Loving the Band by Emily Baker Read Free Book Online

guess. I never used to be like this. It … it’s an old relationship.’ I looked at my feet nervously. Tegan knew what had happened and had seen how it had affected me, but I had never actually spoken to anyone else about it before now.
    Shaq looked at me – his green eyes serious. ‘Whoever itwas couldn’t have understood what they were throwing away. You’re an amazing person, Jess. You’ll find yourself again, I know it.’
    I swallowed hard. My heart was beating so fast in my chest I thought it was going to explode.
    Suddenly, he began to lean over towards me. Oh God. Was he going to kiss me? I realized that I really wanted him to. As his face came close to mine and his dark hair brushed my cheek, I could feel myself trembling. Then he gently kissed me on the cheek.
    ‘Oh.’ The kiss burned on my cheek. I blushed from the realization that I had wanted more. Could Shaq tell? I reached up and touched my cheek where his lips had grazed my cheek. ‘Erm … Well, I better go now. Tegan will be wondering where I am,’ I mumbled, the words falling out on top of each other. I knew full well Tegan would pretty much have guessed what I was doing.
    He looked like he was trying not to smile. ‘I thought she said she was going to bed?’
    Crap. I was making a fool of myself – the kiss had completely unnerved me. I needed to get back into the house – and to stop speaking. ‘I … erm … Yeah, but you know what she’s like – always worrying, that girl!’
    ‘Right, of course,’ he agreed, letting me get away with my scrambled logic.
    I tried to change the subject. ‘Anyway, I’m sure the boys will be waiting for you. It sounded like Riley was keen to get the car back! He seems to love driving.’
    ‘Yeah, you’re right, I’m sure he does,’ Shaq agreed,looking a bit sad all of a sudden. What had I said? I kicked myself for ruining the moment.
    ‘Well, thanks again, Shaq.’ I took a chance, leaned across and gave him a kiss back on the cheek before scrambling out of the car.
    ‘Bye, Jess,’ he breathed, looking surprised.
    My wobbly legs managed to carry me up the drive. I waved one last time, watching Shaq pull away, and then closed the door, slumping against it with a great sigh.
    My head was all over the place. This was not how I expected to be feeling this holiday. I wondered if Shaq was thinking about me too, then shook my head in disbelief. Of course he wasn’t.
    It was time to go to bed and forget all this by the morning.
    I was about to go and find Tegan when a knock at the door made me almost jump out of my skin. I put the door on the chain and opened it carefully. There on the doorstep stood Shaq. He pushed his hand through his short dark hair in frustration, messing it up even more than usual.
    ‘I’ve got a problem and I think I need your help.’

10
Caring
    I felt my pulse quicken, seeing him standing there again.
    ‘Are y-you OK?’ I stammered. Was this about us?
    Shaq looked embarrassed, kicking some gravel off the step. ‘I’m really sorry but my car has broken down.’
    ‘Oh,’ I said, trying not to show my disappointment. ‘Do you want to come in?’
    ‘Thanks, Jess,’ he said, stepping into the hall. ‘The thing is I can’t leave the car, but I also can’t get hold of the boys. They must have gone clubbing or something after we left the restaurant.’
    ‘Of course! You looked exhausted.’
    ‘Yeah, it has been a very long day!’ He paused for a moment and it seemed that he was trying to gather his nerve. He coughed and said, ‘Jess, I know this might be asking too much, but the rescue service said they can only tow the car tomorrow. Would you mind if I stayed here tonight? I’m already half asleep.’
    ‘Of course not! I can drive you home in the morning,’I answered quickly, proud that I could contain my nerves at this prospect.
    Shaq look relieved. ‘Are you sure? It’ll be OK with your parents?’
    ‘This is my dad’s place. My mum and I usually live up