Then he takes another step towards me, and I have nowhere to go, the dresser already pressing at the back of my legs. His gentle fingers lift to my face and stroke back some of my ever-present stray hairs. My heart stops or skips a beat. I can’t really tell because I’m too busy trying to remember how to breathe again.
“So, I can’t kiss you?” He whispers, his eyes flicking to my lips briefly. He is so close that the heat of his minty breath feathers over my face. I’ve lost sight of his eyes because my gaze is locked onto his soft lips which are framed with the shadow of dark facial hair.
I slowly shake my head, working hard to keep my composure and not give in because damn, I want his lips on mine.
“We can be friends, though, right?” The smallest grin tugs at his lips when he says that. He knows damn well the effect he’s having on me, but given the deep rise and fall of his chest, it looks like I’m having the same effect on him too. I draw my eyes away from those lips that call out to me like a siren and take in his caring blue eyes.
“I guess. I mean, I’ll try my hardest not to kill you if that’s what you mean?” I shrug, trying to come across like I don’t care either way. Lies! Lies! Lies!
He laughs and considers my words. “I think we will be best friends.” He gives me a full-blown grin then, dimples caving, white teeth making a brief appearance, his kissable lips turning up. Damn him! He’s like my kryptonite! I’m powerless to stop my grin in return.
“Rhys is my best friend,” I add, trying to throw him off.
“You can have more than one best friend.” He smirks smugly.
I shrug again, folding my arms across my chest. He is so close that I can now feel the firm ridges of his abs under the touch of my arms.
“And when things settle down, and we sort our shit out, you’ll let me kiss you again?” He sounds like a hopeful little boy asking to go to the fair.
“I really need to finish unpacking.” I deflect and move past him to dig the rest of my clothes out of my bag.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” A huge grin spreads across his face before he turns to leave.
“I didn’t say that, Ayden!”
“You didn’t not say it either, Lexi.” The smug prick walks out with a knowing smile leaving me flushed and frustrated.
This is going to be torture. I just know it.
I spot my reflection in the small dresser mirror and catch the ridiculous grin I’m wearing.
Get a grip, Lexi!
I turn my focus on unpacking, and when I’m done, the smell of something delicious wafts upstairs just before Andrea calls me down for dinner. I peek my head outside my new bedroom door and look down the narrow hall to the stairs where the sounds of family life flow up. Nerves make me uneasy, but I know I need to bite the bullet and go downstairs to face the family that has taken me in.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I catch sight of Marcus, and he gives me a grin waving me over to the dining table where he is laying out cutlery. He’s still wearing his training gear from footy. I hadn’t even realised he had gone to training.
I’m quickly reacquainted with Barbara and Tony Grady, Marcus’s parents, as they carry plates of food over to the table. Barb frees up her hands and comes over to give me a hug, welcoming me to their family. Not to their house, but to their family. I offer a smile, unable to find words as the hustle of this family prepares the dinner table and sits down to eat.
“Sit here, Lex.” Ayden pulls out a chair which I quietly take, looking at the plate of food before me. Bangers and mash with onion gravy. I swear I can hear the gargling drool of Homer Simpson in my head as the smell engulfs me, and when Ayden takes the seat to my left and Marcus takes the one to my right, I pick up my knife and fork at the same time they do, and dig in.
As I eat every crumb of food dished up to me, Marcus and his mum reminisce about the good old days when we were hyperactive kids causing havoc around the neighbourhood. I find out from their conversations that Ayden had been amongst some of our shenanigans, and we both hadn’t realised that we shared those events. I’m disappointed that I don’t remember. Sometimes we had a whole gang of kids from the area playing tag and water fights during our summers. I can’t believe I didn’t notice Ayden back then.
I’m quiet throughout dinner, happy to enjoy the discussions between everyone else. I feel out of place, even though I can tell Andrea is trying extra hard to make me feel welcome. I guess I’m just not used to so much happiness or normality going on around me.
I help wash up after dinner, working silently alongside Ayden and Marcus to get the job done, and when I’m about to escape up to my bedroom, I’m dragged into their living room to watch an Aussie Underworld Crime show. As much as I don’t want to sit there and watch it, I do so quietly and watch like the outsider I am, as Marcus and Ayden’s family gets drawn into the TV show.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and at first, I don’t want to be rude and take it out, but when I see Marcus and Ayden take theirs out, I do too. There are multiple messages from the boy's group chat, plus I have an unread message from Rhys. I open that first.
