Page 100 of Wallflower

Dare took a breath and then let it go.

"Darcy," he said. "My real name is Darcy."

I blinked. "You're kidding?"

"Nope," he said. "My mom was a big Jane Austen fan. She named me after the main character. One of the stupidest names ever."

"It's not stupid," I said. "I lovePride & Prejudice."

Dare groaned. "God, not you, too."

"It's a great love story," I insisted.

"But the name's still stupid." He shook his head. "You'd definitely laugh if you knew my middle name."

"Try me."

"Fitzwilliam," he said deadpan.

"So Darcy Fitzwilliam Frost?" I said. "That's awesome."

"No, it's awful. And the worst part is I didn't even get a good nickname out of it."

"Why don't you just go by Darcy?"

He shot me a look. "Do I look like a sorority girl to you?"

I bit back a laugh but tried again. "Why not Fitz or Liam then? Those are both solid nicknames."

Dare held up a finger. "One, I'm not British." He held up a second. "And two, do I look like a member of a pretty pop boy band? Come on, flower. Get real."

"You are rather pretty," I said.

"Viola."

I was having a really hard time not laughing, but I tried my best.

With a cough, I said, "I guess Dare does fit you better."

"It does." Dare gave a decisive nod. "And if you tell anyone about this, there will be heck to pay."

I held up my hand. "No need for threats, Mr. Darcy. I promise not to tell a soul."

"Oh, you're going to pay for that, flower."

I squeaked as he tackled me onto the couch, laughing as he started to tickle my sides.

"I'm not letting you up till you apologize," he warned.

"Why Mr. Darcy, this is so improper."

With a growl, he started his tickling again, and I continued to laugh.

"Seriously, I love your name," I said through my giggles. "All of them."

"You do?" he asked.

I nodded.

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