A Guarded Love Read online

  “Ava is definitely the one to help you. You might even enjoy it.”

  “I don’t want to waste precious time. I’m ready to have a relationship with the rest of my family.”

  The horses started making noise. “Let’s get out of here.” Kristin hustled out of the barn with Landon sauntering after her.

  Once Landon caught up with her, he reached for her arm and pulled her into a warm embrace. He whispered in her ear. “We can make this work.” Landon felt Kristin nod her head. He knew that there would be more to discuss, but for now he was content to work on this new chapter in their relationship.

  Chapter 27

  One Year Later

  Things had been busy ever since Kristin had returned home from the hospital. Kristin had graduated from college and had been attending therapy to deal with the abuse from Sam. Over the past month, she had been asked to be a facilitator for a women’s group. Kristin was thrilled to be given a chance to help others get their life back.

  Kristin and Landon had spent a lot of time with Lexi and Steve, who were now dating. Even though Kristin had her own apartment, she spent a lot of time at Landon’s home. She felt comfortable there.

  While their main focus had been getting to know each other better, they had also spent a lot of time preparing for the summer concerts. The fans loved the music that Kristin and Landon had performed together. Now she was a permanent part of the concert series.

  When Kristin originally decided to play music with Landon, she was concerned about the fans not liking her music. She was anxious that some crazed fan would stalk her. Luckily, her worries hadn’t become a reality. For the most part, people liked their music. After the concert tour, Kristin would be recording her first album. She had always dreamed of making a record and now it was coming true. It seemed a little surreal.

  Landon continued to demonstrate his love for Kristin by his actions and behavior toward her. He made it very easy for her to unburden herself to him. Over time, he’d been able to help calm her fears over the trauma that had happened. He worked hard to prove that he wanted to be with her and that she was all he ever needed. Little by little her walls went down and trust had grown. She felt comfortable in this relationship and was excited to see where it was headed.

  But during the past week, Landon had started acting differently. He was quiet and brooding. Kristin started to worry that maybe he didn’t want to be with her anymore. Kristin didn’t like the tension that she was feeling. In her counseling sessions, she learned that part of a good relationship is open communication. That was important to keep the relationship moving forward. Determined to get to the bottom of it, she planned on speaking with him as soon as he got back home from a meeting with his manager.

  Landon looked happy as he walked through the door. Kristin was hopeful that whatever had been bothering him was solved and that everything was good. She met him at the front door and gave him a soft kiss.

  “How are you?” Kristin felt her body tighten as she waited for the answer.

  “It was a good meeting. Things are almost completed for the tour.”

  “That’s good, but what I meant was how are you?”

  “I’m good. Is everything okay?”

  “That’s what I want to find out. You seem different. You’re very quiet lately.” Kristin used the phrases she had learned from her therapy and she could hear the anxiety in her voice.

  “Everything’s fine. I’m just thinking about the tour and making sure we don’t miss anything. Come here.” Landon drew her into a warm embrace.

  Pulling back to look at him, she asked, “Is there anything I can do to help you?”

  “Nope, it’s all good. Why don’t we go out to dinner tonight?” Landon gently kissed her forehead.

  “Where would we go? It will be hard to eat once your fans spot you.”

  “Not if we go to The BBQ Joint. It’s mainly a local restaurant and the locals know me, so we should be fine.”

  Landon seemed happy that she didn’t have the heart to delve deeper into the topic of his behavior. It would be fun to go on an official date, relax, and have fun. But if things didn’t get better, they would have a conversation.

  The evening turned out to be wonderful. Landon was being funny and charming. It had been a while since they had been on a date and Kristin loved seeing this side of Landon. Maybe that was the problem. They had been so busy getting ready for the tour that they had been taking each other for granted. Kristin watched Landon as he cut his T-bone steak when an idea popped in her head. She wanted to have a date that focused on Landon. She wanted to put more effort into their relationship. Landon needed to know how important he was to Kristin.

  Kristin cleared her throat. “Landon, will you go out on a date with me this Thursday?”

  Surprised, Landon looked up from his plate. “A date this Thursday?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’d love that.”

  “Great! Don’t plan anything from noon on.”

  “Whatever you say.” Landon had a sparkle in his eyes. Kristin loved that.

