Page 138 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

Glancing up, my smile widens. “Remind me never to come between Brock and his books.”

He lifts his finger to stroke my cheek. “I’ll make an exception for you. Only you.”

My cheeks warm. I don’t have a chance to respond because Vice Principal Rivera announces that it’s time for everyone to start going home.

There’s a collective groan from everyone. Even the guys grunt in frustration. Brock and I glance at one another, and from the expression in his eyes, I know he’s just as disappointed as I am that this amazing night has to come to an end. But I’m also looking forward to that conversation we need to have.

The vice principal shoos the kids who don’t move. With more grumbles, the students start to disperse.

The guys and I make our way to the parking lot. I spot Brock’s bike a few feet away from Finn’s van and I notice Brock follows my gaze. He gives me a shy smile. “Do you want me to take you home or are you going with the guys?”

“Are you kidding? Of course I want to ride with you on your bike.”

“Have fun, kids,” Cooper says as he slaps Brock’s hand and gives me a quick hug. The rest of them wish us good night before getting into Finn’s van.

Brock and I face each other. He pushes some bangs out of his eyes, adjusting his helmet under his arm. “Ready to go?”

“More than ready.” Walking over to the bike, I run my hand along it. “I’ve missed you.”

Brock comes to stand next to me. “It missed you, too. A lot.” His cheeks redden. “It actually…it was very lonely riding my bike all by myself. Felt like someone special was missing.” His eyes meet mine and he gives me another shy smile.

My insides once again get all tingly. “Special person? Me?”

He faces me, pushing some curls away from my face. “Of course, Lexi.” He gives me a cheeky smile. “It’s not like I let justanyoneride on my bike.”

I lift a brow. “Oh, really?”

He steps closer, taking my hand. “Really.” Still holding my hand, he brings me to the bike and helps me get on. “Sorry you don’t have your helmet. I swear I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I place my hand on his arm. “I trust you with my life.”

His eyes widen a little, but he nods seriously. After putting on his helmet, he swings his leg over his bike and climbs on.

I wrap my arms around his waist, once again feeling his strong muscles.

“Hold on as tightly as you can,” he tells me.

I squeeze even tighter and he laughs. “Not that tight! You know, my mom used to say she was making orange juice out of my dad when she held on too tightly.”

I loosen my hold and press my face into his back. “I don’t want to make Brock orange juice.”

“That’s better, but hold on just a tiny bit tighter.”

I do as he says. “You don’t have to worry. I won’t fall off.”

He turns his head a little, probably to check if everything is okay and that I’m holding on properly. “Okay. Ready?”

“More than ever!”

Another rumble goes through him as he chuckles, then he revs the engine and takes off. Whoa! I forgot just how much fun it is to ride behind him on his bike. The wind blows through my curls, messing them up even more than before. The wind is also blowing through my dress, but luckily, it’s not too bad.

“It’s so different at night,” I call to him. “Peaceful, but also a little scary because it’s so dark.”

He nods. “Yeah, I have to be very careful when I drive at night. Are you okay back there?”

I squish myself as close to him as I can. “Totally okay. This is the perfect ending to an already perfect night.”

“Only because you’re here.”