My Aussie Guy (My Guy Series, Book 2) Read online

  Addison’s face is flushed, and she’s out of breath. “Sorry, just been running with Parker, and I think I’m going to die. He always turns it into a race, and of course, he’s got a longer stride, so I have to run double-time to even keep up. I’m beat.” She collapses onto the couch in a big heap.

  “Have you seen the other girls?” I ask. I haven’t seen Willow or Jane since Friday night, and they’ve been noticeably absent over the rest of the weekend, so I am curious.

  “Yeah, they’ve gone away for a girls’ trip for a night or two.”

  I screw up my face. “What? Why didn’t they invite us? We were just with them on Friday night at the party.”

  “Yeah, I know. It was a decision they made on Sunday because we’re all loved up and they just wanted to get away. They’ll be back, I think, later today or early tomorrow morning before class.”

  “Wow, okay. That’s pretty weird of them.”

  Addison shrugs. “It’s Willow and Jane. You know them; they like to do random things occasionally, and this is one of those times.”

  “All right then. Well, I’m heading off. I want to stop by the café and grab food and a coffee to kickstart my day.” I stand to leave, but Addison holds up her hand.

  “Tell me what happened yesterday. I need to know details.” She rubs her hands together as if she’s plotting something.

  I fill her in on everything that happened yesterday, from the chats we had to the first kiss and the following dared kiss.

  “Wow! He actually dared you to kiss him again?”

  I nod. “And you know me. I won’t pass up a dare. One day, I’m going to be dared to do something, and I’ll have to say no. This cliff jump is one of those dares I really don’t want to do. But I’m determined to prove to Aiden I can do it.”

  Addison stands. “I’m happy for you. Just be careful, because remember, he has only just come out of a relationship.”

  Pop! goes the happy bubble I’ve created.

  Of course, there’s always someone ready to steal my happiness.

  “Yeah, thanks,” I reply dryly. There’s a bitterness to my tone I’m unable to hide.

  “Hey, I’m only looking out for my friend. Don’t get angry when I’m only concerned.”

  I know she’s right. I hadn’t realized how much I have invested already into Aiden.

  This is what always happens. I fall too fast and end up getting hurt, and then it happens all over again. It’s a vicious cycle. One I need to change.

  “Yeah, I know. But how do you not fall? You know I’ve been eyeing him since I first met him. It’s only been like two weeks or something like that.” The words rush out, and my feet create tracks on the carpeted floor.

  Addison grabs my arm. “Calm down before you pull a muscle. It’ll all be okay. It’s fine to kiss and not have a relationship. You don’t have to fall into something solid simply because you kissed him. Have fun, Elsie. I know you’re good at that. Just be yourself.” She shakes me a little, and I laugh.

  “All right. I’ll try. No falling for the Aussie guy. Right?”

  “Yes! That’s right. No falling.”

  It’s already too late, because I am falling. I’m teetering on the edge of a waterfall right now, and if Aiden tells me he has feelings for me, I know I will leap right off. Falling headfirst.

  Will it hurt? Yes.

  Am I going to get my heart broken? It’s a high possibility, but I need to take a chance. I will take that chance on Aiden even if he is leaving.

  “Okay, I have to head out if I’m going to make it to class on time.” I screw up my nose. “And you need to shower.” I laugh, my hand coming up to hold my nose.

  Addison shoves me playfully. “Shut up! I’ll see you later. Thanks again for covering for me tonight.”

  “That’s okay. I need the hours.”

  We say our goodbyes, and I go straight for the café. I stare down at my phone, typing out a message to Willow and Jane when an arm drops over my shoulder. The familiar musk scent makes my heart rate spike. I flick my head up, and I’m greeted with a perfect smile. Do not fall. I remind myself of the lie I am trying to sell to myself.

  “Hey there, firecracker.”

  “Firecracker, eh? Are we going to go with that?” I hit send on my message and then shove my phone in my back pocket.

  “It suits you.” He pulls me tighter against him.

