by Liz Lovelock
I squeeze her hand. “It’ll be fine. I’m sure they have safety in place. Take a chance, Elsie. Then, we can grab a bite to eat and maybe go down to the beach.”
“All right, I’ll give it a go.”
I sigh, thankful that she’s giving it a try.
We climb out of the car and head inside. The night has a slight chill to it, and the town is alive with the weekend hustle.
“Is there something going on? This city is busier than usual.”
Elsie takes a moment and looks around at the people walking by. She glances down at her phone, then I see it; there’s a small smile on her face. “It’s the Morning Walkers Festival.”
“What’s that?” I haven’t seen anything about a festival.
“It’s when a heap of people gather on the beach all night. There are markets and stuff, but the highlight of the festival is when the sun starts to rise the following morning. Everyone runs into the ocean and swims as the sun rises over the horizon. It’s like a big party, and it feels kind of spiritual in a way, because you’re basking in the early morning sun… kind of like starting fresh.”
This sounds interesting and fun. “Wow! I’ve never heard about it. Do you want to do it tonight?”
She cocks an eyebrow.
I hold my hands out. “Only if you want to. No pressure.”
“I’m not so sure.”
“You do realize that you need to live a little. Come on, firecracker, do it with me? I’ve not done anything like this before.”
She rolls her eyes and finally nods.
I pull her into my arms and hug her. “Thanks.”
She smells like a breath of fresh air. Something I’ve been needing so badly. The death of Tom was hard for me. When he passed away, his spirit must have decided to take a piece of me with it, because I felt so empty. The kind of empty where you have no idea what you want to do with your life. The kind of empty where you wander aimlessly through the days, not really having any purpose.
“Let’s go throw sharp things and not injure ourselves,” she says against my chest.
I have no idea why I came here. Well, the college was the only place that would take me so late, but it seems like it was meant to be. This place and the people have lifted the heaviness I’ve had resting on my chest for over twelve months now.
Stepping inside, it smells like wood, and I hear the thud of axes hitting boards. There are quite a few people here tonight. I buy us one round each, and the workers set us up and give us all guidelines to keep us safe. There’s mesh between each person’s stall—I guess to make sure no one throws too crazily.
“You wanna go first?” I ask Elsie as she takes a seat, her eyes wide and darting around the rather large room.
“Have you done this before?” She faces me.
“No. It looks like it’s going to be fun, though. I think you should go first; that way I can learn from your mistakes.”
Her lips pull up on one side. I don’t think it would bother me so long as she gave me mouth to mouth and revived me when I passed out because she took my breath away.
“I think you should go. I’d rather watch how you do it.”
I get up and take my first ax. There’s a target board at the end of the wide—yet kind of short—barricade. I give Elsie a wink and take up my position behind the line on the ground.
Don’t make a fool of yourself, Aiden.
“Whoop, whoop, go big boy!”
I turn to Elsie, who’s pissing herself laughing; her arms are hugging her stomach so tightly.
“Stop distracting me, woman.”
“I’m not a woman. I’m a queen.”
I turn to face her and bow. “My apologies, Queen Firecracker.”
“Oh, shut it and take your turn or I’ll throw one at you,” she teases.
Facing the target again, I follow the instructions the worker gave us. I release the ax at the right time, and a loud thud follows, but I watch, horrified, as my ax simply bounces off the wall.
I don’t hear anything behind me, but upon turning around, Elsie’s sitting there, red in the face, trying not to laugh. She holds her hands out, giving me a thumbs up. “Good job,” is all she manages before I lose her to fits of laughter.
“Come on then. You wanna piss yourself laughing at me? It’s my turn to make fun of you.”
She mumbles something under her breath.
“What was that?”
“Oh nothing,” she replies with such an innocence to her voice. I automatically know she’s up to no good.
“Is this how you do it?” She stands the same way I was, and her arm pulls back, and then she moves so quick that I miss it when she lets it go. Her ax smacks right in the center of the target.
