‘I’m not doing any group huggie feelie shit Mia,’ announced Lexi firmly. The staff member smiled as I mouthed ‘Sorry’ to her.
‘If we were to do the one to one sessions, do you have more than one counsellor? Could we have the same time slot?’ I asked.
‘Yes, are there any times of the day that you think are more suitable?’
‘Don’t look at me,’ said Lexi ‘She’s the organised one.’
I pulled out our class schedule that I’d typed up for both of us. I carried mine, but I’d put Lexi’s on the back of her bedroom door so she’d see it each morning. She was a bugger for losing things. ‘Do you do any late afternoon or early evening ones?’ I asked.
‘Yes we do.’
‘That means we have to hang around Mia, why don’t we have them during one of the numerous free mornings we have.’
‘Because I’m not sure I’ll be in the mood to concentrate on lectures after an hour of being grilled Lexi.’
The lady ran through how it would work, gave us a leaflet and booked us both in for our initial individual sessions at 6 p.m. that coming Wednesday.
‘Thank you,’ I said as I tucked the leaflet in my bag, I’d read that later. I grabbed one for Lexi as well. ‘We better made a move.’
‘What have we let ourselves in for?’ Lexi asked as we started off down the maze of corridors back to the English hall.
‘Well we’ll soon find out. If it’s no help we stop coming. Listen, let’s agree that neither of us is to pressure the other into coming again if we’re not happy and we don’t even have to talk about anything that we discuss in private if we don’t want to.’
‘We talk about everything already.’
‘I know, but maybe this will be different, I’m just saying no pressure on either of us. It’s going to be hard enough as it is and can we try and keep the fact that we’re going between us?’
‘I’m no blabber mouth thanks,’ she responded, looking slightly insulted.
‘I know, but no inadvertent comments like we can’t go out tonight we have therapy.’
‘Then we need an excuse if anyone asks where we’re going, we’re both crap liars.’
‘Ok, like what?’
‘What about an exercise class. You wanted to find somewhere that does Pilates around here, so we could have a fictitious session on a Wednesday.’
‘Yeah, I really need to look into that for real. I’ve got to limber up if I want to keep up with Gabe.’
‘I’ve got to look into new tracksuit bottoms and wall soundproofing,’ she grinned as she bumped my shoulder. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out it and saw it was a message from him. I smiled when I realised I was happy about it.
Your arse looks amazing in those jeans. Did you know that you wiggle it very sexily when you walk?
I turned around to see him walking behind me grinning, shit I hope he hadn’t been there for long, he was the last person I wanted to know that I needed bloody therapy. He was still wearing his black jeans and hi tops from this morning, but had changed into a pink shirt with a white collar and cuffs.
‘God you smell amazing,’ he sighed as he kissed my cheek.
‘You too. What are you wearing?’
‘Ted Lapidus.’
‘Never heard of it.’
‘Nor me, my dad picked it up at the airport last week. You like it then?’
‘Yes, come here and let me smell it again, god I’ve gone all weak at the knees.’
‘And I’ve gone all queasy in the stomach, you’re like a couple of dogs on heat sniffing each other’s arses,’ interrupted Lexi. I punched her on the shoulder ‘Owwww,’ she retorted.
As we approached the doors to English, a tall, dark haired, well-built guy came running towards us. He had one of those cameras with the huge lenses around his neck.
‘Dude, where were you yesterday?’ he asked Gabe.
‘Sorry something came up.’
‘I thought I better give you the heads up. Davies is seriously pissed at you, he says he left you a few messages and you never got back to him.’
‘He’ll get over it,’ shrugged Gabe as Lexi and I watched wondering what was going on.
‘I’ve never known you to miss training and you didn’t even pick me up this morning for the gym. I was waiting for you for like half an hour. Everything ok?’
‘Shit sorry Doug, something came up, I should’ve let you know.’
So this was Doug, Gabe’s best friend. I studied him with interest as he spoke.
