Her Return, His Regret by Natie

Lora's stomach churned with worry as she took care of Ryan. He had gotten worse when she took him to the guest room... his skin turned pale, beads of sweat coated his forehead and he developed a fever. During that time, Lora placed a cool, damp washcloth on Ryan's forehead and neck to help reduce his fever.

For hours, he wasn't responsive and worry crept into Lora. Why was Ryan looking so weak? His injuries were healing and the chilli shouldn't have made him so sick.

She furrowed her eyebrows, wondering if there was something wrong with him. Brushing her thoughts aside, Lora stayed by Ryan's side until later in the evening when colour returned to his face and he finally opened his eyes. "Are you ok?" Lora asked, her voice laced with concern.

Ryan glanced at Lora and nodded, his voice hoarse, "I'm ok."

The chilli effect had gone and the medicine that Lora had given him had stopped the stomach cramps.

"Why did you eat chilli when you know you can't eat anything spicy? Do you have a death wish?" Lora questioned, a frown etched on her face.

"I wanted your father to forgive me," Ryan replied. "I needed his approval to be with you again."

Lora sighed, her heart racing. She looked into Ryan's eyes and a complicated feeling crept into her before she said, "Don't waste your time, Ryan. At most, we can only be friends."

"Friends?" Ryan arched an eyebrow as a lump formed in his throat. Was there really no chance for them to be together again?

He wanted to bring Lora home and live with her as husband and wife with their kids. He wanted to give his children a complete family... what better way than to do it with the woman he loved? However, Ryan knew Lora wasn't ready to give him her heart yet. Looking at her, he grinned and remarked, "Ok... friends it is... but can I be your bestie? Just being friends sounds too distant."

Lora rolled her eyes and replied, "Stop playing around, Mr Kingsley. It's late but you still look weak... you can sleep in here and leave in the morning."

She got to her feet and turned around to leave when Ryan grabbed her hand and whispered,

"Stay with me."

Lora froze in her stance, her heart pounding erratically in her chest. How could she stay in the same room with Ryan?

glanced at him and refused outright, "No, that's not

an eyebrow before he asked, "You used

"That's different!" Lora protested.

I can do anything to you..." Ryan trailed and smirked. "Unless you want me

blushed and tugged at

and Lora

it?" She asked

with difficulty, "I think

and said, "You try to sleep... I'll stay with you until you

room door when Ethan stopped her. He

just see Daddy tomorrow," Ella whispered back. "Since Mommy is sleeping with

sighed, saying, "I don't know... let's

to tuck them in. Even though they didn't spend much time with Ryan, they were excited to have

...

found herself in bed. Her heart skipped a

sleep in the same bed as Ryan?' Lora asked herself, her heart

I let that happen?' She

and turned to look at her right side with the other. However, the other

same bed. Lora didn't even know

short while later, Lora took

Since her parents were around, she didn't really need to work so hard with the kids. Her parents did everything... it

as she approached the kitchen

are you going to make breakfast for us, Daddy? Can you cook?" It was Ella's voice that resonated in the

man of many

voice was filled with doubt.