I set my elbows on the table and lean forward. “You say ‘was’ like you’re sure I don’t like him anymore.”
His expression clouds over. Did I unsettle him right back? If he really does have an evil plan to humiliate me by making me fall for him, this can’t be good news.
“So you still want him?” It sounds like an accusation.
I pick up my water glass and take a slow sip, hoping to draw out the suspense. “I think it’s my turn. You already asked your question, and I answered it.” I set down my glass. “Truth or dare?”
His lips quirk. “Truth.”
I square my shoulders. “Why did you nominate me for this competition?”
His eyes grow huge before he glances at the cameraman. “Are we really going there? On a date that’s going to be on YouTube?”
I shrug. “I’m curious. Plus, I think it works well with what…” I swallow, trying to figure out a way to indirectly mention Harper. “With what we talked about the other day.”
“I guess it does. Alright then.” That familiar smirk spreads over his face. “Because I wanted to spend time with you.”
Heat creeps along my neck and into my cheeks. He couldn’t have sounded more sarcastic if he tried.
Dick.
“You can’t lie in truth or dare. You’ll have an itchy asshole for the rest of your life if you do. It’s the truth or dare curse.”
His smile grows. “I’m not lying.”
“Fine,” I say, not wanting to press this issue further when everyone in our university could potentially see it. “Your turn.”
“Alright,” he says, leaning back into his chair “Truth or dare?”
“Truth,” I say right away.
He smiles. “We’re not doing any dares?”
I scowl. “No way I’m doing a dare while being filmed. Not with a sadist like you. You’d probably make me moon the camera.”
His smile grows, baring his perfect, white teeth. Fuck him for being so beautiful when he has a heart of coal. There’s no justice in the universe.
“I’d never do that,” he says with a strange intensity. “At least not forotherpeople to see. So who is the guy?”
I hesitate for a moment. Should I share this now for the whole Pacific Crest YouTube to hear or would it be better saved for one of our staged hangouts outside of the competition? I’m not the best liar when I’m under scrutiny, but on the other hand, Cody will get a huge laugh.
I lower my gaze to the table. “Cody Morris.”
I can’t see Tristan’s face, but something vibrates in the air between us… Something I can’t quite interpret, but it’s thick and heavy and makes my skin tingle.
“Really?” His voice is quiet, almost a whisper.
When I lift my gaze, his jaw is clenched. “Yes,” I say.
Tristan’s expression shutters. “Interesting,” he murmurs, seemingly to himself. “He always seemed like kind of a dick to me.”
I gasp out a laugh. “Cody? Are you serious? He’s one of the kindest people I know.”
Tristan’s nostrils flare. “I don’t think you’re the best judge of character. I’ve seen him with you. He mocks you. Not in a nice way either. What kind of friend is that?”
Incredulity trickles over me like rain. “It’s just his sense of humor. I tease him too.”
He shakes his head. “Not the way he teases you.”