‘Julie’s pretty upset dude, she spent most of training crying on everyone telling them that you’d finished with her on Wednesday and were mean to her on Friday when she tried to talk to you about it. She’s saying she’s heartbroken, you were the love of her life blah blah blah. About bloody time I say I never liked her.’
‘Doug, is this a discussion we can have later?’ Gabe replied looking uneasily at me.
‘Shit sorry mate, this is Mia isn’t it?’ Doug said slapping his forehead as he looked at me too.
‘O no please Doug, don’t mind us,’ interjected Lexi. ‘Just how upset is Julie? Where would you say she is on a scale of, I’ll always love him and hold a special place for him in my heart, but I want him to be happy. To the opposite end being I hate the bastard for what he’s done to me, he ripped out my still beating heart and I’m going to kill this Mia chick he’s left me for?’
‘Lexi,’ I said looking at her in horror.
‘What? It seems pretty damn important to know whether she’s cool or is going to turn all bunny boiler on you.’
‘Doug, meet Lexi. She’s best friends with Mia who I’d like to formally introduce you to,’ said Gabe.
I felt his fingers lightly brush against mine and I wondered if he was asking for permission to hold my hand in front of his best friend. It was the least I could do after my behaviour this morning, so I opened my fingers and looked down for his hand. I smiled as he put his fingers between mine and clenched tightly. I felt that familiar surge of energy that happened whenever we touched. I was startled by a flashlight going off in my face.
‘Doug, I keep telling you not to take pictures like that, it pisses people off,’ Gabe said as he smiled a thank you at me.
‘Shit, sorry. Sorry about the Julie comments Mia, but knowing Gabe he’ll have been upfront about her from the start. Anyway it’s been a long time coming that break up and christ all he’s done is go on and on about you since he first clapped eyes on you. Doug you need to come and see this brunette chick I’ve spotted. Doug I’ve fallen for her, she’s so pretty, she’s so hot, she’s got an amazing smile, amazing eyes, amazing body, amazing hair. Doug I’ve spoken to her she’s so witty, it’s like we just connect. He’s been like a big wet bloody girl since he met you.’
Lexi started chuckling as I went a deep shade of scarlet and Gabe looked at me horrified.
‘God I’m so sorry Mia. Meet my moronic best friend Doug who never remembers that things were told to him in confidence and therefore sticks his foot in it on a regular basis. I’m sure there’s more he can say to embarrass me further and make you feel even more even uncomfortable. So come on Doug what else?’
Doug looked suitably chastised.
‘Hi Doug,’ I smiled.
‘Wow you’re right Gabe, she does have an amazing smile, I’d better not comment on the rest of the list as I’m in enough trouble already,’ he winked at me. ‘Right later then dude, see you at six,’ he nodded at Gabe. He looked Lexi up and down then took her picture too. ‘Feisty and foxy, I like you,’ he said as he walked off. Lexi looked remarkably taken aback.
‘I’m so sorry Mia, Doug’s really not known for his tact,’ said Gabe looking at my nervously.
‘Well I’ve never seen Lexi lost for words, or your confident exterior so entirely shattered, so I like him already. Feisty and foxy, summed you up in two words Lex,’ I laughed as she scowled at me.
‘I’ll see you inside,’ she said as she disappeared.
<
br /> ‘God Mia I’m so sorry about what Doug said …’
‘Don’t worry about it.’
‘After this morning I just … shit his timing just really sucks.’
‘Gabe, what time were you supposed to be at practice yesterday?’
‘It doesn’t matter.’
‘It does to me and you told me you’d never lie to me,’ I said fixing him with a firm gaze under which he wilted.
‘Ten ’til twelve,’ he sighed.
‘So you missed it to meet me then?’ He nodded. ‘So that’s why you kept ignoring your phone. Why didn’t you suggest meeting me later?’
‘I got the feeling that you didn’t want me to stop on Saturday and I didn’t know if it was just going to be a lunch date yesterday. I just wanted to make sure I got to spend as much time as possible with you.’
‘Gabe, I told you that there are certain things in my life that I won’t give up for anyone. If we’re going to do this, I need you to be the same about the things that matter to you.’
