The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor)

"Bro, are you her boyfriend or her FBI agent?" Drew commented. "Let the girl breathe, Taylor."

Laughter erupted again before Taylor muttered, "I just know you too well, Drew. Better safe than sorry."noveldrama

Aside from the banter, Charlie learned a lot about Taylor that night, like how loyal of a friend he was.

Later on, Maxwell shared, "When my mom was hospitalized after an accident, Taylor lent me money and never pressured me to pay it back. He even got his parents to organize a fundraiser for her."

Drew, surprisingly, had his own confession. He shared, "In my senior year, I couldn't balance basketball and academics. Guess who helped me with my projects? Yep. Fuck, I hate admitting this... a junior tutoring me in math." He glanced around warily. "Good thing no teachers are here."

Another guy, Paxton, got more emotional. He recounted, "You guys remember how my dad used to beat me up? Taylor was at my house when it happened. We were working on a project, and when my dad lost it, Taylor took a punch for me just so I could survive until the cops arrived."

"Amen to that!" the guys said at the same time.

"That was the most heroic thing I've ever heard," someone added.

Mark turned to Charlie with a suggestion, "Charlie, I know we've been saying Taylor's lucky to have you. But it goes both ways. You're lucky to have him too. He is a good guy."

Charlie smiled, side-glancing at Taylor. She blushed, acknowledging, "Actually, I already know that."

"The truth is, he all texted us to say good things about him," Drew spilled, and everyone laughed their hearts out.

"Fuck you, Drew!" Taylor said angrily. "My phone is dead!"

Charlie wound up laughing so hard, her stomach hurt.

Another hour passed. Some of the guys left, while others went for a swim. Having been standing for so long, their party decided to move to a long table on the lawn.

That's when the high school girls joined in.

Drew introduced the three ladies, Nadia, Britney, and Tiffany.

Then, Nadia suddenly suggested, "How about a game of Truth or Dare?"

"What? What are we? in high school?" Taylor scoffed.

Tiffany, the caramel-haired girl who had been on Charlie's radar, chimed in, "It's

just for fun, Taylor. Right, guys?"

Taylor checked his watch. He said, "Maybe Charlie and I should go."

"No, man, come on!" Drew grumbled.

"Stay!" Maxwell insisted.

"Yeah, stay!" Mark and the girls echoed.

Charlie looked around, wishing Mia were still there, but her friend had already left a few minutes ago. didn't want to spoil the fun for Taylor so when everyone pressured him to stay, she said, "It's oka can stay."

We

They agreed to play. Nadia set the rules: "The first one picks who goes next. If you choose truth or dare but don't want to answer or complete it, you take a shot."

There was tequila in front of them and several shot glasses. Charlie was honestly concerned because there was no way she was drinking tequila.

Charlie certainly hoped she did not have to drink, but she knew well that Taylor would not let her, either way.

Drew went first, choosing a dare.

Nadia smirked, saying, "Drew, I dare you to kiss the prettiest girl here."

Drew scanned the room, his gaze stopping at Charlie.

The guys laughed, but Taylor instantly threw an arm around Charlie. He warned Drew, "Fucking try it, and I'll punch you so hard no one will recognize you tomorrow."

More laughter filled the air, but while the guys were amused, Charlie noticed the three girls were not entertained.

After Drew, Tiffany volunteered. She said, "Choose me! I want truth.”

"Ask her about her best sex," Nadia suggested playfully.

Drew grinned, asking, "Alright. Tiffany, who gave you the best sex of your life?"

Tiffany pushed back her hair and smiled. She gazed at Charlie, declaring, "Taylor. He was the best I ever had. We were each other's first, after all. Right, Taylor?"

Charlie's eyes narrowed to slits. If looks could kill, Tiffany would be a pile of dust.

In Charlie's mind, her inner devil was already launching flaming arrows setting Tiffany on fire. Meanwhile, her guardian angel had packed up and left, clearly wanting no part in the impending disaster.

Taylor tightened his hold around Charlie. He was about to say something, but Charlie spoke. She directed her words to Tiffany, saying, "Well, that's okay. Someone had to be the practice round."

"Ooooooooohhh."