Page 54 of Bad Boys Don’t Date Clumsy Girls

“I told you guys how Popeye—the dog that was rescued from the fight ring—trusted Dylan from the beginning.”

They nod. “Well, yesterday, Dylan wasn’t around when it came time to clean Popeye’s kennel, so I let the dog out, and for the first time since he came to the shelter, he looked at me.” For some reason, I don’t feel right sharing Dylan’s moment of insecurity with the girls. It feels too personal, so I skip over that part. “When I told Dylan how he was helping Popeye to trust again…”

My throat clenches. The words are so soaked with emotion, that they are too swollen for me to finish my thought.

But Bek gasps.

“It’s working on you too.”

I stare at my friend before I finally nod in acknowledgement. I swallow. “That’s why I ran away. You know, like I always do. I physically ran.” I bury my face in my hands with a groan. “I’m so embarrassed.”

“Ava, it’s okay.” Sam’s hand runs up and down my arm in a comforting gesture. “I’m a little confused about why you ran. Can you explain it to me?”

Bek pats my foot. “She already told us.”

Sam and I look at Bek, whose understanding expression is full of compassion. I blush, but I’d much rather have Bek say it than for me to say it again.

“Because you’re afraid.”

Sam huffs and looks at me. “Is she right?” At my nod, Sam lets out another frustrated breath. “I’m sorry, Ava, but I don’t understand. What are you afraid of? He hasn’t shown any indication of being someone who would be loud or abusive when he gets mad, has he?”

I glance at Bek, who clearly knows the answer as much as I do, but she dips her chin to encourage me to answer.

I draw in a deep breath and hold it longer than normal. When I let it out, I consider my response. I don’t even know how to explain it. Sam fidgets beside me, looking between Bek and me.

“Sam, I’ve spent my whole life hiding. I don’t like to attract attention, because I worry that any relationship I have will end up in a screaming match.” I meet Sam’s gaze. “No, Dylan doesn’t seem like anyone who would do that, but the difference this time…”

I swallow again. Panic builds in my chest until it feels like I might burst. Does saying something out loud give it a kinetic energy so it can take on a life of its own? Was there no going back once I say this?

Bek pats my foot again. “Go on.”

I stare down at the comforter when I speak. “I’m afraid because this is the first time I’ve cared.”

I sigh deeply. My body relaxes like a weight has just been lifted. My head is clearer. And I can look at my friends and smile. “I care about Dylan Scott. And if I’m only a temporary stop in his life, it’ll break my heart.”

Sam throws her hands in the air. “Why are you smiling about this?”

I laugh. “Because, Sam. I like Dylan Scott.”

Sam’s eyes pop wide. “Oh. Oh!” She looks at Bek, who arches a wry eyebrow. Sam claps excitedly. “Ava likes a boy!”

My laugh turns a bit hysterical as the full impact of what I admitted dawns on me. I do indeed like a boy, and I suspect the boy likes me back. At least a little. I might never have the courage to even hint at my feelings to him but for now, it’s a revelation to admit them to my friends. And myself.

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