Page 33 of Wallflower

And then he was kissing me.

One hand in my hair, the other wrapped around my waist, Dare's lips pressed against mine, and the world seemed to stop. I was suddenly breathless. Despite the sweetness of the kiss, I felt my entire body spark to his. Warmth spread from my lips outward until every part of me felt like it was on fire. It was like nothing I'd ever felt before, and everything I'd ever wanted to feel all at once. My hands went to his stomach, up his chest and then settled on his broad shoulders. I couldn't help but cling to them as the kiss deepened. The sound of approval he made thrilled me, and I sighed without meaning to. Almost in answer, I felt the hand Dare still had around my waist, his fingers clenching as if to pull me closer. I went willingly.

Who knew a stolen first kiss could be so soul-shattering?

It wasn't until someone coughed that I came back to myself. Even as we pulled apart though, I couldn't seem to resist going back for more, touching my lips to his one last time before letting him go.

It was only fair. He'd kissed me first after all.

Dare seemed surprised but not in a bad way, his face equal parts stunned, curious and…pleased. I wondered if my face looked the same. My heart was still trying to escape my chest as I stared up at him.

And then I realized.

Oh my God.

Dare Frost had kissed me.

No, he'd branded me with his lips, stamping it into my memory, making sure I'd never forget him or this moment.

And I had one-hundred percent let him. Had kissed him back as if my life depended on it. My cheeks flared hot.

He read my expression and gave a slow smile.

"Does that answer your question?"

It took me a second to understand that he wasn't talking to me, but to Estelle, the only person left standing beside us. The other girls, including Whitney, had disappeared at some point. Exactly how long had we been kissing?

"Yeah," Estelle said, sounding as dazed as I felt. "It does—even though I didn't ask the question in the first place."

"Did they see?" Dare asked.

"Oh yeah, everyone saw."

"Good." Dare looked to me then ran a hand along the back of his neck. "You know, I'm actually going to catch a ride with one of my boys."

I could only blink. "Really?"

"Yeah," he said. "Sorry for making you stay after. See you later, flower."

It was like he couldn't get out of there fast enough.

"O-okay. See you," I said like an idiot as he jogged off.

But honestly, I was still struck dumb by that kiss.

"Well," Estelle said once Dare was far enough away. "You were right about your boyfriend being stupid hot. But I'm not sure if I should be jealous or pity you."

My brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" I asked.

"For one, Dare isthenumber one bachelor in the school. I may be new but even I know that." Estelle laughed. "Word is every girl wants him, but no one's been able to catch him. You're basically dating a unicorn."

I actually wasn't, but I didn't correct her.

"And for two, when he kissed you, Whitney stormed out of here in a huff. According to Ingrid, she's had a crush on Dare since ninth grade."

"Oh. I didn't know," I said.

Estelle nodded as she started backing up. "But don't worry, girl. Maybe she'll get over it. At least your boyfriend will be able to console you if anything bad happens."

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