Dare to Love (Young Adult Romance) (15 page)

“You thought Courtney and I...?”

I nodded.  “I saw you together a few
times.  And, I saw you, well ... hugging her a few days ago...  And then today
at the range...  And well, she’s so beautiful...”

“And you’re so beautiful.  Inside and
outside,” he cut in.  He searched my face, his blue eyes intent.  “And yes,
I’ve spent time with Courtney.  I’ve been trying to teach her to shoot.  The
day you saw
her
hug
me
,” he emphasized the words, “was the day
we’d gone shooting and she’d gotten so frustrated, she started crying.”  He
shook his head.  “None of us could figure out she shoots lefty and you came
along and figured it out right away.”  He smiled.  “You’re amazing, Laura.” 

“But I thought you thought...”

“What?” he asked as he leaned toward
me.

“I thought you thought I was reckless
and...”

“I did, and you were,” he said,
laughing softly as he inched even closer to me.  “But that didn’t stop me from
falling for you.  Besides, didn’t you say you’re reformed?  I was sure you told
me you’re reformed.” 

I nodded and he closed the gap
between us, pressing his lips against mine.  My heart leapt with joy.  Dare
loved me!

When we pulled apart, I could only
shake my head in wonderment.  Suddenly, Jennifer and Keith burst into the
room.  “Laura!” Jennifer cried.

I spun around surprised, and somehow tripped
on a huge Teddy bear.  Dare’s strong arms shot out to grab me.  Too late!  I
took him with me and we tumbled into the pile of bears. 

Dare and I turned toward one another
at the same time, laughing.  I threw my arms around him and gave him a big hug.

I heard Keith laughing hysterically, and
then I heard Jennifer’s smug voice.  “I told you she
liked
him, liked
him...”

The End