Spring Knight: Young Adult Romance Novella (A Seasons of Change Standalone)

by Mia Hoddell

  “Believe me, I tried to get him to change. He was having none of it.”

  Ellie swatted his arm playfully. “Aww, don’t be mean. It’s kind of cute …”

  Aiden wasn’t paying attention; he was already distracted by a potential player who stood by his table, cash in hand.

  “I’ll talk to you later, Elles,” he said, already turning away at the sight of what looked like a fifty pound note in the guy’s hand.

  “Do you have to?” she called after him, but he wasn’t paying attention.

  Turning back to her drink, she caught her friends staring at her in disbelief.

  “What?”

  “How do you do that?” Kayleigh asked.

  “Do what?”

  “Talk to him without sounding like an idiot. It’s like you’re not affected by him at all.”

  Ellie shrugged. “I don't know. I grew up with him and Luke, so I’ve never seen him the way you guys do. He may flirt, but he doesn’t mean it with me. It’s just a game. We used to play it to wind Luke up, but now I think he gets a kick out of winding me up. Luke doesn’t care as long as Aiden doesn’t take it too far.”

  Both still looked at her like she had grown antlers and was speaking a foreign language.

  “Just talk to him like you would me. He’s no different, and he won’t turn you away. Aiden will talk to whoever. Although, I wouldn’t interrupt that game; he won’t thank you for losing him a few hundred.”

  Jess and Kayleigh gave each other a look, communicating silently before Jess faced her again. “You all right here for a bit? We’re going to go and watch over there.”

  “Sure, whatever.” If it drew Aiden’s attention elsewhere, Ellie didn’t really care. She was only out for the drinks. If she was alone, it worked in her favour.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Ellie’s plan to wallow in self-pity alone didn’t last as long as she’d wished for. She had gotten through two beers and was halfway through a third when Aiden marched over to her. “Don’t you think you’ve had enough, Elles?” he asked, looking pointedly at her bottle, which caused her to let out an exaggerated breath. The flirting from Aiden was annoying, but it irritated her more when he took on a brotherly role in Luke’s absence.

  “I’m fine,” she huffed. “You’ve probably had more than me anyway.”

  “But I can handle it better.” She could hear the smile in his words, but she refused to look up at him. Her hair had fallen forward, creating a physical wall between them, and she was thankful that it obscured her face from view.

  “What’s up, Elles? You’re not yourself.”

  “I’m fine, why do people keep asking me that?”

  Aiden reached forward, pulling her hair back and tucking it behind her ear. It gained him a glare, but he was persistent. “Come on, Elles. It’s obvious you’re not. I’ve known you over twenty years.”

  Ellie sighed, not wanting to reveal anything, especially to Aiden. “I’m fine.”

  “Then why are you over here by yourself?”

  “She’s not by herself. We’re here,” Jess called, and the tightness in Ellie’s chest eased at her friend’s rescue. “You are being no fun, though.”

  Ellie wanted to head-butt the bar as she groaned. Instead, she downed the rest of her beer and turned to signal the bartender.

  “No, she’s good. She’s had enough,” Aiden stated, interrupting before she could place her order.

  “Seriously? You’re cutting me off? I’ve only had three.”

  “That’s enough. I’m not getting my ass kicked by Luke because you came home drunk and miserable.”

  “I’m not drunk,” Ellie protested, not bothering to deny his other accusation.

  “Really?”

  “Yup”

  “Prove it then,” Aiden challenged, a sly smile and silent laugh shining in his eyes.

  “How?” Ellie couldn’t help but be drawn in. She never backed down from a bet.

  “Beat me in a game of pool.”

  “You don’t think I can?”

  “No, I know you can normally. You’re one of the few people who are better than me. But … I don’t think you will today.”

  Ellie’s face hardened in concentration, studying the table. “You’re on, but if I win I get all of your winnings from tonight.”

  “That’s my girl. If I win, you go home.”

  “I’m not your girl,” Ellie stated, her voice devoid of all emotion as she took the cue he offered and walked past him.

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