My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,37

parking the car back at the house, I walk Elsie to her dorm room then head home again. We’d decided not to do the jump tomorrow—Elsie isn’t ready.

Stepping onto the street, the night is silent. It’s peaceful. It forces me to think about things and what I want. Can I leave now, knowing how I feel about Elsie? She’s been hot and cold since the beginning, and I’m thinking it’s because of me. She’s not a vacation fling. She’s so much more, and I wish she could see that. I need her to see that. I don’t know how to get her to understand.

I slip my key into the door and silently step inside. I’m met with darkness aside from a light on in the pantry. I slide my shoes off and walk to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. After pulling the door open, I grab one, then shut it, then I jump back at the person standing behind the door.

“What the hell?” I grab my chest. My heart nearly took a leap out of my throat. “Don’t sneak up on people like that. Were you waiting for me?”

I cock an eyebrow at Addison who’s standing there in one of Parker’s shirts and short shorts.

The grin on her face tells me what I need to know. “I might have been. Though, honestly, I’d rather be sleeping. But I wanted to talk to you without the others around.” She slides onto the stool.

I lean against the bench and wait to hear what she has to say. She’s Elsie’s best friend, so it could be any number of things. Then it dawns on me. Did Parker tell her my secret? He said he wouldn’t.

“I’m all ears,” I say, twisting the cap off the water bottle.

There’s silence. I watch her play with crumbs on the bench, her head’s low, then her eyes meet mine. “I’m going to tell you this once. So, consider this your warning…” She pauses. I nod. “Do not hurt my friend.”

“I wasn’t planning to,” I cut in before she continues.

She gives me a deadpan look meaning, “Shut the hell up and let me finish.” I press my lips together, forming a thin line.

“She won’t admit this, but she’s fragile. Every boy she’s gotten close to has only wanted her for one thing. She has a kind heart and takes every heartache like a champion. When it comes to you, I’m not sure if she’ll recover as quickly. She’s very guarded, and you’ve both only known each other a short while. If you intend to use her like the others, then I suggest you walk away. Now.”

I hold my hands up. “Whoa, stop right there. I’m not one of those guys. I’m not a douchebag who only uses girls for one thing. That’s not who I am. Maybe it’s who I once was, but not anymore.” My chest tightens, and I’m becoming angry. I know she’s looking out for her friend, but damn.

“All I’m saying is to really think about where you stand with her. I know she really likes you. I don’t want to see her get hurt. You’re going to be leaving in a couple of months. Then what?” She raises her hands, shrugging.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I really like her as well, and I’ve told her so. She’s been up and down about the whole thing.” My head drops and looks at the water bottle that I’m now shredding the label on.

“She’s being guarded because I’ve told her not to fall for you.”

My head whips up. “What?” I almost growl.

“I want her guarded so she can make a good decision that won’t get her hurt in the end. I’ve not had a chance to talk to the other guys she’s dated, but you’re here, and you’re Parker’s friend, so I think I have every right to step in the middle of this, or it’ll put a strain on our friendships. Parker is always looking out for her, like he does his sister.”

“I can see where you’re coming from.” I already knew that it was possible I was going to hurt Elsie. I’m a terrible person. My stupid lie. It’s like a punch-to-the-gut reminder of how stupid I was in setting that whole thing up.

Addison rises from the stool. “Remember what I said, and if you intend to take your relationship to the status of boyfriend and girlfriend, then make sure everything is laid out on the table. No skeletons in the