My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,7

effect. My snappy, chatty drinking self is coming out to play.

“Elsie, he didn’t tell us. You’re the first person he’s told. I haven’t heard him on the phone to anyone other than his parents and sister. But I’m not saying he hasn’t got one; he just doesn’t mention her.” Parker laughs. I cross my arms over my chest, not wanting to talk about it anymore. If only that were true.

I release my hold of Addison and assess what she’s wearing—tight black jeans and a red fitted shirt. She looks hot. Her long brown locks always sit perfectly. “Looks like you’re finally starting to want to dress up,” I tease, letting her go.

She shoves me playfully. I step back. “Shut up. Not everyone can be a supermodel like you.” Addison nods toward my body.

Tonight, I chose a simple black dress. It sits above my knees. I figured showing a little leg and subtle curves on display won’t hurt anyone. It also makes me feel sexy and confident, although I’m not feeling either of those things in this moment. I want to be strutting up to the Aussie guy and hitting on him without a worry about what he’ll think. But I’m not, because I’m not the type to come between a couple. I have a zillion butterflies wreaking havoc on my stomach every time I catch a glimpse of him. I can’t keep my emotions in check. More alcohol is definitely needed, so I throw back another mouthful of my drink.

“Have you spoken to him again?” Addison asks.

“No way. I’d probably embarrass myself even more.” I recall my head hitting the doorframe. Gosh, I must have looked stupid.

“He’s actually a nice guy. I’ve had a few chats with him over the last couple of days,” she says. Of course, she would have.

I grip her shoulder with my free hand. “I haven’t seen his name on my list for tutoring, so perhaps I scared him off.”

Addison’s eyes light up, a hint of mischief in them. She leans into me and says, “Here’s your chance to find out if he signed up.”

I spin around as Aiden stops beside Parker.

“Hey, man. Wicked party,” he greets Parker.

I freeze. My eyes go wide and connect with Addison’s. She smiles. I want to run away and hide.

His accent—swoon.

My stomach flips upside down upon hearing it.

Oh. My. Goodness.

“Thanks. Thought we were going to lose, though.” Parker and Aiden strike up a conversation about the events of tonight’s game.

Slowly, I remove my hand from Addison’s shoulder and down the rest of the drink. I need another. Liquid courage. As if someone has read my mind, two shots are put in my vision. Jane takes my empty cup, and Willow gives me the shots. I throw them back, and they settle in the pit of my stomach. Tequila. Damn, Willow and Jane know my weakness. This drink gets me chatting and crazy all the time. It loosens me up, which is just what I need tonight.

I turn and stand beside Addison. Willow and Jane are on her opposite side. None of us are speaking. Our attention is on the guys in front of us who are chatting like they’ve been friends forever.

It’s as if there’s a glow around Aiden. He appears carefree and confident. Cocky and confident may be better terms. His dark hair is smoothed back and sits neatly. The dark-blue jeans he’s wearing are tight and show off his perfect ass, which is appealing to the eye. He’s also wearing a white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Those tattooed arms make my stomach twist—in a good way. Damn. I’d love to know what it feels like to be wrapped in them.

Parker’s words bring me to attention. “Aiden, this is Jane, Willow, and of course, you’ve already met Elsie.” When Parker gestures to me, heat rises in my face. I wave hello, but I’m mute. How damn stupid must I look?

“Nice to meet you, lovely ladies.” Aiden’s focus stops on me.

I think I might pass out.

He shakes Willow’s and Jane’s hands.

I’m caught in some sort of trance.

Aiden’s grin as he greets the girls stabs me in the chest. Why does he bring me to my knees?

When he gets to me, I’m a statue. A deer caught in the headlights. My focus is stuck on him. I know he’s got his hand in front of me, but mine feels like lead. Come on, body, take his hand.

“Has this one become defective since I last saw her?” Aiden laughs