The Complete Memories Series (12 page)

I smile and shake my head. ‘‘Smooth.’’

He raises his head and grins at me. ‘‘That was pretty good, huh?’’

I look up at him. ‘‘Better than that crappy Disney princess reference you made before.’’

He grimaces. ‘‘Yeah, that wasn’t my best.’’

‘‘It was kinda sweet. In a dorky way.’’ I start walking again and he releases me, resting one arm over my shoulders. I pat his hand and he snatches it, linking our fingers.

The next – and last - exhibit is the Lundy Island one. They have an amazing marine reserve just off the island, and I’ve always loved seeing the fish in the aquarium.

‘‘I’d love to go to Lundy.’’

‘‘Haven’t you been?’’ Alec looks at me like I’m crazy.

‘‘Yeah, to the island,’’ I explain. ‘‘But I’ve never done the snorkelling. I’ve always wanted to, but Mum said I was too young before. I guess I could do it this summer at some point.’’

Alec nods. ‘‘I’ll take you. How are you on boats?’’

I wrinkle my nose. ‘‘Not great, but I can manage it.’’

‘‘You’re cute when you do that.’’ He taps my nose and I fake a glare at him. ‘‘We’ll go one day next week. Promise. My friend has a small boat docked at the harbour and he’ll take us over.’’

‘‘He won’t mind?’’ I look at him in shock.

‘‘No, he does the food runs back here to the mainland. He actually lives on Lundy – one of like thirty people that do – and he’s always happy to come back and save us paying the prices they charge for something he’ll do for the cost of a pint or two.’’

I smile. ‘‘That’d be amazing.’’

He squeezes my shoulders. ‘‘Anything for you, Princess.’’

I’m starting to think he’s right.

He’s gone out of his way to spend the day with me, doing my favourite things with me just to make my birthday special. Now, he’s planning a trip to Lundy just so I can snorkel. I have no doubt he’d fly to Africa to get me a fresh mango or a pet monkey if I asked him to.

I have no doubt...

Jen was right. He’s doing this to prove to me he’s worth a chance, worth the risk. He’s doing it to prove to me that I’m not like the other girls in the past. That he wants more than one night.

The thought trickles over me slowly, slowly peeling away the film over my eyes that’s been there when I’ve looked at him before. A layer is stripped from my heart as I look up at him. He glances down at me and I see how happy he is.

Alec’s happy because I’m happy.

It’s a surreal feeling, knowing I’ve made him so happy through my own happiness. He really did do all of this for me, to make my birthday perfect.

I’m not completely ready to trust him fully. I know that. But, I am ready to give him what little I have.

I lean my head against his shoulder as we leave the aquarium, my body curling into his slightly. I let my arm slip around his waist and he pulls me towards him. His lips press against the top of my head in a soft kiss.

Without my stubborn layer hiding it, I’m struck by how right it feels.

Her body curls to mine and I press my lips to the top of her head. Her hair still smells of strawberries and I squeeze her hand and smile to myself.

If all it took was a trip to the aquarium to get her to trust me, I should have done this weeks ago.

‘‘Where to now?’’ I ask her as we stroll along casually.

‘‘Mmm, I’m pretty sure chips were mentioned this morning.’’ Lexy licks her lips and I’m momentarily distracted by the movement of her tongue.

‘‘Hello? Alec?’’ Her lips curve in a smile and I blink.

‘‘Sorry, Princess. What did you say?’’

‘‘I said, I’m hungry.’’ She laughs quietly.

‘‘Well then. We’ll feed you.’’ I grin and wink at her. She shakes her head and I turn us in the direction of the chip shop. It feels natural, walking with her so close and buying her food like she’s actually mine.

She is. Almost.

Her stomach rumbles and she blushes.

‘‘Honestly, you’d think you never ate.’’ I roll my eyes and she pokes my side with the hand resting on my waist. ‘‘Oi.’’ I lift our hands and poke her head.

‘‘Stop it!’’ She squeals and turns, her chest pressing against mine. She looks up at me and her eyes are wide. Not shocked wide or scared wide. Just... An amazed kind of wide.

