Wallflower

by Cookie O'Gorman

  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—whatever this is."

  "Phase five commence," he said, rubbing his hands together like it was some kind of Mission Impossible assignment. 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?"

  "A little further," Dare said and placed his hand on the small of my back. I felt that touch all the way to my fingertips. He led me to the couch's arm directly in line with the hallway—and my parents' door. "Perfect."

  A beat passed, and his hand was still on my back.

  I pretended to be bored. "Will phase five start sometime before my next birthday? Because I'm getting old over here."

  Dare's chuckle was low, and it sent shivers of pleasure down my spine.

  "Patience, flower, all will be revealed in due time," he said.

  If he didn't make a move soon, I was afraid I would. And then he'd know how I really felt which would ruin absolutely everything. I had to hurry this along.

  "Chop, chop," I said. "Come on, Dare. Show me your moves. Or did you run out already?"

  Dare walked toward me until the top of my thighs hit the couch cushion. "I've got a ton of moves, flower. We haven't even tried half of them."

  I blinked. "Really?"

  He nodded. "I'm just trying to ease you into this, make sure you're comfortable. I don't want to move too fast."

  Please, do, I thought.

  The words that came out of my mouth were, "I'll believe it when I see it."

  It had sounded good, quippy and totally aloof in my head.

  But Dare took it as a challenge.

  "I'm going to enjoy this," Dare said.

  Before I could respond, he gripped the backs of my legs and lifted slightly, making me gasp and throw my arms about his neck. In the next instant, I was balanced on the couch back, my legs on either side of his hips as he took a step forward. There hadn't been that much space between us to begin with. So, the next thing I knew his body was mere inches away from mine.

  My cheeks flamed, and he drank in my reaction.

  "Now, I know you mentioned no kissing," he said, and my heart jumped. "But I think we should break that rule. Just this once."

  "You do?" I squeaked.

  "Yeah," he said. His eyes were bright as they roamed over my face. "I'll try to stay away from certain areas."

  Dare ran his eyes over my lips.

  "Though I do love that smart mouth of yours," he murmured.

  I blinked. Did he really just say that?

  Convinced I had misheard, I was just about to ask what he'd said when he moved. Dare slowly leaned in and placed his mouth on the side of my neck. The kiss he left there was the first of many. My eyes fell closed as he made his way up to the space behind my ear, across my jaw.

  "You okay?" Dare asked between kisses.

  If being okay meant I'd forgotten my name twice in the last few minutes, yeah, I was peachy keen jellybean.

  "Hmm," I said instead and felt him smile against the hollow of my throat.

  "Good." His lips brushed over my pulse point, and in response, I gripped his neck tighter. "You know, flower, you really shouldn't challenge a guy who hates to lose."

  I gave a slight nod as he kissed up the other side of my neck.

  "I'll remember that for next time," I breathed.

  "Ah see," he said, "I knew you were smart."

  "Dare?" I said.

  "Yeah?"

  "Can you be quiet?" I asked. "Your talking is kind of ruining this for me."

  He suddenly leaned back, and I opened my eyes to find him grinning.

  "Just admit it," he said. "You're loving this."

  I totally was.

  Instead, I shrugged. "I don't hate it," I said.

  Dare gave a slow shake of his head. "Guess I'll just have to try harder."

  I gulped. I wasn't sure I could handle that. If he upped his game even a tiny degree, I was sure I'd melt right through this loveseat.

  "It's okay," I said quickly. "You can just go back to doing what you were doing."

  Dare's eyes smiled, and as he lowered his mouth to my neck, there was a slight sucking sensation and a hint of tongue, which caused my eyes to roll back, before he straightened.

  "You mean like this," he said.

  I met his gaze. "Yeah, that's nice."

  "Nice?" he repeated. "There you go challenging me again."

  "It wasn't a—"

  Dare's next kiss was to my temple. It cut off my words as surely as if he'd gripped my heart in his hand. He made a trail of kisses from there, over my cheek until he was just at the corner of my lips.