  I sigh silently, relishing in his warmth and touch. Addison’s words from earlier ring through my mind. He’s only just ended a relationship.

  Don’t fall…

  I’m trying. Only when he’s this close to me and makes my heart smile, how can I not?

  “Thanks,” I reply, clipped, annoyed at myself for letting Addison ruin my happy moment.

  “Hey, did you want to come around tonight and watch the second movie of Star Wars?” His hip bumps mine.

  “I don’t think I can. I have to fill in for Addison at work. I don’t usually finish until after nine.” I run my hands over my pants.

  “That’s okay. I can wait for you if you want.”

  I want to immediately say yes, but for some reason, I find myself saying the total opposite. “No, it’s okay. I’ve got tutoring work to get done. My life is so much fun.”

  “No, it’s not. But I am going to make it exciting.”

  “Yeah, right. You’ll be packing up and leaving in the coming months. You’ve got a big bad world to visit and see.” I step out from under his arm.

  I wasn’t planning on saying that to him. Thinking he’s going to leave hurts, and I don’t want him to go. I can’t bring myself to look up at him. I don’t want to see pain in those beautiful brown eyes. “Anyway, I’ll catch up with you later. I’ve got to swing by the library first and then class.” I lie about the library. I know I need to separate myself from him before I end up hurt.

  Turning to walk away, Aiden says, “Go on a date with me, Elsie?”

  I pause mid-step. Slowly, my shoe connects with the hard pavement. “Sorry, what?” I ask, not sure if I’ve heard him right.

  “A date. Friday night. You and me.” Aiden gestures between us. He grins that panty-melting smile—one that gets all the girls’ blood pumping.

  I watch as a group of girls walks by. One of them even has the balls to walk right between us, and my mouth drops open at her rudeness.

  Aiden reaches and takes my hand. Then, my focus is back on him, so I glance down at our linked hands. “Come on, firecracker. A date. Let’s go out.” He gently tugs on my arm.

  I chew my lip. “Is this a good idea?”

  Aiden’s eyes drop, as does my stomach. “We’re friends, Elsie. Is it wrong for me to ask a friend to have food and a little fun with me?” He clears his throat, releasing my hand.

  “I’ll let you know.” It’s all I can manage right now. “Here, I’ll give you my number.”

  We exchange phone numbers, and Aiden is mostly silent.

  I know I’ve hurt him. It wasn’t my intention, but since the chat with Addison this morning, I’ve found myself second-guessing everything I feel for him.

  Yesterday, I wouldn’t have hesitated to say yes.

  Funny how people can change your thoughts with a simple five-minute chat.

  The week flies by. I haven’t really spoken to Aiden much, and I still haven’t let him know about the date, which should happen tonight.

  “What are you doing later?” Addison asks as she takes a drink from the fridge. I stand at the counter of the café on the Friday afternoon shift.

  “I’m not sure. Aiden asked me earlier this week to go on a date with him. I still haven’t answered him, though.”

  Addison’s eyes go wide. “Why didn’t you say yes?”

  I fold my arms across my chest and purse my lips, then say, “Because I had your annoying voice in my head basically telling me I shouldn’t fall for him.”

  Her mouth forms an O shape. “I’m sorry. Don’t listen to me, Els. I didn’t mean for you to second-guess yourself.
I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

  I sigh. “I know, and you’re right. I do fall hard and fast. I’ve already kind of fallen for him, and I don’t want those feelings to develop any more than what they already have, because I don’t want to end up hurt.”

  Addison steps around the counter and wraps me in her arms. Stepping back, she says, “Go on the damn date, girl. Have fun, and if you need a shoulder to cry on, I’ll be here. What I said the other day was more a small warning, in a way. We’ve only known him two weeks, and I don’t want you hurt. I guess getting hurt by boys is a part of life, though. We all have to experience the hard parts of dating, and that includes the break-up.” She shrugs.

  “So, I should go?”

  Addison nods, smiling.

  “Okay. I’ll message him.”

  As I finish, the door opens, and both Addison’s and my heads turn.

  Aiden’s standing there. Speak of the devil.

