Page 13 of Charger

“I swear!” She holds out her pinky, smiling.

“What are we swearing to?” Zach comes up from behind me; his arm burns a hole in my skin as he wraps his forearm across my chest.

The wind’s knocked out of my lungs, and despite Zach’s warmth, a shiver runs down my back.

“We were just talking about the party tonight and how Jules got an invite from Tommy.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

Zach’s body goes stiff behind me as he squeezes his arm a little tighter to my chest. I swallow then find myself relaxing a little, sinking back into him. He moves forward into me. Even though we’re already touching front to back, it’s like we’re craving more. Both of us.

“Well, cool, at least we’ll all be there together then.” Garrett shrugs.

“Yeah, awesome.” Zach’s bitterness is undeniable and his breath, tickling my neck, sends more chills through me.

I didn’t dress too fancy, but I made sure to put on my nice skinny jeans with a black flowy top. It shows just enough chest to make me feel a little more attractive—not that I want too much attention on me. But I even put on more makeup than usual, secretly hoping that Zach will notice. I’m dressing for him. Not for anyone else.

The music blares from outside of Josh’s home. Showing up to the house of someone who made an effort to make fun of my slip last year seems dumb. Yet, here I am, at his house. At his party.

Cars are lined up along the street and his driveway. The fact that his father is the mayor and his mother a doctor explains the mansion. Also, it’s why no one would dare call the cops, even with his parents being out of town.

We walk up to his million-dollar mansion after having to park on the street. A Drake song is playing from the overhead speakers and girls are dancing in the front room when we walk in. Sam must have been waiting for Zach, because she comes running to him, stuffed bra and all. He lets out an annoyed groan and you bet I notice.

Interesting.

“I’m gonna go find the beer.” My brother leaves us, and Lisa is right there following him. So much for not ditching me. I peek around, feeling completely lost. I don’t know anyone here and coming to this party may have been a mistake.

Tommy motions a wave to me. “Hey, glad you came.” He pulls me against his side as he tightens an arm around my waist.

“Do you want a drink?”

“No, she doesn’t.”

I’m surprised by Zach’s quick response. I don’t need him answering for me, even if he is right. “You speak for her too, dude?” Sam slams her hand to Zach’s chest before he can move. Zach’s furious eyes burn into Tommy’s.

“Um, it’s okay, Tommy. He’s right. I don’t drink.” Embarrassment burns my cheeks. Sam snorts from beside Zach.

“Okay, suit yourself.”

Hannah, a senior cheerleader, makes her way over to us. “Good, more people. Come on, we were just about to play truth or dare upstairs.” She smiles at Sam.

“Oh, no, that’s okay,” I say quickly, in hopes of getting out of it.

“Come on, Jules, it’ll be fun.” Tommy’s musty breath grazes my ear. Before I know it, he’s leading me upstairs with Zach close behind.

We all enter a spare room, making a circle along the floor. Zach sits across from me, next to Sam, and Tommy sits next to me. There’s Hannah with a few other seniors I don’t really know. Josh was here, but practically ran his ass out of the room when he saw Zach.

“Oh, the rules before we start are that you have to have a drink.” Hannah hands me a red solo cup. I pull my head back when the strong scent of liquor hits my nose. I know Zach wants me to decline (by the scowl on his face) but instead, I accept. Oh well, live in the moment, right? Hannah smiles then starts the game. “Okay, I’m sure everyone knows the rules. I’m assuming even you, Julianna?”

“Yeah, I got it.”

“Good, let’s start with… Tommy.”

I take a small drink of whatever is in my cup, coughing as soon as the burning sensation hits my throat. “Fuck, that’s strong.” The face I make afterward proves it.

One of the guys in the circle laughs. “Didn’t know Julianna had such a dirty mouth.” He smirks as I wipe my lips of the leftover liquor. “I bet that’s not all that’s dirty.”

“Knock it off, Fisher.” Zach throws an elbow into the guy’s ribcage.

“Tommy,” Hannah starts. “Truth or dare?”

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