I leap out of my chair. “You’ve done this before!” I shout, not caring about the other people around us.
She points toward a wall. I follow her line of sight to a wall of photographs. I walk over there and scan the images until I focus in on one. A familiar face stares right back to me. In the image, she rests an ax on one shoulder, and on the other, she has a champion’s belt.
“My secret hobby.” Her warm breath hits my ear while electricity shoots down my spine.
I whip around. “You totally played me, didn’t ya?”
She shrugs. “The coin got us here. I promise I didn’t lie about those, but yeah…I had you going from the beginning, and the guys here know me. They know that if I bring people, to not say anything.”
I step closer to her. My arms wrap around her waist, and I lean down until our faces are inches apart. “Now that’s hot,” I whisper before pulling her tightly against me and pressing my lips to hers. Everything comes alive between us. Our breathing becomes heavy, and her tongue glides against mine. I want to take her out of here and discover her body in a way that will have her never wanting another guy.
Elsie places one last kiss against my lips before taking a small step back. “Wow. Take my breath away, why don’t you,” she says, her cheeks flushed red.
“That’s my plan.”
“What?”
“To make you lose your breath every time I kiss or touch you.” I reach out and take her hand and rub her knuckles.
“If you keep doing that, you’ll make me pass out.”
“Haha… you’re a joker, aren’t ya?” I don’t give her a chance to respond before I pull her against me again. The heat from her body against mine is what I want every day. It’s what I seem to be missing in my life. Back home, I was known as the playboy, and boy, did I live up to that name. There comes a time when you have to change—or at least try to make a change. Coming here was that decision for me. I didn’t plan on falling for the girl in my arms, but I have.
“You love it,” she teases. Her head lifts off my chest, and she stares up at me. That puppy-dog type of stare holds me completely hostage.
“I’ll put up with it.” I waggle my eyebrows.
Elsie shoves me in the chest, pushing herself off me. “You’re a pain in the butt. Let’s finish what we paid for. I’m getting hungry, and you don’t want to mess with me when you meet the other side of me… the hangry side. She can be a real bitch.” Her finger points into my chest, then she walks back to where we were playing.
I pay close attention to how her body moves. The way her hips shift in those pants twists my stomach in a good way.
An hour later and another round of axes, we’re walking out, and I’ve totally wiped the floor with his ego.
His hip bumps mine. “You know, you could have warned me I didn’t stand a chance.”
“Where would the fun be in that?” I glance over at him. “Don’t worry, not many people can beat me. No one realizes how much I come here.”
“So, you enter in competitions?” We walk side by side, my hand itching to take his. I crave his closeness.
As if he reads my thoughts, his arm drops over my shoulder then slides down to my waist. Instinctively, I do the same. Here we are, walking down the street like a couple
.
We stop in at The Salad Bar. It’s the one place I love going. The food they sell here is divine.
“You a bit of a health nut?”
I stop perusing the menu, even though I already know what I’m going to get. “I wouldn’t say health nut, or whatever that is. I’ve got my own personal stash of sweets and candy back in my room. But I do love this place. Their food is always so delicious. You haven’t lived unless you’ve tried their whole menu.” I wave my hand over the paper in front of me.
Aiden gives me a funny look, his eyes shifting between myself and the menu. “You’ve eaten everything they make here?”
I shrug. “Yeah. What’s wrong with that?”
“I didn’t say there was anything wrong with it. I’ve never known anyone to have eaten everything off one menu in a restaurant before.”
“What can I say? I lead an exciting life.”
The waitress is back. She smiles down at me. “You ready to order?” Her focus turns to Aiden. “Are you ready to order?”
Aiden’s head pops up, and he finally realizes what’s going on. “Do you know what you’re getting? I didn’t hear you order.”
“Yep, I’m getting the pumpkin and feta salad. It’s my favorite, and they know that here.” I smile up at the waitress.