  "Flower?" he said in question. I could hear the hoarseness in his voice. "Can I—"

  My answer was to kiss him.

  There'd been enough talk and hesitation, at least from my end. Though I might regret it later, I had to feel his mouth on mine at least once more before it was too late. Dare seemed surprised for a whole two seconds. And then he was all in, kissing me back like his life depended on it.

  I couldn't believe we'd waited so long to do this again.

  Our first kiss was amazing, but this…oh God, this was on another level. My hands glided across Dare's shoulders to his back, one moving down his front again to his chest. I couldn't get enough of touching him. And he seemed to feel the same about me. With the next breath, Dare had picked me up, my legs closing in reaction about his waist. I didn't realize he was walking until my back was pressed against the wall.

  And still, we kissed.

  Dare's mouth moved with mine in a rhythm we created together. If this was a symphony, our harmonies would've melded perfectly. It was beautiful. He was beautiful. I couldn't get enough. And I realized as he kept kissing me and kissing me and kissing me that I never would. Never get enough of his lips caressing my lips, his hands flexing as they gripped my thighs, his scent filling me up. It was like we were in our own little bubble…

  ….which burst when someone cleared their throat.

  "Excuse me for interrupting, but what the heck is going on here?"

  I knew that voice, and it wasn't my dad's.

  Dare and I froze. Definitely caught—but by the wrong parent.

  Goodness gracious.

  "Viola Martha Carole Rogue Kent," Mom said again.

  Meeting Dare's eyes, he slowly lowered me to my feet.

  "It's nothing, Mom," I said. "Dare just came by so we can go to the party together."

  "Oh, did he?" she said. Dare's eyes widened. He'd heard the warning in her voice, too. And that was before she added, "Young man, you need to step away and turn to face me in the next five seconds. Or else."

  I could almost see Dare considering whether to defy her, but I shook my head.

  "You should do what she says," I murmured. "My mom's awesome, but you don't want to cross her."

  Dare stared at me a moment longer then turned to face my mother.

  Mom lifted a brow. "I'm guessing you're Dare Frost?"

  "Yes, ma'am, I am," he said, and I gave him side-eye.

  "Too late for the polite act. I've already walked in on you kissing the life out of my only child." Mom obviously felt the same way I did about the ma'am thing.

  Dare's mouth pulled to the side in a playful grin. "Can you blame me? You have a lovely daughter, Mrs. Kent."

  Wrong thing to say.

  Mom's eyes narrowed. "Oh yes, she's wonderful, and I absolutely can blame you. What were you tw
o thinking? Making out in the living room where anyone could see?" Her voice quieted as she said, "You're lucky it was me who came in and not her father. There's a good chance he would've went all Hulk on you."

  "Do you really think Dad would do something like that, though?" I said, trying to lighten the mood. "Dare's his star player after all."

  "And you're his baby girl!" She threw up her hands. "You father would've ripped his legs off—and he probably wouldn't even stop there."

  Dare winced at that.

  "Not to mention what all the uncles would do if they found out," she murmured. "So again, what the heck were you thinking?"

  I tugged the bottom of my shirt and shrugged. "I guess I wasn't. We just got a little carried away."

  "Don't be mad at Viola, Mrs. Kent," Dare said. "It wasn't her fault."

  "Oh, I know." Mom ran her eyes over him. "Trust me, I know my daughter. We tell each other everything."

  Her gaze settled on me next, and I could see the confusion and hurt there.

  "Or at least, I thought we did."

  Ugh, it felt like a punch to the gut. The three of us were in the middle of the most awkward staring contest ever, and I was this close to telling her it was all pretend—though that kiss had felt so very real—when Dad walked out and tossed an arm over her shoulders.

  "What's going on?" he asked. "I thought I heard arguing."

  Nobody answered, and Dad looked from Mom to me and finally to Dare.

