The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (4 page)

I scowled and grabbed my drink, quickly unscrewing the cap. “He’s not an admirer. He helped me find the lecture hall this morning.” I took a long, hard swig of my drink, so I didn’t have to elaborate further. I wasn’t interested in any guys.

Well, apart from Joel.

Mmm, sexy, wet Joel in just a towel.

God, my insides were about to explode at just the mere flashback.

I needed to calm the hell down.

“Well, your admirer is heading this way.” He chuckled, taking a large bite of his burger, to mask his smile behind the bun.

No no no. This was not happening!

“Hey, sexy newbie, what did I say about fate lending a hand?”

I rolled my eyes and tensed slightly when he pulled up a chair, sitting right down beside me. He obviously didn’t have an issue with invading my personal space. Our bodies were practically touching, much to my disgust.

“It’s a college that we both go to, there will be times we’ll bump into each other. Fate has nothing to do with it,” I snapped, taking a bite of my sandwich.

I was hoping he’d take the hint and leave, but subtlety didn’t seem like something he would pick up on. I guessed the majority of things went over his head 

“Nope,” he replied smugly, shaking his head. “Fate brought us together this morning. You can’t deny that.”

I almost choked on the contents.

His hand slapped my back and much to my relief, I felt the food dislodge itself.

I turned to face him. “I was lost, and you just happened to be around to help me, fate doesn’t even come into it.”

I wanted to kick him and his stupid fate theories in the head. I smiled at the visualisation. It was something I could watch all day long.

“I think the lady doth protest too much. I’m Ryan by the way,” he added with a smile as he slung his arm over the back of my chair, moving ever nearer.

Oh, he was seriously pissing me off now.

“Whatever, is there anything else you want?” I leapt forward in my chair and turned to face him. I just wanted him gone. I was over all this stupid crazy one side flirting. There wasn’t one part of me interested in carrying on this conversation a moment longer.

“Depends what you’re offering.” He grinned, and I felt my face flush.

Dammit!

Ryan’s eyes wickedly danced with humour as he continued to watch me closely. He was enjoying making me squirm, I could just tell. “But I’ll get to that at some later date. See you around Izzy, try not to miss me too much.” He grabbed my hand and placed a soft kiss against my skin, before shooting me another wink.

I grabbed the napkin and quickly erased it from my hand. “Oh my god, that guy seriously needs psychological help. He’s obviously seeing things that aren’t actually there.” I scowled, exasperated by his actions. My eyes flicked over to Elijah, only to find him grinning wildly back.

“So, he seems nice . . .”

Was he being funny?

“Nice? Are you freaking kidding me?”

“He’s maybe a little full on. I think she should go on a date with him though. What harm can it do?” He smiled, grabbing the last chip, smothering it in ketchup before devouring it whole.

I glared at his response. “What harm could it do? I’d murder him. that’s what. And how the hell did he find out my name?” It made my skin crawl to think about him making any enquiries about me.

I was not interested. End of.

“Someone’s been asking around,” he sang in his stupid singsong voice again.

Now I wanted to punch him too.

“Just do it. I would tap that ass in a minute,” he replied, leisurely licking the chocolate sauce from his spoon and devouring the rest of his cake. I stared down at mine, suddenly losing my appetite.

Just great.

“I’m not interested in guys.” I gingerly pushed the dessert away, and rested my elbows against the table, my face falling into my hands. The thought of fending off some guy’s unwanted affections just made me feel sick. It was something I’d always shied away from.

Elijah pressed his lips together and nodded. “Ahhh right, I thought you were giving off that vibe.” He took a long sip of his drink, and my eyes widened.

What the hell did he mean by that?

“What vibe?”

He pushed his empty plate away, licking his lips and gave me his full attention. “Listen sweetie, no judgement here. I’ve always made it a point to avoid them myself, but I’m happy for you.”

Huh?

“What are you trying to say, Elijah?” He was making no sense. Had I skipped part of the conversation without realising?

“I should have known with the whole tomboy look. It’s pretty clear now.” His eyes roamed over my T-shirt and jeans and an instant look of disgust spread across his face. I knew I was no match for him when it came to fashion. My outfit was simple and comfortable. I didn’t follow trends. I just went with whatever was clean that day.

