My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,25

to Aiden for advice.

The line tugs again while the top of the rod bends.

“If you get another one like that, pull back and then start reelin’ it in.” His body has turned toward me. I can feel the heat of his stare boring into me.

Then, there’s a bigger bite and tug, so I do what he said. I yank back, and there’s possibly a fish on the end, pulling against my line.

“Start windin’ it in.”

Grabbing the reel, I pull then wind and pull then wind.

“It looks like a decent size, whatever it is. Keep goin.’”

I pull again, then the weight that was there a moment ago suddenly disappears, and my entire body flies back. I can’t help but break out in laughter.

I’m lying back on the wood, laughing, my stomach tighter with each giggle. I place the rod beside me with tears falling down my cheeks. Usually, I’d be totally embarrassed by something like this, but I couldn’t care less, especially not in front of Aiden, for some reason.

“You okay?” He places his rod down and leans over to offer me a hand. I take it, and he pulls me up. We were close before, but now we’re a hair’s breadth apart. My laughing stops, but the smile doesn’t move from my face. My heart jumps at our closeness. Our eyes burn into each other’s. His eyes shift from mine to my lips and back up again. Heat pools in my stomach.

Aiden inches closer. I close my eyes as he nears and feel the warmth of his soft lips lightly brushing over mine.

I want more.

I open my eyes and reach up, gently rubbing my hand on his cheek then dropping it back to my lap. He must take that as an invitation, and within seconds, his mouth is back on mine. Only this time, he’s not so gentle. Our lips move with such rhythm we could be writing our own song. His hands move and take my face, and when he does, goose bumps spread over my body like a wildfire.

After a moment, he pulls away, but I want those lips back. I stare at him. His eyes blaze with emotion, and it slaps me in the face. Our breaths are heavy, and I’m sure if we weren’t in public, more would happen.

“Wow,” I breathe. I’ve been wanting to do that since I met him, and it was even better than I imagined.

“Sorry. I couldn’t help myself,” he says with a kind softness to his voice.

I reach out and place my hand on his neck. “It was… perfect.”

He grins when the words leave my lips. “I can’t promise it won’t happen again.” His hand reaches up and takes mine from his neck.

“That’s okay. I’m sure I can survive another kiss like that one.”

“How about multiple?” He waggles his eyebrows.

“Oh, I don’t know. You might run away with my heart. It’s already trying to escape.” The pounding music in my chest hasn’t settled since we sat down.

The way he has this invisible hold over me is something I probably should be scared of.

Because when he eventually leaves, I’m sure he’ll have one extra piece of baggage he takes along with him—my heart.

I want to hold her in my arms and take her away—travel together. The way her gaze holds mine, it’s as if there are a thousand stories sitting behind them, a thousand secrets she wants to share, and I’d be happy to sit here and listen to every single one. The kiss was unplanned. Those peach-pink lips were soft as feathers against mine, and it makes me want more.

Elsie picks up the rod and reels in the rest of the line then places it down again. “I think I’m done with fishing for today.” She shrugs. “I’m happy to stay and wait for you to catch something if you want.”

“Sure. Why not? I’ve got all this bait to use up.” In all honesty, I want to spend more time with her, and if we have to sit here and fish, then I am all for it. Hearing her laughter brings a smile to my face every single time. Talking to her is easy. I didn’t think I’d bring Tom up to her—or anyone—over here. It always hurts too much, so I barely mention him. It’s been a year, and I miss my friend so much. I’ve never been close to anyone like that since. I guess I’m afraid that they’ll leave me. It’s a stupid thought, really.

“So, you’re here for