Page 56 of Wallflower

Dad looked to me. "Love you, Viola. I'll see you at home."

"Yeah, sure, love you," I said back.

He was gone a second later, leaving Dare and me staring after him.

"That went well," Dare said.

My gaze went back to his. "Are you being sarcastic?" I asked.

"It was a joke," he said. "But next time, maybe let me know you're going to attack me. That way I'll be prepared."

"I think attack is a pretty strong word."

"Okay," he said. "What about climb me like a tree?"

"I didn't—"

Dare laughed. "So easy, flower."

I realized then he was trying to get a reaction and crossed my arms. "If you're done, you should go on to practice. You heard what my father said."

Dare shook his head, that grin still in place like he thought I was the funniest thing.

"What's that smile about?" I asked.

"Most girls aren't usually so eager for me to leave," he said. "Not like you."

I shrugged. "I'm one of a kind."

Dare gave me a nod. "Yeah, I can see that."

I hadn't expected him to agree, and my eyes shot to his, trying to see if he was sincere or just messing with me again.

"Phase two complete," he said then turned away. "Pretty sure Coach caught an eyeful. I'd say the seed was definitely planted. I'll catch you later, Vi."

It was impossible to look away as he jogged out to the field. The words he tossed so carelessly over of his shoulder shouldn't have affected me the way they did. Thinking of how I'd thrown myself at him (all for the sake of revenge, of course), I shook my head. Remembering the feel of his hand as it trailed down my leg, I shivered. What the heck was going on? I thought as the scene replayed in my head over and over.

Ugh.

Snap out of it, Viola.

I needed to stay focused.

For all his sarcasm, Dare was right. My father had seen us together. I just hadn't expected him to totally buy my excuse. Next time, maybe I wouldn't explain at all. Hmm…

My mind was going through all the options when my phone buzzed in my hand.

Looking down, I noticed Dare's name—well, the one he'd input into my phone.Secret Boyfriend. Jeez.

Checking the text, I saw he'd sent me what looked like a little plant emoji along with a watering can. The words that followed made his meaning clear, though I already understood.

Secret Boyfriend:Watering the seed. Get it, flower?

About a second a later, I got another.

Secret Boyfriend:Uh oh, Coach is glaring at me. Got to go.

I couldn't contain my smile if I tried.

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