Page 72 of Between Two Shores

“Lachlan’s going to stand by me on Saturday when I first face the team at Harbor of Hope, and answer any tough questions.”

Cassie gave a wistful sigh. “Oh, he’s so—what’s the word I’m looking for?—endearing and romantic—following you to Australia.”

Beth settled into the vinyl office chair and swiveled. “He’d already planned to come work on a working holiday. That was before I even spoke to him about my situation.”

Cassie’s hazel eyes widened. “Is that what you think? That’s not what Chris told me.”

Beth halted her chair’s rotation and perked her chin high. “What does Chris know that I don’t?”

Cassie playfully jiggled her necklace. “We’re not one hundred percent certain, but we worked out the timing of when Lachlan first contacted Chris about sponsoring him. Chris hadn’t heard from him in two years. From what you told me about the Facebook friend request, it happened around the same time. When you called me to say Nick had left you, Lachlan called Chris an hour later, and made firm arrangements for the visa application.”

Beth’s pulse quickened. Could Cassie be right?

“He’s here for you, Beth.” Her grin slid up her cheeks. “Not a holiday.”

“Lachlan has hinted that he’s interested in something more.” Like on the dance floor when her legs nearly gave way from the intensity of chemistry between them. And when he held her tighter as the words of the song washed over them.

Cassie gave a sideways grin. “What happened in San Diego? You’re reminiscing, aren’t you? Did you kiss him?”

“No!” But she might have if he’d tried. “Lachlan wouldn’t bust a move on me after I’d just been dumped. He’s very self-controlled, but the attraction between us is the same as two years ago. Undeniable—excruciating.” She’d get hot flushes just thinking about it.

Beth flinched at the sound of tapping on Cassie’s glass door. Lachlan waved from the other side. Had he just heard any of that? Beth covered her mouth and turned toward Cassie. They exchanged a bug-eyed look and burst out laughing. Lachlan lowered his arm, his cheeks turning pink. Cassie rushed to the door. “Oh, sorry, Lachlan. You just caught us in a moment.” She tugged on his wrist. “Come in, please.”

He shuffled inside, filling the space of the small office.

Beth touched her neck. “It’s okay. We weren’t laughing at you, we’re laughing because Cassie was gushing at how kind you’ve been by escorting me back home. We would only say good things behind your back.” She winked.

Lachlan stood taller and let out a whistled breath. “I’m glad about that.” He rubbed the back of his neck, his lop-sided grin melting her heart. “You sure know how to make a guy nervous.”

Cassie swung her hands behind her back. “So, are you here for the tour, or to take Beth to lunch?”

Lachlan looked between them, still a little unsure. “Whatever suits you.”

Cassie bit back a smile, and Beth suppressed a giggle. Lachlan usually seemed so confident. His uneasiness around women made him even more attractive right now.

“How about you tour with Cassie first. I need to chat with my students about why I’m back already.”

His forehead lined. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“Cassie said I should handle this one alone. They’ll respect me more.”

Lachlan nodded. “Okay. Come and get me when you’re done, and we’ll grab a bite to eat.”

“Sounds great.”

Beth left them to it and headed down the hallway. As she approached the main workstations, animated conversations became louder. She poked her head around the corner, and one by one, they stopped gas bagging, jaws falling open.

“Hi.” Beth gritted her teeth and waved. “I’m back,” she said in a singsong voice.

“Get out of town.” Chelsea slapped her ripped jeans and jumped to her feet. “You’re back, miss?”

If that meant Chelsea was happy to see her, Beth would take it. “I am.”

Nigel stood, his chair swinging in his absence. “I have sushi in the fridge.”

She chuckled. Oh, she loved these kids. “Group hug.” She opened her arms wide and rushed toward them. “I’m back for good. I missed you guys.”

Gothic Luke, Sanguine Ruth, Sushi Nigel, and Sassy Chelsea engulfed her in devotion. Why had she feared their response? They would never judge—only love on her, and she adored them right back.

---