‘‘What?’’ I smile slightly.

‘‘Nothing. Everything. I don’t know,’’ she mumbles.

‘‘Lack of food is making you delirious, Princess,’’ I whisper and push open the door of the shop.

I order our food and try to ignore the little side glances she gives me as we wait. It’s not easy. I can see it in her eyes - it’s like she’s really seeing me for the first time.

I take our chips from the counter and she grabs the curry sauce and forks.

‘‘I love these little forks.’’ She examines one thoughtfully as we make our way down onto the beach.

‘‘How? Why?’’ I double-take.

‘‘They’re kinda cute, and good for poking people too.’’ She pricks me in the arm and giggles.

I glare at her playfully and she gives me a butter wouldn’t  melt smile.

‘‘Sit, before I toss you in the sea,’’ I order and hand her her food.

‘‘Are you coming in with me?’’ She tilts her head to the side. ‘‘‘Cause if you are, then toss away.’’

Did I just say that? Holy crap, I did.

Why did I say that? Oh god.

Alec stops unwrapping his chips and looks at me like he can’t quite believe what I said. I can’t either.

‘‘Did someone give you alcohol this morning, Princess?’’ He smirks.

‘‘Um, no. Why would they?’’ I stab a chip and dip it in curry sauce, bringing it to my mouth.

‘‘Because you’re awfully...’’ He stops and his gaze flickers to my lips, pausing there as they close around the chip. ‘‘Open.’’

He clears his throat and I shrug. ‘‘Dunno. Maybe Grammy mistook the vodka for oil when she cooked this morning.’’

‘‘Yeah, maybe.’’

We eat in silence but I’m aware of how close we are. I can feel the heat emanating from his body and I lean into his arm. He puts it round my waist and still, we don’t say a word until we finish eating.

‘‘Better?’’ His lips brush my forehead as he speaks.

‘‘Much,’’ I reply, just as quiet.

‘‘Good.’’ He takes the rubbish and puts it in one of the bins nearby. I know, bins on a beach.

‘‘I’m gonna take a walk.’’ I stand and slip my shoes off. ‘‘I haven’t been here in so long.’’

‘‘Hang on then.’’ He slides his trainers off and we leave them by the rocks.

Sand flows around my feet as I walk up to the water. Tiny waves are licking at the beach tentatively as if they’re deciding whether or not to climb up it.

I relate to them as my fingers brush Alec’s hand in a perpetual state of indecision.

‘‘You’re doing it again,’’ he comments softly.

‘‘Doing what?’’ I look at him.

‘‘You have these moments where you kinda drift off... Like you’re getting lost inside your own head.’’ He stops in front of me and his fingers run through my hair on both sides of my head. ‘‘Where do you go?’’

‘‘I don’t know.’’ I rest my hand on his arm. ‘‘Sometimes, I’m just remembering. Other times I’m trying to make sense of my thoughts.’’

‘‘Which was it this time?’’

Blue grey eyes sear into mine, holding me trapped. ‘‘Making sense of my thoughts. Sometimes... Sometimes I just wish they’d go away.’’

‘‘I can help with that,’’ he whispers and his lips touch mine gently.

My heart stops and my eyes close with the second brush of his mouth. My hands slide up his arms to his shoulders and he steps closer, pressing our bodies together. His lips are warm and soft against mine, moving in a comforting caress. The ends of his hair at his collar tickle my fingers as they touch his neck. His hands slip to the small of my back, his touch searing even through the material separating us.

Him. Alec. Nothing, no one, nowhere. Thoughts are irrelevant compared to this touch, this reality.

‘‘I’m sorry,’’ he whispers in my ear. ‘‘I just... I couldn’t help myself.’’

‘‘Don’t be sorry,’’ I say, leaning my forehead against his shoulder. ‘‘Don’t be sorry. Alec...’’

‘‘I know, Princess,’’ he says sadly. ‘‘I know. Nothing else. For now.’’ 

