Taming The Player

15

ERICA FREDRICK POV

I handed Jared the scissors from my drawer, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he sauntered over to Amanda. Her gaze locked onto mine, a piercing stare that sent shivers down my spine. If looks could kill, I'd be six feet under.

Scoot whispered in my ear, "You're diabolical." I bit my lip to stifle a laugh.

As I turned to face Scoot, our faces inches apart, the air thickened with tension. His warm breath danced across my skin. ''I'm just getting started,'' I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Jared's triumphant shout echoed through the room, "All done!!!"

Amanda's freshly cut locks twirled around her like a fiery halo. Her face flamed with embarrassment.

"Truth or Dare?'' Amanda asked, her voice laced with trepidation.

Scoot eyes gleamed with defiance. ''Dare."

Scoot's eyes widened as Amanda's command left her lips. ''Take a picture with a tampon and post it on Instagram."

His horrified gasp sent me into stitches. Amanda's eyes sparkled with amusement.

Jared chuckled, shaking his head. "Mate, today's not your lucky day."

Scoot reluctantly obliged, tampon in hand, forcing a smile for the camera. We crowded around him, our laughter and snickers filling the air as he posted the incriminating photo.

"Satisfied?'' Scoot grumbled, his eyes narrowing at Amanda.

Her laughter was music to my ears. ''Absolutely."

The game continued, Scoot seeking revenge. 'Truth or Dare?"

Amanda's grin turned sly. ''Truth."

Scoot's question hung in the air, laced with curiosity. "Have you ever been stood up on a date?"

Amanda's gaze dropped, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her voice. "Yes…'"

Jared turned to Nathan, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Truth or Dare?"

Nathan's response was swift. "Truth."

Jared sighed, his disappointment evident. "Why won't you say dare?"

Nathan's expression remained nonchalant.

"Alright, alright. What's the most illicit thing you've ever done?" Jared asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Nathan rubbed his chin thoughtfully before responding, "Delivering drugs."

I gasped, shocked. The Nathan I knew from high school would never engage in such activities. Staring at him now, I realized how much he'd changed.

"Are you serious?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Nathan quirked an eyebrow at me, ignoring my question. He turned to Jared, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Truth or Dare?"

Nathan instructed the person next to Jared to apply duct tape to any part of his body and rip it off. Jared protested, Amanda scrambling to find the tape.

As she successfully applied it to Jared's mouth, Nathan's eyes never left hers. After a moment, Amanda ripped off the tape, Jared's screams filling the room.

Then, I heard it – Nathan's laughter. It was infectious, beautiful, and a sound I'd missed dearly.

I missed everything about him, the way he used to make me laugh, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Maybe if he hadn't left, things would still be the same.