I Dare You (Dare 1)

My heart beats faster in my chest. “Fuck, yeah. Oh, that’s it … Cole!” She cries out his name again and again.

I go to twist the knob, to barge in on them, but it’s locked. I hear a banging sound and realize that it’s the bed hitting the wall.

She screams his name this time. The thought of running to the garage, grabbing a hammer and beating my way through this door crosses my mind. But what will that prove? The thought alone is too much to bear—I sure as hell don’t want to see them in the act.

I take a step back and run up to my room. After shutting my door, I let the first tear fall. I could put up with a lot of shit, but this was the last straw.

_________________________________

Cole wasn’t in class second period the following morning. I never sent him a text asking where he was, and he never text me to offer any information. I figured he was still at my father’s house sleeping off his long night. I ignored everyone, even Becky. She noticed but didn’t push me for an explanation.

It’s not until after last period that I see him in the hallway, placing his keys in his locker. He was able to skip school but unable to miss practice. They have a meet this weekend after all. Deke walks right up to him. “How did it go, man?” he asks.

“Good,” he says with a nod.

Kids fill the hallways, throwing books in their lockers and getting ready to leave for the day.

“Awesome. So you finished the deal?” he asks like they’re talking about buying a car. Not screwing a woman.

“All done.”

I snort as I walk by him.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Cole says, reaching out and wrapping a hand around my waist. He pulls my back to his front and leans his head down to my ear. “Miss me?”

I spin around in his arms, reach up, and slap him across the face. The sound echoes off the walls. I stare up into his blue eyes as they harden. My heart starts to beat, festering at my rage. His betrayal. My stupidity. He may have not fucked Kaitlin, but he’s been screwing my stepmom behind my back. I’m so stupid.

Deke takes a step back from us.

“What the hell was that for?” Cole demands, glaring down at me.

I throw Deke a look of disgust, and his brows rise. Then I look back at Cole. “I’m sure you can figure it out.” I turn and walk toward the door, not bothering giving them another second of my time.

He grabs my arm and yanks me back. “Cole!” I snap.

“What the fuck was that for, Austin?” he demands. “Because I didn’t tell you where I went? It was none of your fucking business!”

My anger rises and tears spring to my eyes. I try to yank my arm from his hold, but he won’t let me go. “Just forget it.” My voice cracks, and I hate myself for caring so much. For thinking he actually cared. His agenda from the get-go was to break me. And I willingly let him.

“No. I’m not going to forget it.” He steps into me, his blue eyes softening. “What’s wrong?” he asks, cupping my face.

My first tear falls, and I fist my hands. “I know where you went.”

Deke’s eyes widen, and Cole’s jaw sharpens. “How do you …?”

“I heard it,” I say, interrupting him.

He looks at Deke, and he throws his hands up, shaking his head. “I haven’t said anything.”

“What do you mean? You heard it? Who did you hear it from?”

“I’m not gonna spell it out for you, Cole.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

COLE

My jaw tightens as I lose my patience. “I don’t have time for this, Austin. Tell me what the fuck you’re talking about!” I demand.

“I don’t want to talk to you,” she says.

“Too bad.” She tries to take a step back. “Why are you so pissed at me?”

Another tear falls down her face. And I try to figure out why my quick trip to Texas could have hurt her so much.

“God, you have some nerve.” I frown. “You think I’m an idiot. You think I’m stupid and wouldn’t find out? Wouldn’t hear her?”

“What are you …?”

“I know you’re sleeping with Celeste!” she screams.

“What?” Deke whispers.

“Fuck!” I couldn’t stop the word from leaving my mouth.

Her eyes narrow on me to little slits. “No, fuck you, Cole!”

She starts to turn, to run down the hallway to the exit, but I grab her arm again and yank to her to a stop. “I’m not sleeping with her.”

“Yes, you are!” she yells. “Stop lying to me.”

I release her and take a step back. “I’m not. I promise.”

She huffs and crosses her arms over her chest. “Where did you have to go yesterday and today, Cole?”

My jaw tightens. “I can’t tell you that.”