Guarded Heart (The GH Series)

Chapter Thirty-Six

"Tell me what you are thinking?"

I know Ashley is wanting answers, I'm sure she will find them out today, I have no intentions of going back to Dornoch a single woman.

"The past two days have been an absolute whirlwind and out of this world, reconnecting with you." I have to speak from my heart, if I let my head get involved, it may not go to plan.

"Why do I feel there is a but coming?"

"There is no but. I just want to spend another fabulous day with you and our friends, know that I am going back to Dornoch tomorrow." I didn't like the idea of going back up there, I needed to be here.

"So, are you telling me you no longer feel incomplete?" Ashley broke into a grin and stuck out her tongue. I noticed what she did there.

"Nice move. No. I don't feel incomplete anymore. I hope you don't either."

"Dare I ask where we go from here?" I could see Ashley shift a little uncomfortably on the sofa.

"I'm not sure how you feel about long-distance relationships. I am willing to give it a shot if you are? That way we can judge where the relationship is heading before I make a decision." I rubbed her feet tenderly as I spoke, trying to ease the tension out of her body.

"A decision on what?"

"If I am moving back to Glasgow or not."

Ashley sat up and sat directly next to me and took my hand in hers. "Babe, I will do anything to make us work. Even if it has to be long distance for a bit, then so be it. I don't mind travelling up to see you at weekends and if you have to work, then you will have to get used to the thought of coming home to me."

That moment right here, right now, feels so right and I know what I need to say and do. "We are agreeing to a long-distance relationship then?"

"Yes. We are. With that being said, Callie Lawson, will you be my girlfriend?" I looked at her and gave her a biting my lip decision look. She bloody beat me to it. I was going to ask her to be mine, again. "Hey! It's rude to leave a girl hanging you know..."

I laughed. "Sorry...I couldn't help it. But Ashley Lowell, I would love nothing more than to be your girlfriend." Her squeal of excitement was cute, and we leaned in and shared a kiss. Monumentally disturbed by a text to my phone.

Sarah: Once you are done with tiring Ashley out, can you two please meet us, your friends at the park for a picnic. Thank you, please!! Xx

P.S. Callie, I've left you a bag on the porch with a change of clothes. Love you!

"Sarah's left me clothes on the porch." I burst out laughing and I thought she was bullshitting me.

"Really?" Ashley jumps off the sofa and opens the door and goes to look out on the porch. "Wow. She wasn't kidding, she has left a bag for you."

"Now that is what you call a best friend..."

***

We met Sarah and Fiona in the park an hour and a half later, after all, we needed to have a sensual girlfriend shower, together.

"Well, here comes the loved-up couple of the year!" Mocked Sarah.

"Shut it you. Thanks for the clothes though." I gave both Sarah and Fiona a hug.

"Did my text stop your love making antics?"

Ashley snorted her laughter out. "No." Fiona and Sarah shared a look that indicated that they didn't believe a word that came out of Ashley's mouth. "What? It's not like that!" I knew I had to back Ashley up, although it was fun watching her squirm under our friend's interrogation methods.