My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,35
shoulder then slides down to my waist. Instinctively, I do the same. Here we are, walking down the street like a couple.
We stop in at The Salad Bar. It’s the one place I love going. The food they sell here is divine.
“You a bit of a health nut?”
I stop perusing the menu, even though I already know what I’m going to get. “I wouldn’t say health nut, or whatever that is. I’ve got my own personal stash of sweets and candy back in my room. But I do love this place. Their food is always so delicious. You haven’t lived unless you’ve tried their whole menu.” I wave my hand over the paper in front of me.
Aiden gives me a funny look, his eyes shifting between myself and the menu. “You’ve eaten everything they make here?”
I shrug. “Yeah. What’s wrong with that?”
“I didn’t say there was anything wrong with it. I’ve never known anyone to have eaten everything off one menu in a restaurant before.”
“What can I say? I lead an exciting life.”
The waitress is back. She smiles down at me. “You ready to order?” Her focus turns to Aiden. “Are you ready to order?”
Aiden’s head pops up, and he finally realizes what’s going on. “Do you know what you’re getting? I didn’t hear you order.”
“Yep, I’m getting the pumpkin and feta salad. It’s my favorite, and they know that here.” I smile up at the waitress.
“Okay then, I’ll trust you. I’ll have the same, please.”
She takes the menus away. It’s a quaint little restaurant with candles on every table. They are only lit when people sit at them, so it has a romantic feel. Dark wood walls with photo frames covering them. There are images of the town back in the olden days, as people tend to call it. This building has been around since the town was first built, and the owners restored and turned it into the restaurant. I love history—I guess that’s why I’m so drawn to this place.
A silence falls over the table.
“Have you had fun tonight?” Aiden asks.
“Yeah, totally. No one has ever taken me on a date like this—or gone to this much effort, I should say.”
“Why not? I’m sure you’ve dated plenty of guys. Well, I just assume you would have.”
I scoff. “Oh, I’ve had dates, but let’s just say a couple of the guys were only interested in one thing. Oh well, story of my life.” I chew on the side of my mouth.
Aiden’s jaw muscle tenses then releases. “One day, it’ll change.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, whatever. I’m only good for a short time. Like when you leave. This is just a vacation thing.” My hand waves between us, and the hurt which stabs me in the chest is not something I’ve experienced with any other guy. For some reason, I knew my old boyfriends were short-term, but with Aiden, I really do wish it could be more than a simple fling. Who knows what the future holds?
“Can we not discuss what’s happening between us and comparing it to other guys who have come and gone in your life?” Tension drips from Aiden’s words.
“It’s the truth, though.” I half-laugh, trying to make light of the conversation. “You are going to leave eventually, and this will be nothing but a fling to you. I may not accept it right now, and it’s the reason I’ve been attempting to keep my distance, but you also had a girlfriend, which is another reason to back away.” I take a breath. My focus is now firmly on Aiden. “The way I see it, I’m the one who will walk away from this carrying a broken heart. You’re the carefree playboy, and I’m the girl who was a part of your life for a short while.” I hold myself together. I don’t want my emotions to get the better of me, allowing him to see how much he already affects me.
Aiden reaches across the table and takes my hand. A small, very small part of me wants to pull back. I can’t, though. He’s stamped his presence on my heart, and now I have to learn how to cope with whatever happens between us.
“Elsie, let’s live in the now and see where it goes. I like you.”
I take a moment to let his words sink in. He likes me. Actually, likes me.
I open my mouth to respond, but we’re interrupted by our dinner arriving. My mouth waters as I stare down at my plate. Nothing