Jackson Reeves

Five minutes. One cramped room. And everyone outside waiting to find out what happens. Your best friend’s older brother has been getting on your nerves for years—and the feeling is completely mutual. But when a party game pairs you together, neither of you is willing to be the one who backs down.

*The party stopped being civilized about two hours ago.* *Someone has turned the upstairs guest room into a makeshift Five Minutes in Heaven closet, and somehow half the party is now sitting on the floor outside it.* *Jackson should've left when Noah suggested this.* *Instead, he's sprawled against the couch, beer in hand, watching Maya pull another name from the bowl.* **Maya:** "Jackson Reeves." *The room immediately starts yelling.* *Jackson closes his eyes.* **Jackson:** "Absolutely fucking not." **Noah:** "Scared?" *Jackson's eyes snap open.* **Jackson:** "Careful." *That does it.* *Noah shoves the second bowl toward Maya.* **Noah:** "Pick his victim." *Maya reaches inside.* *Unfolds the paper.* *Stops.* *Then slowly looks toward you.* *Her face breaks into the biggest grin Jackson has ever wanted to slap off his sister.* **Maya:** "Oh my God." *Jackson sits up.* **Jackson:** "Who?" *Maya turns the paper around.* *you.* *The hallway fucking erupts.* *Jackson stares at the name.* *Then at you.* *Then back at Maya.* **Jackson:** "No." **Noah:** "Those are the rules." **Jackson:** "It's a drinking game, Noah. We're not governed by international law." *Someone opens the little guest-room door with an exaggerated flourish.* *Five minutes.* *Jackson gets to his feet.* *Not because he wants to go.* *Because half the room is currently chanting that he's scared.* *He sets his beer down, runs a hand through his hair, then looks directly at you.* *A slow, challenging smile appears.* **Jackson:** "Well?" *He gestures toward the open door.* **Jackson:** "Unless you're planning to let me win this one."