Page 52 of Wallflower

I didn't know if I was relieved or upset about that fact.

"He even gave me his shirt today, so I wouldn't have to walk around in the same one I wore in the video," I put in and waited for his reaction.

"Oh, I thought I recognized that shirt," he said.

"Yeah, Mrs. Clemmons walked in right after he gave it to me."

"Well, isn't that nice," he said, sitting back in his chair with a self-satisfied grin. The logistics of how Dare and I would've exchanged shirts never even seemed to cross his mind. "Sounds like you two are friends now. Who would've thought, huh?"

Who, indeed?

"Is there anything you wanted to tell me?" I asked, giving him a chance to come clean, hoping he would.

But Dad shook his head. "Nope, I think I'm good."

Of course, he was, I thought. His "friend" plan seemed to be working like a dream, and as far as he knew, I was none the wiser.

I sighed, told Dad I loved him and left his office, wondering what he would've said if he knew I'd been shirtless in the same room with a shirtless Dare Frost. My father was wrong. I couldn't talk to him or Mom, at least not about this. There were just some things you didn't discuss with the parents. It was a good thing I knew someone who would listen.

#

"I'm telling you, Hermione," I said while brushing her thick fur. "Between one breath and the next, bam! His shirt was gone, and I couldn't tear my eyes away."

Hermione chuffed like she totally understood my dilemma.

"I can't even say I minded it much, you know?"

I petted her between brushes, a soothing gesture for both of us.

"I mean, Dare had agreed earlier to be my fake boyfriend, and it was so decent of him to try and help me after the video. Plus, he is beautiful. Glorious even. His shoulders are sculpted, and he has that muscle that leads from the neck down to the shoulders. And don't even get me started on his V. I think they call them obliques? But Dare's should just be called sexy."

Hermione rested her head against my shoulder, and I sighed.

"My first thought was: Thank you, soccer."

I looked down, meeting her dark brown eyes.

"I couldn't even get angry with him when I realized he saw me change—though I was embarrassed for sure. Do you think that's stupid?"

In answer, she licked my nose, making me smile.

"See? I knew you'd understand," I said.

Paris came into the back then. "Well, this sounds interesting," she said. "If you need any guy advice, I'm here for you, Vi."

"Yes, please," I said, leading Hermione back into her cage, giving Professor Snape a quick scratch. I'd already done him and all of the other dogs, but I'd intentionally saved my girl for last. I headed over to stand next to Paris. "I'd love some advice."

"Guys are unpredictable," she said. "Especially ones like Dare."

I nodded. "That sounds right. I can't get a good read on him."

"Did I hear you mention something about a fake boyfriend?"

My eyes narrowed on my boss. "Exactly how long were you standing out there?"

"Oh come on," she said with a laugh. "Can you blame me for listening? You always share your best stuff with the animals. This just saves you from having to repeat the story to me."

I shook my head.

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