Spring Knight: Young Adult Romance Novella (A Seasons of Change Standalone) Page 7

  “We’re not in a relationship.” The words were barely a whisper but he heard.

  “We will be eventually.”

  “Confident much?”

  “Nah, I just know you. You’ve liked me for a while and I’m finally ready for a serious relationship. I never wanted to hurt you, Kay, it’s why I never encouraged you.”

  “You … you want me?”

  He let out a small burst of laughter. “Seriously, Kayleigh? How many times have I turned up at a girl’s flat just to study or watch a movie? Trust me, you’re special.”

  Without realising, she tilted her head, leaning into him further. She’d longed to hear those words from Aiden for years, but now that they’d finally arrived she wasn’t sure what to do with them.

  “Come on, let’s go and get something to eat. We never got breakfast.”

  Kayleigh could only nod in response and let him guide her wherever he planned to take them.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “So do you really have a brother?” Kayleigh asked while they both sat in a diner-style café with pancakes, strawberries, and a milkshake. At her question, Aiden looked up, swallowing the mouthful of food he had taken and sipping on his drink before replying. “Yeah, he’s seven and before you ask, yes he really does have panic attacks.”

  “Is that how you knew how to calm me earlier?”

  Aiden shrugged, he didn’t look like he was comfortable with the subject, but he still replied, “It helped, although you weren’t having a panic attack. I just reassured you when you were freaking out.”

  He watched as Kayleigh took another tiny mouthful of food. She was trying to not embarrass herself by shovelling big portions, as Aiden wouldn’t take his eyes off her, but the constant scrutiny was making her nervous. She ate with a unique precision, picking only at one item on her plate at a time. She never combined the food; either it was pancake or strawberries.

  “Do you have any more siblings?”

  Aiden shook his head. “No just my brother.”

  “Why such an age gap?” A deep crimson filled her cheeks as she blurted the thought out, her nose scrunching slightly. “Sorry, that was rude, ignore me.”

  Aiden laughed. “No it’s fine, you can ask me anything. He’s adopted, so that’s why there’s such a difference.”

  “Oh, um ... okay.”

  He watched as she floundered for words. It hadn’t been what she was expecting, and unsure of the relationships in the family, Kayleigh didn’t know what she was expected to say.

  “It’s no secret, so don’t worry. I don’t mind talking about him. To me he’ll always be my brother.”

  Kayleigh glanced up at him in disbelief; she hadn’t thought he was the sensitive type. However, Ellie’s words came into her mind before she could embarrass herself further. It was true that when Aiden let someone in he was one of the best friends you could ask for.

  “That’s sweet. I’m guessing you’re close?”

  He had a look of adoration in his eyes as he spoke. When she waited in anticipation of his response though, he only shrugged. “He’s a pain in the ass, but I guess that’s his job as the youngest. I’d do anything for him really. But what about you?”

  “No siblings, just a cat.”

  At that moment the waitress came over with the bill, silencing them both. Kayleigh reached into her bag to rummage for her purse, but in the bottomless pit that consumed her belongings it was a nightmare to find. Her fingers finally touched the fake leather and grabbed it.

  “How much do I owe you?”

  Aiden pulled the bill out of her eye line with a teasing expression that made Kayleigh wary. “Nothing, I got it.”

  “But—”

  “It’s fine, Kay.”

  “No because that means this was like a—” Kayleigh caught herself before she could finish the sentence. She was once again jumping to conclusions too quickly.

  “Like a what?”

  “Nothing, just saying you don’t have to pay.”

  “Like a date?”

  Kayleigh wanted her black hole of a bag to swallow her as well as the purse she put back.

  “No, that wasn’t what I was going to say.” His constant stare was unnerving her as she tried to lie convincingly.

  “Yeah it was. You’re a great actress, but you’re not that good. You suck at lying.” He chuckled. “I don’t mind, though. I’d say it was a good first date.”