Hang on, what was pretty clear?

“Just get to the point, Elijah,” I barked. I didn’t care if I had offended him. I just wanted to know what the hell he had assumed about me.

“You’re a lesbian. It’s fine.” He grabbed my hand and patted it patronisingly as if I’d suddenly decided to come out to him.

“Lesbian?” I asked, feeling confused. How the hell did he suddenly conclude I was gay?

“Yeah, nothing to be ashamed of, sweetie. I prefer penis myself, but we all have different tastes.” He patted my hand again and with each tap my irritation grew.

I pulled away in annoyance. “I’m not a lesbian.”

“Sweetie, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” He smiled like I was in denial, keeping it all one big secret.

“If I were a lesbian would I fantasise on a regular basis about eating hot chocolate sauce off Ryan Gosling’s naked body?”

Oh god, Ryan.

Just the thought alone made me hot.

Elijah’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ryan Gosling? Sweetie, you’ve certainly got good taste. I might steal that fantasy for myself.” His eyes lit up like the image was already playing in his head.

“Don’t you flipping dare, I don’t share Ryan with anyone.” I balled up my sandwich wrapper, throwing it at him and watched in amusement when it bounced off his forehead.

He scowled and immediately checked his hair for any signs of movement. It hadn’t moved of course, I was pretty sure he had half a tube of gel keeping his quiff upright.

“You can’t call dibs on Ryan Gosling that body of his is magnificent. I need to have a slice of that.”

I let out a snort of disapproval. “I can and I will. Ryan is mine, find someone else.”

He shook his head in obvious annoyance. “Sweetie, it doesn’t work that way. I’ll drop the chocolate sauce part if that helps, but I need some of Ryan too.” He gave me the puppy dog eyes and began to pout to plead his point. I narrowed my eyes and contemplated if I’d be willing to share.

Was it worth the aggravation if I didn’t?

“Yeah, I suppose. But you should know I’ve watched The Notebook like a million times, I’m not some rookie fan.” I knew every line that flowed from Ryan’s sweet lips. He made me cry every damn time.

“Me too, it never gets old. I love Noah.”

“Ahh Noah . . . he is the best.”

“So you’ll let me share then?” he asked, interrupting my daydream.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Okay, but on the condition. We have to watch all things Ryan Gosling related together from now on.”

He held out his hand for us to shake on it. “Sweetie, it’s a deal.”

“Can you not call me sweetie?” I asked frowning, already hating the name.

He pouted in protest.

I guess that was his thing.

“Why? It’s charming.”

I rolled my eyes in irritation. “It’s annoying, and I hate sickly pet names.”

“Are you always this blunt?” he asked, looking at me curiously. His eyes gently probing mine.

“Pretty much, you got a problem with that?” It was true I always had a direct approach, never holding back. I guess I looked on it more as being honest than direct. Though my mother never really appreciated my straight talking when it came to anything regarding her.

“Nope, I love your directness. It’s refreshingly honest, but I’m still sticking with the nickname, regardless of whether you like it or not.” He stuck out his tongue in defiance, and I pouted.

Wow, it must be catching.

“Speaking of being direct, what’s with the clothes?”

“What do you mean?” I frowned, dropping my eyes down to my outfit.

“Well these baggy ass jeans and T-shirt. You’ve got to learn to show your body off a little. I know what, I’m going to take you shopping on Saturday.”

My eyes widened in horror. “Errrrrm, I don’t think so.”

“Sweetie, I wasn’t asking, and I will get you into a dress for the party.”

“What party?” I squeaked, almost hyperventilating.

“The one we’re going to on Saturday.”

Oh hell no.

“I haven’t agreed to go yet, and I’m definitely not wearing a dress.”

“We’ll see.” He shot me a wink and from the look in his eye, refusal was not an option. “Do you fancy coming round to mine for film night tonight? We can celebrate our newfound friendship by watching The Notebook.”

I eyed him warily. “Have you got plenty of popcorn?” I was a film and popcorn girl. The two things simply had to go together.