Rhys George
Girl, you are a fucking queen. Like seriously.
Taking Tasha Pritchard down like that must have been so satisfying.
I’ll admit, I’m jealous as hell. But also proud. GO YOU!
Now I’m sorry that you got busted for it because that’s legit sucky, but rumour has it you’ve moved in with Ayden.
You don’t mess around, do you? I’m so proud!!!
Lexi West
I don’t feel like a queen. I feel like a monster.
Tasha deserved something, but not what I did to her.
I’ll be lucky if her parents don’t press charges!
I’m suspended for a week, so you’ll have to endure detention without me.
I hope you’ll survive.
Also, I have NOT moved in with Ayden!
His mum is my temporary guardian, so I have moved into her sister’s house with her, which is Marcus’s house.
Ayden sleeps in the loft garage out the back.
My bedroom here is creepy as fuck! There are dolls, Rhys! Scary fucking dolls!
Rhys George
You are a queen, and I don’t want to hear another word about it!
Don’t beat yourself up about what happened.
Tasha did deserve it! I just wish it had been me doing it!
I’m sure I will survive without you, but don’t be a stranger.
You’re my bestie now, remember. You’re stuck with me!!!
So, how easy is it to sneak out of the house and into Ayden’s loft?
Ooooh, and how far away from your creepy bedroom is Marcus’s room?
Send me a pic of the dolls!!!
Lexi West
You are so weird! But I love you for it!
I am NOT going to sneak into Ayden’s loft. We are not together.
And why do you want to know where Marcus’s bedroom is?
Rhys George
I mean, I’m Rhys George, I’m hard not to love!! You’re only human, Lexi!
$50 says you do end up sneaking into Ayden’s loft.
You know I’m right. Stop trying to deny it.
I want to know where Marcus’s room is so that when I come for a sleepover (because that’s what best friends do), I can sneak out of your room and into his, so I can ride him.
Lexi West
O… K… Thanks for sharing that with me.
Going now.
Rhys George
Going to sneak into Ayden’s loft?
Lexi West
Good night Rhys
Rhys George
<< kissing emoji >>
I look up from my phone to see the boys still on their own phones. Marcus’s dad is asleep in the armchair, and Andrea and Barb are still focused on the TV, so I open the boy’s chat.
Simon Hastings
I heard your mum handed you your arse Aydo.
Shaun Bossier
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She handed Marcus his arse too. She’s a MILF!
Marcus Grady
Dude. That’s my Aunt. Gross!
Ayden Mitchell
Keep speaking about my mum like that, Bossi, and you’ll really find out what getting your arse handed to you feels like.
Simon Hastings
Yeah, Bossi. That’s going too far, man!
So Aydo. You got an older sister?
Ayden Mitchell
Fuck off, Hastings!
Jared Crowley
You there, Lexi? Are you okay?
Ayden Mitchell
She’s fine!
Jared Crowley
I wasn’t asking you!
Garrett Cole
I’d like to hear Lexi say she’s okay.
Marcus Grady
She’s busy!
Jared Crowley
Doing what?
Ayden Mitchell
I’ll tell you what she’s not doing! You!
Jared Crowley
Fuck you, arsehole!
Come and say that to my face!
Marcus Grady
He can’t, Jar. He’s busy with Lexi.
Seriously. WTF!
Lexi West
Hey dickheads! Calm down!
I am NOT busy with Ayden. Thank you very much, Marcus!
How about you tell them the truth that we are sitting in your living room watching some TV show with Andrea and Barbara while your dad snores on the couch!
Simon Hastings
Hahahaha, suck shit, arseholes!
Hi Lexi. How’s our girl?
Ayden Mitchell
She’s not your girl! She’s not anyone’s girl!
Jared Crowley
Including yours, bro!
Ayden mutters something and draws Andrea’s attention. “You okay, buddy?”
Ayden looks up to his mum in confusion before realising that he’s not doing a good job at hiding his emotions. I try to hide my smirk, but Marcus catches it.
“Ah, yeah. All good.” Ayden responds to Andrea, who looks at Marcus and me before returning her focus to the TV.
Lexi West
If you losers are going to keep starting shit with each other, then I am removing myself from this group chat! I don’t need this shit! I have enough to deal with!
