"How recent?"
Estelle had shrugged. "I don't know. Like yesterday? Jovonte told me Penn was showing that video around again, badmouthing you in the halls, and Dare wasn't having it. He got all up in that jerk's face. Whitney witnessed everything, of course."
I was dumfounded. "I didn't hear about that."
"He was just being a good guy, standing up for his girl," she said.
And if that wasn't enough—him sending nice messages, defending me even when I wasn't present—there was this text from earlier today.
Secret Boyfriend: Watched a few episodes of The Office last night and LMAO. You are so Pam. And I'm Jim. Obviously.
I'd smiled at that and his next message.
Secret Boyfriend: Hey, I'm not still Dwight in your phone, right?
When I didn't answer, Dare sent another.
Secret Boyfriend: Come on, flower. I'm dying of boredom listening to Mr. Wexler drone on about parabolas. Tell me you don't see me as a Schrute?
My reply was quick and succinct.
Me: Dwight's actually my favorite character. But okay. I've now changed your contact to Damarco. Happy now?
Secret Boyfriend: Ah, I'd prefer Jim or…you know, my name.
Me: Which is???
Dare sent three of what I called the stank-eye emojis, each one looking annoyed.
Me: Also, I'm in class, too, and Mrs. Busbee has a strict no texting policy. Are you trying to get me in trouble?
Secret Boyfriend: Ah sorry, I'll let you get back to class. Just wanted to chat with my girlfriend ;). Bye, flower.
And that was another thing. He kept calling me "girlfriend", which affected me every time even though it was all pretend. I knew what was happening. But it was like I was powerless to stop it. With each day that passed, I was starting to like Dare more and more.
I could admit that much to myself.
I wasn't willing to give up on the revenge plot just yet regardless of my growing feelings. Dad still hadn’t gotten the message—and if I was being honest, I didn't want to give Dare up so soon. I just hoped at the end of this thing my heart was still intact.
CHAPTER 12
"Ready for phase four?" I asked.
Dare walked around the car to my side and shrugged. "Sure. What did you have in mind?"
"Okay, Dad should be home in a few minutes. This time to avoid any confusion," I said, and tossed him a stern look as he laughed, "I thought I'd just position you to set the scene, make sure it's less awkward, more romantic."
He gave me a look. "You think I can't be romantic?"
I didn't answer.
"Alright," he said, holding his hands out from his sides. "Do what you want with my body."
"Wow," I commented. "That was strange."
It really sounded a little dirty, but I didn't want to say that.
Dare grinned. "Okay, how about this then." He looked at me through lowered lashes and said, "Will you paint me like one of your French girls?"
I blinked. "You're quoting Titanic now?"
"And you thought I knew nothing about romance."
"Hate to break it to you," I said as he allowed me to rearrange his limbs, trying not to let on how much touching him was moving me. "But Rose and Jack are a tragedy."
"No"—he shook his head—"their story is the romance within the bigger tragedy of the Titanic. Just because it ended sad doesn't mean it's not romantic."
I froze. "Are you actually trying to teach me something about romance?"
He shrugged which prompted a scoff to leave my lips.
"Inconceivable," I muttered.
"Hey," he said, "I know a thing or two about flirting. Maybe I could teach you something."
"That remains to be seen."
I raised a brow then stepped into him, placing both of his hands in the proper position at my upper-back/waist. My hands drifted to his neck, but I made sure to keep a safe amount of space between us.
"There," I said.
He looked down at the gap between our bodies and said, "Uh, flower, you could fit a tank in there. Don't you think we should be a little closer?"
I shook my head. "Nope. I think we're exactly how we should be to communicate the proper idea to my father."
"Were you going for middle school dance?" Dare said, and I shot him a glare. "Cause that's definitely what this pose says. I'm pretty sure I've never been this far away from a girl I dated."
"Have a lot of experience with that, do you?" I rolled my eyes but moved in a few inches. "There. I've closed the gap."
Dare scoffed. "Yeah by about an inch."
I scooted forward the tiniest bit, and he rolled his eyes.
"Seriously flower, he's going to think we're practicing for that imaginary theater class again."
"I'll have you know a variation of this pose is on several of the book covers I love as well as in my favorite movies," I said.
Looking over my shoulder toward the road, I didn't see Dad's car yet, but I knew he must be on his way. He always came home around the same time.
"If you let me," Dare said, "I'll help you."
"You already are, silly," I said.
"Don't think," he said, taking a step forward. "Just react to what I do."
I swallowed as he met my gaze. "I still think we should keep our distance."
In answer, Dare closed the gap completely, putting him flush against me.
I held back a gasp.
"Why?" he said. "This is to show your dad we're a couple. Isn't it?"
I nodded, and a moment later his hand was on my cheek.
"And we both know it's not real." He scanned my face. "Right?"
"Of course," I said.
"Then there should be no problem with me doing this."
His other hand slid down a few inches from my waist to