  “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.” Kristin laughed and felt lighter than she had a few hours before.

  ***

  Kristin spent two days working on the date. The goal was to pamper Landon and let him know how loved he was. She had a lot of fun planning a treasure hunt with clues. Kristin even recruited Steve and Brett to help her. Thursday arrived, and Kristin was anticipating a wonderful day alone with Landon. She had arranged for Steve to deliver the first clue.

  Steve walked up to Landon who was writing music at the piano. “Here’s your first clue.”

  Kristin stood by watching. He looked like a happy little boy on Christmas morning as he opened the envelope.

  Find the decorated basket for your next clue.

  Landon started looking in the formal front room. He looked in the drawers, behind the couches, chairs and plants. There was nothing in this room. He went to the kitchen. Kristin followed. He looked in all the cabinets, under the sink, in the oven, and refrigerator. Landon turned to Kristin. “Aren’t you going to help me?”

  Kristin was having too much fun. She shook her head no.

  Landon went into the dining room and there, on the dining room table, was a baby-blue metal basket with two bottles of water, sunscreen, gum, and trivia games. He also found his next clue.

  Change into some comfy clothes. Bring your swim trunks, a towel, and head out the front door with the basket.

  Kristin stood there grinning. Landon gave her a quick kiss before he left to change. She went to his Durango. She lifted the door to the trunk to reveal a blanket and pillows and placed a note on top.

  Landon emerged in cargo shorts and a dark blue t-shirt. Kristin noticed how his eyes sparkled as he noticed the blankets. He walked over and picked up the clue.

  Are you ready for a road trip? Put your items in the back of the car and climb into the passenger’s seat.

  Landon did as instructed.

  Kristin glanced at him. He looked like a little boy who was waiting for Santa. His eyes were sparkling, and he was grinning from ear to ear. Kristin was pleased with his reaction. “Are you ready for this adventure?”

  “Yes, I’m at your mercy.”

  “Once again, you’ve said what I’ve wanted to hear.”

  The ninety-minute car ride went by quickly because Kristin had a car trivia game about how well they knew each other. Landon seemed very relaxed and it looked like he was enjoying himself. She liked feeling at ease with him.

  They finally arrived at their destination, which was Kings Beach, Lake Tahoe. Kristin handed Landon another clue. He read it out loud while Kristin texted on her phone.

  Head to the beach and find the red blanket.

  Landon came around to the driver’s door and helped Kristin out of the car. Then he pulled her into a warm embrace. “You’re adorable.”

  Kristin nestled into him. Feeling completely loved and thoroughly happy, she closed
her eyes and enjoyed this moment. Landon pulled back and reached for her hand. They went together to find the blanket. It was a sunny, hot day and Kristin enjoyed feeling the sun on her skin. This area was beautiful. There were so many pine trees and the cobalt blue water was refreshing. It matched the blue of the sky. Landon interrupted her thoughts by pulling her faster toward a red blanket. On the blanket was a food basket. He opened it and there on the top was another clue.

  There are public restrooms to the east. Go change into your swim trunks.

  Landon looked at Kristin. “Are you coming with me?”

  “No, I already have my swimsuit on under my sun dress. I’ll wait for you here.” She watched Landon leave.

  Brett stepped out from behind the building once Landon entered. He walked over to Kristin. “Did everything meet your expectations?”

  Kristin had to shade her eyes with her hand. “You exceeded my expectations. I love how secluded the blanket is placed. It’s tucked away from most of the other people on the beach. Thank you for helping me.”

  “I’m glad to do this. I’m going to hang around for a little bit to make sure none of Landon’s fans bother you.”

  “I appreciate that.” Looking behind Brett, she noticed a few girls looking her direction, whispering. “Actually, I think I’m going to go talk to them.” Kristin pointed toward the girls. She had been working on overcoming her feelings about the danger of fame with her counselor. Now it was time to put the principles she learned into practice. Brett followed a few paces away. Kristin smiled, talked with them, and agreed to have a couple of selfies. Then she politely asked for some privacy. The girls went back to their beach towels.

  “I’d better go before Landon gets back.” Brett left quickly, but it was too late. Landon was walking out of the restroom. Brett turned his back to Landon.

  Kristin ran up to Landon and pulled him toward the blanket. This gave Brett time to get in position.

