Page 27 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

“My friends wanted me to hang out here and watch them dance.”

“Wonderful. We love having an audience. You can sit on one of those chairs.” She points to the ones against the wall. “Maybe you’ll consider joining dance class? It’s never too late.”

Brock shakes his head. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m good.”

She rubs his arm. “The offer always stands, okay?” She focuses back on the dancers and claps. “Distraction over, guys! Sorry about that. A few more minutes and then I want to pair you guys up.”

Brock waves at each of us before plopping down on a chair with his paperback. I focus on my dance moves because I really want to get a big role in the ballet, but my heart rate picks up at the thought that Brock is here. That he may be watching me dance. Yeah, he did that all the time when we were kids, but I don’t know. It feels different now. Maybe because I…want him to watch me?

When I turn my head to take a peek, I find his eyes on me. But they widen and he quickly focuses on his book. My whole face and neck heat up.

When I glance at him a few minutes later, he’s reading his book.

“Okay, partners now!” Jasmine announces. “Let’s be mature and pick our own partners, okay?”

At once, all of my friends surround me, each of them demanding to pair up with me. I should be used to this by now because this happens likeall the time, but ugh, why do I always have to choose between them?

“You partnered up with her last time,” Nate says to Finn.

“No I didn’t! That was Coop.”

“You kidding? I haven’t been paired with her in ages.”

“Liar,” Theo says. “We even got it on video.”

“I’m the best dancer here,” Gael says. “It makes sense for her to be my partner.”

“Sure.” Finn rolls his eyes. “She and I have the best chemistry.”

The guys burst out laughing. “You and Lexi have the best chemistry? What a joke!” Theo says.

Finn scowls. “We do so.”

“You guys are acting like you’re five,” Dean complains. “Dani said to be mature about this.”

“You really are acting like five-year-olds,” I mutter. “Must we do this every freakin’ time? I can’t split myself into six.”

As much as I love these guys, they can be so immature sometimes.

When I look at Brock, I find him watching us curiously.

“You pick, Lexi,” Nate says. “We don’t want to fight over you like you’re a prize.”

“I am a prize,” I joke with a wink. Then I sigh. “Why am I always put in this position? You know I love you all the same and hate having to choose.”

“What is going on over there?” Dani calls at us.

“Shoot,” Cooper mutters. “Lexi, just pick someone.”

“Someone with the most talent.” Gael executes a perfect dance move.

“Sold,” I say.

“Sweet! Let’s go.” He takes my hand and places us in position.

With frowns, the rest of the guys search for other dance partners. I may be imagining things—probably not—but Finn looks really betrayed. Was he hoping I would pick him because of what he told me on Sunday? I still haven’t had a chance to make sense of it. I’ve been so distracted with Brock and everything. Honestly, the thought of thinking about it causes me stress. I don’t want to deal with it right now…or anytime soon.

One by one, the pairs perform dance sequences fromThe Nutcrackerin front of Dani and Jasmine. Gael is really such an amazing dancer, and he makes my skill soar one thousand percent. Maybe I do have a shot at Clara?