My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,29
to die. He always turns it into a race, and of course, he’s got a longer stride, so I have to run double-time to even keep up. I’m beat.” She collapses onto the couch in a big heap.
“Have you seen the other girls?” I ask. I haven’t seen Willow or Jane since Friday night, and they’ve been noticeably absent over the rest of the weekend, so I am curious.
“Yeah, they’ve gone away for a girls’ trip for a night or two.”
I screw up my face. “What? Why didn’t they invite us? We were just with them on Friday night at the party.”
“Yeah, I know. It was a decision they made on Sunday because we’re all loved up and they just wanted to get away. They’ll be back, I think, later today or early tomorrow morning before class.”
“Wow, okay. That’s pretty weird of them.”
Addison shrugs. “It’s Willow and Jane. You know them; they like to do random things occasionally, and this is one of those times.”
“All right then. Well, I’m heading off. I want to stop by the café and grab food and a coffee to kickstart my day.” I stand to leave, but Addison holds up her hand.
“Tell me what happened yesterday. I need to know details.” She rubs her hands together as if she’s plotting something.
I fill her in on everything that happened yesterday, from the chats we had to the first kiss and the following dared kiss.
“Wow! He actually dared you to kiss him again?”
I nod. “And you know me. I won’t pass up a dare. One day, I’m going to be dared to do something, and I’ll have to say no. This cliff jump is one of those dares I really don’t want to do. But I’m determined to prove to Aiden I can do it.”
Addison stands. “I’m happy for you. Just be careful, because remember, he has only just come out of a relationship.”
Pop! goes the happy bubble I’ve created.
Of course, there’s always someone ready to steal my happiness.
“Yeah, thanks,” I reply dryly. There’s a bitterness to my tone I’m unable to hide.
“Hey, I’m only looking out for my friend. Don’t get angry when I’m only concerned.”
I know she’s right. I hadn’t realized how much I have invested already into Aiden.
This is what always happens. I fall too fast and end up getting hurt, and then it happens all over again. It’s a vicious cycle. One I need to change.
“Yeah, I know. But how do you not fall? You know I’ve been eyeing him since I first met him. It’s only been like two weeks or something like that.” The words rush out, and my feet create tracks on the carpeted floor.
Addison grabs my arm. “Calm down before you pull a muscle. It’ll all be okay. It’s fine to kiss and not have a relationship. You don’t have to fall into something solid simply because you kissed him. Have fun, Elsie. I know you’re good at that. Just be yourself.” She shakes me a little, and I laugh.
“All right. I’ll try. No falling for the Aussie guy. Right?”
“Yes! That’s right. No falling.”
It’s already too late, because I am falling. I’m teetering on the edge of a waterfall right now, and if Aiden tells me he has feelings for me, I know I will leap right off. Falling headfirst.
Will it hurt? Yes.
Am I going to get my heart broken? It’s a high possibility, but I need to take a chance. I will take that chance on Aiden even if he is leaving.
“Okay, I have to head out if I’m going to make it to class on time.” I screw up my nose. “And you need to shower.” I laugh, my hand coming up to hold my nose.
Addison shoves me playfully. “Shut up! I’ll see you later. Thanks again for covering for me tonight.”
“That’s okay. I need the hours.”
We say our goodbyes, and I go straight for the café. I stare down at my phone, typing out a message to Willow and Jane when an arm drops over my shoulder. The familiar musk scent makes my heart rate spike. I flick my head up, and I’m greeted with a perfect smile. Do not fall. I remind myself of the lie I am trying to sell to myself.
“Hey there, firecracker.”
“Firecracker, eh? Are we going to go with that?” I hit send on my message and then shove my phone in my back pocket.
“It suits you.” He pulls me tighter against him.
I sigh silently, relishing in his warmth and touch.