My Aussie Guy (My Guy Series, Book 2)

  MY AUSSIE GUY

  Copyright © 2019 Liz Lovelock

  All Rights Reserved

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Cover Design by Ben Ellis from Be Designs

  Photographer: Reggie Deanching from The Stable & Models of RplusMphoto

  Models: Cody Smith and Tionna Petramalo

  Edited by Lauren Clarke from Creating Ink and Swish Design & Editing

  Proofread by Jen Lockwood Editing

  Formatted by Tami at Integrity Formatting

  www.lizlovelockauthor.com

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty One

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Chapter Twenty Three

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Chapter Twenty Five

  Chapter Twenty Six

  Coming Soon ~ My Forbidden Guy

  Preview ~ The Lost One

  Also by Liz Lovelock

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  Connect with Liz online

  My goodness, could they be any louder?

  Lifting my head from the textbook I’d been studying, I check around for where the rowdy group are located. The library is meant to be quiet—a place where students can source their reference materials, reflect and read in silence. My gaze finally lands on a table where some of the basketball team—Jimmy, Dane, and one other unfamiliar person—are sitting. I’m guessing the new face is the exchange student from Australia we have all heard so much about. I can hear his accent quite clearly from my table across the room.

  The noise is disrespectful to the library and everyone wanting to work quietly in here. I shake my head and turn back to Clifton. “Sorry, what were you saying?” I was sure I’d heard him asking me out. Again.

  He clears his throat. “Did you want to go out sometime?”

  I cringe.

  Every week it’s the same—he asks me on a date.

  Every week it’s the same answer—no.

  “I’m sorry, Clifton. I have so much work to catch up on, and I’m booked up for tutoring. I don’t really have the time.” I meet his gaze and watch as his head drops. Guilt pours over me like hot liquid.

  “That’s okay. Perhaps when you have a little free time.” Clifton shuffles his chair closer. Another one of his tactics. I nod, knowing full well that the date he desperately wants won’t happen.

  Clifton is a nice guy; he’s just not my kind of guy.

  Loud laughter fills the room again. I furrow my brow. I can’t believe these boys.

  “Excuse me a moment,” I say to Clifton with a sigh. I’m thankful for this escape from him. At least it puts space between us.

  I rise from my chair and stalk toward the noise. Their heads turn my way, and a sudden silence falls over their table.

  I stop, standing over them with one hand on my hip. “Do you guys not understand that a library is for study and silence? You”—I cast my hand over the table, gesturing to them—“are all obviously not doing either.”

  Dane takes his cap from the table and puts it on his head. “Sorry, Elsie. We got a little carried away.” Always the gentleman, that one. He’s quick to fix the uncomfortable situations.

  “More like a lot carried away. You’re really loud, and how is anyone supposed to get any work done with you lot in here?” My eyes land on the new guy. He has dark hair and a perfectly chiseled jaw line with plump red lips. He’s delicious.

  My focus is trained on the new guy when Dane speaks. “Elsie, have you met Aiden? He’s here for this semester.”

  So that’s his name. I shake my head.

  Aiden stands and extends his hand. “Nice to meet ya.”

  Oh, that sexy accent would make any girl swoon.

  I take his hand. It’s warm, slightly calloused, and he holds mine for longer than necessary. After a short moment, I withdraw it but there’s still tingles which Aiden’s touch left. Clearing my throat, I say, “Yep, you too. Now, can you all please shut up or leave? Some of us are trying to get work done.” I gesture to Clifton across the room. I catch the hooded stare and disgusted look on Clifton’s face. Great, now I’ve done something to annoy him.

  “Sure, you’re studying.” Jimmy rolls his eyes then focuses behind me. “If looks could kill, I’m sure we’d all be dead right now. Guess your little friend over there doesn’t like you talking to us.” He lifts his hand and waves to Clifton with a cheesy grin splashed across his face. Such a stirrer.

  My dagger-like glare falls on him. “What do you know, Jimmy? You’re just a moody prick who enjoys annoying people for the hell of it.”

  Jimmy tips his head. Smart ass. “You’re welcome.” He laughs.

  “We’re going now. Just have to find the sign-up for tutoring,” Dane says, standing from his chair.

  “Front desk can show you what to do.” I point them in the direction.

  “Thanks for ya help.” Aiden places his hand on my lower back as he passes behind me. The simple touch electrifies me. I spin toward him and watch him walk away with the guys until they stop at the front desk. His head turns back for a brief moment then faces the front again.

  “Wow,” I breathe. I cannot wait to tell my best friend, Addison, about him. It’s possible she’s already met him, considering she’s in a relationship with the basketball captain, Parker.

  I make my way back to Clifton. How am I supposed to concentrate now after meeting Aiden? The thought of him makes my heart stutter.

  After I finish my tutoring classes for the evening, I head over to the basketball court. When I step through the door, my gaze falls on Addison across the court. I race toward her and Parker who stand on the far side of the stadium. “Oh my goodness, Addy, have you met the exchange student?”