“Of course, what rookie has a film night without?” He shook his head bemusedly like I was even crazy to ask.

A large smile spread across my face. “Throw in some Maltesers, and I’m there.” I could easily be bought with Maltesers they were one of my many addictions.

Elijah’s eyes widened with delight. “Ooh I challenge you to a contest to see who can hold the most Maltesers in their mouth. I have been crowned champion on many occasions.” He blew and then shined his fist against his shirt acting like it was an act of achievement.

I bit my lip, suppressing my smile. He obviously hadn’t met his match. I was going to show him a thing or two.

“Challenge accepted, I think I have it in the bag though.” I took a large swig of my drink, and he raised his eyebrows.

“Oh sweetie, don’t start bragging yet, ’cause I am great at accommodating for large things in my mouth.”

I spat half of my drink out in shock, choking on the rest. “You did not just say that!” I asked in between coughs.

His smile grew even wider. “Sweetie, get used to it, I don’t hold back either.” He shot me a wink and from the look on his face, I could tell he wasn’t joking.

“Well, things are certainly never going to be dull with you around,” I said chuckling, attempting to take another sip of my drink.

“Sweetie, I’m only getting started . . .”

Walking to the party I shot a hesitant look over at Elijah. He smiled back, giving my hand another reassuring squeeze. I gripped his even tighter. Toppling over in the black wedge heels I was wearing was not an option. I concentrated hard to maintain an upright position. Each hesitant step was short and measured like walking a tight rope. The shoes I was wearing pushed me over the six-foot mark, so I felt more giant-like than supermodel—the phrase Elijah had used the moment I answered the door.

I grimaced and longed for the comfort of my Converse, but the threat to burn them had been enough to make me put on the wedges. I hated them. They were crippling my poor feet and right now, I wished I could burn them instead.

Hmm maybe later.

The shopping trip had been long and arduous, but thanks to Elijah and of course my poor savings, I now had a brand spanking new wardrobe. Despite the torture, the highlight of the day had to be the standoff between Elijah and another girl over the dress I was currently wearing.

His refusal to back down had been quite scary. I was just grateful to be on his side, ’cause boy did those claws come out when he got angry, and I was pretty sure he wasn’t afraid to use them.

The silver dress shimmered with every movement I made, capturing the light just perfectly. I’d been reluctant to buy it at first, but Elijah possessed the kind of power of persuasion you could never say no to.

The dress hit just below my mid thigh. It was long enough to stop me feeling self-conscious, even though my back was fully exposed. But Elijah’s reaction when I tried it on waived any doubt that lingered in my mind. I smiled and leaned into him, breathing in his rich and intoxicating scent. He always smelt amazing, so decadently rich.

He was impeccably turned out as usual, dressed in a tight, red shirt with a black, skinny tie, which highlighted his broad, muscular frame even more. He completed the look with a pair of black skinny jeans, which accentuated that tight hot bum of his. He was rocking his usual trademark quiff, and as usual his hair was styled to perfection.

Did this guy ever do anything less?

We rounded the corner to be met with endless amounts of people congregating outside. It didn’t take Einstein to know where the party was. I think most of the town had turned up.

Elijah gripped my hand tightly and slowly manoeuvred us indoors. We sidled through the thick crowds to head towards the kitchen to get a drink.

The music was loud, practically bouncing off the walls. The air was hot and sticky with the vast amount of people packed inside.

Elijah grabbed a couple of beers as I took a sneaky glance around the room. My eyes came to rest on a couple heavily making out in the corner, their tongues frantically entwined as they slowly devoured each other.

I felt the familiar blush when the guy caught me staring. His suggestive wink told me I could be his next potential victim.

Not in a million years.

He was practically a walking STD.

Elijah grabbed my attention, pinching my arm sharply. He held up two cups, motioning with his head to go outside. I smiled and nodded in agreement, following him and his sexy bum.

Once away from all the heat and mayhem, we moved to an open spaced garden. The cool evening air was a blessing from the blistering heat indoors, softly caressing against my skin. We spotted some familiar faces from college and headed over to chat.

