My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,8

as does everyone else. “Did the bump on the head cause short-term amnesia?” His hand drops, going back to his side.

Dead.

I am dead.

But his question snaps me out of my stupid trance. My hand goes to my hip, my chest pumping with sass. “Who are you calling defective, buddy?”

“And… she speaks.” He waggles his eyebrows, raising his hands.

“Sorry, my attention must have been elsewhere,” I say. “What’s your name again?” I don’t hide the sarcasm dripping from my words. I decide to go along with his game of not knowing who I am, considering I’ve already met him.

Aiden holds his hand out, and I slip mine into his firm grip. A tingle spreads from my fingertips right to my hammering heart.

“Aiden. Nice to meet you… Elsie, was it?” He tilts his head to the side. I catch the mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Don’t play coy. You know my name.” I roll my eyes. My confidence starts to return.

Aiden doesn’t release my hand, and I don’t make a move to let go of his. The air around us crackles.

He grins before letting go. Looking around the group, all eyes are on us.

“Just checking to see if you still knew your name,” he teases.

Silence falls between us.

Addison speaks up, probably to attempt to cover the weirdness Aiden and I have created. “So, are you liking it here, Aiden?”

He turns his attention to Addison while I blow out a breath. “Yeah. I love the beach. Some awesome waves to ride out there.” He pauses for a moment then says, “I’ve heard there’s a spot people go where they can jump from a cliff into the ocean. They said it’s not super high, but it’s fun. I’m down for that kind of stuff.”

I know the place he’s talking about. Before I can stop myself, I say, “Yeah, Crow’s Peak.”

Now his heavy gaze is back on me.

“You know the place?”

“Yes,” I reply slowly, wishing I didn’t open my big mouth.

“Wanna show it to me sometime?”

“Yeah, sure. You let me know when. We’ll see how much of a wimp you are,” I tease. Why the hell am I agreeing to this? It’s as if he’s put a spell over me, and I can’t back down from anything he suggests.

Wait. What just happened? I’m the wimp when it comes to that cliff. I’ve never been able to bring myself to take the leap, and I’ve just said yes to taking Aiden there. I suppose I didn’t commit to actually jumping, though.

Aiden bursts out laughing. “I like you, firecracker. You’re quick with your words.” He steps up to me, his face inches from mine. “Bring. It. On. If I jump… you have to jump.” His breath hits my lips, and it smells of a mixture of alcohol and mint.

I stand a little taller. The heat between us intensifies while I swallow the nervous twinge in my throat. “I’m ready whenever you are.” I dig my hole a little deeper.

Aiden straightens up. His gaze holds mine. “Tomorrow, then?”

As much as I want to say no, I somehow find myself nodding.

“Perfect!” he announces.

Oh my God. My legs go weak, wanting to collapse beneath me.

An arm loops through mine. Willow.

“Sorry, you can’t have her tomorrow. She’s got to work at the café. All day.”

Note to self: thank Willow later.

“All right, firecracker. Next Saturday. You, me, and Crow’s Peak.”

“You’re on,” I squeak, already wanting to rewind this conversation and eliminate myself from the equation.

Why didn’t I just say no?

Why did I lie?

If I hadn’t told that one white lie about a pretend girlfriend, I wouldn’t feel as guilty as I do right now. I’ve pretty much set her up for a dare I’m sure she won’t follow through with. Because of this lie, I’ve set myself up to look like a cheater if I even try to get close to her. Aiden, you’re a fool.

Addison steps up to Elsie. “Are you sure about this?” she whispers.

Elsie shifts. Her gaze turns to Addison. “Never been surer.”

I’m going to have to tell the truth. This girl is a firecracker, one who draws my attention, and there seems to be this invisible rope wrapped around us, pulling us closer together. I told the white lie to protect not only myself but Elsie as well, because when I leave, it’s going to break whoever it is I end up with.

“You can back out anytime you want,” I say, really wishing she would. I hadn’t even been game to sign up for her tutoring because she is