Page 66 of Wallflower

My reply was quick and succinct.

Me:Dwight's actually my favorite character. But okay. I've now changed your contact to Damarco. Happy now?

Secret Boyfriend:Ah, I'd prefer Jim or…you know, my name.

Me:Which is???

Dare sent three of what I called the stank-eye emojis, each one looking annoyed.

Me:Also, I'm in class, too, and Mrs. Busbee has a strict no texting policy. Are you trying to get me in trouble?

Secret Boyfriend:Ah sorry, I'll let you get back to class. Just wanted to chat with my girlfriend ;). Bye, flower.

And that was another thing. He kept calling me "girlfriend", which affected me every time even though it was all pretend. I knew what was happening. But it was like I was powerless to stop it. With each day that passed, I was starting to like Dare more and more.

I could admit that much to myself.

I wasn't willing to give up on the revenge plot just yet regardless of my growing feelings. Dad still hadn’t gotten the message—and if I was being honest, I didn't want to give Dare up so soon. I just hoped at the end of this thing my heart was still intact.

CHAPTER 12

"Ready for phase four?" I asked.

Dare walked around the car to my side and shrugged. "Sure. What did you have in mind?"

"Okay, Dad should be home in a few minutes. This time to avoid any confusion," I said, and tossed him a stern look as he laughed, "I thought I'd just position you to set the scene, make sure it's less awkward, more romantic."

He gave me a look. "You think I can't be romantic?"

I didn't answer.

"Alright," he said, holding his hands out from his sides. "Do what you want with my body."

"Wow," I commented. "That was strange."

It really sounded a little dirty, but I didn't want to say that.

Dare grinned. "Okay, how about this then." He looked at me through lowered lashes and said, "Will you paint me like one of your French girls?"

I blinked. "You're quotingTitanicnow?"

"And you thought I knew nothing about romance."

"Hate to break it to you," I said as he allowed me to rearrange his limbs, trying not to let on how much touching him was moving me. "But Rose and Jack are a tragedy."

"No"—he shook his head—"their story is the romance within the bigger tragedy of the Titanic. Just because it ended sad doesn't mean it's not romantic."

I froze. "Are you actually trying to teach me something about romance?"

He shrugged which prompted a scoff to leave my lips.

"Inconceivable," I muttered.

"Hey," he said, "I know a thing or two about flirting. Maybe Icouldteach you something."

"That remains to be seen."

I raised a brow then stepped into him, placing both of his hands in the proper position at my upper-back/waist. My hands drifted to his neck, but I made sure to keep a safe amount of space between us.

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