‘You still want to do this?’ he asked, looking surprised.
‘Yes and if this is going to work, I don’t want either of us to resent each other for not letting the other do what makes them happy.’
‘Ok.’
‘Ok?! You’re agreeing that easily, no endless debate?’
‘I’ve learned this morning that it’s not a good idea to ignore advice that you have given me, so yes ok. I want this to work, so I won’t skip any more swimming practices.’
‘Or stand Doug up for the gym?’
‘No, I won’t stand him up again.’
I looked at him debating kissing him, but it was too soon. I still wanted him, but I was still a bit uneasy over his declaration, so I pushed him in front of me through the doors. Lexi’d taken my usual chair leaving me to form a barrier between her and Andrew, I gave her a frown and she shrugged at me.
‘Haven’t you told him it’s off yet?’ I whispered.
‘No.’
‘Lexi I’m not doing it for you. So anyway what about Doug?’
‘What about him?’
‘Feisty and foxy eh?!’
‘Shut up,’ she said scowling at me again.
‘He likes you.’
‘Shut UP.’
‘He’s cute,’ I teased.
‘He uses the word dude. That went out like … I don’t know, before I was born.’
‘He’s tall like you,’ I observed as I unpacked my bag.
‘So? You saw him talking out there, it was a complete train wreck.’
‘It’s endearing.’
‘No it’s not,’ she said quickly.
‘He’s dark haired, which you like.’
‘Soooo?’
‘He must be a pretty decent guy if he’s best friends with Gabe, whom you did admit to liking this morning.’
‘Whom? Will you ever learn to speak like us normal folk. As for liking Gabe, that was in confidence and was agreed upon that we would never speak of it again.’
‘He’s a swimmer and gymer too Lex, odds are his body’s totally ripped too.’
‘God you know you’re right,’ she exclaimed sitting upright and looking at me. ‘Let’s go wedding dress shopping immediately. I know, how about we make it a double wedding date? Next week, me and Doug and you and Gabe, how about that hey? Mrs Mia Austin, nice ring to it.’
‘Touché, I shall zip it on the subject.’
‘Highly unlikely, now shut up some of us are here to study.’
I kept taking quick glances at Gabe throughout the lecture, occasionally catching his eye and looking back down embarrassed as he smiled at me. I had to just let him feel how he wanted to feel and not let it affect me. Just because he said he loved me, didn’t mean I had to say it back. I was still in control, I could still walk away if I wanted to, I just wasn’t sure that was what I wanted. I looked up at him again and felt that flip in my stomach. God he was so hot, I wanted sex with him again so badly. So much for concentrating on studying, he was so distracting with his good looks and smiles.
As the lecture ended Lexi went to stand up and I pulled her back down and stood up myself, placing a restraining hand on her shoulder.
‘Not until you tell him you’re done,’ I whispered.
‘Mia.’
‘No Lexi, I always end up with them coming to me. Why didn’t she call me Mia? Why’s she avoiding me? Not again, not here. We’re turning over a new leaf remember?’
‘You can talk. Why won’t she love me Lexi? Why won’t she sleep with me? Why did she break my heart? Why, why, why all the bloody time,’ she stood up again resisting my pressure to stop her. I grabbed my bags and books.
‘You’ve only had to deal with about 6 of mine. I’ve had over 20 of yours. Do it,’ I said as I forcibly pushed her back down into the chair and made a hasty beeline for the exit where Gabe was waiting for me.
‘What was that all about?’ he said nodding over at Lexi.
‘I’m making her tell Andrew it’s not going to happen. She normally just ignores them and hopes they get the hint.’ I swung my bag over my shoulder and winced and he picked up on it.
‘What’s wrong?’
‘I’m feeling the effects of our weekend workouts. Do you know any good Pilates classes around here? I really need to get back to it.’
‘I think they do it in our sports buildings.’
‘We have a sports building?’
‘Yes where do you think I go to the gym and take my sports science classes and have swim practice?’ he laughed.
‘I didn’t even know you were doing sports science.’
