Page 53 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

“Yeah.”

He beams. “Glad to help.”

I lock my arms around him. “There’s no end to your awesomeness. Okay, I’m on a roll now. Let me try another dance number I’m struggling with.”

Brock holds up his hands and quickly retreats to his chair.

It takes some practice, but I manage to nail this one, too. Gosh, I can’t believe how much I accomplished today. I’m super proud of myself.

I drop down on the chair next to Brock with a happy sigh. “Ten points to Lexi West for an unbelievable performance.”

“Tenpoints? More like a hundred. Do you need a drink?” He rummages in his back for a water bottle.

“Thanks.” I gulp down half of it in one go, then give him an apologetic smile. “Sorry for drinking half your bottle. I didn’t realize I was so thirsty. I can refill it at the water cooler.”

“That’s okay. You can drink it all.”

“Thanks.” I take a few long sips and sigh. “I’m so happy.”

“You should be,” Brock gushes with bright eyes. “You were phenomenal.”

I playfully shove his shoulder. “You said you have no idea if I’m doing the dance right.”

“I know. That’s what I thought in the past. But after seeing you dance right now? Perfection.”

My heart skips a beat. “Thanks. I worked really hard.”

“I know. You were amazing.”

My face heats up and I avert my gaze. “Thanks.”

We sit in silence again.

I kick my ballet shoe against the floor.

Brock shifts in his seat.

“So, um, ready to go home?” I ask.

“Sure, if you’re done rehearsing. Because I can wait if you’re not.”

“Brock…”

“Yeah?”

I hesitate for a second before blurting, “You don’t have to always try to make it up to me. I already told you I forgive you.”

He stares at me for a second before shaking his head. “No, that’s not it. I wasn’t even thinking that at all. I just…wanted to.”

“Oh, okay. Sorry.”

He gives me a small smile. “I’m trying to put the past behind me. So if you ever see me being too nice…it’s just me being annoying Brock.”

“What? You’re not annoying! You’ve never been annoying. Now, Theo? He can be really annoying sometimes. And Cooper?Oh my gosh, he won’t stop talking about the girls he’ll never have the courage to approach.”

Brock bursts out laughing. “How true is that? They haven’t changed one bit. Well, other than Coop being more girl crazy than before.”

Still laughing, we gather our things and head toward the exit of the studio. But Dani intercepts us and spends a few minutes hugging the daylights out of Brock and then me.