  "Frost," he said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

  "Just dropped by," Dare said.

  Mom lifted a brow. "Viola and Dare are supposed to be going to a party."

  "Oh, that's great," he said. "Hope you kids have fun."

  Mom scoffed as Dad threw Dare a wink.

  "But not too much fun."

  A blush rose to my cheeks at that, and Dare rubbed a hand across his neck.

  "They were having fun when I came out here," Mom put in.

  "Were they?" he asked.

  She nodded. "In fact, they were having so much fun they didn't even notice me at first."

  Oh God.

  "Really?" Dad's smile turned curious. "What were they doing? Playing a game or something."

  "Or something," she said.

  "Well, don't let us keep you from your party," Dad said still totally clueless.

  "I was actually thinking maybe Viola should stay home."

  My eyes shot to hers, but my father shrugged. "I don't see why. She's got her cell phone if she needs us. She knows curfew is at midnight. And Dare's her friend. He'll be there to watch her back. Right?"

  "Right," Dare said. "I won't let anything bad happen to her."

  Mom shook her head, biting her nail. "I'm not sure."

  Dad kissed her forehead. "It's only a party."

  "I know," she said. "But…"

  Dare's phone went off in his pocket.

  He pulled it out, read the text on the screen then looked up. "That was Tyson," he said. "He was just wondering where we are."

  Mom met my eyes. "Have fun, Viola," she finally said. "And…just be safe."

  "Thanks, Mom," I said, knowing how hard that had to be for her. I said my goodbyes and left with Dare. Once we had driven to Tyson's, however, I had an attack of conscience. Turning to Dare, I shook my head.

  "Sorry, but I think I should go home," I said.

  "But your Mom said…"

  "I know." I took a deep breath. "I just remembered I have a lot of homework and studying to do."

  Worst excuse ever.

  Dare probably knew I was full of crap, but he didn't call me on it.

  "Okay," he said. "No problem."

  "Can you catch a lift with someone else?" I asked. "If not, just call when you're ready to leave and—"

  Dare held up a hand. "You're sweet, Vi. But I can find a ride home."

  Hopefully not with some other girl.

  I couldn't stop the thought from coming, but I also couldn't stay.

  "Are you okay?" he asked.

  What a loaded question.

  "Of course," I said, faking it for all I was worth. "I'll see you tomorrow."

  Dare surprised me by leaning in to press a kiss to my forehead. Though I knew it didn't mean what I wanted it to, my eyes closed instantly. I opened them again as he drew back.

  "What was that for?" I asked.

  "To celebrate the success of phase five," he said. His lips turned up in a half-smile. "Your mom saw us, and there's no way she's not going to tell Coach about this. Mission accomplished, right?"

  I nodded. Of course. The revenge plot. How had I forgotten?

  "Right," I said.

  "Drive safe, flower."

  With that, Dare got out, and I watched as he walked up the steps to Tyson's front porch. He was surrounded by people before the door completely closed. And yes, there had been a lot of girls in that circle. I sighed and drove back home. Even if I had stayed at the party, there wasn't anything I could do about that. It wasn't like we were an actual couple.

  Dare wasn't really mine.

  The thought shouldn't have saddened me.

  But it did.

  CHAPTER 15

  It was the morning after what I now referred to in my mind as The Wall Kiss. I had spent all night thinking, and the memory of Dare's lips, his hands holding me up, the feeling of being surrounded by his warmth, sent shivers straight through me.

  One thing was certain: Dare was very good at pretending.

  That kiss had sure felt real.

  But it wasn't, I reminded myself sternly. This was all just a means to an end.

  I heard my parents talking before I saw them.

  "They're both good kids," Dad said. "I think you may have misread the situation."

  "And I think you need to wake up. Come on, Becks. I saw them with my own two eyes."

  They were in the kitchen, and I stopped just outside, peeking around the corner to see. Dad was seated at the coffee table, and Mom was pacing back and forth in front of him.

