My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,10

tackle. You’d snap me in two.” I laugh, and so does he.

“So, are you enjoying the party?” he asks, shoving his hands into his pockets and swaying back on his heels. I haven’t paid much attention to him since he’s just not my type, other than helping him with his work. I’m not like his football groupies. Nope, not going to happen. Although, come to think of it, I forgot to ask Aiden about his tutoring.

I managed a few new sign-ups this week but didn’t see his name. I also had one sign-up for online help. With online, you don’t really know who it is—they tend to use anonymous interface. They do that because they’re embarrassed they need help, which is fine. Personally, I think it’s great; at least you can still get some help.

“Yeah, I’m enjoying myself. Always do.” I smile.

He grins back. “All right, well, I guess I’ll see you on Wednesday for tutoring.”

“Yep, you will. Don’t be late this time.”

Clifton’s hand goes to his chest like my words have hurt him. “Who, me? I’m never late.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Cliff. A couple of weeks back, you didn’t even show up.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. Had practice.”

Willow takes that moment to step away from me, leaving me with Clifton.

“Email me next time so I’m not wasting my time waiting on you.”

Clifton nods, then he unexpectedly steps closer to me. Dude, what are you doing?

I take a small step back. “Ah, Cliff… can I help you with something?”

Cliff’s hand rises and rakes through his blond hair. Those blue eyes hold my gaze—they appear slightly crazed. I’m not sure if I want to run or stand my ground, but I choose to stay. He leans into me, his mouth near my ear, his breath tickling my neck. “I was hoping you’d go out with me some time.”

Stepping back, I put a good amount of distance between us. “Don’t get me wrong, Cliff. I like you, but not like that.” Please don’t take it the wrong way.

Again, he moves closer to me, and alarm bells start sounding in my head. “Please, Elsie. I’d like one chance to go out on a date with you. Not tutoring… an actual date.” His breath hits my nose—it’s a mixture of pizza and vodka. Eww, so not nice.

Tightness pulls at my chest. The look on his face tells me he means what he’s saying, but I’ve known him for a while now. He’s very much a ladies’ man. “Look, how about you come to me when we’re both sober, and we can talk about it then?” I nod to myself, happy with my answer. I’m sure he won’t remember this conversation tomorrow. I look to my left and catch Aiden watching the weird exchange.

A hard look rests on Aiden’s face. What’s his problem?

Then, Clifton is at my ear again.

I jump back this time. “Dude, I gave you an answer. Talk to me about it when you’re not simply trying to get in my pants.” I hold my hands out, stopping him from advancing.

Clifton waggles his eyebrows. “Oh, Elsie. Let’s get out of here.”

He’s drunk. The smell of his breath is enough to turn off any girl here.

“That’s not going to happen. I’ll see you on Wednesday.” Turning my back to him, I notice Aiden has moved closer to Clifton and me. It’s as though he’s about to pounce on Clifton.

I step toward him, taking his arm and pulling him away. “Don’t even go there. I see what you’re thinking of doing. He’s just drunk. I tutor him.” I don’t even bother glancing back at Clifton. That boy’s not worth the drama.

“He looked like he wasn’t going to leave you alone. I was only going to step in if it was needed.”

“Aw, look at you being my superhero. Sorry, Superman. I am no Lois Lane needing rescuing all the time, though.” I laugh, playfully shoving his arm, which I realize I’m still holding onto. My chest constricts as I know I need to let go, but I really don’t want to. My body ignites with sparks, leaving a tingling sensation swimming through all parts of me.

“No, you don’t need saving. You’re a little firecracker who will explode on anyone who gets in your way. Am I right?”

I tap his arm. “You get me. Well, you don’t know me entirely yet, but I’m sure you will. We’ll be great… friends.” I push the word out of my throat, not wanting it to leave.