“Okay then, I’ll trust you. I’ll have the same, please.”
She takes the menus away. It’s a quaint little restaurant with candles on every table. They are only lit when people sit at them, so it has a romantic feel. Dark wood walls with photo frames covering them. There are images of the town back in the olden days, as people tend to call it. This building has been around since the town was first built, and the owners restored and turned it into the restaurant. I love history—I guess that’s why I’m so drawn to this place.
A silence falls over the table.
“Have you had fun tonight?” Aiden asks.
“Yeah, totally. No one has ever taken me on a date like this—or gone to this much effort, I should say.”
“Why not? I’m sure you’ve dated plenty of guys. Well, I just assume you would have.”
I scoff. “Oh, I’ve had dates, but let’s just say a couple of the guys were only interested in one thing. Oh well, story of my life.” I chew on the side of my mouth.
Aiden’s jaw muscle tenses then releases. “One day, it’ll change.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, whatever. I’m only good for a short time. Like when you leave. This is just a vacation thing.” My hand waves between us, and the hurt which stabs me in the chest is not something I’ve experienced with any other guy. For some reason, I knew my old boyfriends were short-term, but with Aiden, I really do wish it could be more than a simple fling. Who knows what the future holds?
“Can we not discuss what’s happening between us and comparing it to other guys who have come and gone in your life?” Tension drips from Aiden’s words.
“It’s the truth, though.” I half-laugh, trying to make light of the conversation. “You are going to leave eventually, and this will be nothing but a fling to you. I may not accept it right now, and it’s the reason I’ve been attempting to keep my distance, but you also had a girlfriend, which is another reason to back away.” I take a breath. My focus is now firmly on Aiden. “The way I see it, I’m the one who will walk away from this carrying a broken heart. You’re the carefree playboy, and I’m the girl who was a part of your life for a short while.” I hold myself together. I don’t want my emotions to get the better of me, allowing him to see how much he already affects me.
Aiden reaches across the table and takes my hand. A small, very small part of me wants to pull back. I can’t, though. He’s stamped his presence on my heart, and now I have to learn how to cope with whatever happens between us.
“Elsie, let’s live in the now and see where it goes. I like you.”
I take a moment to let his words sink in. He likes me. Actually, likes me.
I open my mouth to respond, but we’re interrupted by our dinner arriving. My mouth waters as I stare down at my plate. Nothing more is said about the future of our relationship. It’s probably for the best. I’ll simply have to wait and see what happens.
After a silent meal and a quiet walk down to the beach, I suddenly don’t feel like hanging around for sunrise, let alone swimming in the water.
There are a number of people on the beach, and stalls are being set up. We aimlessly stroll around and stop at shops. I stop at one stall who is selling jewelry. There’s a silver ring with a plain band, but it has a pink stone which, going by the price, is a cubic zirconia. It’s cute, quaint, and perfectly me. I want it. I reach into my bag to retrieve my wallet when a hand touches my elbow.
“I’ll get that for ya.” He’s already got money out and is handing it over to the chick standing in front of us.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”
Receiving his change, he turns to me. “I know that, but I want to.”
I grin. “Thank you. Isn’t it perfect?” I slip it onto my slender finger and hold my hand out in front of me, waving the ring around.
Aiden’s hand takes mine. “Yes, it’s perfect.” His voice is sultry. He leans over and presses his lips to my cheek, and with that one sweet motion, my stomach twists and butterflies tickle my insides.
“You’re a smooth man, Aiden.” I chuckle, reaching up and tucking a couple of strands of hair behind my ear then glancing up at him through my eyelashes.
“You’re worth every bit of smoothness, Elsie.”
I roll my eyes, and a smirk pulls across my face. “I want to get something sweet. Let’s go over to that churro stand. It’s calling my name.”
He doesn’t release my hand. Instead, he entwines our fingers together and leads me to that place I want to go.
