Chapter 2 More Than a Friend

(Asla's POV)

Fiona and I talked for hours. We laughed. Caught up on everything. It was late by the time she was ready to sleep. I crept back to my room after leaving hers. Lachlan wasn't sleeping; he was in bed. simply resting there. I climbed in beside him.

With a sigh into the quiet. "I had a good time discussing and sharing memories with my friend." I muttered. I could feel the warmth of his body on mine as I put my arm on his chest trying to get comfortable. But I couldn't sleep.

My mind wouldn't let me. Fiona needs help. I swiveled around, looking at him passionately in the lamp's faint light. It was as if he could sense my worry even though he was partly sleeping. His right hand moved over my hip and drew me closer to himself.

"Ohh, I disturbed your sleep? I'm sorry," I whispered.

It took some time for him to open his eyes. "Hmmm, so you decided to stay with your friend for so long?" he murmured in a low voice. But not cold. Not exactly. I felt it-the edge. Not anger, not quite. But something close. Maybe jealousy.

I answered, "I had to be with her." "It has been a while." Now he really reached for me and pulled me into his chest. I rested on my elbow and sat up a little. "We need to talk, Lachlan." His firm, soft hand remained on my hip. Before his gaze met mine, he blinked several times.

"About what?"

"I need you to help Fiona," I said quietly. That got his attention. "She needs a job," I added. "She's drowning no matter how hard she tries, and I know this is too much for me to ask, but could you please assist her?

His eyes faltered. He seemed to be attempting to read the portion I wasn't speaking as he looked at me.

His voice came slow. "I thought she was just staying for a week?" He inquired. "Yes, she is. I answered. This isn't about her living here. She needs to stand up again. I don't want her to see as a bad friend who doesn't give a damn about her friend's problems.

He shifted. "You care a lot," he said, almost to himself. "Too much, maybe."

"What do you mean?" I scowled, expressing my discomfort without being too overt. "I don't like the fact that she wants to be living with us for a long time." He said in a low voice,

He was honest in his judgment, but that stung. I didn't back off, though. "I'm asking you to help her because of me. She's not just anyone. She had been there for me several times. Right now, I want to return the favor. He tried not to look at my face for a moment. "Isla, it's not that easy. Just providing her with employment is not enough; other things need to be in place. I mean..., It's... everything else that comes with it."

"What else?" I asked.

He didn't answer. I pressed my hand to his chest. "Please. She won't stay long. She just needs a start. I can't stand by and watch her go down without a helping hand. He stared at the ceiling for a while, then at me. "I'll consider it," he said finally.

My heart softened. "I'll do it because of you. Because I love you." Relief hit me hard. leaning in, "thank you," I whispered.

Whatever hesitation I might have had was dispelled by the kindness in his eyes as he held my face passionately with his eyes locked on mine. His hands followed the curves of my body, and his touch made my flesh tingle, sending electric waves down my spine. I gave him a passionate and deep kiss.

Everything else disappeared-time, sound, and thought. It was just us. Flesh and heat. As if we were meant for this moment, our bodies moved in one as his breath blended with mine. When he entered me, I closed my eyes. Felt everything. Wanted everything. We held each other like the world didn't exist.

*****

The morning arrived too soon. I sat at the kitchen table with a steaming cup of coffee in my hands. I felt lighter than I have in days. Fiona was going to get her shot. I told her about the job-an opening as executive secretary. She'd report directly to Lachlan.

Her whole face lit up. "Thank you, Isla. You're more than a friend." Fiona said in a low voice laced with emotion. "you're welcome," I replied, "I'm doing my best, dear." She went outside to prepare herself.

I sat there thinking and smiling stupidly. For the first time in a long while, everything appeared to be coming together. The sense of fulfillment was unimaginable.

I had a tap on the door. I put down my coffee and went to get it out. Fiona stood there, hair brushed, eyes bright. The same old spark. She murmured quietly as she entered the kitchen, "I just wanted to say thank you again." "I realized it's a lot."

"Of course, "Have you eaten?" I asked. She nodded. Then she looked at me, gaze dropping to the floor. "I didn't think you'd still care. After everything."

"We've been through too much for me not to care," I said. "You'll do great." She gave a small smile. "I'll head to the office now. I'll let you know how it goes."

I motioned to a staff member to summon the driver for her. I stood there watching the car drove away. Part of me was happy. Another part was worried. I hoped Lachlan could keep his distance. I trusted him-but trust had limits. And Fiona...hmmm, Fiona had history.

Still, Lachlan had always been honest with me. That's one thing that made this marriage work. We were waiting for our time, for our baby, and I held on to that hope like air.

My phone buzzed. It was Lachlan. "Hello, sweetheart." "Hey," I said.

"She's here. HR's setting up her paperwork."

"Really?" I grinned. "Didn't you ask for it?" he teased. I laughed. "Thank you." "Get over here. You've got paperwork too, Mrs. Conglomerate." I grabbed my bag and called the driver, saying, "on my way." I let the moment to settle as I got into the car.

Fiona had her shot. Lachlan kept his promise. And for now... that was enough.