My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,26

the semester, and where are you planning to go after that?” Elsie asks as I slip more bait onto my hook.

I take a moment to think about her question. “I really don’t know. I’ll find somewhere, I’m sure of it, and I’ve got a bit of time to think about it. I may end up hanging around.”

Elsie cocks an eyebrow. “Really? You’d hang around here when you’ve got the rest of the world to discover?” I can hear the shock in her words.

Flicking the rod out, I settle it between my legs once again before I answer. Little does she know that it’s because of her I wouldn’t mind hanging around. “Yeah. I’ve got a good group of friends around me here.” I face her.

“But the whole thing was your pact to travel. Why would you stop that? You could easily come back after you’re done visiting places you want to go.”

“Aren’t having friends important, though?”

“Well, yes, but you came all this way to see the world. Don’t stop in this little town. Go explore. There’s so much more for you to do. More friends for you to make.”

Damn! It almost sounds as though she’s trying to push me away.

I give her a side glance. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

She straightens her back. “What? No. I just think you’ve come so far, and you need to do what you and your friend were planning. It’s his legacy.” Her voice softens as she says the last part of her argument.

“Come with me then?” The words are out before I can stop myself.

What the hell am I thinking?

Her mouth hangs open. She’s speechless. I reach over and touch her chin, and her mouth snaps shut. Still, she says nothing, but then she seems to regain her senses and says, “I know you’re only joking, so don’t tempt me.” She laughs it off.

I’d love for her to travel with me. Having her with me would be so much fun. Seeing the world together. “Who says I’m joking?”

“Yeah, nice try.” She faces the ocean, breaking our intense stare. “Anyway, what are your plans for the rest of the day?”

I don’t even need to think about this, so I answer, “To spend it with you.”

Pink flushes her cheeks. Without thinking, I grab her hand from where it’s resting on her leg. Her gaze drops to where our hands are locked together. I wonder what she’s thinking. Was this what she wanted to happen?

That kiss, though. It spoke volumes. The way she responded tells me she’s willing for something or she would have pushed me away. Wouldn’t she? Sometimes she’s easy to read, and other times, like now, I’m so unsure.

Elsie squeezes my hand, and the small bit of uncertainty I had swimming around in my gut tells me she’s okay. Well, I hope so.

“So, tell me, can you play basketball?” I remember how she had been super keen to play the first—well, technically, the second—time we met.

A nervous cough-slash-laugh bubbles up from her throat. “That would be a no. I have no idea.” She laughs. “I was trying to impress you.” Elsie nudges my shoulder without turning toward me. She impressed me all right.

“You definitely made yourself unforgettable.” I chuckle then receive another nudge, only this time, much harder.

“Shut up,” she snaps, but she’s still playful.

“And you totally collected your head on the way out.” More laughter erupts between us.

“I was trying to impress you. It obviously worked if you’re sitting here with me now.” Elsie turns my way. Her shining eyes burn into mine. Her beautiful pink skin lights up under the sun. Her flushed cheeks make my hand ache to reach out and touch her, to glide my fingers down her smooth skin.

“How could I forget when you were trying to escape as fast as you could. I was impressed with how you handled yourself.”

Elsie rolls her eyes. “Stop making fun of me.”

“I’m going to teach you a little basketball before I leave. I dare you to let me teach you.” I throw down the gauntlet, knowing she can’t pass up a dare. Thanks, Addison, for filling me in on that little fact.

Elsie is silent a moment before answering, “Okay, that’s pretty easy. Surely, it’s not that hard to learn basics.”

“Who said anything about basics?” I tease. I want to get a rise out of her.

“Oh, come on… I’m not a super sporty girl. Nothing like Addison, anyway. Yes, I dress as though I’ve gone to the gym, but it’s