Page 68 of The Boy I Once Loved

Chapter Thirteen

I make it to the pub at just before eight. I enter through the main entrance and I look around the main room of the pub for Kyle. A tall guy with copper curly hair walks past me and then doubles back.

“Are you Ella by any chance?” He asks me with an inquisitive smile.

“I am,” I reply, studying his face and not recognising him.

He smiles. "Sorry, you don't have a clue who I am. I'm Jay. Kyle's friend. He said a hot blonde girl is joining us and I put two and two together."

“Ah, I see. Yes, that would be me. Well, not the hot part but the rest, yeah.” I realise I’m waffling and shut my mouth before any more verbal diarrhoea escapes.

“We’ll have to beg to differ there.” He gestures with his head. “Come on, we’re just through here.”

“Look who I found,” Jay states as we enter the small side room. Kyle stops his conversation with one of his friends when he sees me and smiling, he comes over and greets me.

"Ella, you look gorgeous as always." He leans in and kisses my cheek and with his hand at my elbow, he guides me to their table. "Guys, this is Ella. Ella, you've met Jay, and this is Nick and Sam."

“Hi,” I reply as I take the empty seat beside Kyle.

Nick, the guy with the shaved head studies me like a puzzle. “Why do you look familiar?”

Kyle clears his throat. “You remember Ella? She’s Liam’s sister.”

Recognition dawns on Nick’s face. “Wow, you’ve changed a lot since I last saw you.”

I smile and chuckle, tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear. “Yeah, well, I was probably a spotty thirteen-year-old the last time you saw me.”

Nick returns my smile. “You have your brother’s eyes.”

I smile as Kyle clears his throat again. “Okay, drinks. Ella, what are you having?”

“Ah, I came on the bike, so just a coke, please.”

Jay whistles. “She’s hot and she rides a motorbike.”

“Shut it, idiot,” Kyle says, offering me an apologetic smile. “Be nice to Ella while I get the drinks in.”

“So, Ella, how old are you?” Sam asks me, leaning back in his chair. Sam is built. He is all muscle and must spend hours at the gym. A body like that takes real dedication.

“Seventeen. I’m doing my a-levels at college. I just recently moved back here.”

Sam nods, smiling. “Sweet. My cousin goes to Lilford sixth form. Danny West. You know him?”

I think back to Danny, the boy I spoke to on my first day and at the party. “Yeah, I’ve spoken to him a couple of times. Seems a good guy.”

Sam laughs. “He’s a tool but don’t tell him I said that,” he tells me with a wink.

Kyle comes back over and offers me my drink, and we fall into easy conversation. I enjoy myself. The guys are all funny and we play doubles at pool. Kyle and I play against Sam and Jay. I’m waiting for my shot when Kyle comes up behind me and casually places a hand on my hip. “Want to come and get some air.” He and Nick share a look and he asks him to take my next couple of shots for me.

I follow Kyle outside. It’s a mild night and the beer garden is looking gorgeous with fairy lights and candles. Kyle stands in front of me, hands in his pockets. He is good looking in that unassuming way. He has a cute smile too. “I’m glad you called me tonight.”

“Me too,” I reply, cupping my drink between my hands.

Kyle shakes his head and grins. “I just can’t get over how fucking gorgeous you are, Ella. I mean you were cute as a kid but wow you have blossomed.”

I feel my cheeks warm at his compliment. "Thanks." What else can you really say to that?

Kyle takes a step forward and places a hand on my waist. “I like you, Ella. And if it’s okay, I’d like to get to know you better?”

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