Page 73 of Wallflower

"You guys are too cute," he said. "It's almost sickening to watch."

Dare and I had been smiling at each other, but at that, he turned to Tyson.

"What are you talking about?" Dare asked.

"I'm just saying you're like the definition of couple goals." Ty shrugged. "It's obvious how much you love each other."

I didn't know who was more shocked, Dare or me. But his smile was the first to drop.

"That's real funny, Ty," he said, a frown marring his features. "You should give up soccer and become a comedian."

"No really," Ty added. "For a single guy like me, the love you two share, it's something to aspire to. You know?"

"You've got the wrong idea." Dare took a step back. I hadn't even realized we were standing so close until he put the space between us. "It's not like that. Me and flower are just having fun."

Each word was like a punch to the chest, but Dare wasn't finished.

"We may be a couple, but it's not serious."

Ouch.

"And Viola knows that."

Did I though? I'd really started to believe we might be something more. And this conversation was painful, like watching all of my hopes being crushed right before my eyes.

"Really?" Tyson didn't sound convinced.

Dare put a hand on his shoulder. "Man, you know me. I don't do serious relationships. I never get too wrapped up in a girl."

"I guess that's true."

"Yeah, it is. In fact, if we broke up tomorrow and she wanted to date someone else, I'd be totally fine with it."

Tyson shook his head with a grin. "Ah now, I know you're joking. You're way too competitive. You wouldn't let someone swoop in and steal your girl."

Dare's gaze narrowed. "I might."

I was still trying to recover when Tyson looked to me.

"And you'd be okay with Dare dating around?" he said.

I didn't want to respond. Everything in me rebelled against it, but I forced the words out.

"Yeah," I said, "Of course, I would. If that's what he wanted."

Dare's eyes were on me, but I refused to look at him.

"We're just"—I spoke past the lump in my throat—"having a good time."

Tyson crossed his arms, moving his gaze back to Dare. "So, you're telling me you'd let her go. Just like that."

A shrug. "I wouldn't stop her if that's what you're asking."

Translation: Dare wouldn't fight to keep me.

God, I was bleeding, and no one could even see it. But I could feel the wound he'd just inflicted as if he'd literally delivered a TKO. The sad part was I hadn't expected it. The left hook came out of nowhere, and I only had myself to blame. I'd been blinded by his pretty words and actions, lost sight of the fact that this was all pretend.

I wouldn’t let that happen again.

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