  The grin on her face tells me she possibly had something to do with it. I turn back to Addison, smile, and shake my head. “Did you plan this?” I whisper.

  “He told me what had happened. So, I was waiting until now to talk to you about it. Go… have fun, Elsie.”

  I glance at my watch. It’s five in the afternoon. “But I’m not finished yet.”

  “Yes, you are. I’m going to cover you for the last hour before shift change.”

  My lips pull into a smile. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes,” she almost shouts.

  “Come on, firecracker. I’ve got something fun planned.”

  I bet he does—fun is Aiden’s middle name.

  “It better not be anything stupid or way out there, like jumping off a cliff. Also, you’re not allowed to dare me to do anything tonight.” Not that I’d refuse another kiss, but who the hell knows what else he’ll have me do.

  Aiden holds his hand up as if he’s swearing on a bible in front of a judge while his other is placed over his chest. “I promise you’ll have fun, and that’s the only dare I’ll give you. I dare you to have fun.”

  I roll my eyes and turn to Addison, who’s got a stupid grin on her face.

  “Get out of here before I have to literally kick you in the bum,” Addison says.

  “Okay, okay. Let me get my stuff.” I rush out to the office and grab my bag. When I come back out front, I catch Addison giving Aiden a serious look. Obviously, I’ve missed something. I don’t have time to think on it before Addison walks to the door, pulls it open, and waves her arm in an attempt to get us out quicker.

  “Let’s get outta here before she loses her biscuits.”

  Aiden laughs, taking my hand and leading me outside.

  “Bye,” I say as I’m being dragged out the door.

  Addison gives me a little wave.

  Aiden leads me to Parker’s car. I pause. “Please tell me he knows you have his car.”

  He chuckles. “Of course. I’m not a thief. Hop in.” Aiden pulls the passenger door open, and I climb in, as does he, and releases a sigh. “All right. Take this.” He hands me a penny.

  Now, I am officially confused.

  “Is this what I get to spend on our date?” I cock an eyebrow.

  He laughs and starts the car. “Nope, you’re in charge of where we end up.”

  “That makes no sense.” I study the coin in my hand before I glance over at him.

  “The plan is… we pick a number. Then, we’re going to take a coin and flip it at every corner and intersection to the number we pick, and that will lead us to wherever we end up. That’s where we have our date.”

  “This is new. I’ve never done this before. What if we end up at a dumpster behind a dodgy building?” I laugh.

  “That’s why I’m leaving you in charge. That way, I can blame you for wherever we end up.”

  I reach over and shove his shoulder. “Well, let’s hope it turns out to be somewhere great.”

  “All right, now heads is left and tails is right. Pick a number.”

  My automatic response is, “Five.”

  “Five?” he asks.

  I nod.

  Aiden starts driving, and we head to the end of the street—our first intersection.

  “What if there’s a straight option?” I gesture to the road across the intersection.

  He shakes his head. “Nope, left or right, unless there’s not one or the other.”

  “Okay.” I grip the coin, ready for use.

  “Time to flip before I get another car up my butt.”

  I flick the coin up and catch it and then flip it over onto the back of my hand.

  “Heads.” Aiden turns on the indicator, and when the road is clear, he turns left. I know this road, and there’s quite a bit of straight. The joys of living in a smallish town.

  “No cheating, either. I’m trusting you to let this be a surprise.”

  “I promise I won’t cheat unless it’s needed.” I laugh. I turn to look at him—he has the biggest smile on his face. He always does. The only time I’ve seen him unhappy is when he spoke about his friend Tom. It wasn’t hard to miss his solemn expression in that moment. I rather the happy-go-lucky Aiden any day. He has a way of making you feel good—although I do like the kissing too, of course. That’s an added bonus. The energy he pushes out into the world is what people relish to be around. He can make people laugh and boost them up. Perhaps that’s why I’m drawn to him.

  “Time to stop staring at me and flip.” His voice pulls me from my thoughts. My cheeks warm as I realize I was caught drinking him in like a cold drink of water on a hot day.

