Spring Knight: Young Adult Romance Novella (A Seasons of Change Standalone) (15 page)

“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.

“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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