Spark by Jennifer Ryder Page B

Crystal hands him a beer.
    “Yeah, it’s great,” we both answer at the same time.
    “I’d better get changed,” I say to Crystal as she walks into the kitchen.
    As I turn to go to my room, I find Aidan leaning against the doorframe. He takes a long swig of his beer. “Are you sure I can’t tempt you to stay?” Aidan asks, raising an eyebrow, drawing my attention once again to that scar. My eyes drift over his chest, and I swallow … hard. Tempt me. I’m sure he would have no trouble. Who is this guy?
    I look him directly in the eye. He’d only have to blink those baby blues to have women crumbling at his feet. I’ve read all too well about boys like him. Love ‘em and leave ‘em.
    “I won’t be long,” I say, giving a reassuring smile. This tension, excitement, whatever it is between us, is almost too much. The sexiness dripping off him has me desperate for air. The longer I spend around him, the more I need to get out.
    I stalk into my bedroom to get changed. I lean back against the closed door, taking in a long deep breath. A run is exactly what I need. I pull out of my wardrobe a black, cropped sports top, and black Lycra shorts. I look in the full-length mirrored doors of my wardrobe once dressed, and grin at the prospect of giving Aidan a flash of skin—my toned stomach, legs, and arms. My cheeks have a nice flush to them, which I’m pretty sure he’s responsible for. I sweep my hair up in a ponytail, pick up my iPod, and grab my sneakers. As I walk into the lounge room, Aidan and Crystal are sitting at the dining table, enjoying their beers.
    “No Rob yet?” I ask, as I pull out a chair at the other end of the dining table. I slip on my sneakers and put a foot on the seat, and slowly tie up my laces. Aidan is frozen, staring in my direction. It’s as if he was about to take a sip of beer, but the bottle is suspended in mid-air. He’s definitely checking me out now.
    “He just sent me a text. He’s on his way,” Crystal replies. I change feet on the dining chair and tie the other shoe, trying very hard to hold in a smile. I select my latest running playlist, and put the iPod in my armband.
    “Well, enjoy your beer. I’ll be back soon.” I smile at both of them.
    “Bye.” Aidan and Crystal respond one after the other. Aidan’s eyes track me to the door.
    Once I’m in the stairwell, and the door closes behind me, I muster some energy and run down the steps to the foyer. I press play on my iPod and am hit with the loud sounds of Rage Against the Machine—the song, “Killing in the name of”. This is old-school, and one of my favourite running tracks. It is serious music for a serious workout.
    I start on my usual running path, down by Lake Burley-Griffin, and then in and around the many apartment blocks throughout Kingston. It’s easy for my mind to get lost as I race through the many streets lined with giant oak trees. I seem to be moving faster than normal—I’m pretty damn sure I have Aidan to thank for that.
    I re-live our brief encounter. I picture those pale blue eyes, the dreamy hair, the stubble on his face, and the T-shirt and jeans that hugged his toned body. Damn . I’m in another world, clearly, as I almost cross one of the roads without looking. Luckily, the car is far enough away that it doesn’t have to brake.
    All of a sudden, I am hit with a pang of guilt.
    Oh God, Jon.
    Now I’m angry with myself. How can I be feeling like this when I have a boyfriend? I shouldn’t be fantasising about someone I don’t even know. It’s not fair to Jon. I stop running, and rest my hands on my knees to catch my breath. Jon. Yes, Jon, your boyfriend . I’d better ring him later.
    After reprimanding myself, I continue my run. As I approach my street, Aidan and Rob are leaning against Aidan’s Ute.
    I should run straight up to the apartment, especially with my guilt following me like a shadow, but I decide to run over and say hi. It’s the polite thing to do.
    As I get closer,