My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock

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