Page 99 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

“Lies,” I say. “I beat you all the time.”

Finn steps forward. “That’s not how I remember it.”

Nate lifts his hands. “Yeah, our queen destroyed you, man.”

Lexi shrugs. “Fine, maybe you won, like, once,” she jokes.

We all know I won more than once, but they’re just teasing me. Maybe because I’m reverting to Damaged Brock. I was doing so well these past few weeks. And now…I don’t know. I want to be that guy again. It’s just hard when I’m losing my best friend. The girl who’s my world.

But I’ll get past this somehow.

Maybe that starts with making sure I have a good time here. So with a wide smile, I lift my head. “You losers remember the little Brock from years ago. Well, he’s grown up now and will annihilate you.”

“Oooh,” Lexi teases. “Look at the scary Brock talk smack. Well, put your money where your mouth is.” She gestures at one of the machines that’s not currently in use by other kids. “Have at it.”

“Gladly.”

Okay, I’m a big talker. Truth is, the current Brock has no idea how to even play this game. All I basically did back in Bostonwas read my books, watch ocean life docus, and sail on my grandfather’s boat. I’m going to get creamed.

All seven of them crowd around me as I start the game. Sure enough, I’m sucking. But then I get the hang of it and surprise myself. And the others. They’re cheering me on as my guy runs around collecting coins.

“You’re close to the jackpot!” Gael yells as he shakes in place. “Just a few more coins.”

We’re all tense as my guy leaps in the air, ready to snatch the last coin that will give me a high score, but then he goes splat into the mud.

We all groan in frustration.

“Man,” I mutter.

Theo bows down. “All hail the master of arcade games.”

Nate lifts a brow. “You tricked us. You’re a pro at this.”

“I swear this was my first time playing.”

“Dude.” Cooper slaps my hand. “Nice.”

Finn shrugs. “Beginner’s luck.”

I lift my brow. “Want to go head-to-head?”

The game has a feature where two people can battle each other, and whoever collects the most coins wins.

Finn lifts his chin. “Like heck I do.”

Lexi looks a little worried as she glances from me to Finn. “Come on, guys. No fighting.”

Finn waves his hand. “Just a friendly competition, Lexi. It’s all good. Right, Brock?”

“Yeah. All good.”

I take one side of the machine and he takes the other and we start the game. Why do I feel like this is a battle for Lexi’s heart? That’s silly. She chose Finn, or at least she’s leaning toward him, and like I said, I’m not going to get in between them.

Half the guys cheer for me and the other for Finn. Lexi’s quiet, so I have no idea whose team she’s on.

The guys go crazy when Finn and I are tied. All the winner needs to do is grab the bundle of coins at the end of the moving platforms. We’re both inches away from it, so close. Both our guys jump toward the coins and…

The machine freezes and the screen goes black.