  “What? I’m not lying!” She didn’t need a mirror to know her cheeks were the same colour as the shiny, red table top.

  “Yeah you are, I can tell.”

  “How? And this wasn’t a date,” she grumbled just as the waitress came to collect their money and bring Aiden a copy of the receipt. When she placed it down, Kayleigh caught the bold, blue swirly handwriting across the top.

  “See, it can’t be a date, you just got another girl’s number.” She thought her point was good enough, but she should have known Aiden wouldn’t give up. Picking up the receipt, he tore off the top, pocketing the half with the bill on it, and then replaced the other half with the number and a note to call her on the table.

  “I didn’t ask for it, and I don’t want it. I told you, I’m serious about you.”

  “You probably already have it memorised.”

  Aiden rolled his eyes at her, offering her his hand. When she stood beside him, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and guided her towards the exit. “I’m smart, but I’m not that good. I only memorise things I have an interest in. For example, your birthday is April seventh, you study drama, and I memorised the play so I could be close to you.”

  Kayleigh thought about shrugging him off but she couldn’t. The secure feeling that came from being pulled close to him was too good to turn down. Besides that he’d stunned her into silence. “Wait, I thought the play was a bet?” she inquired hesitantly.

  “It started off that way, but I didn’t need a leading role. I put my effort into it because I wanted an excuse to win you over. I also hated the thought of someone other than me touching you.”

  Kayleigh’s mind was struggling to keep up with all of the revelations. She didn’t know what to say.

  “You don’t believe me, do you?” Aiden finally asked with a sigh after they’d stopped in front of her block of flats.

  “About what?”

  “Being serious about you. You don’t believe I mean it.”

  “Can you blame me?” Working with him every day had improved her ability to talk to him like a normal human being, now all she lacked was the confidence and trust to take the leap.

  “Well no, but I wish you would.” He paused, clearly waiting for her to say something, but she just watched him. The silence dragged on for a few minutes before he broke it. “How about if I prove to you I’m serious?”

  “How?” Kayleigh dragged the word out with suspicion.

  “I’m going home to see my family this weekend, come with me.”

  Kayleigh’s mouth opened and closed a few times before she could finally form a sentence. “What? But we aren’t even dating.”

  “I beg to differ. We were on a date just minutes a go.”

  “But I didn’t know that was a date.”

  “Well now you do.” He had his cocky smile on his face as he leaned against the wall. “So how about it?”

  “But I’m not your girlfriend. They’ll think we’re together.”

  “Good, that’s what I want.”

  “But—”

  “But what? C’mon, we haven’t got rehearsals, and they’d love to meet you. It’ll be fun.”

  “Since when was meeting someone’s parents fun?”

  Aiden heaved an exasperated sigh. “Please, Kay?” He tucked a strand of hair that was fluttering into her eyes behind her ear before she had the chance to move her hand. “I’ll be lonely on my own.” His bottom lip jutted out into an exaggerated pout that made her laugh.

  “Oh fine, but on one condition: you have to behave. And that means telling your
parents the truth.”

  “Done,” he responded quickly probably thinking she’d change her mind given the chance, and he was right. Kayleigh was already starting to wonder if she’d made the right choice.

