Page 47 of Wallflower

"Well, the late bell's about to ring," the teacher said. "You'd better get to class."

"Yes, ma'am," I said.

As I went to walk past her, she leaned in and whispered, "I saw the video, Viola, went straight to the office to have it taken down. It's why I'm running late. I'm so sorry. That shouldn't have been put out there like that."

I nodded. "Thank you," I murmured.

"But this is your only pass. I don't want to catch you in my classroom alone with a boy again," she said quietly. "Understand?"

"Yes, ma'am," I said again.

In a louder voice, she said, "And Mr. Frost…please do find a shirt."

My cheeks flushed as I remembered the reason he didn't have one.

"You got it, Mrs. Clemmons," Dare said.

"Try not to cause a riot in the halls," Mrs. Clemmons said wryly.

"I'll do my best." He threw her a wink as he walked past, strolling down the halls, not seeming to be shy at all about his state of undress.

Mrs. Clemmons leaned down once more. "Be careful with that one," she said.

I could only nod.

My heart was still racing from our bizarre encounter. I'd gone from humiliated about the video to moved when Dare offered me his help to stunned when he'd removed his shirt. And I was still trying to figure out how I felt about him watching me change through the glass. Part of me was absolutely embarrassed but another part was excited that he'd wanted to look at all? Gah. I didn't know what I was feeling.

But I did know one thing. Mrs. Clemmons was right.

I'd definitely have to be careful where Dare Frost was concerned.

My still racing heart told me that much.

CHAPTER 9

I'd never really been the subject of rumors. My profile at Durham High had always been low key. Plus, there was always someone or something more interesting to talk about. But I was pretty sure gossip never traveled faster than it did that day. The administration was able to take the video down before the start of third period. But by then, the damage was done.

The reactions were mixed.

People I didn't even know kept coming up to me between classes, saying things like (and I kid you not):

"Wow, that rejection was brutal. Would you mind if I repost it to my Instagram?"

My answer: It was. And yes, I would.

"Tyson is so hot! You go girl!"

I'd nodded and smiled awkwardly as the girl gave me a high-five.

"That video of you and Ty? Most hilarious thing I've ever seen. I must've watched it at least ten times. So funny."

Me: Glad it amused you.

"Tyson McCormack? Keep dreaming, Dog Girl."

That last one was from Penn, and I had ignored him completely.

"Hey, we don't know each other, but you're my new hero. If a normal girl like you can work up the nerve to approach a god like Tyson and be caught making out with Dare in the girl's bathroom, it means we've all got a shot."

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