A Guarded Love Read online

  “I’m Kristin. I was here yesterday. I really need to see Landon.” She realized how fast she was talking. It sounded strange to her own ears.

  The guard smiled kindly. “Follow the road. When you get to the garage, there’s a door on the left. Push the button and someone will let you in.”

  “There’s a car following me. Please don’t let them in.”

  “Everything will be all right. You’re safe here.”

  Kristin looked at the man to see if he had a gun. She didn’t know how everything was going to be all right unless he had a way to protect her. Not having time to wait around, she pushed on the gas as soon as the gate was opened. Maybe this man without a gun could hold off the car, but she wasn’t going to wait around to see. A sense of comfort overcame her as Landon’s home came into view. Kristin grabbed her purse and bolted to the door. She heard the sound of tires screech to a stop behind her. She rang the bell, breathing heavily. A man got out of the car that she didn’t recognize. It wasn’t Sam, but did Sam hire this guy?

  “Kristin,” called the man.

  The door to Landon’s home was opened by an older gentleman. Kristin’s heart was beating so hard. The mystery man came and stood directly behind her. The older man smiled, stepped back and let both of them into the house.

  Kristin abruptly turned to face the stranger who had followed her and glared at him. “Who are you and why are you following me?”

  “I’m Brett. I’m on Landon’s security team. Why did you leave your apartment without notifying Rob? Jake saw the mailman stop at your door and he tried to chase down your car on foot, but you burned rubber. We tried to call you. What was in the package?”

  Kristin could feel a lump in her throat and tears threatening to spill. “Oh. I got scared. I forgot that I had a security team watching me. I didn’t notice him. I needed to get out of there.”

  An older woman entered the room.

  “Let’s sit down and talk.” She put her arm around Kristin’s shoulder, directing her to the front room. Brett stood by the main door while everyone else took a seat.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you. I didn’t know where to go.”

  “It’s quite all right. I’m Suzie, Landon’s grandma and this is Scott, Landon’s grandpa. What’s your name dear?” Both grandparents smiled at her, waiting for her to answer.

  “I’m Kristin.”

  “I’m glad you chose to come here, but I’m not sure when Landon will be back. However, we received a call from Rob, who thought you might be headed this direction. That’s why the guard let you in.” Suzie started to rub Kristin’s back.

  Kristin covered her face with both hands. “I’m so embarrassed.”

  Suzie put her arm around Kristin’s shoulder and gave her a squeeze. “There’s no reason to be.” Kristin didn’t normally like to be touched by strangers, but this woman was different, taking Kristin under her wing. The warm, squishy feeling was appealing. Both of her grandmas had passed away. However, Grandma Mary was alive when Kristin was little, and she didn’t enjoy being a grandma. She couldn’t be bothered with snot-nosed kids. That attitude had an impact on Kristin. As she watched her friends and their grandparents interact, she was envious about their relationships. Always wanting a grandma and having this woman dote on her, even if it was only for a moment, was exactly what she needed now.

  Brett interrupted. “Can you tell us what happened to make you come here?”

  “It scared me that Sam was making threats. I needed to go someplace where I felt safe. I decided to come here because I knew Sam wouldn’t know about this place. I wasn’t thinking clearly when I left my apartment.”

  “Where’s the package?” Brett asked.

  “I brought it with me.”

  “Can you get it for me?”

  Brett followed Kristin to her car. She handed the box to him. He looked quickly at the contents. “Let’s go back inside.”

  Kristin went back to sit by Suzie.

  “It looks like you made a wise choice. You’ll be protected here.” Scott patted her hand and stood up.

  Suzie stood as well. “Why don’t we all go into the kitchen and eat? Things always look better with food in our stomachs.”

  Brett started pushing buttons on his phone. “I need to let the boss know what’s going on.”

  “I understand. Go ahead and call your boss. We’ll get lunch ready while you’re doing that.” Suzie smiled at Kristin. “Let’s all eat before you question her.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll be back in a minute.” Brett called Rob from the next room. He probably didn’t want to be too far away from Kristin in her current state.

  The last thing Kristin wanted to do was eat, but these two people in front of her were so welcoming she couldn’t say no. Scott had compassion in his eyes and she didn’t like seeing that look. It meant that he felt sorry for her and that was something she didn’t want. Reluctantly, she followed them to the kitchen and found herself intrigued by their relationship. If these were Landon’s grandparents, how long they had been married? She couldn’t think of anyone who stayed married anymore, including her own parents. How did they do it?

  Suzie stayed near Kristin while Scott stirred the cheese and broccoli soup. Scott got the bowls, cups, and spoons while Suzie talked with Kristin. “Are you in school?”

  “Yes. I attend Sacramento State. This is my last year.”

  They were interrupted by Landon walking in the door.

  Kristin’s heart pounded. She was glad and relieved to see him, but would he be happy to see her?

  Chapter 12

  Landon stopped midstride and did a doubletake. “Kristin, are you all right?”

  Brett walked into the kitchen. “We tried to call you, but your phone kept going to voicemail.”

  “I left my phone here on accident. Fill me in.”

