Athena

50. Couple Goals

With a dazed expression, I continue grinding my ass on Cruz's lap. I move in time to the music. Well, kinda. Not really. I'm losing my sense of rhythm. The room is swaying. Everyone's voices blend into one big blur around me.

Cruz watches me with concern.

Glancing down at him, I pout and ask, "What?"

"I think we're good on the dare," he urges in strained tones and casually grabs one of the couch cushions to cover his crotch. "You can stop whenever you want, Athena."

I toss a flippant look in Regina's direction. "Cruz wants me to stop. Am I good on your dare, now, Regina?"

She scowls. "I guess so."

I stop dancing and, like a tipsy idiot, manage to stumble over absolutely nothing. I yelp as my body tilts toward the floor at breakneck speeds. Cruz's hands shoot out to steady my waist, catching me before I fall.

Sheepishly, I smile at him. "Oops, almost ate it there. Thanks."

Cruz's hands linger on my waist. Worry glimmers from his eyes. "Take it easy tonight. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Regina's voice sounds shrill when she remarks sarcastically, "You're always so sweet to Athena, Cruz. Couple goals!"

"There's nothing going on between Cruz and me!" I insist with huff.

Jonathon remarks, "Sure about that, Athena?"

Cruz rolls his eyes. "Leave her alone, Jonathon. She's drunk. Athena doesn't know what the hell she's saying right now."

"He totally wants to rail her," Regina mutters in unpleasant tones.

My drunk ass almost spits out: And I'm gonna let him, bitch.

With her eyes darting between Cruz and me, Kiana simply sits back and sips her beer. She drawls, "Damn. I wish I had some popcorn."

"Anyway," I announce loudly, "it's my turn to dare or truth someone, right?"

"You mean," Carly interjects, "truth or dare?"

I wrinkle my nose at Carly. Nobody likes a know-it-all.

"Yeah," I grumble, "that's what I meant."

"Go for it," Jonathon says. "Who's gonna be the next victim, Athena?"

My eyes find him. "You, actually."

Jonathon's eyes widen. "Me?"

"Yep!" I nod quickly and ask, "So... truth or dare?"

I already know what I'm going to ask if he picks "truth." I also know what I'm going to make him do if he picks "dare." Man, I'm such a fucking genius when I'm drunk.

Jonathon frowns. "Uh... dare. I pick—dare."

Right away, I challenge him, "I dare you to join me in a closet. For seven minutes in heaven."

Cruz's expression immediately darkens as he protests, "Dude, I don't think that's a good id—"

I turn to him with pleading eyes. "I'm not gonna do anything stupid. I promise. Trust me, okay?"

"Seriously. Where's my fucking popcorn? I'm invested," Kiana drawls again with a conspiratorial look on her face.

I ignore her comment. Before anyone can say another word, I grab Jonathon's hand and pull the guy toward the walk-in coat closet by the front door. I shove him inside and shut the door behind us. I flip on the light switch inside the closet. Jonathon and I are squished together, feeling uncomfy as hell, in the cramped space of the closet.