Free Spring Knight: Young Adult Romance Novella (A Seasons of Change Standalone) by Mia Hoddell Page B

Kayleigh wasn’t usually a violent person, but Adam had definitely had it coming for a while.
    “Well thanks. Although, I’m sure that news is going to spread like wildfire.”
    “Who cares? I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true. Ready to go public with our relationship?” Glancing up at him, she saw that the teasing was back in his eyes. It was as if nothing had gone wrong seconds ago. At his comment, Kayleigh felt her words lodge in her throat, unsure of what the correct response would be. She didn’t want to say yes only for him to laugh at her, but she did want to be in a relationship with him.
    “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