  All eyes turned to Kristin. She went to the front room and when she came back, she was holding out a box for Landon to take. He pulled out a decapitated teddy bear and set the box on the counter. He could see a stack of pictures with burn holes where he assumed Kristin’s face had been. “Did one of my fans do this?”

  Kristin didn’t say anything.

  “It appears to be her ex-boyfriend.” Brett looked through all the items again and then put them back in the box.

  Landon’s bulging eyes didn’t blink. He flinched and backed away from the package. Then he walked over to Kristin. “You did the right thing by coming here. Rob will know what to do.” He thought back to his conversation with Lexi about Kristin’s exes. Lexi hadn’t mentioned anything about Sam being capable of threats. He wondered why Kristin had ever even dated him.

  Grandma Suzie grinned at Landon. “That’s what I told her.”

  “It looks like I interrupted. Let’s eat. I’m starved.” Landon pulled out a chair.

  Grandpa Scott dished up the soup and passed the bread.

  “Landon will you say grace?” Grandma Suzie already had her head bowed.

  Landon caught Kristin’s eye for a moment. He noticed that she looked awkward as he started to pray.

  After the prayer, Grandma Suzie kept the conversation going at the table. “So, Kristin, what’s your major?”

  “Master’s in Music.” Kristin smiled briefly.

  “I’ve heard about that program. Don’t you have to compose some music?” Grandpa Scott asked.

  “Yes, and I have to attend six concerts in a year and perform in two. Plus, I have a senior recital.”

  Landon noticed that she was very devoted to her studies. Even as a professional, he wasn’t that committed to his music.

  Grandma Suzie shook her head. “That sounds intense. I’m impressed with you.”

  Kristin smiled and tore a small piece of bread.

  “You’ll have to play something for us.” Grandma Suzie winked at Kristin.

  Landon wanted to hear her play again too. He wondered what her favorite genre was.

  Kristin looked at Grandma Suzie. “Do you visit
Landon often?”

  Grandma Suzie glanced at Landon and smiled. “We try to visit whenever he isn’t touring. We love our Landon. He’s very good to us.”

  Landon smiled back at Grandma Suzie as he took another spoonful of soup. He loved it when his grandparents stayed at his home. As much as they were here, it felt like it was their home too. They were so good to him while he was growing up that he wanted to show them how much he appreciated them.

  When he was younger, he had spent a lot of time with them while his parents worked. He was an only child and Grandma Suzie and Grandpa Scott always had time for him. They were never rushed. Grandpa Scott taught him sports, especially baseball and basketball. They would watch sports together on Saturdays. It didn’t matter what the sport was, Grandpa Scott would watch it. As a result, Landon learned to like car racing, tennis, golf, wrestling, and soccer.

  Grandma Suzie liked to cook, and he loved her home-cooked meals. She enjoyed being in the flower gardens and would recruit help from Landon from time to time. He would rather catch worms or snails than plant a flower. But what they taught him the most was how to take care of each other. Seeing how they still served each other after sixty years of marriage showed Landon what type of relationship he wanted for himself. Nowadays, it seemed impossible to find that kind of love and commitment, but he had hope that there was someone who wanted to have a family and make it their top priority.

  Landon enjoyed watching his grandmother as she talked with Kristin. She was able to put Kristin at ease and get her talking.

  “Suzie, you haven’t touched your soup.” Kristin’s eyebrows were pulled together.

  Landon thought it was cute that she was worried about Grandma Suzie, but he knew Grandpa Scott would take care of her.

  “Oh my, I’ve been talking too much. I better start eating. By the way, you can call me ‘Grandma Suzie.’ And Scott, ‘Grandpa Scott.’”

  Brett stood and pushed in his chair. “Since we’re done eating, is it okay if I speak with Kristin in the front room?”

  “That would be fine,” Grandma Suzie answered.

  While everyone went to the front room, Grandma Suzie and Grandpa Scott stayed in the kitchen. Kristin sat in a chair, Brett took the couch, and Landon leaned on the kitchen doorway.

  Brett leaned forward and cleared his throat. “I can see why you left in such a hurry. We definitely need to stop this guy.”

  “I don’t think she should go back to her apartment.” Landon joined Kristin.

  “I can’t miss school.”

  Landon could hear the panic in her voice.

  Brett nodded. “That’s true, but your safety is our first priority. Rob texted me and he’s been in contact with some of your teachers.”

  “Where will I stay? I won’t be able to be away for too long.” Kristin tucked her hair behind her ears.

  Landon was torn because he felt this was partially his responsibility to help her, but he had been looking forward to relaxing after the grueling tour. Even though he needed some downtime, he remembered that he was taught to put others before himself. “You’re always welcome to stay here.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Let’s plan on you staying here for a couple of days until Rob comes up with a plan.” Brett stood up to leave. “I’ll be in contact.”

  Landon walked him to the door. “Thanks for your help.”

  “I’m glad to do it. This guy seems like a creep.” Brett shook his head.

  What had Landon gotten himself into?

  Chapter 13

  Kristin walked over to Landon. “I don’t want to become a burden. I already feel like I am.” Looking at the floor, she said, “Sorry I dropped in unannounced.”