  "Tell me again," he said.

  Mom stopped, put her hands on her hips. "We've been over this a hundred times. I walked out of our bedroom, and they were right there. Kissing."

  "Kissing," Dad repeated. "What does that mean?"

  "Oh my God, Becks." Mom laughed. "What do you mean what does that mean? They were kissing. Their lips were locked together. I have no proof, but I'm pretty sure tongue was involved. Do you need me to go on?"

  My father blanched. "No, thanks. I got it."

  "Finally," she said and sat next to him. "So, what should we do?"

  "I think we're missing something." Dad thought for a second and then snapped his fingers. "I bet it's for that class. I saw them practicing once before and almost got the wrong idea. They're both taking theatre."

  Mom tilted her head. "Do you even hear yourself?"

  "What?" Dad said.

  "Theatre. Our shy, introverted daughter who would rather die than be on stage," she said. "Don't you remember how she threw up during the first grade play? It scarred her for life, and she had two lines."

  His brow furrowed. "But it's the only explanation that makes sense."

  Mom placed her hand on his forearm. "There's another more plausible one, and I think you just can't see it," she said.

  "Tell me then," he said. "Please."

  "They like each other."

  "No way. Dare's one of my players. He knows the unwritten rules. And Viola would never—"

  "Viola would," she said, "if her heart got involved. You know how deeply she feels things."

  "That's true." He shook his head unable to believe it. "But Sal…Dare would stay away from her if only out of respect for me."

  "Not if he fell for her, too," Mom said gently. "Becks. You should've seen the way he was looking at her."

  Dad's eyes flashed to hers. "How was he looking at her?"

  "The way you look at me," she said.

  Had Dare really been looking at me in a special way? My br
ow pinched as I tried to remember his exact expression. I saw my father's jaw clench, and Mom reached out to run a hand along his cheek. Her touch obviously soothed him, but still he frowned.

  "God, what have I done?" Dad muttered.

  "You?" Mom laughed. "Sorry to break it to you. But this was just two kids having one hot make-out session."

  "Ugh, can you please not say things like that?"

  "I only meant it has nothing to do with you."

  His wince was unmistakable. "You might be surprised."

  I went to walk back toward my room, but the floorboard squeaked, alerting them to my presence.

  "Viola," Mom called, "is that you?"

  Walking lightly in place and then louder, feeling like an idiot as I pretended to walk down the hall, I turned the corner a minute later. "Yeah hey, Mom. How's it going?"

  "Going okay," she said. "Are you sad you missed the party last night?"

  They'd still been awake when I got home, but I'd said something about a headache and went to bed. It was actually the truth. After that amazing kiss and all the thoughts running rampant through my mind, I'd felt worn out.

  "Not really," I said. "I probably would've done or said something stupid if I'd gone anyway."

  "But Dare stayed," Dad said. It wasn't a question.

  "Yep," I said and looked over at the clock behind his head. "I should get going."

  "Where are you off to?" he asked, trying (and failing) to sound indifferent.

  "To the shelter," I said slowly. "Like I do almost every Sunday."

  "You're not going to see Dare Frost?"

  I shook my head. "No, like I've told you guys before, the shelter's in desperate need of more volunteers, and I love the animals there—especially my girl, Hermione. Guess I'll see you later."

  "But—"

  Mom spoke over him. "Okay, baby, we'll see you in a bit."

  "Love you, Mom. Love you, Dad," I said and gave each of them a kiss on the head. It looked like they might need it. Especially my father, who kept staring at me with concerned eyes when he thought I wouldn't notice. "You know, we should think about getting a dog."

  Dad sat up straighter. "Viola, your mom and I would love to. If your mom didn't have severe allergies, we'd take one in a heartbeat."

  "I know," I said, "But cats and dogs are different. They carry different kinds of dander. Also, I really think it would brighten up your lives when I leave for college next year."