  Kristin opened the basket and placed the chicken wings, grapes and chips on plates. She handed him his lunch. After they ate, she handed him another clue.

  It’s time for you to be pampered. Lie down on the blanket.

  Landon did as he was directed. Kristin pulled out some sunscreen and proceeded to give him a back massage. He seemed so relaxed that she wondered if he had fallen asleep. When she was finished, she stood to put the bottle away. Landon grabbed her ankle. “I’m not ready for this to be over.”

  Kristin laughed. “Landon, look. There’s a bottle right there.” She pointed to the bottle that was in wet sand near the water. Kristin glanced at the girls who were talking to Brett. She was going to try and not focus on them. This was an important time for Landon and her.

  “Am I supposed to get that?”

  “It looks like there’s a message in the bottle.”

  Landon quickly went to get the bottle. Kristin followed. He removed the message and read it out loud.

  Today’s road trip is symbolic of our relationship. The adventures on this highway of our life are smoother because you’re beside me.

  Landon pulled Kristin toward him. He lowered his head toward hers. He kissed her with a deep passionate kiss that set every nerve in her body on fire. She matched him with the same intensity. Finally, Landon pulled away.

  “I love you, Kristin.”

  “I love you too.” Kristin placed her hands on the side of his face.

  “My life is sweeter with you in it.” Landon placed a soft kiss on her lips.

  Kristin placed her arms around his neck. “I can’t picture my life without you.”

  “No matter what life throws at us, we’ll be okay if we have each other,” said Landon.

  “We’ve already proven that, Landon. We are really good for each other.” Kristin was thrilled. She couldn’t imagine going through this life without Landon. Grandma Suzie’s words came back to her. My life became better when I let myself love Scott the way I really wanted to. That is exactly how Kristin felt about Landon. The realization that she had the kind of love that Suzie and Scott had, set her thoughts in motion. Kristin wanted Landon now and forever and she wasn’t going to wait another minute. She reached for his left hand. “I know this isn’t traditional, but Landon, I love you. Will you marry me?” Kristin felt shock that she blurted that out. She realized she had been waiting for him to make the first move, but he never did. Now she stood there waiting in the silence. What was he thinking? She left everything she had emotionally out on the table.

  Landon just stared at her with his mouth open. “Yes. I want to be your husband.” He laughed as he swung Kristin around in circles.

  “I’m so happy.” Kristin felt like she was gushing. “I don’t have a ring for you.” Considering this was a spur of the moment proposal.

  “Why don’t you take a look in the front pocket of my backpack.”

  Kristin noticed the mischievous glint in his eyes and wondered what that meant. She found a small, black, velvet box.

  “Go ahead and open it.”

  She gasped when she saw an engagement ring. It was so beautiful. The pink diamond had an emerald cut. The band was white gold. It sparkled in the sunlight. “How long have you had this?”

  Landon chuckled. “I’ve been carrying this around for about two weeks. I’ve been trying to figure out the perfect way to propose to you. Instead, you proposed first.” Landon whooped as he hugged Kristin. He took the ring out of the box and gently placed it on her ring finger on her left hand. “I’d be honored to be married to you and live the rest of our lives together.”

  “Is this why you were so quiet and not acting like yourself?”

  “Yes. Once I bought the ring, it got real.”

  “Do you think we can be as happy as your grandparents?”

  “I know we can. My grandparents work hard at their marriage and so can we. Kristin, you’re my perfect match.”

  Kristin smiled and caressed his lips with her thumb. “Right now, everything is perfect.”

  Landon leaned toward Kristin. His kiss was a long, adoring kiss that held the promise of an eternal love.

  If you enjoyed this book------------

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  Also by Adelia Burke

  Desert Lily

  Desert Sky

  COMING SOON

  The Billionaire’s Bet

  About The Author

  Adelia was born in Reno, Nevada. She is married and has three married daughters and three grandchildren. She has been an avid reader all of her life and has a vivid imagination.

  Because family history research is something she enjoys. Adelia incorporated it into her stories. It makes for some interesting adventures.

  Her other interests include running, gardening, and traveling.

  Adelia welcomes comments and questions.

  You can email her at [email protected]

  Her email address is www.AdeliaBurke.com

  You can find Adelia on Facebook