Page 79 of Wallflower

"Hey," I said back, feeling my brows pinch together. "How'd you get here so fast? I just texted you like ten seconds ago."

"Was already on my way."

"Oh."

"Yeah." He shoved his hands into his pockets and nodded. "You look pretty, flower. Special occasion?"

The comment nearly made me stutter.

"Nah," I said, playing it off, "this is how I always look on the weekends."

Such a lie. Usually I didn't even roll out of bed before noon on Saturday and Sunday, and that was only to put on sweats and go to the shelter. But Dare didn't need to know that.

"You look good," he said.

I tried my best not to blush. "Thanks, I wanted to look nice tonight."

"Oh yeah?" Dare cocked his head to the side. "Was there someone you're hoping to see?"

Where was he going with this? Had he figured out my feelings for him? Or was he teasing me about something else? I really didn't know, so I shrugged.

"Just eager for phase 5 and a night out with my fake boyfriend."

He finally smiled, and I felt my spirits lift.

Ugh, I had it bad.

"Are you going to let me in?" he said.

I rolled my eyes at myself. "Of course, sorry. Come on in."

Dare stepped through the door, the two of us ending up so close that I couldn't take a breath without scenting him. Oh man, he smelled so good. I tried not to inhale too much in an act of self-preservation. It had the added side effect of making me light-headed. But again, that could've been caused by our close proximity.

"So," I prompted, both nervous and excited, "phase five. What is it?"

"Where's your parents' room?" he asked, and my eyes widened.

"Why do you need to know that?"

"Just tell me, flower," he said. "It's important to get the logistics. This all hinges on them catching us in the act."

"The act ofwhatexactly?" I said.

He rolled his eyes. "You'll see."

I walked a few steps then pointed down the hall. "That's their room down there."

"And yours would be?"

I crossed my arms and scowled at him. "At the other end of the house," I said. "Though I don't see why you need that either."

Dare threw me a wink. "I actually didn't need to know, but I'm glad you told me anyway."

"Ugh. Let's just do this already—whateverthisis."

"Phase five commence," he said, rubbing his hands together like it was some kind ofMission Impossibleassignment. Which, okay, maybe it was. All our other attempts had failed. My father hadn't gotten the message, and I didn't know how Dare planned to change that. "I think we should move into the living room."

"Okay." I walked a few steps forward and stopped. "What now?"

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