  “I’ll see you in rehearsals then.” Before Kayleigh could react, Aiden had bent down, his lips touching the corner of her mouth in a quick kiss and was jogging off in the direction of the playing fields. Leaving her stood there in bemusement, Kayleigh caught the disgusted shake of two girls’ heads as they walked by her. She knew what they were thinking—that she was his latest toy—and despite the doubts, Kayleigh knew she was falling deeper. She hoped he really was serious about her.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  The weekend came around quicker than Kayleigh would have liked. They had been busy with rehearsals for the last few days and she’d hardly had room to breathe. The show was almost ready for the opening performance the Tuesday after they got back, and the final set was being assembled while they were away. The chorus were rehearsing all weekend, and that meant everything had been nonstop for her and Aiden, who had to be perfect by the time they finished on Friday evening. It wasn’t something Kayleigh struggled with, used to the strict deadlines of the drama department, but she was surprised Aiden had managed it. He had to fit everything around his own studies, but he had coped better than she’d have expected. As well as that he was becoming more touchy-feely during rehearsals, and it was starting to be noticeable. They were only small things—like pulling her close, brushing her hair behind her ear, or using any excuse to make sure he touched her—but they were enough to start the questions Kayleigh had been expecting since Aiden first showed an interest in her. Numerous friends from drama, including Faye who hadn’t shut up, had asked her what was going on between her and Aiden. Some had put it a little more bluntly, but every time she had no response. She didn’t know what they were. Aiden spent every free minute with her, filling her in on his day or stupid things that happened, but she was still learning to let him in.

  She was throwing the last few items into an overnight bag when there was a knock upon her door. Flinging the bag over her shoulder, she opened it, but was surprised to see Ellie stood on the other side.

  Her gaze moved to take in the bag with confusion. “Going somewhere?”

  Kayleigh didn’t want to tell her the truth, believing Ellie would confirm how stupid she was being, but she didn’t get a choice. Within seconds of the door opening, Aiden stood behind Ellie.

  “I’m taking her home with me.”

  Ellie squeaked and jumped at his voice, having been unaware of his presence. Spinning, she halted at his smug expression.

  “You seriously need to work on your awareness, Elles. That’s three times since you’ve been back now.”

  “Well if you didn’t go round sneaking up on people it wouldn’t happen. And what do you mean you’re taking her home with you?” Her voice was full of anger, but the curiosity in her eyes dampened it.

  “You know what I mean, Elles. You’re not stupid.”

  She turned to Kayleigh. “Please tell me he’s kidding.”

  Kayleigh didn’t know what to think. She’d finally talked herself into going and with one comment Ellie had put all of her doubts, plus more, back into her mind. Something must have changed on her face because Ellie was suddenly looking guilty.

  “Oh, he’s not kidding.”

  “No I’m not.” Aiden glared at her with annoyance.

  “I didn’t mean it like it was a bad thing, Kay. I was just surprised. He’s never taken anyone besides me home before.”

  “Well I did tell you Kayleigh was special, Elles. And I have no problem proving that to everyone.” Aiden folded his arms, a small amount of annoyance creeping into his expression. “And we should really go if we’re going to beat the traffic.” He glanced down at his watch.

  “Yeah, sorry. You should go.”

  “Wait, what did you come over for?” Kayleigh asked, but Ellie was already turning away.

  “I’ll call you later … or after you get back. It wasn’t important.” She smiled over her shoulder and then turned to glare at Aiden. “Don’t mess it up,” she murmured. Kayleigh assumed she wasn’t meant to hear, but Ellie was not known for subtlety.

  When she was out of earshot, Kayleigh focused of Aiden. “Sorry about her, she’s a bit protective of me for some reason.”

  “Don’t worry, it’s not you. She knows me too well, I’m used to her.”

  They stood in the hall awkwardly for a second, neither of them knowing how to follow Ellie’s dramatic exit.

  Finally, Aiden took her bag from her shoulder. She wanted to protest and say she could carry it herself, but in the end she ignored the action. Complaining for the sake of complaining wasn’t her style.

  “Shall we go?”

  Kayleigh nodded and started walking when he gestured for her to move ahead of him in the narrow corridor.

  * * * *

  The drive went surprisingly quickly with Aiden telling her all about his family on the way there. She had learnt his brother’s name was Cole, and that his parents were ecstatic she was coming home with him. She’d also discovered that they planned on having a barbecue, a fact that unnerved Kayleigh. She hadn’t expected any special treatment and she hadn’t wanted to put anyone out—a worry Aiden disapproved of, telling her it was no trouble. Before she knew it, Aiden was pulling his car into a long driveway surrounded by fields and leading up to a modern barn conversion. She hadn’t really been paying attention to the route or the scenery on the way up, so it came as a shock to see that Aiden lived out in the countryside.