  Shaking my head, I flip the coin. “Heads.” Left again. “Are you prepared if we end up at an empty field?” I glance over at him and then back at the windscreen. My palms have become sweaty. I put the coin in the drink holder and then rub them up and down my jeans. Why does he make me so nervous? My heart always races when it comes to Aiden. Even the mention of him gets it going as if I’ve just gone on a run. It’s crazy.

  His eyebrows bounce up and down, and I laugh.

  “I’m prepared for anything and everything. You have no idea,” he says.

  “Cocky much?” I reply dryly.

  “Oh, firecracker, you like to push the flirting buttons, don’t ya?”

  I scoff. “Flirting buttons? What even is that? You’re the one who pushes them… whatever they are.” I pick the coin up as we near another intersection. I flip it and reveal it as we get close. “Before you push another button, it’s tails, right?”

  He nods. “What’s been with your silence this week?” he asks.

  I bite my bottom lip, wondering if I should tell him the truth or not. “I was unsure if this…”—I gesture between us—“should happen.”

  Aiden turns to me, his brow furrowed. “Why?”

  I attempt to clear the nervousness from my throat. “Because you’ve only just come out of a relationship, and I’d rather not be the rebound girl.”

  Aiden reaches over and takes my hand. “Trust me, you’re not a rebound girl. You’re the girl who makes my heart race. The one who’s a firecracker and who pushes those flirty buttons.” He chuckles. “We don’t have to rush into anything. Let’s enjoy each other’s company and maybe a few kisses.” He shrugs, and again, he has me smiling with all the uncertainty wiped away. Though, for some reason, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something he’s not telling me.

  I pause for a moment before I respond, “Okay. Next time I go radio silent, just show up at my dorm door.”

  “Don’t worry. I will.”

  I look over, and he winks.

  My stomach somersaults.

  Tell her! My subconscious screams.

  If it were a person, I think it would wring my neck for my stupidity. Why can’t I tell her the truth? Perhaps it’s better if I say nothing, but then, Parker is sure to say something, so I bite the bullet. “Look I should tell you that my girlfriend and I were never really together.” I swallow another lie, even if it is a micr
o one. I keep piling them one on the other.

  “What? Like never really a couple?”

  I nod. “Yeah, we were friends with benefits.” I catch her hand entwining ours together, and the smile is wiped from her face.

  “So, like… what is kind of happening here.” Her finger moves between us.

  Damn, wrong choice of words.

  I shouldn’t have said anything.

  I reach over and take her hand. “No, nothing like this. She was a convenience thing… that’s what it was to both of us. She knew I was coming here, and yeah, so we just never agreed it was an actual relationship, although we were exclusive to each other. What me and you have…” I pause for a moment to gather my next words carefully before I ruin this and she never talks to me again. “It’s more than what I had before. So much more. You set my heart on fire, and I sound super corny saying it like that, but it’s the truth. From the moment I met you in that library, I knew I wanted to get to know you.” I wish I wasn’t pouring out my heart when we are driving, because I want to pull over, take her face in my hands, and kiss those perfect plump lips.

  “You’re not just saying this to get in my pants?”

  “I wouldn’t do that, even though getting into them might be a challenge in itself. I don’t think they’d fit me.”

  Elsie throws herself forward, laughing so hard that, a moment later, I catch tears glistening on her cheeks. “You completely took the expression ‘get in my pants’ and turned it into something totally different. You’re something else, Aiden. I never know what to expect with you.”

  I give her a side glance.

  We continue to flip the coin for the remaining two turns, and then I pull up after our last flip.

  We’re in the city.

  When I look out my window, we’ve ended up in front of an ax-throwing place.

  “Well, well, well… looks like we get to throw sharp objects tonight.” I wink.

  Elsie follows my gaze. I’m not sure if she’s happy or sad. Only moments ago, she was smiling and laughing. Now, she’s gone silent.

  I reach over and take her hand. She turns toward me with a weak smile on her face. “To be honest, I’m a little scared about throwing axes.”