Page 137 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

I bow. “Happy to oblige.”

The guys glance at us, but none of them say a word. Their eyes say enough. They’re wondering what exactly is going on between us.

“I need a break,” Lexi says with a huff as she drops my hand.

“Want a drink?” I offer.

She’s about to respond, but Finn says. “You guys both look like you can use a drink. I’ll be right back.”

“Thanks!” Lexi calls after him as he walks off.

He returns with two cups of punch and Lexi and I thank him and drink like we’ve been stranded on an island with no water.

Lexi sighs in content. “I really needed that. So, Coop, did you dance with anyone?”

His shoulders slump. “That would be a negative.”

She hugs him. “Sorry. I know your time will come soon.”

“Thanks.”

We take a short break, then join the rest of the kids on the dance floor. Each guy takes a turn twirling Lexi. When it’s my turn, she gives me such a sweet smile that makes my insides turn to goo. I return it, wondering if her insides turn to goo, too. After I twirl her, I dip her the way I’ve seen Dad do to Mom. But I think I do it wrong because I nearly drop her. Lexi’s eyes widen as she grabs onto me.

“Sorry,” I whisper. “That seemed like a good idea in my head.” How does Dad make it look romantic?

Lexi giggles as I straighten her up. “It was fun.”

“Yeah?”

“Duh.”

“Okay, then.” I twirl her again, and this time I’m more graceful as I dip her. We once again stare into each other’s eyes. And again, everyone disappears and it’s just Lexi and me.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Lexi

I’ve been dipped before, but not by Brock. There’s something different about his dips from the rest of the guys. I don’t know what it is, but I like it. A lot. There are so many raw emotions in his eyes. I love seeing Brock like this.

It’s like we’re in some sort of trance as we gaze at each other. Or like we’re in another world.

One of the guys clears his throat. Brock blinks, like he’s snapping back into this world, and sets me on my feet.

We continue dancing with our friends, having a good time. Brock’s smiling more than I’ve seen him smile in weeks and that makes me feel all tingly inside. He said he wants to be himself again. I think this is definitely helping.

He must notice me staring at him because he lifts a brow. He shifts over to me as he dances, bends close, and whispers, “Do I have something on my face?”

“Yeah, an adorable smile.”

He frowns. “Adorable?”

I lightly bump my hip into him. “Yes, adorable.”

He smiles that sweet, special smile of his and catches my hand, spinning me around a few times. I’m so not ready for that and lose my balance, crashing into his chest. His arms come around me. “Darn it. Why am I so bad at this? Sorry.”

I laugh as I press my face into his strong chest that smells so familiar and comforting. “Told you that you should have taken dance lessons with us.”

His chest rumbles as he joins my laughter. “And give up my books? Heck no.”