  “You don’t need to apologize. It seems like your ex has some major issues, and the photos of us didn’t help.”

  Kristin took a brief look at Landon. “Thanks for your kindness.”

  “Did you bring anything with you?”

  “I quickly packed.”

  “Good. Let’s bring it in and I’ll show you to your room.”

  As they walked to her car, Kristin kept thinking about the wonderful feeling that was in this home. Had her family ever felt like this? No, definitely not. There was so much fighting before her dad left and then her mother had to work two jobs to pay for things. Kristin and her sister were home alone a lot. It was not the ideal family situation. Plus, her relationships with men hadn’t been that great. Would a family like Landon’s even be possible for someone like her?

  Landon grabbed her bags and she followed him back into the house. Looking to the kitchen, she saw Grandpa Scott feeding Grandma Suzie a spoonful of soup, then wipe her mouth. Embarrassed, she quickly looked away and followed Landon to the room she’d be staying in. Landon didn’t stay so she unpacked. It took her no time at all because she didn’t bring that much. Feeling her phone vibrate, she looked to see who was calling. It was Lexi.

  “Hi, Lex.” Kristin was missing her.

  “I heard what happened. I’m having a hard time believing it. How are you handling this?”

  “I’m doing better now. I’m at Landon’s. Rob is going talk with my professors and he wants me to stay here for a couple days. How are you?”

  “I’m creeped out by what happened. When you and Sam started dating, I never would have thought he’d do this to you. He’s out of control.”

  “I know. I don’t understand what’s happening with him.”

  “Rob wants me to stay with a friend. He’s afraid Sam will show up at the apartment. I’m going to stay with Hannah.”

  “Who would have thought all of this would happen because of some picture?”

  “Most ex-boyfriends wouldn’t behave this way over a picture. This isn’t normal. You need to get a restraining order.”

  “I’m thinking about it.”

  “Don’t think about it. Do it.”

  “Okay. You’re right. I’ll talk to Brett when he comes back.”

  “Good. I’m glad you’re safe. I’ll text you once I get to Hannah’s.”

  “I’m sorry your safety’s at risk.”

  “This isn’t your fault.”

  Kristin felt guilty by causing problems for so many people. Never had she experienced so many different emotions all at the same time. The stress was getting to her and she needed a drink of water.

  Taking her time, she wandered through the house and looked at the various rooms on the way. As she got closer to one of the bedrooms, she could hear Landon’s grandparents talking. Taking a peek through the crack between the door and the hinge, she watched Grandpa Scott brushing Grandma Suzie’s hair. He was being guided by her on how to use a curling iron. They were so sweet with each other. Grandpa Scott was being very careful to make sure he was doing everything right. It seemed like pleasing her was the most important thing for him. Kristin could feel her eyes welling up. She needed to get out of there before they caught her spying on them.

  Opening the patio door, she trudged to the nearest chair and sat down. All her pent-up feelings came pouring out. The tears flowed—for her family that broke apart, for Wes not loving her, for Sam and his abuse, for the paparazzi and the pictures. Also, for the love that she witnessed between Landon’s grandparents and the loss she felt at not having a family like that. Kristin had never experienced the level of love that Grandma Suzie and Grandpa Scott shared.

  Was something wrong with her? She wasn’t one of those girls who was boy crazy. She was too practical for that. Not wanting to sit and daydream about her future husband and family like other girls did, she focused on her music. Now that Kristin had met Landon’s grandparents, it dawned on her that she felt lonely. How could she be in a home with warm, caring people and still feel lonely? It must have been the fact that she wanted a deeper connection with someone. Kristin wanted to love someone and be loved in return. Seeing true love made her feel like she was missing something. She felt empty.

  She felt a touch on her shoulder and turned to see Landon. His eye
s were narrow, eyebrows pulled down in concentration. “Are you all right?”

  Kristin wanted to crawl into a hole and hide. Why did he have to come check on her? “I’m fine.” She tried to be discreet in wiping away her tears.

  “Are you crying?” Landon moved a chair closer and faced her.

  “There has been a lot of pressure the last couple of days.” Pulling her knees to her chest, she wrapped her arms around them and laid her head down. She didn’t want to look at Landon.

  “I have to tell you that this isn’t something that most people have to deal with. You’ve been handling it well.”

  Kristin sat in silence.

  “I also wanted to let you know that I spoke with Rob and he will have security in your apartment in case Sam decides to try anything. He also thinks you might want to get a restraining order against Sam.”

  “I talked with Lexi about that. I think it’s a good idea.” Kristin lifted her head up slightly. “I don’t know how you do this.”

  “Do what?”

  “How you put up with the paparazzi and all the pitfalls of fame. I always dreamed of being famous, but it doesn’t seem all that fun to me now.”

  “Some days are harder than others. There are some fun things about fame, too. You’re just seeing the bad side.”

  Kristin sat up and wiped her tears. “This is an awful side of fame. I don’t know how you trust people. I’m sure my student Jessica sold that picture to the tabloids. Plus, I’ve had a lot of threatening posts. I’ve never had that before. I feel like I’m seeing the worst of humanity.”