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“Thanks,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
Josh is studying my face. “You want to dance?”
I hesitate for a second, but then I nod and put my soda down in the grass. Josh offers me his hand and I take it, my heart racing even faster as we make our way to the makeshift dance floor.
It’s just a small clearing in the grass, but the partygoers are making the most of it. Couples sway to the beat while groups of friends dance together, laughing and joking.
Josh wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me close, swaying to the rhythm of the music. I can feel his breath on my neck and his body against mine, sending shivers down my spine. I close my eyes, losing myself to the moment. It feels so good to let go of all my worries and just be in the present, surrounded by the warmth of the summer night and the sound of music.
As the song ends, Josh leans in and whispers in my ear. “You’re a really great dancer, you know that?”
I turn my head to look at him, surprised by the compliment. “Thanks. I didn’t know you could dance so well either.”
His laugh makes it feel like there are butterflies in my chest. “I’ve got a few moves up my sleeve.”
I can feel myself blushing again, but I don’t mind. Being around Josh makes me feel alive in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. For once, I’m not worried about studying for exams or the future. All I care about is the present moment and the way Josh makes me feel.
“You never come to the Autumn Dance, do you?” His gaze softens.
I shake my head. “No.”
“Too bad you’ll miss the one this year.”
I guffaw. “I wouldn’t say that. I’m glad to leave this podunk town behind.”
His face darkens, and I know right away that I’ve said the wrong thing. There’s no time for me to recover, though, because Archer Woodcroft turns off the music and cups his hands around his mouth.
“Listen up!” he shouts. “Anyone who wants to play Truth or Dare, come to the fire pit in the woods!”
The announcement sends a ripple of excitement through the partygoers, and I can see a few people making their way towards the woods. Josh just stands there, facing away from me.
I clear my throat. “Um, so… are you gonna play?”
Ugh. That’s not what I meant to say. I should apologize for calling this a podunk town, even though that’s exactly what I meant.
Josh chugs some of his drink. “I’m gonna play.”
He takes a few steps and then looks over his shoulder at me. “You coming?”
My heart is pounding in my chest, but I nod. “Sure.”
Riley makes her way over to us, and I can tell she’s trying not to smile at the sight of me and Josh together. “Truth or Dare?”
I shrug, not trusting myself to talk. The only reason I’m doing this is because Josh is keen on it and I want to show him that I’m not a judgmental bitch. Otherwise, I’d be sitting by the fire watching the logs turn to ash.
We make our way through the woods, following the sound of voices and laughter. We soon come to a group of people sitting in a circle around an old pit that used to be used for barbecues. Archer is sitting in the middle, grinning like a maniac.
“Welcome, welcome!” He turns on a flashlight and puts it in the middle. “We’re just about to get started. Who’s in?”
There’s a chorus of agreement from the group, and Archer looks around, sizing up his options.
Meanwhile, my stomach knots up in nervous anticipation. I’ve played Truth or Dare before, but never with a group of people that I don’t know very well. And with Josh here, I don’t want to mess up and embarrass myself in front of him.
Archer spins the flashlight and it lands on a girl with long blond hair. “Truth or dare?”
She grins. “Dare.”
Archer leans in, his eyes glinting with mischief. “I dare you to run around the circle wearing nothing but your underwear.”