  “Wow, this wasn’t what I was expecting,” she muttered to herself, causing Aiden to laugh.

  “What were you expecting then?”

  “I don’t know, but you don’t strike me as a country guy. Why’d you choose London and give up all of this?”

  Aiden switched off the engine and turned to face her properly. “They had the physio course I wanted, and I needed a change.”

  “Wait, I thought you were a sports major.”

  Aiden laughed again. “Most people do. No, I’m training in physiotherapy and sport management. I just play a lot, which makes people think it’s my degree. Probably left over from being outdoors all day growing up.”

  “So you’re clever?” Kayleigh instantly wanted to take back the statement, cringing at her lack of thought. “Sorry ... I mean, I know you’re clever, you’re just not what I expected.”

  Thankfully, Aiden brushed off her comment, saving her from the humiliation. “Not many people know, so don’t worry about it. Ready to go in?”

  “It’s a bit late for me not to be, isn’t it?”

  “Yep, just thought I’d ask.”

  Rolling her eyes, Kayleigh stepped from the car and went to grab her bag. However, Aiden beat her to it before coming around to her side. With his free hand, he took hold of hers to lead her inside.

  Despite liking the touch, Kayleigh didn’t want to send out the wrong signals to his parents. Yet trying to free her hand only caused Aiden tighten his grip. “Relax, Kay. It’ll be fine.” Opening the door, he led her into the hallway. Just like the outside, the walls were lined with beams and the house had a cosy atmosphere with its small windows and yellow walls.

  Aiden dropped their bags by the door, and without giving Kayleigh the time to study anything in detail, he pulled her flush against his side, wrapping an arm around her waist. “They’ll all be outside.”

  Kayleigh gulped as she stepped out on to the patio, brightly lit with the spring-time sun.

  “Hey Mum, Dad, we’re here!” Aiden called as a little boy Kayleigh assumed to be Cole ran across to them and threw himself at Aiden’s leg.

  “Hey, buddy, you miss me?” He ruffled Cole’s hair as he nodded, but Kayleigh was distracted by Aiden’s parents. Both were eyeing her curiously, with beaming smiles. They each gave Aiden a quick hug before turning their attention on her.

  “You must be
Kayleigh? I’m Sue and this is David,” his mum asked and introduced them both before moving to embrace her, too. Not expecting it, Kayleigh became slightly rigid before hugging the woman back.

  “No, Mum, didn’t you get my message? This is Samantha.”

  Kayleigh felt Sue stiffen in her arms and as she pulled back slowly, there was panic in her eyes. Her cheeks were flushed, and as she looked back at Aiden, it was clear she didn’t know what to say and had thought she’d put her foot in something. Feeling bad for her, Kayleigh shot Aiden a glare and then turned to Sue. “I’m Kayleigh, you were right.”

  “Aiden!”

  “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”

  “I should have known you were joking. You’ve never brought anyone back here before, so I can’t see you’d consider two girls so close together. I’m sorry about him, I can’t imagine what he must have been like on the ride up.” She directed the last sentence at Kayleigh, her face having returned to its normal colour.

  “I’m getting used to it. Thank you for having me, I didn’t want to cause any trouble.”

  “Nonsense, it’s nice for Aiden to finally bring someone back.”

  Kayleigh was about to correct her and make sure they knew that they were only friends, but Aiden must have been watching her and jumped in. “I’ll show Kay around before dinner and let you guys get back to the garden.”

  Sue nodded and managed to prise Cole, who was still clinging to Aiden like a monkey, away. “I’ve set up the guest room for you, Kayleigh. Let me know if you need anything.”

  “Thank you!” Kayleigh called. She didn’t want to sound impolite, but Aiden was already dragging her back into the house. “Aiden, cut it out.”