Page 132 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

“Turn it off!” Theo whines as he clutches his ears. “My ears are bleeding.”

“My ears are bleeding, too!” Nate slides down the seat until he’s basically lying on the floor of the van. “Take me out of my misery.”

Finn and I roll with laughter. But after a bit, I decide to indeed take the guys out of their misery and switch to a pop station. Luckily, they’re no longer bickering.

When we reach the student parking lot, many other cars are pulling in as well. The seven of us get out of the car and make our way to the gym. The place is decorated beautifully in a fall theme and the music is pretty loud. Lots of kids are already dancing.

“Punch first,” Nate says before taking off toward the refreshment table.

My eyes do a quick sweep of the gym, zeroing in on the tall guys with dark hair. But none of them are Brock. I didn’t see hisbike in the parking lot, so it’s safe to assume he hasn’t arrived yet.

If he arrives, that is. He told us that he would, but he could have changed his mind. I hope he does show up—I want to have fun with him as a friend. I mean, things were a little awkward and weird between us these past few days because we were both trying to give each other space, but I still want to be his best friend. But I don’t know if dances are his scene.

Since Evie and Noah couldn’t perform for the school dance, there’s another band playing for us tonight. They’re also a local rock band, and I love what they’re playing so far. “Why are we just standing here?” I grab Gael and Dean’s hands and yank them to the dance floor. The rest of the guys quickly follow us, and we waste no time dancing.

Like at Sarah Linn’s party, the guys and I have fun doing all these crazy dance moves. Some of the surrounding kids mimic us. I love the way my dress swooshes across my knees as I spin around, and I bet my hair is one big mess. It probably looks like it went through a tornado. But I don’t care. I’m having way too much fun.

My dancing comes to an abrupt halt when the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. My gaze shoots toward the entrance of the gym and I see him. Brock. He’s surrounded by so many kids, but he stands out clearly to me. As though the spotlight is on him.

It’s like Ifelthim walk into the gym. Like we’re connected supernaturally or something.

And even though there are so many kids blocking my view, he still stands out to me, as though he’s the only one in the room. He’s wearing a dark blue dress shirt that fits so perfectly on his body—like it was made for him—and black pants. His hair is the same, his bangs still falling into his eyes, but I can’t help but feel that there’s something different about it, too. Maybe heput some product in it? I don’t know, but he looks so amazing. And his eyes? They’re so deep and intense. So mesmerizing. And they’re staring right at me.

At least, I think it’s at me. I turn around to see if there’s anyone behind me and find the freshman math teacher wiping his glasses on his suit jacket. When I spin back around, Brock has a smile on his face and he’s making his way toward me. Well, to me and the guys. Why does it feel like he’s only walking toward me, though?

Gosh, the closer he gets, the more handsome he looks. I mean…wow. I can’t remember the last time I saw him in a dress shirt. I guess not for four years. I always thought he looked dashing and super cute when he dressed up, but now? It’s out of this world.

My blood pounds throughout my body, so strongly that I feel it in my head. And my stomach has been overrun with humongous butterflies.

When Brock reaches us, he smiles that sweet smile of his and says, “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” Theo says, patting himself on the back. “I do clean up good, don’t I?”

Brock gives him a look. “I mean Lexi? You all look great, too.”

“Thanks.” My face is so hot I think I might combust. “You look so good, Brock. So handsome.”

“Thanks. I love the color of your dress.”

“Thanks.” I do a spin and then curtsy like a ballerina. “I think I look good in hot pink.”

“Definitely,” Brock says in a faraway tone. Then he blinks, his face turning as red as a tomato. “I mean, yeah, you look beautiful. Sorry, I already said that.”

“Thanks.”

We just stand before each other.

“We gonna dance or what?” Gael asks.

Now that Brock is finally here, the energy is different. It’s like we’re whole. Complete. The guys and I totally let loose and have fun, including Brock, who is picking up on our dance moves very well. I can’t help but watch him as he smiles and laughs. Especially when he messes up or steps on Dean’s toes. His face is so full of light, which makes him look…well, beautiful. And I don’t just mean it as a physical thing. I’m seeing his heart and soul, the thing inside him that makes him the wonderful person that he is. He might not have wanted to let it free these past few weeks, but I see it very clearly right now.

I wish I could bask in it forever.

And yeah, he’s hot as heck, too. His shirt definitely brings out his blue eyes, making them look more gorgeous than usual.

Because I’m so distracted by him, I don’t pay attention to what’s going on around me, and Nate knocks right into me, sending me hurling toward Brock. As quick as lighting, he holds out his arms and catches me just as I slam head first into his chest. He closes his arms around me so I don’t bounce off him and land straight on my butt.

“Ow,” I mutter.