Page 80 of Between Two Shores

He smiled generously. “Well, let’s have a quick celebration lunch, and get you back here so you can get onto that article.”

She plunged into Lachlan, giving him a bear hug. “Oh, you’re so wonderful and understanding.”

He hugged her back, then slid his palms down her arms, capturing her hands. A storm brewed in his intense gaze, then his delicious-looking lips curved at one side. “Wonderful and understanding. And you even said the three words.” His eyebrow twitched. “In the same sentence as the name Wally? A little disheartening, Beth.” He stepped closer.

Oh, no. Not here. She glanced at the office windows, where staff could walk past any moment. The ones that made sure no shenanigans went on in the building. The cave on Rottnest, may have been a romantic place for a first kiss. The foreshore of Fremantle—even better. Under the disco ball and before San Diego skyline views—perfect. But here? The charity office? Not romantic.

She pressed her palm to his chest. “By the look in your eyes, I’d say you’re willing to give me an exclusive interview.”

“You and me? Exclusive.” He grinned and moved closer. “I’m ready to commit.”

She flicked her gaze toward the see-through doors. “Let’s not get you fired in the first month.” She stepped back. “Time for lunch and fresh air.”

Lachlan waved his index finger. “You’ll keep, Bethany Michaels.”

She pretended he had no effect on her and skipped to her desk and collected her things as her heart did a victory dance inside. She’d won the Quokka story and the hero with it. Could her week get any better?

As she swished around, Marnie, the receptionist tapped on the glass. Phew—close call. Beth nodded for her to come in.

Marnie glanced at Lachlan as she opened the door, worry lines creased her forehead.

What had she seen? “We were on our way out for lunch.” Beth’s voice remained chirpy.

Marnie held out a handful of envelopes. “Some mail to sort through.” She flicked her gaze at Lachlan once more and dipped her head to the ground. “One addressed to you, Beth—from overseas.”

Beth’s stomach dropped. Lachlan’s tanned face whitened a shade.

Taking the mail, she pivoted and headed to her desk. “Thank you, Marnie.” She nodded her dismissal, without looking over her shoulder. Mail from overseas? Could it be—? Her breath hitched at the pile in her hand. Junk mail, junk mail, bill . . . airmail. The envelope screamed to be opened. Her hands shook as she flipped it over. No—not now.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

LACHLAN

The next evening, Lachlan couldn’t shake off the uneasiness flowing through his veins. Working on a busy Friday night at Bayside should’ve been a perfect distraction, but instead, he’d dropped an expensive platter, overcooked a Sirloin, and messed up two orders within the first hour.

Kyle and Chris huddled in the corner of the kitchen, heads tilted together, having discussions. Kyle’s beady eyes flashed toward Lachlan and back. Chris nodded and flipped his cloth napkin over his shoulder and headed toward him. Lachlan swallowed. Here goes.

He grabbed a towel from the stainless-steel counter and wiped his hands. Kyle barked orders toward a junior at the sink. Rangehoods whirled, and steam rose from the main griller. All six staff worked flawlessly—all but him.

Chris approached with compassion in his eyes. He gripped Lachlan’s shoulder. “Dude, what’s going on?” His brown eyes bored into his. “Something up with you and Beth?”

Emotion clogged his throat. “How’d you guess?”

“Usually, you’ve got a love-struck grin on your face. Did you break up with her?”

He shook his head and scuffed the tiles with his boot. “We’re not even a thing. Nothing official.”

“You guys have a thing going on all right. Everyone can see it.” His brows drew together. “What happened?”

Lachlan shifted on his feet. “Nick sent her a letter.”

Chris’s eyes rounded. “What? After two months, he finally decides to contact her.” Chris clenched his jaw. “What did the mongrel want?”

Lachlan raised his hands. “Steady on. We don’t even know the guy.”

Chris’s neck reddened. “Anyone who abandons his fiancée in a country she doesn’t know is a flamin’ idiot. What’s in the letter?”

His chest tightened as he shrugged. “Beth hasn’t told me yet.” Why hadn’t she?

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