We spend the next couple of hours walking the beach.
I’ve slipped my shoes off so I don’t get the annoying sand stuck between my toes. There’s a tug-of-war going on inside me. I sense a storm brewing, and I don’t know why. Tonight has been perfect, and Aiden is flawless in every way. So, why can’t I shake the uneasy feeling taking up camp in my stomach?
“You all right?” Aiden squeezes my hand, and I’m pulled back from my thoughts.
I lift my arm to look at my watch. It’s almost midnight. I yawn at the thought of even attempting to get out of bed in the morning. “I’m feeling pretty tired. I’m not sure I’ll function for work tomorrow.”
I know I have the afternoon shift and can sleep in, but I’m worried about falling for this Aussie guy standing next to me. I need to guard myself, even though everything inside of me is screaming to let down the barriers I’ve put up.
“We can go if you want. It’s all good.” He pulls me against him, and our bodies mesh together perfectly.
“I think that would be good. I’ve had a great night, Aiden.” I pull out from under his arm and step in front of him. “This is what I’ve needed, and I’m enjoying getting to know you. You’re awesome. Thanks for my ring… I love it.” Holding my hand in front of me, I turn and flash the fake gem at Aiden. He grins, stepping closer. His protective arms slip around my waist, and I’m flush against him, staring up at those shimmering blue eyes.
No words are needed.
No questions are asked.
His mouth touches mine.
My eyes flutter shut while waves of euphoria float through me. Our tongues explore each other’s mouths. His arms tighten while he holds me against him. My hands cup his face as heat prickles my skin. I want more from him. To explore those abs under his shirt.
Aiden pulls back, and I’m left breathless. “Let’s get you home before I take advantage of you right here on the beach.”
I smirk, batting my eyelashes. “Now, now, that won’t be happening, especially on a beach. I’m not prepared to have sand in places where it shouldn’t be. It wouldn’t be pretty. And I’m sure your appendage wouldn’t like to have something similar to sandpaper rubbing in places you don’
t want it to.”
His face screws up as he thinks about what I’ve said. “Yeah, don’t go into details. I die in the pants just thinking about somethin’ like that happenin.’”
I laugh at his thick Australian accent, but every time he speaks, it’s another reminder that he’s only here for a short time.
After parking the car back at the house, I walk Elsie to her dorm room then head home again. We’d decided not to do the jump tomorrow—Elsie isn’t ready.
Stepping onto the street, the night is silent. It’s peaceful. It forces me to think about things and what I want. Can I leave now, knowing how I feel about Elsie? She’s been hot and cold since the beginning, and I’m thinking it’s because of me. She’s not a vacation fling. She’s so much more, and I wish she could see that. I need her to see that. I don’t know how to get her to understand.
I slip my key into the door and silently step inside. I’m met with darkness aside from a light on in the pantry. I slide my shoes off and walk to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. After pulling the door open, I grab one, then shut it, then I jump back at the person standing behind the door.
“What the hell?” I grab my chest. My heart nearly took a leap out of my throat. “Don’t sneak up on people like that. Were you waiting for me?”
I cock an eyebrow at Addison who’s standing there in one of Parker’s shirts and short shorts.
The grin on her face tells me what I need to know. “I might have been. Though, honestly, I’d rather be sleeping. But I wanted to talk to you without the others around.” She slides onto the stool.
I lean against the bench and wait to hear what she has to say. She’s Elsie’s best friend, so it could be any number of things. Then it dawns on me. Did Parker tell her my secret? He said he wouldn’t.
“I’m all ears,” I say, twisting the cap off the water bottle.
There’s silence. I watch her play with crumbs on the bench, her head’s low, then her eyes meet mine. “I’m going to tell you this once. So, consider this your warning…” She pauses. I nod. “Do not hurt my friend.”
“I wasn’t planning to,” I cut in before she continues.