Over the evening to my embarrassment and Elijah’s amusement, I was paid lots of compliments, which rendered my makeover a success. My response was to smile awkwardly. I hated being the focus of attention, but Elijah willingly took all the praise. He was far more comfortable in the spotlight.

I shivered the moment I felt his touch. His fingertips glided down my naked back causing me to flinch. The surprise contact made me spin round only to come face to face with an amused looking Ryan.

Fuckity. Fuck. Fuck.

“Well hey newbie, you’re looking beautiful tonight.” His eyes practically devoured my body. His smile grew ever wider.

“Hey, I didn’t know you’d be coming?”

Hoped more like.

I knew I should have maintained some sort of radar, scoping the party for potential creepers. I had been avoiding him at college during lunch periods, but now he was here stood in front of me, and I had no means of escape.

Shit.

I wanted to punch Elijah and his weak bladder for abandoning me.

“Well Izzy, I haven’t seen you around college much. And trust me, I have been keeping a look out,” he said smiling, watching in complete amusement as my cheeks flushed at his words.

I grimaced at his blatant stalker admissions, his directness always made me uneasy. “Just been busy, you know, so much work to do.”

Just take the hint and leave.

I was in no mood for small talk. I wanted to make a run for it, but in these wedges I was certain a snail could move faster. If only I were wearing my Converse. Now I wanted to punch Elijah even more.

“You know what they say about all work and no play? How about you let me take you out sometime?” His eyes stared deep into mine looking hopeful as he slowly sipped on his beer.

Ugh, I hated being put on the spot, having to deal with the whole awkwardness of the rejection situation. It was my worst nightmare come true.

“I’m not looking to date at the moment. You know, just concentrating on college.” I swallowed half the contents of my cup. My fingers frantically picked away at the plastic, hoping he’d buy possibly the lamest excuse ever.

He frowned at my reply. “Well, could I have your number, you know to maybe persuade you to come out with me at a later date?” he asked, pulling out his phone. I tensed as he began to open up his contact list.

Shit!

I dodged one curveball to be met by another. This guy was relentless or just an idiot. What part of not interested vibes was he not picking up?

To my relief no reply was needed, at that precise moment Elijah returned. His smile was wide until he registered my glare shooting daggers his way.

“Hey Ryan, you flirting with my girl here?” He smiled, pulling me protectively into his side. I closed my eyes and melted into his warm body and sighed at the comfort of having him close again.

“Trying to but she’s not having any of it.” He frowned, trying to make eye contact.

I quickly averted his eyes to look into Elijah’s. He registered the tension and sensed my need for a sharp exit. “We need more drinks. Izzy, you coming?”

He didn’t have to ask me twice.

I willingly grabbed his hand and shot Ryan a quick smile before walking off.

Elijah topped up our drinks, and I made him promise to never leave me alone with Ryan again. He smiled at my stern face. “Don’t worry, Iz, I’ll protect you, but I can’t understand why you won’t give him a chance. I would do him in a heartbeat.” He laughed, and I followed suit at his overly dirty mind. I stopped him before he elaborated any further, I didn’t need his twisted vision in my head.

I knew he was right and Ryan was a nice guy, but there was no spark, no butterflies, no breathtaking smile. I knew there was only one pair of eyes I’d ever get lost in, and right now they were looking at me.

Holy shit.

My breath hitched at the sight of him. A small smile spread across my lips at the vision standing before me. He was stunning as usual, dressed in a tight red and black checked shirt, which fit snugly across his perfect, hard chest. His sleeves were rolled up emphasising his impressive biceps out on show, and of course displaying his beautiful tattoo sleeve. His black jeans clung to his long, muscular legs, and his outfit was completed with his all too familiar Converse.

He slowly ran his fingers through that thick, glorious hair, like he was in some kind of shampoo commercial.

My jaw almost hit the floor.

I sighed deeply, god, that hair just did it to me every time. My body trembled, and my heart beat even faster when his eyes returned to mine. We stared intently for several moments, though he showed no sign of recognition.

No smile. No wave. Nothing.

He obviously hadn’t realised who I was. The fact he was completely oblivious amused me even more. I knew I would need to speak to him, to witness his reaction up front.

I needed a plan of action, and I needed one now.

