Page 140 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

“That’s great.”

I smile. “He’s the only guy for me, Mom. I’ve known it all along, but I guess I was too scared or confused to admit it. But I’m not scared or confused anymore.”

She stretches her arm around me. “I’m happy that you’re happy.”

I release a breath. “The only question is if he’s ready to be with me.”

She plays with my hair as she thinks. “That’s why it’s important for you kids to talk. Tell him how you feel and encourage him to be open with you.”

I nod.

We sit at the table and I tell her every single detail about the dance. Mom is so happy for me and tells me about memories she and Dad shared when they went to high school dances.

Then I get ready for bed and as I drift off to sleep, all I think about is Brock and the magnificent time we shared tonight.

Chapter Forty

Lexi

I’m up very early the next morning because I’m nervous. Nervous and excited. I know how I feel and I’m pretty sure Brock feels the same way. I sensed so much from him as we danced together. But the question remains: is he ready to be with me? Also, am I ready to give him everything he needs?

I know I am.

I eat something, read a few comics, then watch TV.

The doorbell rings. He’s here!

“I’ll get it!” I yell as I fly down the stairs, nearly tripping over my feet.

“Careful, Lexi,” Mom calls from the kitchen, where she’s reading something on her tablet.

I rush to the door and fling it open. Brock stands there in a white T-shirt that emphasizes his muscles and jeans hung low on his hips. Did he always look this sexy?

He pushes his hands into his pockets, smiling sheepishly. “Sorry. I overslept a little.”

“It’s fine. I was watching a TV show.”

“Cool,” he says as he follows me into the house. “About what?”

I spend a few minutes telling him about it. Brock greets Mom, accepting the drink and snack she hands him.

I lead him to my room, where we sit on my bed. Brock looks at me and smiles warmly. I smile back.

“I’m glad we’re talking again,” he says. “I really missed you.”

Scooting closer, I take his hands. “I missed you, too. I’m sorry I distanced myself from you.”

He shakes his head. “No. You needed time to figure out what you want. I totally and completely understand.” He slipshis hands from mine. “But before you say anything, there’s something I need to tell you. I should have told you a while ago, but I didn’t want to bring up the past because it was too painful. But it’s important that I tell you now. I don’t want to keep any secrets from you. And I’m so, so sorry that I hid this from you.” He hangs his head. “I was a jerk.”

I tuck some hair behind my ear. “You’re not a jerk, Brock.”

He shuts his eyes for a second, then lifts his head to the ceiling. “I was.”

I place my hand on his. “What is it?” I ask gently.

He swallows, then takes a deep breath. “I know I apologized and I also know you forgave me. But there’s something you don’t know about that day four years ago.” He pauses, squeezing his eyes shut again. “Why do you think I blamed you for Andy’s death?” There’s so much pain in his eyes that it makes my heart bleed.

Lowering my gaze to the floor, I say, “Because I cursed him.”