I Hate You Too

Ch. 16: Dallas

"Remember, we need to play everything up. You're in love with me, so act like it. And don't forget this is a party. So try to have a little fun, okay, Dallas?"

Taking Amara's side, I discreetly scoff at her fussing. Nerves eat at me as I eye Mila's massive house. I can hear loud music blaring even from where we parked down the street.

"You're the uptight one," I say. "Maybe you should try to have a little fun. You always act like we're in the middle of a business deal."

"Because we are," Amara says.

Rolling my eyes, I choose to ignore the comment. I'm on edge, and attending one of Mila's ragers for the first time doesn't calm my nerves.

"Mila's parties get a little crazy," Amara warns. "So try not to get overwhelmed. Just stick with me and you'll be fine. I'm sure—Shit!"

I turn to find Amara's heel has gotten stuck in the grass. Lunging forward without thinking, I somehow manage to catch her just as she stumbles.

Falling into my chest, Amara gasps. Her arms wrap around my neck to steady herself.

Chest heaving, Amara gazes up at me with wide eyes. A weird feeling passes over me as I glance down at her. Against the glow of the streetlights, I can't help noticing her beauty.

Expecting her to pull away, I'm surprised when she lingers. Her stare holds mine. Suddenly, I'm all too aware of how good she looks in her dress and how close she's standing.

"I'm okay," Amara says shakily.

Separating herself, she pushes away from me and untangles her arms from around my neck.

"Are you sure?" I ask gently. "You can take my hand if you need to."

Wrinkling her nose, Amara regains her composure. She charges forward, sniffling.

"I said I'm fine," she snaps.

Jogging to catch up to her, I can't resist joking. Smirking, I tease, "I can't believe you just fell for me."

Unamused, Amara doesn't bother glancing my way as we reach the front porch of Mila's house.

Trying to prepare myself for the scene I walk into is no use. Entering, I'm met with blaring music and clouds of smoke. The place is packed and already a wreck.

Facing Amara, I say, "I don't know about this."

Amara holds my stare. Her expression remains neutral, though her gaze is warm.

"We'll get you a drink to calm your nerves. If you really want to leave, we'll go. At least give this a chance."

Grudgingly, I agree. Allowing Amara to take my hand, I follow her through the crowd. We come to a halt in the kitchen, and I watch as Amara mixes soda and alcohol.

I accept the cup she shoves my way and I waste no time taking a sip. As the bitter liquid burns my throat, a group of girls approaches.

"Mila!" Amara squeals. Eyeing her, I can tell the excitement is for show.

"Amara! I'm so glad you could make it!"

Mila wraps Amara into a tight hug. Breaking apart, the girls giggle and make small talk. My nerves double as Mila's dark stare lands on me. I swallow hard

"You brought Dallas," Mila says. "It's still so weird to me that you and Jayden are, like, done. You two were together for so long. But you seem so happy with this one. Dallas, you better be treating my girl right."