Page 31 of Wallflower

But I just said, "Yeah, maybe someday."

"Is he hot?" Ingrid asked.

"Absolutely stunning."

I didn't know where I was coming up with this stuff, but the look of surprise on her face was worth it.

For about five seconds.

"What's his name?" she said.

I blinked. "Sorry, what?"

"His name," Ingrid repeated as I struggled to come up with a believable story. "Does he go here? I know all the hot guys at Durham."

Of course, she did.

"So…" she pressed, gesturing for me to answer. "You can't just say all that and then not tell us. Who was the guy that helped you get over Tyson?"

"Well," I said, stalling for time, "it's really new, and he's kind of shy. I'm not sure if he'd want me putting our relationship out there just yet."

"Oh, you can trust me, Viola. I won't tell a soul. Neither will the girls."

Sure, she wouldn't.

"So, who's your boyfriend?" she said again.

I'd opened my mouth to respond, but someone else beat me to it.

"Ah, there she is."

Dare stepped up next to me, making me nearly jump out of my skin when he draped an arm across my shoulders. We were definitely not at the casual touching stage yet. The crazy part, though, was how good it felt. How…right. After the initial shock, the weight of him, his closeness, seemed to settle something deep inside me.

"Sorry about the wait," he said. Then he shot a wink at the four girls who were currently gawking at us. "I had to shower before coming out."

I looked down at his arm then back up to meet his eyes. "It's fine," I said.

"Wanted to make sure I was fresh and clean for you—and Buttercup, of course."

I couldn't help but smile a little. "I'm sure she'll appreciate that."

"I was pretty sweaty," he said.

"Really?" I asked. "I'm surprised. It looked like everyone else was trying to keep up with you."

The corner of Dare's lips turned up. "So you were watching, flower? I'm flattered."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't be. It's just the truth."

"Still," he said. Then glancing at the others, he added, "What were you guys talking about before I got here?"

"Nothing," I said quickly. "Are you ready to go?"

My escape attempt was thwarted when Whitney walked over and joined us.

"Ingrid, girls, what the hell? I told you to take five, not fifteen." Seeming to register Dare's presence for the first time, Whitney softened her voice. "Oh hi, Dare."

"Hey," he said.

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