My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,1

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 shove 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