My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,36

more is said about the future of our relationship. It’s probably for the best. I’ll simply have to wait and see what happens.

After a silent meal and a quiet walk down to the beach, I suddenly don’t feel like hanging around for sunrise, let alone swimming in the water.

There are a number of people on the beach, and stalls are being set up. We aimlessly stroll around and stop at shops. I stop at one stall who is selling jewelry. There’s a silver ring with a plain band, but it has a pink stone which, going by the price, is a cubic zirconia. It’s cute, quaint, and perfectly me. I want it. I reach into my bag to retrieve my wallet when a hand touches my elbow.

“I’ll get that for ya.” He’s already got money out and is handing it over to the chick standing in front of us.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”

Receiving his change, he turns to me. “I know that, but I want to.”

I grin. “Thank you. Isn’t it perfect?” I slip it onto my slender finger and hold my hand out in front of me, waving the ring around.

Aiden’s hand takes mine. “Yes, it’s perfect.” His voice is sultry. He leans over and presses his lips to my cheek, and with that one sweet motion, my stomach twists and butterflies tickle my insides.

“You’re a smooth man, Aiden.” I chuckle, reaching up and tucking a couple of strands of hair behind my ear then glancing up at him through my eyelashes.

“You’re worth every bit of smoothness, Elsie.”

I roll my eyes, and a smirk pulls across my face. “I want to get something sweet. Let’s go over to that churro stand. It’s calling my name.”

He doesn’t release my hand. Instead, he entwines our fingers together and leads me to that place I want to go.

We spend the next couple of hours walking the beach.

I’ve slipped my shoes off so I don’t get the annoying sand stuck between my toes. There’s a tug-of-war going on inside me. I sense a storm brewing, and I don’t know why. Tonight has been perfect, and Aiden is flawless in every way. So, why can’t I shake the uneasy feeling taking up camp in my stomach?

“You all right?” Aiden squeezes my hand, and I’m pulled back from my thoughts.

I lift my arm to look at my watch. It’s almost midnight. I yawn at the thought of even attempting to get out of bed in the morning. “I’m feeling pretty tired. I’m not sure I’ll function for work tomorrow.”

I know I have the afternoon shift and can sleep in, but I’m worried about falling for this Aussie guy standing next to me. I need to guard myself, even though everything inside of me is screaming to let down the barriers I’ve put up.

“We can go if you want. It’s all good.” He pulls me against him, and our bodies mesh together perfectly.

“I think that would be good. I’ve had a great night, Aiden.” I pull out from under his arm and step in front of him. “This is what I’ve needed, and I’m enjoying getting to know you. You’re awesome. Thanks for my ring… I love it.” Holding my hand in front of me, I turn and flash the fake gem at Aiden. He grins, stepping closer. His protective arms slip around my waist, and I’m flush against him, staring up at those shimmering blue eyes.

No words are needed.

No questions are asked.

His mouth touches mine.

My eyes flutter shut while waves of euphoria float through me. Our tongues explore each other’s mouths. His arms tighten while he holds me against him. My hands cup his face as heat prickles my skin. I want more from him. To explore those abs under his shirt.

Aiden pulls back, and I’m left breathless. “Let’s get you home before I take advantage of you right here on the beach.”

I smirk, batting my eyelashes. “Now, now, that won’t be happening, especially on a beach. I’m not prepared to have sand in places where it shouldn’t be. It wouldn’t be pretty. And I’m sure your appendage wouldn’t like to have something similar to sandpaper rubbing in places you don’t want it to.”

His face screws up as he thinks about what I’ve said. “Yeah, don’t go into details. I die in the pants just thinking about somethin’ like that happenin.’”

I laugh at his thick Australian accent, but every time he speaks, it’s another reminder that he’s only here for a short time.

After