Beauty and the Nerd

Emma never imagined she’d be hiding a relationship, but when she falls for the boy everyone calls the class nerd at the start of their senior year, the last thing she wants is the hassle that will come from it. Her friends will never understand it, so she does what is easiest and just doesn’t tell them, doesn’t let them know what’s really going on in her life. It’s worked well in the past, what could possibly happen if she tries it now?

When an evening with her fake boyfriend—at least fake to her—results in a car accident, the only thing she wants is Ben to be beside her. To be with him and forget what her fake boyfriend tried to do and feel safe and special with the one person that sees her best.

Coming clean about their relationship brings other challenges, but she knows what’s important to her now and that’s Ben. He’s the best thing that’s happened to her and even if it brings about stupid questions, she’s not going back, not running. At least not as long as they let her live in peace. Is that too much to ask for?

Ben never imagined in a million years he’d have a shot with Emma, the girl they all know will be the homecoming queen, has been their grade’s homecoming princess since freshman year. She’s gorgeous and amazing, and hiding so much of who she really is he discovers the summer before senior year when they become friends. Yet somehow, he’s lucky enough for that friendship to turn into more and he won’t argue if they keep it secret for now. He’s dealt with his share of bullying and if the jocks find out that he got the girl, there’s no telling what they’d try.

When she’s hurt all he wants is to be there next to her, to keep her safe and protected, and when he learns what his biggest bully did, he wants to shout it from the roof to keep him far from her. Emma just wants to forget it and be his, publicly, and as much as he wants to argue the first part, the second he can’t begin to deny wanting as well. After all, it’s not every day that the nerd gets the girl.

It’s clear no one understands them, not the kids at school, not even his mother, but Emma is everything to him, and he won’t let her start running and hiding again. Not when it puts their future together, being happy together at risk. He wants the world to see how amazing she is all on her own, and not just because of her beauty.

They bring out the best in each other, and that opens up a world of opportunities for them. Ones they’d never have found apart. Ones he’ll never let go of without a fight, because this nerd is going to keep the girl.

TW: discussions of abuse, assault, bulling, self-harm, and violence throughout the story

It may be light on spice, but it’s full of heart and growth—individually and as a couple. With some strong language, some heavy emotional material, and a HEA, Beauty and the Nerd is approximately 78,150 words. It is intended for an adult audience and may include subjects that are sensitive to some readers.