Page 150 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls
Mom is the first one to grab me. She hugs me tightly and kisses my cheek, telling me over and over how amazing I was and how proud she is. Her face is damp from her tears. Skylar hugs me, too, and her boyfriend tells me that he’s not usually a fan of ballet, but he very much enjoyed the performance.
Then Aidan and Ava hug me. Soon after Brock and I got together, I told Ava the good news because she was kind of involved in all my drama. She was extremely happy for us. Aidan is happy, too, of course, but he’s also protective of me, which means he had a “talk” with my boyfriend. I guess he still thinks he has to act like Dad sometimes? But he knows Brock well and knows he’ll be good to me.
Speaking of my boyfriend….where is he? There are so many people crowded around waiting to hug me and congratulate me that I don’t see him. I mean, sheesh, with how tall he is, he should stand out in the crowd. After accepting the hugs andkisses from all these amazing people, I finally come face to face with one of the most special people in the world.
With a huge smile, Brock rushes to me and gathers me in his arms, lifting me a few inches off the floor and sweeping his lips across my cheek. “You were so spectacular, Lexi,” he murmurs in my ear. “So beautiful and graceful. You were like an angel on stage.” He cringes. “Was that lame?”
“No,” I say with a laugh. “Thanks so much.” I squeeze my arms around him.
After all the congratulations are done, people start to leave. Brock and I fist bump and slap the guys, who promise to throw a celebratory party tomorrow.
“We’ll see you at the house,” Brock’s parents tell him as they hug him and me. “Drive safely. And amazing job again, Lexi.”
“Thanks.”
“Lexi, do you want to come home with me or catch a lift with Brock?” Mom asks. She’s gotten used to me riding with my boyfriend on his motorcycle, but I know she still worries a little. She trusts Brock wholeheartedly, though.
“Do you have to ask?” I joke.
Mom chuckles. “I’ll see you later.”
She hugs me and Brock before walking off.
“Want to spend some time together before I drive you home?” Brock asks me.
“You have to ask?” I joke again.
We make our way to the parking lot and get on the bike. Brock drives around the town first, since he knows how much I love just riding on his bike. Seriously, I can do this for hours and never get bored. Since it’s December, the weather is pretty chilly, but it doesn’t bother me.
He stops off at a large park and we sit on one of the benches. Brock wraps me in his arms and trails his lips down my neck, sending chills all over my body. “You were really amazing, Lexi,”he whispers. “Sometimes when I look at you, I wonder how such a wonderful person can exist. I know I said this already, but I’ll say it again: You’ve changed my life in so many ways. I’m so lucky to not only have you in my life, but to call you my partner for life.”
I reach up to cup his cheek. “I feel so lucky to call you my partner in life, too. Whatever happens, the good and the bad, I know you and I will be able to overcome it. Because you’re so strong, Brock. You’re so brave, so smart. And you’re so determined.”
He chuckles softly. “Those are adjectives I would use to describe you.”
I laugh, too. “Nuh-uh.”
“Uh-huh.”
He gathers me closer and presses his lips to my cheek. “I love you so much, Lexi. Years ago, I wasn’t sure what my future held. I definitely didn’t think it would be bright. I thought it would be full of darkness. I didn’t know if I would ever be happy. And I never in my wildest dreams thought I would end up with someone as incredible as you.” He shifts me around so he can look into my eyes. “Thanks so much for being the amazing person that you are, Alexis West.”
I place my hands on either side of his face, drawing him closer and looking deeper into his eyes. “For years I yearned and hoped we would be close again. I never gave up on that dream. I guess I’m stubborn,” I add with a laugh. “But I’m glad I didn’t give up. Because I can’t imagine my life without you in it. You have changed my life as well. I’m a better person because of you, Brock Hastings.”
He shakes his head. “I’m a better person because ofyou.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Are we going to argue?” I ask.
“I’d rather kiss you.”
“Then what are you waiting for?”
With smiles, we push ourselves even closer to each other, until we practically blend into one, and press our lips together.
We spend quite some time making out. I can’t believe how close I feel to this guy. I know I can share anything with him, that I can be open and honest and he would never judge me. He would love me no matter what. And I would do the same for him.
“I’m so happy, Brock,” I whisper. “I think my heart might burst.”
“Mine, too,” he whispers back. “I can’t wait to grow even closer to you. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
I kiss him and then snuggle in his arms. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, too, Brock. You’re stuck with me forever.”
He laughs as he buries his face in my hair. “I’ll take it.”
