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"She has every right to be ht noasn’t very nice to her e met, and I know that I owe her an explanation I promise--"

My dad put his hand up to stop Drake mid-sentence "Make your explanations and proot to say and wants to date you, just understand that you’ll answer toif, boy She deserves soives you the chance to be that person"

On that note, I stepped out of the shadows and started down the stairs I was happy that Drake had thought to include my dad in the invitation for the party, and I wasn’t surprised that he didn’t want to go I was surprised to hear h Helife than I’d realized The experience with Brad hadn’t just affected me It had hurt my dad, too

Drake and my father heard me as I moved down the stairs and turned their heads toward me My dad’s face was filled with pride as he looked at me with such love I had no doubt that he would always have ht coed hilanced towards Drake asaroundacross his face As o, Drake’s expression cleared and he smiled at both of us

"Alexa" He reached his hand out to reat Thanks for thinking of me"

"No, it’s definitely you Trust ot some time before the party kicks off, and I’d like to show you around a bit You up for a walk?"

"As long as talking is included with the walking, I’m fine with that Bye, Dad" I let Drake lead me out the door

"Night, Alexa I’ll be here if you need anything Don’t forget, this ht not be my roof, but I still expect you back at a decent hour We have the flight back to to take the controls again"

"Geesh, Dad I know--" I started to respond Drake’s hand tightened around mine, and he shook his head

"No, Alexa Your dad is only looking out for you I understand where he’s co from I need to earn his trust as ht in the eyes with a determined look "I swear she’ll come to no harm with me Not now, not ever I’ll have her back to you with plenty of tiht"

"Glad to know you hear what I’, Drake" My dad stretched his hand out and offered it to Drake As they shook hands, I could feel Drake relax beside ht had been lifted off his shoulders

Drake grabbed ain after their handshake ended "C’h time to talk before my mom sends out a search party"

We wandered past the stables and towards a gazebo surrounded by flowers Drake explained that hisas much as his sister loved horses By all appearances, what his dad hter Drake settled arden around us and strings of lights twinkling above, the setting was terribly romantic He sat down next to me and turned so he could look me in the eyes

"I know I’ve been a bit of a jerk to you, Alexa I’ve already apologized, but I haven’t had a chance to explain" He leaned in towards me and wrapped his hands around mine

"A bit? I think I have whiplash from youruntil I told you we’d nized me on the plane after that What could I have possibly done to deserve that treatment?"

He lifted my hands to his lips and kissed the You didn’t do anything, and I shouldn’t have taken my frustration out on you I’ve noticed you around caet you out ofabout you that pulled irls at school It wasn’t just that you’re hot because there are plenty of hot girls at school I hadn’t even talked to you, and I was already co chicks to you when they flirted with me Couldn’t work up any interest for anyone else, so I decided to talk to you the next tiht instead of on campus at lunch or in the quad And then I saw Jackson with you, and I was pissed that he got to you first"