British Exchange Agent

Chapter 8

Thud. Thud. Thud.

I paused mid push-up and glanced towards the door.

"Kayla?" A feminine voice rang into the room.

Heaving myself up from the floor, I scraped my hair into a ponytail, picking up a pair of shorts. The layer of sweat which had settled on me caused me to shudder in disgust. I tried not to think of the searing heat outside as I struggled with the lid of my perfume.

"Yeah?"

"I've made some pancakes - come get some before they eat them all!" Tessa laughed. I slipped the shorts on, placing my phone and perfume on the bed.

"Okay, thanks!" I replied, my voice coming out slightly strained. My hand flew to my aching jaw, a wince overtaking my features. The clomp of feet on the stairs faded away, allowing me to make my way into the ensuite.

I stopped in front of the mirror, my mouth falling open when I saw the technicolour bruise parading all over my skin. I fingered it slightly and let out a pained gasp.

How exactly am I going to explain this?

As I pulled on a clean vest top, I formulated a plan in my mind. Exiting the ensuite and cautiously stepping out of the bedroom, I hopped down the stairs. I stopped when I reached the middle, tightening my ponytail.

"Here I go." I muttered.

Clattering down them, I tossed myself at the last two steps, wincing when the abrasive surface clawed at my skin. Expertly tumbling down, I kept my jaw well away from harm.

Guess those stunt lesson came in handy after all.

Pain shot through my arm as I deliberately landed hard onto the floor, the loud slam echoing throughout the room. The hum of voices disappeared.

"Kayla?" A worried voice called.

Milk it, girl.

"Owwww! Oh my gosh! Owwww!" I practically screamed, clutching my jaw. A herd of people pounded into the room.

"Oh my goodness!" Tessa cried, rushing over to me. I kept my jaw out of sight as I dragged myself up from the floor, leaning on her for support. When my eyes flitted up, I cringed.

About fifteen guys surrounded me, their faces scrunched up in concern. Relief dashed through me as I saw some familiar faces - namely Sam, Jax and Marcus. I straightened up slightly and their mouths fell open.

Suddenly I regretted wearing shorts.

"Woah." One of the guys murmured, his voice low. Crimson splattered across my cheeks as I limped by them and followed Tessa into the kitchen. She guided me to a chair, before rustling around in the freezer and whipping out a bag of peas.

"Here, for your jaw." She told me anxiously, her eyes fixed on my face. I felt the stares from the guys behind me as I quickly slapped the peas into my jaw. The icy chill attacked my skin, causing me to grit my teeth.

"What happened?" A male voice asked worriedly. I glanced to my left to see Aaron by my side, his eyes wide and concerned.

This is so mortifying.

"I...I tripped on the stairs." I cried pathetically, going for the wounded look.

Well thanks for the revelation, Einstein.