  I catch her flinch, and her hands go to her ears. All right. Settle down, Elsie, you’re over-reacting.

  “Oh, yes, Aiden?” she says.

  “Why didn’t you tell me he was drop-dead delicious? I had a run-in with him, Dane, and Jimmy at the library earlier today. They were being so disruptive.” I huff, arms folded over my chest.

  Parker nudges me. “Boys will be boys, Els. And look out, Aiden might have a crocodile as a pet.” He laughs as he walks away shaking his head.

  It takes me a moment to collect my thoughts. I catch Addison smiling like a goof as she watches Parker walk across the basketball court.

  I playfully s
hove her shoulder. “Seriously, girl, you have it bad.”

  Her attention shifts back to me, and her smile is seriously blinding. “So, this exchange student. What’s he like? I haven’t had much to do with him.” We follow Parker across to where Dane, Jimmy, and Devon are standing.

  “Yeah, I don’t know. I only met him briefly; seems nice enough.”

  “I think Parker said he was going to come tonight. Are you going to hang around and watch the game?”

  My feet grind to a halt. “Wait. What? Aiden is coming here tonight?”

  She nods and keeps walking. It takes a moment for my brain to catch up with what Addison just said.

  I race after her. “So, are you planning to stay?” she asks.

  Shirtless, sweat-covered guys? Or lonely in my dorm doing homework? This one is a no-brainer. “Yeah, for sure. I’ve got no plans tonight. Are you playing?” She’s such a sporty girl and not afraid to give things a go. I envy that part of her.

  Addison shrugs. “I was going to, but I’m happy to watch as well.”

  “Yeah, I bet you are,” I say sarcastically.

  She turns and gives me a knowing glance. She’s all about Parker these days. “Oh, shut it, Elsie. One day you’ll find a guy and fall head over heels in love. Then, you’ll be the one keen to do whatever your lover is doing. Come on. Let’s go sit.” She hooks her arm with mine, and we make our way to the bleachers and take a seat.

  “Oi, what are you doing? You playing or what?” Parker shouts, waving his hand at Addison to try and get her on the court.

  “There’s no need. You have more than enough.” She points to all the boys bouncing the ball and taking shots.

  “Yeah, four is a good number,” I agree.

  “Oh, come on,” Parker begs with a huge grin on his face.

  Addison shakes her head.

  Gee, they’re cute. Snap out of it, Elsie. Your turn is coming.

  “All right, boys, two on two then,” Parker says as the door swings open, and I about fall off my chair.

  Aiden…

  I spy, with my little eye, a shirtless Aiden.

  Leaning over to Addison, I say, “Wow. I’d like to have a lick of that man candy.”

  She gives me a sidelong glance then busts out laughing, drawing the attention of Mr. Mancandy himself. I slap her. “Shut up. Don’t draw attention to us.”

  I watch as Parker, Dane, and Jimmy casually walk up to Aiden while I bounce in my seat. “Oh my goodness, Addison.” Excitement rips through me, and I want to throw myself down on the court and say, “Take me, I’m all yours.”

  “Keep your tongue in your mouth, woman,” Addison says. I can see her trying to inspect him as he stands there talking to the guys.

  Parker turns toward us. “Looks like you’re up, Little Mouse. We have another player tonight. He’s also on the basketball team.”

  Addison stands, and I follow. My chest vibrates.

  “What if I don’t want to play now?” Addison says with a hint of humor.

  Before I can stop myself, I say, “I’ll play.”

  All eyes turn on me. Parker cocks an eyebrow, a humorous smirk on his face. Addison’s look mirrors his.

  What the heck did I just say?

  I look between all the shocked faces. A weight rests in my stomach.

  Why didn’t Parker mention that Aiden was on the team when I brought up the Aussie guy before?

  Addison leans over and whispers, “Do you even know how to play?”

  I take her arm and pull her across the hall, out of earshot of the guys. “What did I just say? I couldn’t play if my life depended on it. I’m not a sports girl like you.”

  She laughs, shaking her head. “Just say you’ll play another time and that you have an assignment to complete.” Addison starts to walk away then pauses, looking back over her shoulder at all the guys who are now staring at us. “What has gotten into you? Or should I say, who?” She waggles her eyebrows.

  I take a few deep breaths. “Okay, I can do this. Seeing Aiden has me all frazzled, and I hardly know the guy.” The bouncing ball startles me as it echoes around the enclosure, and I look toward it. My nerves are jittery, causing me to jump at stupid sounds. Mr. Mancandy is taking shots with the guys. I watch his muscles flex with each move he makes.

  “Wipe that drool you have coming from the corner of your mouth,” Addison teases.

  “I’ve got to go.” She nods, and I take off, heading straight for the exit.

  “Leaving so soon, Elsie?” Jimmy shouts.

  I could kill him for trying to embarrass me.

  I stop and turn toward him. “Yeah, I actually have an assignment that I have to finish. Sorry to disappoint. I’ll kick your butt next time.” I swear I hear him chuckling as I pull my shoulders back and strut to the door.

