Guarded Heart (The GH Series)

A slap of Callie wisdom

The hotel room was amazing and before calling Ashley, I decided to take a long soak in the tub, it was heaven. So many things running through my mind. From being awarded top personal trainer to my chat with Troy. I think we all know I am totally besotted with Ashley and can see me building a future with her.

Yes, we have discussed about settling down and having kids, but we agreed that it was too early in our relationship to even think about it, or is it? With Troy's words ringing in my ear and knowing that Ashley is end game for me.

Then Amanda popped into my head. From the limbo conversation that Ashley and I can have a bright future together, from how plain sailing moving in with her has been and how I have met my match in her, what's holding me back? Is it the somewhat lack of trust Ashley has in me not to run off with another woman? Or is it a form of jealousy that I'm not sure of?

Anyway, I know I'm rambling my thoughts out loud, but your thoughts don't always win, do they? Sometimes the heart does. I got brought of my thoughts with my phone ringing. I managed to quickly dry my hands on the towel nearby and I smiled when Ashley's face was my caller. "Hey babe."

"Hey, wasn't sure if the awards were finished or not."

"They are finished babe so don't worry."

"You sound like your echoing. Where are you?"

"Currently relaxing in a bath. it's been an eventful day that is for sure."

"Good or bad?"

"A bit of both to be fair." I meant that. Despite winning today has been both a good and bad day for me.

"Okay, give me bad reason first."

"I'm away from you." Ashley made an 'awe' sound down the phone. "I mean it. It is strange being away from you now."

"I'm not following your now statement baby."

"I'm just hating it more knowing that I am away from you. I know it's only a day, but you are such a huge part of my life."

"I will admit it will be strange going to bed without you tonight." Our bed. Our super comfortable bed. How I would love to be there right now with my body attached to Ashley's.

"Yeah, I know."

"So, what is the good news if missing me is the bad news?"

"Oh, I was in the top three winners." I'm doing the slow anticipation build; I want to tease her slightly.

"What did you place overall?"

"First..." I had to quickly hold the phone away from my ear when Ashley squealed and once, she calmed down, I told her what I had won.

"That's pretty mind-blowing babe."

"What blew my mind apart from winning and the rewards of being first, was the short clip Troy put together and up popped you."

"I really didn't have a clue what to say, so I just rambled a little."

"Well even if it was or wasn't what you wanted to say, I just wanted to say thank you and I appreciate it, so very much." I think I know in my heart, body and soul what I need to do.

"You are most welcome babe." We chatted some more, and Ashley spoke about her day, sometimes she can't discuss much due to confidentiality, other times she offloads at how frustrating people can be.

"I really love you; you know." Well, that stopped her rambling and I could hear her contented sigh down the phone line.

"I know babe and I love you more. Now you best get off the phone before you wrinkle away." Needless to say, I got out the bath and got organised before calling my wonderful girlfriend back to say goodnight.