My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,49

to my side, as do Willow and Jane. All their stares fall on my collection of half-eaten food and wrappers.

“Are you planning to put yourself into a sugar coma this weekend?” Willow laughs.

I shrug. “Doesn’t seem like a bad idea to me.”

“Nope, you’re going to get your ass off that chair and get ready, because we’re going out,” Addison says.

I’m already shaking my head before she’s even finished her sentence. “Nope, not happening. This girl is staying right here.” I point to the couch where I’m sitting.

I have three sets of pitying eyes staring at me. Addison stands, looks at me for a moment, then she takes my arm. “Time to stop wallowing. We need to get drunk.”

Willow and Jane squeal in excitement. Those two love parties. I used to but not so much anymore.

“I don’t want to,” I moan, pulling against Addison’s tugs.

“I’m not taking no for an answer.”

Hours and lots of alcohol later, I’m standing out in front of the boys’ house. Music vibrates against the walls, and bodies spill out onto the front lawn.

I don’t want to be here.

At least the effects of the tequila are helping me put one foot in front of the other.

Addison hooks her arm through mine and pulls me along with her. I’m wearing a black, fitted dress that sits just above my knee. I didn’t want to dress up like I usually would. I’m not out to impress anyone. I’m simply here because they made me. These girls. As much as I love them for trying to take my mind off what’s going on, I don’t want to take a chance on seeing Aiden.

Maybe he won’t be here.

A girl can only dream.

The house is jampacked, as usual, after the huge game they played today. We didn’t go like we normally would have. I wonder if Addy is still mad at Parker?

“What’s up, girls?” Dane stands in front of us while his eyes scan around, searching.

“She’s coming later,” I say, knowing full well who he’s looking for.

“Ah… yeah, thanks. If you’re looking for the rest of the boys, they’re out back.” We all nod but head in the opposite direction to where the keg sits and is being filled by none other than Clifton.

“Hey there, Elsie.” Clifton smiles, leaning over and pulling me into his arms. I fight the urge to pull away, because I know he’s drunk. His hands start to move from between my shoulder blades and head south toward my ass.

Thankfully, his hand doesn’t make it any further because I’m being reefed away. When I glance around to see who it is, a hard stare passes through me and directly at Clifton. Aiden’s hands are clenched by his sides in hard fists. The muscles in his arms tense. “What are you doing touching my girl? Keep your grubby paws off her.”

Clifton laughs. A tiny part of me wants to say I’m not your girl, but my lips remain shut. “From what I hear, she’s not your girl. Never was, actually.”

Damn, word spreads fast around here.

Nothing remains a secret.

“Well, what you heard is wrong,” Aiden states, his large arms crossing over his tight navy shirt. Damn, he looks good with his hair slicked back and that shirt hugging him in all the right places; it makes me want him even more. Damn, he looks sexy.

“Get over yourself, Aiden. You’re gonna leave, and then she’ll be all mine.”

Aiden releases a puff of air while his face darkens. I grab his arm, not wanting him to get into trouble because of me. He turns toward me.

“Don’t.” It’s all I can manage, and it’s enough for Aiden to understand.

“Believe what you want, but she’s mine. So, keep your hands to yourself.”

“Oh, I’ll have fun with her when you’re gone.” Clifton’s laugh is vile and makes my skin crawl in a way I’ve never experienced before. No guy has ever made me this uncomfortable to be around. I don’t even want to be in the same room as Clifton.

It’s as though it plays out in slow motion, and yet, I can’t stop him. Aiden rushes at Clifton, his hand clenched. Next thing I hear is his fist connecting with Clifton’s nose. My hand flies to my mouth, and then it’s as if my numb brain switches on.

Aiden stands over Clifton, his breath heaving. I can tell he wants to hit him again, so I reach for his hand, but he flinches away. I reach for Aiden again. His head flicks around, his eyes burn