  As I’m about to walk out, I look over my shoulder. Mr. Mancandy is watching me. He smiles and waves. I turn and attempt to leave, but instead, my forehead collects the doorframe, and I recoil.

  “Ow, crap,” I curse, putting my hand to my forehead. I race through the door and away from that stupid court. Gosh, I’m such a klutz. My legs carry me as fast as they will take me while my head has a small throb. Can I crawl away and die now?

  “Hey, are you okay?”

  I stop and slowly turn. My breath is coming fast. That voice. It’s him. He saw the whole damn thing.

  “Yes, I’m all good. Thanks for asking.” Act cool, Elsie. Don’t embarrass yourself further. I brush my hand over my already tidy hair and try to feign a chilled persona.

  “Elsie, is it?”

  I swallow and nod.

  “Maybe next time you can join the game. I could give you a few pointers.” He steps closer. The air in my lungs evaporates. My eyes fall on his pink lips. I want to lean up and press mine to his.

  His voice snaps me out of my trance. “Anyway, I guess I’ll see you around. Just wanted to check you were okay. I saw you hit your head.” He points to the same place I whacked the doorframe on his own head. He leans right into me. My chest constricts. I close my eyes to breathe in his closeness. Then, he steps back and turns to leave, and I’m left out of breath.

  “I guess I’ll see you around, too,” I whisper as I watch his bare muscular back strut back the way he came.

  “You good to go, man?” Parker asks as I walk back through the door to the basketball court. Images of the beautiful brunette imprint on my mind.

  Nodding my head, I answer, “Yep, I’m good.” Parker tosses me the ball. I dribble it up to the three-point mark and take a shot. When the ball sinks through the hoop, I recall when I brought up the idea to study abroad with my parents.

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Mum said hesitantly. I’d wrangled my Aunt Wendy to take my side, and she suggested the trip.

  “Give the boy a chance,” Aunt Wendy’s boisterous voice gave her opinion. “You’ve kept him under lock and key since he was little. It’s time to loosen the reins.” It’s true. My family is wealthy, and I’ve attended the best schools, played in excellent sports teams, and never gone without. I think my aunt was trying to not let me turn into a lazy sod and mooch off my parents for the rest of my life. I am, however, more than thankful to be away from family and enjoying life right now, though.

  “Why did you run after Elsie?” Parker’s girl stands in front of me, her hand on her hip and a quizzical eyebrow raised. What is her name again? I wrack my brain, trying to remember. Parker pointed her and her friend out to me when I arrived, but I guess I was too distracted by Elsie to take notice of his woman.

  “Uh… I was checkin’ on her. She hit her head on the doorframe, so I was making sure she was all good.” I shrug, wishing I had raced after the ball before Parker’s girl bailed me up. What’s the big deal? She’s standing there with her hand on her hip still, her eyebrows arched and a smile on her lips. I’m not sure what the smile is all about. A part of me thinks she’s analyzing me, sizing me up. Good luck to her. She’s not going to get much in
formation out of me.

  “Addison, leave him alone.”

  Addison. That’s right. That’s her name.

  She holds her hands out. “What? I’m simply saying hello.” Her voice is high-pitched and all innocent. I get the feeling she uses this tone often. Does she not like me? Or did she not like me talking to Elsie?

  This whole situation is becoming a little too uncomfortable for my liking.

  Thank goodness Parker says, “Aiden, you’re with Devon and Addison.”

  Is he serious?

  My face must show my shock when Addison says, “Don’t worry. You might be surprised at my skills. Just don’t be a ball hog.” She grins—this time genuinely—then she walks away. What is with this chick? I must have done the wrong thing by checking on her friend.

  I would have been happy having Elsie play, but I’m guessing she doesn’t actually know anything about basketball.

  “All righty, boys and girl, let’s play,” I announce, clapping my hands. “Three on three. What are we playing to?”

  Parker answers, “First to twenty-five and half-court.” He tosses the ball to me only to be intercepted by Addison. This girl has some quick moves. I’ll give her that.

  An hour later, I’m walking out of the basketball court door a loser—but only by one point.

  “Didn’t I tell you you’d be surprised?” Addison steps up beside me, Parker holding her hand.

  I sure was. This chick and her brother couldn’t hold their own. I was proven wrong.

  “You were good. But we would have won if you’d got that last shot,” I joke.

  “Oh damn, snap!” Parker laughs, reaching around in front of Addison to high five me.

  “Come on. It’s all this guy’s fault.” She elbows him in the ribs.

  “Now that’s true.”

  When Addison was about to take the shot, he stepped up behind her—his distraction tactic. It totally worked, and she missed the shot.

  We walk across campus, heading back to the house. Thankfully, there was space for me to move in when I arrived. Parker and the boys are pretty awesome. It’s going to be hard for me to go back to Australia when my time here is up.

  “Addison!” a familiar voice shouts.