Breaking Free: A Living Again Novella by L.L. Collins Page A

smiling at Greer.
    “You look so handsome,” she said finally. “Look at you, Greer.”
    He didn’t get it. He was wearing shorts and a shirt that she had bought him, and he shaved and styled his hair every day.
    “It’s nice to see you in something different,” his dad said. “Do you like those clothes? We can get you more if you do.”
    He ran his hands down the front of his shorts, feeling the draft on his legs. He always wore jeans. “I like them okay. I’ll ask Alexis if she likes them.”
    They looked at each other, a look he didn’t understand passing between them. “We’re going to head out. Text if you need us. We’ll be home in a few hours. Tell Alexis we said hi.”
    He heard a car door behind him and he turned to confirm it was her. “You can say hi to her yourself. She’s here.” Greer walked quickly to the door, flinging it open.
    She was wearing a black dress and her hair was curled around her face. It shone in the late day sun, and it made him want to touch it to see if it was as soft as it seemed.
    “Have fun,” his mom whispered as she moved past him. His dad clapped him on the back, winking at him as they headed to the car.
    “Hello Alexis,” he heard both his mom and dad say. She smiled at both of them, exchanging hellos.
    “Hi Greer,” she said, stepping in front of him. “Am I late?”
    Greer looked at his watch. “You texted me thirty minutes ago. You’re exactly on time. My parents are going to dinner. I picked out our movie and candy and popcorn.”
    She walked past him, and he smelled a flowery scent coming from her hair. It made him feel funny inside. “That sounds good, Greer. You look very nice,” she commented. “I like that outfit.”
    He grinned. “Really? I never wear things like this.”
    “I know,” Alexis laughed. “But it’s very handsome.” She reached up and hovered her hand next to his face, preparing him for her touch. He sucked in a breath, wondering what she was going to do. She had never touched his face before.
    “You shaved,” she remarked, running her fingers softly along his jaw. Her dimple appeared as she looked at him in the eyes. He fought with himself to keep her gaze.
    “I shave in the morning. But today, I shaved at night.”
    “You’re just breaking all the rules tonight, aren’t you?” Alexis dropped her hand from his face, and for once he missed the sensation of touch. She walked to the couch and sat down, tucking her long legs up under her. Greer knew she was a beautiful girl. Scratch that, she was gorgeous. He knew enough to see that all the guys at school watched her as she walked. He had never felt desire before, but he wondered if the feeling bubbling up inside him was just that.
    “I’m so glad you’re going to meet my parents,” she said after he said down next to her. His leg was touching hers. And because he had shorts on, he could feel the small hairs of his leg rubbing against her soft skin. He liked it. A whole lot. “Do you want to meet them at the stadium? They’ve heard a lot about you and can’t wait to meet you.”
    Greer thought about what he would be able to manage. He had never been inside the football stadium before. Ever since Alexis had asked him, he wanted nothing less than to do that for her. He had yet to see her on television, and he wanted to go. But being there posed many problems. One, he didn’t like big crowds. Two, he didn’t like loud noises. Three, he didn’t like weird smells. But with the help of Dr. Sharon, he was going to attempt it. She had given him many coping mechanisms to use while he was there. He was most worried about being in front of her whole family and embarrassing himself. It wouldn’t be the first time he had been an embarrassment. Or the last.
    “Greer? Are you okay with this? You don’t have to go. I would completely understand.”
    “I want to do this,” he answered. “I think I’m ready for it.”
    She smiled. “Well just so you know, I won’t be hurt if