My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,47

my hand. “I’m sure there’s a good reason for it.”

“Perhaps this is why he becomes weird with me when I mention her.”

“It would explain a lot.” There’s bitterness in her words by the tone in her voice.

I turn to look at Parker. “Why didn’t you tell me?” It hurts more, knowing Parker knew and didn’t bring it to my attention.

“Yes, why didn’t you tell us?” Addison chimes in with such anger it sounds like he’s going to be in trouble when they get behind closed doors. That’s not what I care about right now, though.

“I…” His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. “I told him that I would give him the chance to tell you first.”

“You should have told me.” I reach over and pick up my bag, throwing it over my shoulder before storming out of the café.

Addison calls my name, but I don’t want to talk right now.

I want answers.

Simple, truthful answers.

And there’s only one way to get them.

Walking out of my last class before lunch, my phone sounds off, alerting me to a message. I finally turned up the volume yesterday in an attempt to try harder. I smile when I see Elsie’s name.

Elsie: I need to talk now. Meet me at the court.

Aiden: Everything okay?

Worry fills me as I wait for her reply. Thankfully, I don’t have to wait long.

Elsie: No.

With her single-word response, I take off running to find out what’s wrong.

Minutes later, I’m pushing through the door into the basketball court, where I laid eyes on Elsie for the second time. When I step inside, I catch her pacing up and down the side of the court.

“Hey, beautiful, what’s wrong?” I stride over to her, wanting to wrap her in my arms and assure her that, no matter what, everything will be all right.

When her face meets mine, my feet halt in their tracks. Her face is red and tear-stained.

“Don’t you beautiful me, you liar,” she grits out from between her teeth while pointing a sharp finger my way.

What’s going on?

“What are you talking about?” I move toward her again, but she moves away. She won’t let me touch or comfort her.

“You lied,” she screams, her face turning beet red.

She knows.

How though?

“You know,” I state the obvious.

Elsie’s arms fly in the air then move back to her face, where she covers her tears. “Why didn’t you tell me from the start? Instead, I found out by the slip of Parker’s tongue.”

I take in a huge breath. Damn! It was only a matter of time before this came out, and she’s right, I should have told her ages ago. “I’m sorry. I did it because I didn’t want anyone getting hurt—myself included.”

“Bit late for that now. I look like a damn fool.” Elsie’s legs start moving again, but I need her to stop pacing. I desperately want to hold her, kiss her, and make this all better.

“This was never a fling.” My voice rises with each word.

She finally stops pacing and turns my way.

“This between us was—and still is, hopefully—more,” I state.

“Pfft… you expect me to believe anything you say now?”

I rush to her, taking her face in my hands. She tries to pull away, but I won’t let her. I draw her into my arms and hold her little body against me. “I’m not a liar. I did it to protect myself… and you…” I pause for a moment. She stops trying to escape my grip, so I continue. “I did it to protect myself and anyone else who fell for me. You, especially you. When I first met you in the library, I knew you’d be hard for me to keep away from.” My voice softens as I gently hold her out so I can look her in the eyes, for Elsie to see that I’m telling her the truth.

“You could have easily said that you didn’t want a relationship. Not that we’re even in one.” Elsie rolls her eyes. Her eyes are still pink, but thankfully, the tears have stopped. My chest aches at the thought that I brought those tears to the surface. I never, ever intended to hurt Elsie.

“I don’t regret us. If anything, the time we’ve had together has been the best ever. I don’t ever want to leave here. If I have to go, then I want you to come with me.” I don’t miss her breath hitching as I speak, and every single word I’ve just said is the truth.

Elsie pulls herself out of my arms, crossing