It wasn’t going to be easy though. Joel and Mike were stood with a crowd of girls swarming around them, like bees around honey. It was hard to see the girls through all their fakery. Their overly long hair extensions were backcombed within an inch of their lives, and their makeup plastered on so thick it looked like it might crack at any moment.

These girls did not do subtle, it wasn’t in their vocabulary. Neither were their outfits, taking the less is more tag to a whole new level. They really liked to flash the flesh, leaving nothing to the imagination.

Anger surged through me, watching them fight for Joel’s attention. They were pathetic, pawing him at every available opportunity, while loud fake laughter left their overly glossed lips.

I had been forced to spend enough time around them both to know those idiots weren’t that funny. It was just business as usual, flirting and trying to score girls.

God, they were so predictable.

When Mike left to grab some drinks, I decided that was my perfect opportunity.

It was now or never.

I would have my moment with Joel and then move on.

I excused myself from Elijah, who was busy sharing styling tips with a girl he’d just met. I looked over to see Joel leaning up against the wall by the back door. His sole concentration was on his phone, busy texting away.

With every step that took me nearer, my heart beat faster. I swore everyone around me could hear it. It was like a drum roll inside my chest.

I was on the verge of passing out, barely metres away. My mouth went dry, and I licked my lips in a vain attempt to add some moisture. A rush of fear ran right through me the moment I felt my heel wobble, and my breath hitched.

Oh god, no. 

My whole body flew forward, and I watched in horror as the cold, hard ground grew nearer. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the pain and for the label of being known as the girl who face planted at a party.

I gasped in surprise the moment a pair of strong arms caught me. They instantly tightened around me, pulling me into their strong, hard, sculpted chest. I held on for dear life. My fingers gripped tightly onto the muscular upper arms, trying to compose myself. My face rested against the warm body, and my head filled with an intoxicating scent.

“Hey, are you okay? Good job I was here to stop you from hitting the ground.” He chuckled.

I groaned at his words, instantly reigniting the memory of the day we first met. I slowly lifted my head looking straight into his soft, warm eyes. The moment our eyes connected the smile dropped from his face.

“Izzy,” he whispered, his eyes gave me the once over. “Wow, you look . . . beautiful.”

A warm blush crept over my face. My whole body reacted to Joel’s sincere words.

He actually thought I was beautiful?

The death stares soon brought me back down to earth with a bump. I turned to find three pairs of narrowed overly made up eyes boring right into me, shooting me daggers. If looks could kill, right now I’d be dead.

I smiled inwardly, enjoying their jealous reaction. “Hey Joel,” I breathed, acting cool and casual. Then blushed realising my fingers were still clutching those impressive biceps.

I quickly pushed away from him and straightened out my dress. “I’ll see you later,” I said casually over my shoulder. I headed back inside for a drink, grinning wildly at his reaction. It had been way better than I ever expected. I was actually floating with happiness at his response.

Once inside a hand grabbed me, and I squealed in shock before realising who it was. “Oh my god, I just witnessed the whole thing. Spill.” Elijah’s eyes were wide and filled with excitement, prompting me to talk.

“There’s nothing to tell,” I murmured blushing. I was not happy my secret was finally out; it was something I’d kept guarded for so long. Elijah was ready to begin his interrogation I could tell, but I was on way too much of a high to deal with his barrage of questions.

“Oh sweetie, his face said it all, he was checking you out. I know that look. You should have seen his face fall when you walked away.”

“Really?” I asked in disbelief.

Was he really taken back by me?

He smiled at my look of doubt. “If you wanted a reaction from Joel then you got it, speaking of which.” He paused and then smiled. “Hey Joel.” He gave my arm a squeeze, before walking off grinning. I turned around to see Joel standing behind me.

Oh god. What do I say?

“Hey Iz,” he said, still looking completely dumbfounded.

“Something wrong, Joel?” I asked innocently, enjoying his reaction.

He shook his head as if to snap himself out of his trance. “Err no, sorry errrm, I came in for a drink.” He blushed, and I mentally did a high five in my head. He grabbed a beer from the counter and took a long draw from it, looking like he really needed it.