Page 15 of Wallflower

"Just let it play out. Getting close to an attractive, charming guy wouldn't be the worst thing. Would it?"

Paris winked, and I shook my head as she went to help the man who had walked in. My boss was awesome, but she'd obviously watched one too many romantic comedies. Which, okay, that was hypocritical of me to think, considering how much I loved them, too.

But Dare and I weren't a thing. I'd served my purpose. He'd given me a pity 'hey'. One car ride. That was the extent of our relationship. It was all good.

I scoffed, prompting the Lab to give me a baleful glance. "Mark my words, Snape. That will be the last I hear from Dare Frost."

He chuffed, laying his head on my leg.

"Don't worry, big guy," I said, running a hand through his soft fur. "No more brushing. You look gorgeous. We're done."

Just like me and Dare.

#

Apparently, I'd spoken too soon.

The next morning, after I'd gone through my daily routine, I stepped outside—and lo and behold, there he was, waiting just like yesterday. I still had to do a double-take. Dare being at my house was anything but typical.

I walked over to where he was leaning against my car and crossed my arms.

"You're here again," I said, trying to mask my surprise.

"Yep," he said with a shrug. "Car's still not fixed."

"Oh."

"It may take a while to get it up and running."

I swallowed. "I see. I thought yesterday was a one-time thing."

Dare stared into my eyes. "Is that okay? Me riding with you? I'd appreciate it. I can give you gas money, but I don't want to put you out."

I found myself shaking my head. This was silly. Why was I making this so weird? We were classmates, both headed to the same place, and if nothing else, helping Dare would be good karma. "No…it's no problem," I said.

"Great." Dare smiled then walked around and opened my door. "Let's go," he said.

I frowned across Buttercup's yellow hood at him. "I thought we agreed to no more door opening."

Dare snapped his fingers. "Aw shoot, that's right. I forgot. Sorry," he said, not sounding apologetic at all.

I rolled my eyes. "'Aw shoot'?" I parroted. "Really?"

Dare smiled. "What? It's a habit, Vi. A gentlemanly reflex."

I laughed at that, and his smile grew.

After we both were settled in, I sat there, keys already inserted but not starting the engine…uncertain. Ugh. Why was Dare being so nice all of sudden? Also, what was up with my heart skipping a beat just because he got the door for me again? And why was I over-thinking this?

Dare noticed my hesitation. "What's up? Something wrong with the car?" he asked.

"No," I said, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel, glancing at him out of the corner of my eye. "Buttercup's fine."

"O-kay," Dare said. "Is it something else then?"

Yes, I thought. This was supposed to be a one-off, and now, I'd be taking Mr. Popular to school for an indeterminate amount of time. Excuse me for needing a moment.

Sighing, I reached into my bag, pulled out two packs of peanut butter crackers and two oranges, placing one of each on the console for him. I also placed my thermos and a smaller one in the cupholders. Dare looked at the items. When his gaze shifted to mine, his eyes were bright.

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