Guarded Heart (The GH Series)

Chapter Fifteen

We had arrived back at Ashley’s and the drive over was in complete silence.  It was torture.  We made our way into the living room.

“Where do you want to sit?

“The sofa will do.  But I am taking off my boots, I forgot they killed my feet.”  Sitting on her sofa, I started to remove my boots.

“Good idea.  My heels were on the big side since I was trying to match your height.”  I looked over at Ashley and smiled.

“But I like you as a small fry.”  Made her smile.  Yes!

“Do you want anything to drink?”

“Just water please.” I need to keep a clear head.  I watched her go to the kitchen and she returned with a bottle of water for each of us and put them on the table.  Ashley then sat next to me on the sofa.  I turned and faced her.  “So here it is...”

“Okay…” She looked at me with worry in her eyes.

“Please.  Do not look so worried.”

“Sorry.  I didn’t realise that I was.”

“Look.  I know our date didn’t turn out the way we thought tonight, maybe we should have waited to date after we had spoken about my weekend.”  Ashley nodded in agreeance.  “But time away from you, no offence, going back home, it made me open my eyes that little bit more.”

“Okay.  I am listening.”  Ashley took a drink from her bottle and continued to look at me.

“I told Sarah and Jamie about you.  Sarah, being my bestie got a little more detail.”  I watched Ashley blush in turn making me smile a little.   “But they both warned me that I have to stop being an ass and let my guard down or I will forever have a guarded heart.”

“But Callie, sorry to interrupt, I got into this knowing what you could and could not offer me.”

I took her hands in to mine and let out a small breath.  “I really like you Ashley and when I give myself fully to someone, which hand on heart I hope that it is you, I will be in it for the long haul.”

Ashley blinked a few times.  “You want to be with me?”

“I’m willing to be with you if you are willing to be that little more patient.  I would be more than happy to say that you are my girlfriend.  But if that is not what you want…”

I could not even finish my sentence and her lips had crashed on to mine.

“It was quiet without you around.  You push my buttons in more ways than I can imagine.  But Callie, I can be patient.  I know that we both pushed each other way slightly, but I knew I was wrong for pushing for something that you were not ready to give. 

So, when I had realised you had backed off, I knew that I had to get you back into my life, somehow.”

I twiddled my fingers in hers.  “I was never out of your life.  I just needed some space.  Plus, I would be stupid to give up our current sex life, it is hot.”

“I know Callie.  But I want to connect on all levels with you.  Not just that side.  But I will agree, it is hot.”

“I know. But believe it or not, I have let you in massively and that scares the shit out of me.”  I am not going to lie to her.  I am so damn nervous about this with Ashley.

“I know and I am thankful for that babe.”  That small smile of reassurance pacifies me inside.

“But it has to work both ways.  You are still a mystery to me Ashley.”