Jared Crowley
You’re right, Six. Sorry.
When Ayden doesn’t respond in the group, I look up to him, and he mouths, “I’m sorry.”
Jared Crowley
You really not going to apologise, Ayden?
Ayden Mitchell
I did. You just didn’t see it because you’re not in the same room as us.
Fuck me! What the hell is wrong with these guys?
Simon Hastings
LOL burned Crowley!
Jared Crowley
I’m going to bed. But first, Lexi. Please tell us if you’re okay?
No one jumps in this time with crude comments or any banter to stir the pot, so I respond.
Lexi West
I need to apologise to you all. I’ve not been myself. I’ve turned into an angry bitch, and I’ve been acting like a psychopath. I’m sorry that you have had to witness it, and I’m sorry that I dragged you all into my mess. In time, I’ll get my head right. One thing I know is that I’m so lucky to have each one of you in my life.
Good night. I’m going to bed too.
I switch off my screen and slip my phone into my pocket before standing from the couch.
“I’m going to head to bed.” I turn to Andrea. “Good night… and thank you.”
Andrea smiles up at me, “Good night Lexi. I hope you’re able to have a good sleep tonight knowing you are safe here with us.”
I nod and smile before looking at Marcus and Ayden. Marcus smiles, and Ayden mouths “Goodnight”, offering a soft smile.
I trudge up the stairs, and a moment later, hear the backdoor close. Ayden must be heading to bed too. It seems weird to me that he’s out there alone while the rest of the family is in the main house. I know he likes it that way, though. I’m pretty sure I would, too, since right now I’m feeling a little claustrophobic in this strange house.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The buzz of a message on my phone catches my attention as I settle under the bed covers after changing into my PJ’s. Ayden's name lights up my screen, and I debate putting my phone down and trying to go to sleep. Temptation is a bitch!
Ayden Mitchell
Are you okay?
Lexi West
Sure.
Ayden Mitchell
Cryptic!!
Lexi West
Not really.
Ayden Mitchell
What are you wearing?
Lexi West
Ayden!!!
Ayden Mitchell
What?
Lexi West
You know what!
Ayden Mitchell
I’m a guy. I don’t know shit!
Lexi West
Playing dumb isn’t your style.
Ayden Mitchell
How do you know?
He has a point. I don’t know. Not really. We may have come together feeling like we’re old friends, but what do I really know about the guy I gave my virginity to?
Lexi West
This conversation is irritating!
Ayden Mitchell
Yet you can’t stop ☺
Lexi West
Cocky much?
Ayden Mitchell
Shit, I guess you do know me.
A giggle slips free, and I clamp my hand over my mouth, hoping that Marcus or his parents didn’t hear me.
Ayden Mitchell
You haven’t answered my question yet.
What are you wearing?
Lexi West
What I always wear.
Ayden Mitchell
A t-shirt or hoodie that’s long enough to cover that perfect little arse of yours?
I can’t help it. I blush like a fucking firecracker! Thank fuck he’s not here to witness this.
Lexi West
Oh, no. That’s only what I wear when you’re around.
When I’m alone, I wear little clothing! ☺
Shit! How do I un-send that???
Ayden Mitchell
Now you’ve gone and done it!
Lexi West
Done what?
Ayden Mitchell
You don’t want to know.
Lexi West
Actually, I do!!
Wait! Do I?
Ayden Mitchell
Let’s just say I need a cold shower and leave it at that.
I am a gentleman, after all. I have a rep to keep!
I snort, and the sound practically echoes in the quiet room. Whoops!
Lexi West
You need a cold shower like the one you needed that morning at your dad’s?
Ayden Mitchell
Exactly like that!
Lexi West
Sorry.
Ayden Mitchell
No, you’re not.
Lexi West
Okay, maybe I’m not. ☺
Ayden Mitchell
Lexi?
Lexi West
Yeah?
Ayden Mitchell
Can I call you?
Lexi West
Now?
Ayden Mitchell
Yeah.
I don’t know if saying yes is a good idea, but man, I want to hear his voice. I need to stay strong, though.
Lexi West
It’s probably not a good idea.
Ayden Mitchell
What are you talking about? It’s a brilliant idea!!!
Please?
Fuck me, I can just imagine his face right now. All puppy dog eyes and sex wrapped into one. I should say no.
Lexi West
Okay.
Deep (Heavy Hearts Book 2) Page 17