Page 88 of Counter Bet

Emily.

Jack lives in a contemporary colonial house, with matching statues at the gate, pillars, and a balcony stretching the entire upper floor. It’s similar to the one I live in, but my parents decided against the statues. Apparently, they were too pretentious, but the rose bushes that our poor gardener spends hours on every week were not.

We walk up the busy drive. The lawn is littered with empty plastic cups, and music blares from inside the large house. A couple makes out against the side of the house, oblivious to us as we walk past.

We round the back of the property. The infinity pool is full of drunk teenagers. Girls dance in tiny bikinis that make my black mini dress look modest.

Steph grins. “I see Jack. He’s over by the lounge seats.”

“You don’t have to do this,” Dallas says, taking my hand in hers. “We can leave now or stay for a drink, but no one is forcing you to do this dare.”

“I want to.” I wink at Matt. “If Matt can pull off his part of the dare.”

Matt smirks. “Don’t question my capabilities again, princess.”

“Babe,” April sings as she sidles up next to Matt and wraps her arms around his midriff. “I can’t believe you’re about to join the cock-sucking club. My baby is growing up.” She pretends to dab away tears. “I’m sure Josh will give you a pointer or two if you ask him.”

Matt quirks a brow. “I don’t know. Maybe I should ask you instead? You’re quite the hoover.”

She tuts, unfaced by his dig. “No, babe. Compliments won’t get you anywhere. I remember when you said in the group chat that Josh is your favorite.”

The man in question is staring longingly at a group of bikini-clad girls nearby.

“I think his brain cells have gone on holiday,” Nina giggles, waving a hand in front of Josh’s face.

“I knew the group chat was a bad idea,” Matt grumbles. He looks over at Jack in thought. “I’ll just wing it, but first, I need to plant the camera in the bathroom.” He pats his pockets. “I’ve got my phone. It’ll probably be the worst blowjob of his life.”

“Or his best.” Steph winks.

Matt rubs his face. “Let’s just get this over with.” He looks at me. “I’ll forward the video to you later when it’s done. I expect video evidence from you too.”

“Fuck off,” Ben growls. “We’ll film the door, but there’s no fucking way I’m going to let you see a video of Em like that.”

Matt laughs heartily, thumping Ben’s shoulder. “You mean like how you let me watch the video of her, Dallas, and Rick?” He mimics a blow job.

I glare at Dallas.

She raises her hands placatingly. “It’s deleted! I couldn’t keep it. Not after you chewed me out in the chemistry lab.”

Before I have a chance to reply, Matt says, “You forget the time we watched her fuck Dallas in your living room. I’ve seen it all, Benny-boy.” He enjoys getting a rise out of Ben.

“I don’t fucking care!” Ben growls. “We film the door to capture his reaction, or the bet is off. I’m already fucking angry that Jack will see her and Dell like that.”

Josh shrugs, tearing his gaze away from the bikini-clad girls. “You can always blind him.”

Ben stares at him as if he’s stupid. “That won’t erase the memory from his brain, you dipshit.”

They bicker back and forth until Matt says, “Film the fucking door if that makes you feel better. I’m going in.” He turns on his heel.

We watch him disappear into the crowd of people. Jack is nowhere to be seen.

“What do we do now?” Steph asks, scanning the garden and looking out of place.

Josh rubs his hands together. “Now we get drunk. I spotted some provisions in the kitchen over there.” He points to the big patio doors.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to see Hailey smiling at me.

She pulls me into a bone-crushing hug.

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