‘I feel hurt that you’ve not already memorised my schedule. It was a toss-up between English and Sports, both of which I love. So I choose an open degree so I could do both.’
‘So where’s this building?’
‘I’m heading there now. I have swim practice 6 ’til 8, come with me. You can have a look what classes are on offer and come and see me do my thing.’
‘I thought fucking was your thing.’
‘My other thing. I love it when you say “fucking” though, say it again,’ he commanded as he put his arms around my waist. I could feel he was nervous as he gently pulled me to him, I was too. Not just after his declaration, but to have his body touching mine again, I felt myself tremble at his proximity.
‘Fucking,’ I whispered as I looked at him shyly and he grinned from ear to ear. I heard the doors open behind me and I turned around expecting to see Lexi, but out came Milo. He looked surprised to see Gabe and I holding onto each other.
‘Milo. Hi, how are you? How was your weekend?’ I asked as I released my arms from Gabe’s neck. I noticed Gabe didn’t let me go, but simply let me swivel around so he was standing behind me, his arms wrapped around my waist.
‘I buried myself in study, it went quickly. Hi again Gabe.’
‘Milo,’ he said, with a total lack of warmth.
‘So how was yours Mia?’
‘Great thanks,’ I smiled, thinking of all the amazing sex and orgasms.
‘Sorry I don’t mean to be rude but I promised to meet a couple of guys for a few drinks and to shoot some pool.’
‘Have fun then, see you soon,’ I replied.
‘See you both,’ he said as he walked off.
‘Well that wasn’t at all uncomfortable,’ I said as I pulled myself out of Gabe’s clutches and gave him a look.
‘What did I do?’ he asked looking surprised.
‘Nothing at all, you could’ve cut the atmosphere with a knife.’
‘I didn’t say anything.’
‘I know you didn’t. You could’ve been a bit more friendly.’
‘What was I supposed to say? Besides I don’t like the guy, he fancies you.’
‘He’s my friend so you’re going to have to get on board with that and make an effort Gabe. You didn’t give him your look again did you?’
‘What look?’ he asked indignantly.
‘The ot
her night in the club. He said you looked at him like you wanted to crush him like a cola can.’
Gabe laughed. ‘He said that? Good then he knows he where he stands, I feel better already.’
I sighed and shook my head and turned around as Lexi finally came out.
‘Christ, what a palaver,’ she groaned.
‘How did it go?’
‘It’s hardly breaking up when we only spent two nights together, but it was seriously awkward, I’ve never had to do that before. So what’s the plan?’
‘Gabe has swim practice at six and wants to know if we want to go down and see the sports buildings and watch him swim. They have a gym and exercise classes too. I’d like to see if they have Pilates. Want to come?’
‘And see half naked men in speedos? I don’t need asking twice,’ she grinned as she played on her phone while Gabe led the way.
‘I think we need to discuss schedules as I like to plan and I’ve some pretty heavy commitments on the physical fitness front,’ he said.
‘What schedules?’ I asked.
‘Of when I’m allowed to see you next?’
‘O, ok.’ I looked at him as we walked, feeling confused again. Whilst I didn’t want to rush things or give him false hope of more, the thought of not seeing him again later made me really uncomfortable. ‘Well will you be too tired to hang out tonight when you’re finished? Maybe we could talk about it then?’
‘No, but I don’t expect you to hang around for two and a bit hours and wait while I swim.’
‘Well how about you show Lexi and I where the spectator section is? We can stay a while and then go and check out the classes on offer and head home. You could come over when you’re done?’
‘I need to shower and head home to eat something first, so it’d be after nine if that’s not too late?’
‘Do you have any lectures in the morning?’ I asked.
‘No, you?’
‘No I’m free too.’ I took a deep breath. ‘Bring an overnight kit and stay.’
‘Seriously?’ he sounded shocked.
‘Yes, it that ok?
‘More than ok with me, but I don’t want to push you.’
I looked at him and saw the concern on his face, understandable given my freak out this morning.
New Leaves, No Strings (Austin Erotic Romance Series) Page 20