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25
PERCIE
I turned my head, swearing silently. The shock on Hailey’s face twisted my gut to see me with Lexie together. She stopped at the door, causing her friends to stop too.
I swallowed hard and looked back at the girl in front of me. It was not that we broke up or I was cheating on her.
The waitress approached and asked Lexie about her order.
Lexie looked at me. “Are you sure you want me to sit with you?”
My brows furrowed. “Of course. Why not?”
“Um, Hailey might think something, you know,” she whispered.
I chuckled. “We’re just roommates. I don’t think she cares if I’m talking with girls. I’m not stopping her to make friends either. Or even go out on a date. She is a big girl. She can take care of herself.”
“Okay. But why do I sense some sarcasm and jealousy?” She beamed at me.
“Nuh. I was like a brother to her.” I looked to my right. Hailey was looking right
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Broken Bad Boy 26
PERCIE I locked the door behind me and cleared my throat. Hailey was already frozen in her place to see Lexie with me. Poor girl, she didn’t have a clue. But deep inside, I was glad to see her here, safe. “Hailey, I’m Lexie. Percie and I have classes together.” She waved her hand while her eyes barely opened. She had to lean into me to keep standing. Hailey hadn’t moved a muscle. I must admit that judging by her reactions right now, Lexie was right that Hailey liked me. “She hates me,” Lex whispered. Regret was thick in her tone. “Thought you went to a party.” I opened the conversation since she was still dumbfounded to reply to Lexie. “I said to think about it, and I thought you’re not interested in Remy’s party,” she said dismissively, glaring at Lexie. “It’s legit. She hates me,” Lexie whispered again, causing Hailey to glare further. “I went with Lexie because I thought you would be there
Broken Bad Boy 27
PERCIE What the fuck? “He asked you out?” My voice raised. I pressed my lips into a thin line before I spoke again. “And just now you told me?” “Yes. I mean. You ignored me, so how am I supposed to tell you when we were avoiding each other.” “Did he insist?” She stared at me right into my eyes. “He said just once, but I said I like someone else, and he asked who.” I swallowed the lump forming in my throat while wishing it would be me. My heart thumped faster in anticipation. “And?” My tongue thickened in my mouth. “I said I like you,” she whispered shyly. I thought my world just spun around, then abruptly stopped.Wait a sec?Did she just say she liked me? A smile spread across my lips and slowly, deliberately formed into a wide grin. My face ached. I squeezed her hands and caressed her knuckles. “Did you mean it, Hailey? Or you w
Broken Bad Boy 28
PERCIE “Wow! Who owned this place? Or are we trespassing?” I saw the amazement in Hailey’s eyes as she wandered to the property of my grandparents. The two-story stucco house had a huge front lawn, beautiful landscapes, and a deck to the lake at the back of the house that Hailey was about to see. Grandma loved this place so much and had been with them for a long time. As a real estate business proprietor, they knew clients would put big money into a property like this. “We would not trespass on our first date, Lee. This belongs to my grandparents.” I was holding her hand as we marched to the front door. The last time I visited this place was my last summer with Emma before we started our senior year. Nothing had changed with the interior. Our family pictures were mounted, then the last picture I had with Emma and my grandparents was just above the fireplace. The living room had the same furniture. One thing has changed, I came b
Broken Bad Boy 29
PERCIE I rose to my feet and laughed as I took her hand. “Let’s do it.” She didn’t hesitate and joined me. We sat side by side and dipped our legs into the water. “Are you sure nothing is gonna pull our feet down?” “You watch too many scary movies.” “I’m not scared.” “Really?” She shook her head while smiling like a little girl. “Sweetheart, no more head shaking. At least say yes or no.” “Sorry, it feels good. The water is not that cold but not warm either.” “I guess I really missed a lot having a good time like this.” “I’m glad you have a good time with me.” “My pleasure, Hailey.” I let her stay like that while I prepared our food. She could be very talkative once she started trusting someone. She talked most of the time while I just stared and admired her like a schoolboy. After we enjoyed our food, I placed the two cushions side by side
Broken Bad Boy 30
HAILEY “Honey, are you sure I can take your car?” I was typing a reply to Percie that we were almost at the parking lot. “Honey?” “Of course, Mom. We already talked about it. And it’s fine. I can ride along with Percie. Trust me he doesn’t mind.” I averted my gaze to Mom, driving my car after I sent my text. She gave me a meaningful smile. She and Dad had been asking me if how did my date go? Of course, I left a few details about the date—the detail about us kissing. “You’re blooming, honey. You really like him, don’t you?” “He’s okay, I guess.” Though okay was an understatement. Percie was great, despite our differences. “Okay doesn’t fit the description, Hailey.” Mom was amused than ever. I shrugged. “I think he likes me too.” “He asked you out. Of course, he does. What’s not to like about you?” “Now, you sound like him. That’s what exactly he said yesterday.”
Broken Bad Boy 31
HAILEY After our dinner, he suggested he would do the cleaning. Even if I wanted to argue, knowing Percie, he would end up winning. I started reviewing my notes while I could hear him talking to his grandpa over the phone. I kept my door open if he ever wanted to say good night before he slept. An hour later, the light from the living room turned off. I was done with homework as well. I checked my phone and I found three messages from Percie. Percie: Wanna talk for a while? Percie: Sleeping? Percie: Night then, sweetheart Hailey: Night then Percie: Can I come over? Hailey: You’re just behind the door Finally, he emerged, looking hot in his sweatpants and a shirt. He never ceased to amaze me. “Hey.” “You’re doing your homework?” He checked my desk behind me. “I’m done, actually.” I stretched my arms. “And you?” “I did a quick read on the couch.” He pulled me
Broken Bad Boy 32
HAILEY “And is it a bad thing?” I frowned. He must have noticed the tone in my voice. He lifted his head and stared at me with brows knitted in confusion. “Did I mention it’s a bad thing that I met you?” I dropped my gaze with a shrug. “I don’t know.” He faked his yawn. “Know what? Before we fight over something nonsense, let’s sleep, Lee.” He moved on his side and pulled me into a tight hug. I loved it when he called me Lee because no one did. It felt intimate, and he made me feel special. I did not move a muscle even if I was already crushed. It was even hard to breathe, but he smelled good. He always did. “Hailey.” He groaned. “You faked your yawn. You can just tell me if you don’t wanna talk about it,” I told him the truth. “We agreed on sharing, and this is what I’m doing even if it hurts because I believe in us, that we can make this work no matter how big our differences are, and even if I’m
Broken Bad Boy 33
HAILEY The rich smell of leather assaulted my senses as I took the passenger seat. I guessed Remy loved luxury. I was not into cars, but I was sure this one had cost a fortune. It was a sleek black convertible, and it was smaller than Percie’s. He assisted me with my seatbelt. Every time he came closer, I froze. There was something about Remy that I didn’t feel every time I was with Percie. Remy made me skeptical, no matter how good his intentions were. I swallowed hard as I looked at my side. “You’re gonna collapse if you keep on holding your breath. I don’t bite, Hailey.” “I-I know.” I swallowed again. “Are you cold?” I shook my head. I didn’t know why I was shivering. Maybe because it was raining outside? I guessed I was not comfortable around him because it had nothing to do with the temperature inside his car but the chill of distrust.—this was the only reason I could come up with.
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