Page 3 of One More Dare
“Do you make a habit of running into things?” His focus shifts down to my chest. “Just because you apparently enjoy being covered in drinks doesn’t mean I want the same fate.”
Damn, what a way to greet a stranger.His tone is stern, but I’ve never met this guy. He didn’t even slur or sway or give any other indication that he’s drunk. Is he always like this? Is he actually upset? Sydney was mad at me, sure, but I’m usually a pretty likable guy. At least, I think I am. That definitely seems like an extreme reaction for bumping into someone at a crowded party.
I take in what he’s wearing before I reply, trying to lighten the mood a bit more and go along with what I’m choosing to believe was a joking tone. “Yeah, I guess the excuse of having a soaked shirt so everyone can see your abs is kind of unnecessary when you’re already wearing a cropped one.”
He huffs out a surprised laugh. “Staring at my abs, Will? Have you already slept with all the girls at this school, so you’ve moved on to the gay men? I’m not interested.”
“What? No, I’m straight,” I quickly respond with a laugh as I snap my gaze back up to his. I wasn’t staring at him. If he knows my name, though, I must have hooked up with a friend of his. “But wait, why wouldn’t you be interested? Am I ugly to gay guys or something?” I ask without really thinking about why I care so much.
“Looks aren’t everything.” He rolls his eyes. Even if he believes that, he’s clearly put a lot of effort into his look tonight.
Before I can ask him for his name, Nathan appears behind me on the stairs. “Why are you just standing here?”
I shake my head and the mystery man chooses to walk between us to continue down the steps without another word. That was the strangest interaction of my life. I don’t think I’ve ever had someone be so openly… I’m not sure if rude is the right word, it seemed more like he was taunting me over something I did, but I have no idea what that thing would be because I’ve never met him before. I’ve certainly never had a first meeting like that one.
Nathan looks back at him as he joins the crowd. “Why were you talking to that guy for so long? And what the hell was he wearing?”
I shrug. “I thought he looked kind of cool.” Nathan’s brows draw together, like maybe he’s confused or concerned by my answer, but I don’t get why he gives a shit about what some stranger is wearing at a college house party, so I mirror it back at him. “What?”
“Don’t say shit like that in public. You never know who might hear you.”
I shake my head because that’s such a weird thing for him to say. I have no idea if Nathan is homophobic. I guess it’s never really come up. He’s normally pretty chill and quiet, so I’d like to give my friend the benefit of the doubt. I also don’t feel like getting into it with him right now while my shirt is still literally dripping beer onto the floor. I can lecture him about being more accepting another time. “Whatever, man, did you find Cam?”
“Nah, must be upstairs.”
We make it to the main level and find Cam is in the living room, talking to Bo, the guy who’s throwing this party. With one look at my shirt, they burst out laughing.
“Another girl threw a drink at him,” Nathan offers with a smirk.
“Ha ha, yes, my life is so funny. I know, I know. Well, I cameto remind you we have early gym time tomorrow, but maybe I should take an Uber home by myself tonight,” I tease.
Cam attempts to school his expression. “Hell no. If you’re paying, I’ll head out now. It’s cold as fuck out there.”
I smile, completely unsurprised by his answer. “Anyone want to grab water before we go? Or should I order the ride?”
“Don’t worry, Captain, we’ll be fine in the morning,” Nathan answers. “Call the car and hope they don’t refuse you for smelling like a brewery.”
I snort a laugh at the nickname my roommates have been calling me at every opportunity because I’m the only Junior who’s a captain on our lacrosse team. The implied responsibility sounds a bit ridiculous when thesecondgirl during my college experience just threw a drink on me. But I’ve always been the one my friends deemed the most responsible of our group, so it’s usually a bit more fitting. I’ll always have their backs, even if I do plan to make the most of my glory days.
I gesture for them to follow me. “I’ll promise them a big tip. It’ll be fine.”
3
PORTER
“You’ll never guess who just literally ran into me on the stairs,” I say in greeting as I join my friends in the corner of the basement and hand them the drinks they requested.
“Who?” Josie asks before taking her first sip. “Oh my god, thank you for this. I swear you’re the only person I trust to make a decent Tequila Sunrise. Best barista-turned-bartender ever.”
“I know, I know, I’m the best.” I shrug, smiling and batting my eyelashes playfully for a moment in response to the praise before I focus back on my story and direct my answer at Abbey. “But anyway, Will Carter! It looked like he’d just gottenanotherdrink thrown in his face.”
Abbey cringes while smiling. “I still feel kind of bad about that. It was a bit of an overreaction. We weren’t dating, even if I wanted to be. Thank god that didn’t happen though.”
“Oh my god, no, don’t feel bad!” Josie assures her. “He’s an asshole. Remember what he did to Porter’s bike that same semester?”
I nod along as Abbey’s eyes go wide. “Shit! I forgot about that.”
“I’ll never forget. The coldest year on record, and I had to walk everywhere.” I shiver just thinking about it. He’s clearly one of the most self-centered people I’ve ever encountered.
