Page 114 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

Disappointment rains down on me, getting me super soaked. As I head back to the stairs, I shake my head and berate myself. What was I expecting? That Brock would swoop up to me on his bike and declare his undying love for me?

“Stupid,” I mutter before dropping down on a step and folding my arms over my chest.

I don’t have much time to hate myself because Finn pulls up before me a few minutes later. I get in the car and study the guys—as though I’m hoping the familiar face of Brock will be here. But of course he isn’t. Oh my gosh, what’s wrong with me?

“If you guys want to kiss, we won’t mind,” Gael says.

“As long as it’s not a make out session,” Theo adds with a chuckle.

My cheeks flame as I glance at Finn. He and I haven’t…we haven’t even come close to kissing. We’ve never even held hands. I’m trying to determine how he feels about it—does he want to kiss me? I can’t tell. But I can’t say I have a burning desire to kiss him.

Finn clears his throat and pulls away from the curb. He raises the volume of the music.

Thankfully, the rest of the guys keep most of the conversation going. And they don’t bring up Finn and me again.

When we get to school, Brock is already in English class, reading what looks like a mystery book. As the rest of the guys pile in, talking and laughing like usual, I just stand in the doorway watching Brock. He and I talk often enough, but nowhere like we did after he returned from Boston. I miss him so much. Does he miss me, too?

“Lexi, you coming?” Finn calls.

Brock’s eyes lift to mine. As soon as he sees me, his entire face lights up. As though just my very presence fills him with light.

“Lexi?” Finn calls again.

I blink and make my way to my desk.

***

Finn drops me off at my house before our date at Mikey’s so I can change into something pretty. Not too fancy because we’re just going to the diner, but something cute. I don’t want to spend too much time contemplating what to wear because I know it drives guys crazy, so I settle on a pretty green dress and matching shoes.

When I get back in the car, Finn smiles. “You look great.”

“Thanks.” Before I can stop myself, I lean forward and press my lips to Finn’s cheek. His skin is warm, but that’s all it is. I don’t feel any tingles or sparks. And I can’t tell if he feels anything, either. His cheeks do grow a little pink, though.

We’re quiet as he drives us to Mikey’s. Did I make things weird?

“Uh, we’re making such good progress in the ballet, right?” I say, then cringe. Ugh, why does it feel like I sometimes need to pull a conversation out of thin air?

Finn nods. “Yeah, it’s going great. My grandmother’s so excited about it. She can’t stop talking about it. I wish I had a bigger role.”

“She’s proud of you no matter what role you have. And every single part is important.”

“Yeah, I know. Thanks. What about you? Is anyone special coming?”

I shrug. “Just my family and brother and sister-in-law, plus all the Musketeers if they can make it. I kinda hinted to Sky to bring her boyfriend, but she once again pretended like he doesn’t exist.”

“Maybe he doesn’t.”

I gasp and press my hand to my chest. “Are you trying to crush my dreams?”

He chuckles. “No. But it’s a possibility, right?”

I shake my head. “Is there any romantic bone in your body?”

“I hope so,” he mutters.

We reach Mikey’s and park and get out of the car. Once again, our hands are only a few inches apart as we head for the door. Before I can stop myself once again, I slide my hand into his. His hand jerks for a second, like he wasn’t expecting that, but then his fingers close over mine.

It feels like…I’m holding the hand of a very good friend. Nothing more than that. No chills or tingles or butterflies.