"Dang, flower," he said. "No need to be pushy. We're both in this class, remember?"
I decided to get straight to the point.
"You need to tell me what's going on," I said. "Right now."
Dare pushed his hands into his pockets. "Well, we're currently in this place called the library," he said like I was a child. "It's mostly used for studying, reading and, of course, my personal favorite, making out."
A flush rose to my cheeks at that, but I didn't let it distract me.
"Nerds love libraries," he went on. "I'm surprised you didn't know that already."
"Seriously, what the heck is up with you?"
"Don't know what you mean."
I held up a finger. "First, you've been acting really strange. Being all nice and considerate instead of cocky and conceited."
Dare arched an eyebrow at that. "Trust me, flower. I'm still cocky as hell."
"And you always have been," I said. "It's usually your default setting for goodness sake. But now it's like you had a personality transplant."
"Go on," he said.
"Second, you sit with me at lunch and in class. You even speak to me between classes."
"And that's a problem?"
"Well, you never did it before. Why now?"
He just stared.
"Then there's the whole getting the door for me thing."
"Told you already. I've always done that."
"Yeah, but it's so polite. And that's just not you," I said.
His eyes narrowed. "Glad to know you think so highly of me."
"No, I didn't mean it like that," I said backtracking. My suspicions were running high, though. I needed answers and wouldn't stop until I had them. "I'm just trying to understand. How did I even end up driving you to school in the first place? You have so many friends."
"Not really," he said.
"Come on, what about Tyson? He's your BFF. I know he would've taken you."
Dare shrugged. "The trip was too far, and he has a lot going on with the move. I didn't want to inconvenience him."
"Aha!" I said. "My dad told me all your friends refused, but I knew Tyson would never leave you hanging. He's too good of a person for that."
"Hm," he said. "Sounds like you like him."
"Why wouldn't I? He's great."
Dare nodded. "Something going on with you and Ty?"
The question caught me by surprise. "No, nothing," I said, hoping Dare didn't notice the heat rising to my cheeks.
"It didn't look like nothing when you were waiting for him that day after practice."
"What…you—"
How dare he bring up the day of my failed confession. I shook my head, getting back to the task at hand.
"Listen, this isn't about me," I said. "This is about you, Dare, and your crazy-odd behavior. Like stepping in just now in front of Penn and those guys."
"You expected me to sit back and do nothing?" he said.
I tilted my head from side to side. "Kind of. I mean, I figured you might be friends with them. Being athletes and all."
"Jesus," he breathed. "Who do you think I am, Vi? If I'd known they were doing that, I would've put a stop to it long ago. Don't lump me in with Penn and his merry band of douchebags."
He had a point. "I never thought you were quite that bad," I said.
Dare grunted.
"And thanks, but I had it covered."
"Yeah." He scoffed quietly. The sarcasm was thick in his voice. "It sure looked like it."
I crossed my arms. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means you needed backup, flower. Whether you admit it or not."
"I didn't need your help," I said through gritted teeth. "And bringing my dad into it? So unnecessary."
"I think Coach would disagree," Dare said.
Oh, he had some nerve. "As if you know him so well?"
He stared me down. "I know he cares about you a lot. Coach and I have an understanding."
"But apparently you don't understand me, Frost. I've never used my father as a shield and never would. I'm half-Slytherin, half-Gryffindor and all badass romance addict. I've got years of caring for neglected animals under my belt. I don't need anyone fighting my battles for me."
Dare nodded, but his eyes were intent on my face. "Keep telling yourself that."
Gah, this guy! I couldn't believe the audacity.
"Actually, you know what? This stops now." I wanted to make sure he knew I was serious, so I took a step closer and lowered my voice. "No more sitting together, no more talking except when absolutely necessary. Definitely no hanging out—whatever that means. Besides the driving, we go back to how it was. I ignore you, and you ignore me. Simple."
Dare shook his head slowly. "I don't think I can do that," he said.
My Spidey senses were tingling.
"Oh? Why not?" I asked, feeling like I was this close to the truth, but he stayed silent. Maybe if I pushed him a little farther. "Just stop pretending to be a white knight, Frost. The suit doesn't fit, and again, I don't want or need your help. I'm good."
"You're good?" Dare repeated.
"Totally," I said.
"So good I found you sitting by yourself in a corner."
I lifted my chin. "I like being alone. Prefer it actually."
"Sure, you do," Dare said.
"Not everyone needs a harem of girls and guys, kissing up to them, waiting at their beck and call."
His jaw clenched.
"Some people make do on their own."
I waited a beat then delivered the final shove.
"So you can stop acting like the nice guy we both know you aren't. I'm fine."
Dare had obviously had enough.
"If you're so
