaking shut behind him.

When I turned back to Presley, her gaze was steady on me, and something in her expression made my heart ache.

“Are you going in?” I asked, already knowing her answer.

She shook her head, her lips pressing together in a thin line. “No. I’m spending the night with you. My parents think I’m at Reagan’s.” She paused, glancing away, the flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. “Is that what Evan told you to say?” I asked, suspicion biting at the edges of my words. “You were supposed to be at his house, right?”

Her shoulders sagged, and she looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. “I had to. It was just easier.”

“Easier?” I asked, leaning closer. “You don’t have to go along with his rules for me.”

She met my gaze, and for a moment, there was a flash of vulnerability in her eyes. “I know. It was stupid, Hudson. I shouldn’t have suggested we go to his house at all.”

I reached out, capturing her hand, my fingers lacing through hers. “It’s not worth it, Presley. Tell him to go to hell.”

A sad smile played on her lips, and she leaned closer, her hand lifting to rest against my cheek, her touch warm and grounding. “I’d rather be here—with you.”

Before I knew it, she closed the distance between us, her lips brushing softly against mine. I let myself fall into her, my hand slipping to the back of her neck, feeling the softness of her hair between my fingers. She kissed me deeply, her tongue teasing mine as the world outside the cab faded, leaving only the two of us in the dim light.

We finally pulled apart, breathless, and I could see the slight blush coloring her cheeks. “Neil’s safe inside,” I murmured, brushing my thumb along her jaw. “You don’t have to worry about him tonight.”

She nodded, eyes still closed, her lips parting in a small sigh of relief. “Thank you, Hudson,” she whispered, her fingers tightening around mine. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

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