truth or dare - game on series #1

Cameron

The locker room was alive with celebration, the air thick with the smell of sweat and victory. I leaned against my locker, pulling off my jersey, letting the rush of the game settle. Around me, the guys were loud, hyped, and already planning the night ahead.

"We're hitting the club tonight," Drew announced, pulling his jersey over his head. "Shots on me. It's gonna be wild."

"Hell yeah," Liam chimed in, already halfway dressed. "We'll get wasted, pick up some girls."

Drew smirked, glancing over at me. "Speaking of girls, saw your little fan in the audience tonight. Stella, right?"

Liam laughed, slapping me on the back. "Yeah, he invited her. Can you believe that?"

Drew burst into laughter. "Of course, he did. Cam's been all soft for her lately. What's next, a poetry reading?"

"It's not like that," I muttered, grabbing a clean shirt from my bag. My tone was even, but the comment stung more than I'd admit.

"Sure, it's not," Liam teased, leaning against his locker. "Just don't forget the plan, man. Don't go catching feelings."

The words hung in the air longer than I liked. They didn't need to remind me—I knew exactly what I was doing. I just didn't need to hear it right now.

Drew chuckled, snapping me back to reality. "You should bring her to Blaze. A few drinks in, and she might actually loosen up. Could be fun."

My jaw tightened, but I didn't respond. My eyes drifted across the room to Nick, who was lacing up his shoes, watching us. The memory of that party a few weeks ago flashed in my mind—Nick talking to Stella, smiling. She may not have seen it, but it was clear to me what he was trying to do... The jealousy that had burned through me then flickered again now.

"And don't forget her friend Bree," Liam chimed in, breaking into my thoughts. "I'm not giving up on that one."

"You've got a death wish," I muttered, shaking my head. Liam's relentless flirting was a train wreck I didn't want to witness.

After showering and changing, I decided I needed a breather from their jokes. I stepped out of the locker room and scanned the lingering crowd. It didn't take long to spot her. Stella was standing near the exit with Bree, their heads close as they talked and laughed. Something about the way she smiled made my chest tighten.

"Hey, Star," I called out, making my way over. She turned, her wide eyes meeting mine before she smiled. God, that smile.

"Hey," she said softly. Bree shot me a grin, her usual confident and mischievous self.

"Great game, Cam," Bree said. "You guys crushed it."

"Thanks. Glad you were here to see it," I replied, my gaze sliding back to Stella. "What'd you think?"

"You were... really good," she admitted, her cheeks flushing.

I grinned. "Glad you think so. So, we're heading to Blaze to celebrate. You should come. Both of you."

Bree shook her head immediately. ""I'd love to, but can't. I've got a date. But Stella's free."

Stella's head snapped toward Bree. "I'm not—"

"Yes, you are," Bree interrupted, smirking. "And you totally should go. Have some fun for once."

"I don't know," Stella said hesitantly. "Parties aren't really my thing. And a club? That's a whole other level."

I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "Come on, Star. It'll be fun. I'll stick with you the whole time. Hell, I'll even follow you to the bathroom if it makes you feel better."

She laughed, but I could see the hesitation in her eyes. "You're supposed to be celebrating with your team. Drinking, partying... not babysitting me in a corner."

"Who says I can't celebrate with you?" I countered. "I won't even drink. I'll make sure you're comfortable, and I'll take you home whenever you want."

"But you should be drinking-"

"If I have to choose between shots of vodka and you being there, I want you." I interrupted her.

Bree nodded, clearly enjoying the show. "You should go, Stella. He's practically begging."

"I'm not even dressed for a club," Stella said, gesturing to her white sweater and jeans. "I'd stick out like a sore thumb."

I looked her over, my smile softening. "You look perfect. Trust me, no one's going to care about what you're wearing."

She bit her lip, her cheeks tinged with pink. Finally, she sighed. "Fine. But if I hate it, I'm leaving."

"Deal," I said, my grin spreading. "But I'll make sure you won't."