Page 71 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

I bury my face in his chest, loving how strong and protected I feel. “That kid reminds me of someone.”

Drawing back, he lifts a brow. “Who?”

“You. Remember how you crashed into Noah at Evie’s eighteenth birthday party because you were chasing me? You knocked his plate full of food out of his hand.”

He laughs. “Yeah, I remember. Are you okay, though? Sorry I crashed into you.”

I wave my hand. “I’m fine. Let’s go to the ocean life before it gets too crowded.”

As Brock and I walk side by side, I take in our fingers that are only inches away from one another. I wrap my pinky around his.

He glances at our hands before shifting his fingers to interlock with all of mine. I love how warm his hand is.

We enter the ocean life exhibit and spend a lot of time here. Even though I know this place like my own house, it’s somewhat new for Brock since they made improvements. He takes his time checking everything out, specifically the sharks.

We spend many hours at the museum, visiting all different kinds of exhibits. The museum closes early on the weekends, so it’s time for us to head out. Plus, we’re starving.

“Burgers or pizza?” I ask Brock.

He shrugs. “I’m good with whatever.”

“I’m in the mood for burgers.”

“Then Mikey’s it is.”

He makes a move to head to the exit, but I place my hand on his arm. “I want to check out the gift shop first.”

“Something tells me you bought every item in the shop.”

“Noteveryitem.” I grin innocently. “Only the ocean life ones.”

He gestures. “Lead the way.”

He follows me into the gift shop and smiles as he takes in the many items he recognizes from years ago, as well as the new items. The T-shirts and caps are pretty much the same—the museum’s logo displayed in different colors. Most of the stuffed animals are the same, as well as some puzzles and crafts. Brock heads over to the puzzles. He’d buy a new one every time we went to the museum together. Until he got them all. I rememberhow he asked the staff if they were getting more and was disappointed when they told him no.

He puffs out his cheeks. “Nothing new. Not even after four years. Maybe it’s time I broaden my horizons.” He heads over to the board games. “Seems like these are for kids.”

“Yeah, kind of. And I already have that one.” I point to one of the games. “Remember when all of us used to play it together?”

He nods, lips lifting in a grin. “And everyone fought who’d play because there are only four players.”

I laugh. “Yeah.”

He moves to the next section. “Pins and figurines. Hmm. I want something special. Something that means something to me.”

I lift a brow. “Something to do with sharks?”

His cheeks grow a little red. “Well, yeah. But I’m open to other stuff, too.”

“A mug with a hammerhead shark on it?” I hold it out to him.

“That’s cool, but I’m not much of a coffee drinker.”

“You can always use it for hot cocoa or something.”

He takes it from me. “Maybe. Let’s continue looking. What about you?”

Releasing a breath, I look around. “I kind of want to get a stuffed shark. I know, I know, I have tons of stuffed animals. But I don’t have a shark. I think my blue whale can use a friend.”