Broken Bad Boy novel Chapter 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.”

“He seems a good guy. Just take care, okay. Dad likes him too.”

“If you’re still referring to—you know. Don’t worry—” Saved by the message, and Mom just parked the car. 

I instantly saw Percie waiting for me outside his car. Every time I saw him, he just stupefied me, made me speechless. Sometimes, I asked myself what he found interesting in me when I was nothing special—I was far from the woman he slept with—that Cassie. I was far from Lexie, who was apparently into girls, and I was far from those girls who always giggled when Percie arrived. But Percie didn’t seem to mind them—as if they didn’t exist.

Now he was walking in our direction, and I felt like I was going to collapse. My heart thumped uncomfortably fast. 

Percie was only wearing a white shirt, pinot-colored jacket, and ripped jeans, but he looked just so perfect.

Mom was already out of the car, hugging Percie. “I’m gonna borrow Hailey’s car. I’ll give it back on Wednesday.”

He stuffed his hand in his pocket. “Sure. No problem. I’ll be her ride.”

“I know I can trust you with her.”

“Thank you, Lily.”

“You two, go ahead. You’re gonna be late for classes.” Mom kissed me on my cheek before she got in the car. 

Percie’s arm was already wrapped around me while Mom was waving goodbye to us, and she didn’t seem to care. She even beamed at Percie. I knew she always liked him, even I found him awfully weird the first time we met.

Once Mom was gone, Percie tightened his arm around me and whispered, “I missed you.”

Goosebumps erupted all over my skin, and I had to bite my lip before I shivered in a good way.

“You did not miss me?” He always liked to tease. “That’s not what I read in your text.”

“I missed you, okay. Can you let me go now?”

“Why? Don’t wanna be seen with me on campus?” He sounded upset.

I lifted my gaze because Percie was a living post, standing six feet and two inches tall. “Why did you think that?”

He let me go and stuffed his hands in his pockets. His mood had changed drastically to this old brooding Percie. “Let’s go.” He signaled towards the gate.

“I’m not ashamed to be with you, okay.”

“And you thought I am the one who’s ashamed to be seen with you on campus?” Maybe. I hadn’t thought about our relationship outside our box.

“I don’t know. I haven’t gotten that far.”

“Wow, Hailey. Just wow!” He walked past me, and I couldn’t match his pace.

I still followed him as he joined Lexie and my friends on the bench.