~

The blue of Alec’s shirt makes the blue in his eyes stand out even more. They’re like a beacon to me, demanding my attention.

“I don’t know if I’ve met anyone like you.” Alec twirls the straw between his fingers and looks at me intently.

“Of course you haven’t.” I smirk. “I’m one of a kind.”

“You’re right about that,” he says softly and I meet his eyes for a second.

“When will Jen be here?” I say, looking towards the door.

I need to break eye contact. If I look at him for much longer I’ll jump over the damn table between us and kiss him senseless.

I flush at my own thoughts. Sheesh. Can I get some ice with this drink?

One kiss today is enough.

“She said ten minutes twenty minutes ago,” he replies. “So you’re looking at another ten.”

I inwardly groan. “Great,” I mutter.

“Anyone would think you’re still not totally comfortable being alone with me, despite the fact we’ve just spent the day together. Closely, too,” Alec says casually, finishing the rest of his drink. “Another?”

He picks up my empty glass and heads towards the bar. I can’t help but watch him go.

And admire his behind.

A lot.

Nice.

He comes back a few minutes later, a rose wine in one hand and a pint in the other.

“What makes you think I still don’t wanna be alone with you?” I ask, taking my drink from him. My fingers graze his as he hands it over.

“The way you look for Jen after oh, twenty minutes.” He raises an eyebrow.

“That’s so not true.” I protest and shake my head.

“Isn’t it?”

“Nope.” I sip my drink and the alcohol settles warmly in my stomach.

God knows I can do with some Dutch courage, the way this conversation is heading. I know I’ve shown him some trust - more than I wanted to. But there’s only so far I can go in one day.

“Then why are you always so anxious for her to get here? You were fine earlier,” he questions.

“I like spending time with her. It’s been a long time.” And I’m scared if I’m alone with you for much longer I’ll completely break.

“I’m not gonna jump the table and kiss you, Lexy.” He smiles slowly and it makes him even sexier. “Unless you want me to, of course.”

Oh, but isn’t that the problem?

“Not at all,” I lie smoothly. “You’re fine where you are, Alec.”

He quirks an eyebrow and lifts his drink as I see Jen skip into the pub.

“Happy birthdaaay beautifullllll!” She sings and wraps her arms around me. I return her hug, ignoring the looks from people around us.

“Happy birthday, Lexy.” Carl winks at me and kisses my cheek.

“Thanks, guys.” I beam up at them and Jen sends Carl to the bar as she takes a seat next to me.

“Ready to party on?” She nudges me.

“Oh hell yeah!” I laugh.

Carl approaches the table carrying a tray with four shots and four drinks.

“Know the bartender.” He winks at me.

“Oh hell no,” Alec bursts, eyeing the shots. “No way.”

I pick up one and sniff it. The strong smell of liquorice embraces me and I smirk at him.

“Not afraid of a little Sambuca, are you, Alec?” I taunt him.

“That stuff is lethal.” He frowns.

“Aw, can’t likkle baby Alec handle his ‘buca?” Jen teases in a baby voice, picking up her shot glass.

“Man up, dude.” Carl slugs him in the arm and hands him the shot which Alec takes, reluctantly.

“To Lexy, and finally being legal!” Carl says loudly and we all chuck the shots back.

The spirit burns the back of my throat and I click my tongue.

Alec screws his face up and shakes his head as he gets an all over body shiver. He takes a long slug of his pint and I laugh.

He narrows his eyes at me playfully. “Shut it, Miss Barely Legal.”

“Ohhh, pulling out the big guns, are we?” I grin cheekily. “You still owe me a drinking challenge.” I glance at Carl. “You both do.”

Carl holds his hands up. “We do. Tomorrow night?”

“What’s happening tomorrow night?” I look at everyone.

“Beach party,” Jen answers.

“On the Bay?”

“Yep.” She smiles at me.

I hesitate. Alec notices and takes my hand in his.

‘‘You’ll be fine.’’ He looks straight into my eyes. ‘‘I promise I won’t let anyone come near you.’’