Page 65 of Between Two Shores

“This might be inappropriate to ask, but if I were in Australia, I’d have my sisters, my friends, or my dad to comfort me. Someone to hold me and say, ‘you’ll get through this. It’s going to be okay.’” Her almond-shaped eyes implored him with vulnerability. “I remember being on the island, flustered and upset about my lack of progress on the Quokka story. But in your arms, I felt calm.” Her gaze swept up, meeting his. “Lachlan, can you hold me?”

Should he dig his grave now and hop in? This woman would kill him. Beth spoke of the island hug, but what about on the foreshore, the day he’d left? That simple hug undid him, flicked on every switch and awakened desire for her. How could he keep it together, and pretend holding a beautiful woman didn’t affect him?

He opened his mouth, ready to make a lame excuse, but out came, “Sure, of course.” He stood, and Beth came to him. He hugged her stiffly, making sure he didn’t hold her close enough to feel her soft body, and instead rubbed her back with rapid swipes.

What next? Should he say some consoling words she expected him to say?

Beth pulled away. “Um, Lachlan, it’s okay. It’s not working.” She smiled, but a tear hung in the lower lid of her eyes.

“Sorry.” He needed to keep it real, be himself, and share his heart. Lachlan gently held her shoulders. “Beth, I’m here for you. I’ll stay by your side, accompany you to Australia—face your family and friends. Defend you if anyone asks why this happened.” He softly squeezed. “It’s not your fault. You got caught up in someone else’s dream, and it wasn’t real.” His gaze turned intense. “Forgive yourself.”

Her lashes swept up, and her eyes became round. “Do you forgive me, Lachlan?”

He blinked, surprised that she would even ask that question. “Yes. I do.”

“That’s all I need to know.”

He wiped a tear from her cheek. “Now, how about a real hug?” He opened his arms wide and grinned.

Beth’s face softened. Without hesitation, she embraced him and rested her head against his chest. He had nothing to be afraid of. Lachlan relaxed his arms around her and enjoyed the bond between them.

He held her until she made a move to separate, and they sat together on the sofa.

“Shall we look at our flight options?” he asked.

“You’re really coming to Australia to work for Chris?”

He turned to face her, leaving ample space between them. “I’d like to. Do you mind?”

She raised a brow and angled her head. “It’s not my country to refuse you.”

He laughed. “Well, it matters to me. If you feel comfortable with me hanging around.” His voice faded. “After what nearly happened last time I was there.”

Beth let out a small laugh. “Yeah, you said next time you saw me, you’d kiss me like there’s no tomorrow.”

His face heated. “Oh, you remembered. Boyish dreams.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Anyway, I can’t fulfill my promise given the circumstances.”

She smiled. “But this morning, I did hug you like there was no tomorrow. I was so glad to see you. Thank you for coming to my rescue.”

“I should add ‘hero’ to my resume.” He chuckled. “Seriously, it’s no problem. That’s what friends are for.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

BETH

The warm winter sun soaked through Beth’s cotton sundress as she strolled beside Lachlan’s mother, Nancy. She refused to be called Mrs. Peters, and since Beth would stay another week to get the cheaper flight, Nancy had created a schedule of entertainment. Today, she’d taken Beth to La Jolla Outdoor Mall. Tomorrow would be spent with Ann, the next day with Kayce, and then Lachlan would have the rest of the week free from work.

They passed an artistic display of massive, steel balls. Water cascaded down the spheres, into a boxed pond. Music changed from store to store. Deep bass notes pulsed from meters away, while other more tranquil tunes invited shoppers to linger.

A red sign forming the words “Cotton On,” was the only familiar shop name. Although she’d heard of Macy’s, Beth hadn’t been to the American store before. Where did Nancy intend to take her?

Two children pulled on their mother’s arms. A group of teenagers dangling various bags from their wrists skipped by. Garden pots projecting vibrant colors of violet, burnt orange, and white, backdropped seating areas shaded by yellow umbrellas.

Nancy waved her into a clothing store featuring a sales sign, “new arrivals.” Metallic-colored mannequins showcased dresses in delicate fabrics. Nancy had great fashion sense and looked young for her age. She wore a medium-length pencil skirt, a flowy, off-the-shoulder number, and wavy hair curved around her cheeks.

The outfits hanging from rough textured walls looked expensive. More than happy to window shop, Beth would resist any purchases and save her last pennies. Next day flights doubled the price, so it made sense to wait a week and at least see one part of America. San Diego seemed perfect for tourists—clean, endless things to do, and she couldn’t complain about the weather.

Nancy flicked dress after dress on a circular rack as if on a mission. Did she have a real estate event soon? Lachlan’s mother shook out a shimmering midnight blue dress with a scoop back of gathered satin. Wow, Nancy liked the racy numbers. She had a trim figure to pull it off though.

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