Repeating History (History #1) by Hanleigh Bradley Read Free Book Online

is frowning, I get the impression he isn’t excited about the idea of a party, “my girlfriend and I will be going together and then we’ll be spending Christmas with our respective families.”
    “Sounds nice,” I smile.
    Landon grins at me, “it’ll be a lot nicer once Aurora’s plane lands.”
    “Aurora? Your girlfriend?”
    “Yes. She’s in L.A. with her father at the moment. Her plane is due to take off any moment.” Landon checks his phone once more. He types into it quickly, “They are boarding the plane.” He’s grinning massively now. That explains his earlier rudeness. I guess I can let it slide.
     
    I’m just preparing to leave for the day when Andrew barges into my office, like usual. “Andrew, not now,” I complain as I pull my coat on. I glance up at him. He’s got another green apple in hand. I’m tempted to lean over and take a bite, just to see if it’s as juicy as it looks. My mouth waters at the thought. His clothes are as perfectly fitted as ever, much to my irritation. How does anyone look that good at the end of the night?
    “Just wishing you a Merry Christmas,” Andrew smirks at me, but I try to ignore him as I wrap my scarf around my neck, “it’s Christmas Eve you know.” He takes a bite of the apple and I watch as he chews and swallows it. My eyes are focused on the line of his jaw. I can’t look away. At some point he has moved across the room and now he is stood right in front of me. Why does he always stand so bloody close to me? He smells so good, I breathe in his rich scent. It’s spicy; almost like cinnomen and something darker, almost like woodsmoke. It’s strange. He smells like an outdoorsy type and so seeing him in an office like this seems to go against his very being, but I think I love the sight of him in a suit. Not that I’ll ever tell him. Everything inside me feels pulled towards him but I refuse to give in. I step back.
    “Obviously it’s Christmas Eve,” I frown at him. I hate how stupid he can make me feel. “I’m delighted I won’t have to see you for two whole days.”
    “It’s okay,” he’s grinning like the bloody Cheshire cat, as he steps closer to me again, placing his hand on my arm. Even over my coat the touch of his hand is like fire. I’ve never felt anything like it. I gasp in shock. If he hears me, he doesn’t comment, and for once I’m grateful to him, “there’s still facebook and email.”
    “I don’t plan to reply,” I tell him as I pluck his hand off my arm and drop it disdainfully. I’m frustrated with him for making me feel this way and angry with myself for feeling attracted to him at all. I’m not seventeen any more. I grew up a long time ago.
    “I know,” he nods almost solemnly, “won’t stop me trying though.”
    “Of course not,” I almost laugh. I wouldn’t expect anything less.
    “Let me walk you out,” he smiles almost to himself, “what are you doing tonight?”
    “Avoiding you,” I tell him honestly.
    “Is that all,” he’s smirking. I can tell. I’m not willing to look at him but I’m almost certain that he is smirking at me. “No parties. No time with your family. Your friends.”
    “That’s not the point,” I tell him irritably.
    He’s no longer smirking. He’s not even smiling. All the humour in his eyes is gone. “For Christ’s sake Clara,” he’s angry with me, “I’m trying here.”
    “I haven’t asked you to try,” I tell him stubbornly. He’s stepping closer once more. He pulls me closer to him; his hands burning into my forearms as he holds me tightly. His eyes are bright like angry fire and I’m scared I might get burnt.
    “I’m no longer the boy that used to tease you, Clara. Believe it or not, I grew up years ago.”
    “You might have changed, Andrew,” I sigh, “but you can never change what has happened.”
    “Perhaps not,” his eyes are softer now, his tone gentle, “but I am sorry.”
    “Just leave it please,” I’m almost begging him to