A Guarded Love Read online

  “At first, I had a hard time with that, but I have a solid group of friends and my family who help me stay grounded and keep me positive. My family and close friends are who I trust.”

  As Kristin watched Landon talk, her heart was doing little flips. It was hard to concentrate on what he was saying. Trying to pay attention, she noticed that he stopped talking.

  “Are you okay?” Landon leaned forward.

  “I was just thinking.” Kristin felt her face become hot.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t think this situation would last this long but then we got another picture and your ex-boyfriend added to the mix. Now I have no idea how long it will keep going.”

  Kristin took a deep breath. “Yeah, I didn’t see this coming.” She knew how that must have sounded, but she didn’t want to hash out the details of Sam’s growing abuse. Running to another country had seemed like the best way to handle him, but in retrospect, it hadn’t made a difference.

  “You can stay here as long as it takes to get this resolved. You’re always welcome here.”

  “I appreciate that. Your family is amazing.”

  “My grandparents seem to really like you. They’re going to enjoy your company.” Standing up, he held out his hand for her. “Let’s go find them.”

  Warmth surged through Kristin’s arm. The intensity surprised her. Trying to ignore the feeling, she followed Landon through the house. He didn’t let go of her hand. Not quite sure what was going on, she tried not to read too much into this gesture. Were Landon and his family really this nice or was this a show? Kristin had never met a guy this selfless and right now, she had a hard time trusting it. The past she had with other men, including her father, kept creeping into her mind. Were there any good guys left out there?

  Chapter 14

  Landon found Grandma Suzie and Grandpa Scott in his office, working on the computer. Both of them glanced at his hand, intertwined with Kristin’s. It was a quick glance, but he noticed it before they looked away. Landon didn’t think anything about holding her hand. It seemed like a natural way to comfort her. That’s what he was supposed to do, right? He was surprised by how natural her hand felt in his. Kristin pulled away from him to look at a map of the world that was hanging on the wall.

  Landon stood behind Grandpa Scott as he worked on the computer. Grandpa Scott and Grandma Suzie were always working on projects together. They did have their own separate interests, but they usually tried to find hobbies to do together. Their relationship seemed effortless, but he knew that wasn’t true. They had the typical ups and downs and the occasional arguments, but they learned to weather through them. As he watched the older couple, he discovered that he wanted the kind of relationship they had. Landon had always taken their marriage for granted, but now he could see how special it was. Landon glanced at Kristin.

  Grandma Suzie was leaning over Grandpa Scott and pointing to the computer screen. “Scott, put the curser over that name.”

  Kristin turned toward the group gathered around the monitor. “Why are there so many push pins on this map?”

  Landon faced her. “Those pins represent places where I’ve had a concert and where we also had some sort of family connection. My cousin Ava spearheads the entire thing. I’ve been given many assignments to get pictures with other family members, or take a picture of a school, home or gravestone. It’s kind of turning out to be a hobby of mine.”

  “I’ve never paid attention to my family history.” She turned back to the map.

  “I didn’t either until my cousin asked me to help her. It’s easier for me to help because I’m traveling all over the country. I like to hear stories about our family.”

  Grandma Suzie looked back at Kristin. “We’re working on family history right now. We are trying to find some missing information about one of my cousins. The computer has a lot of free information. When we exhaust that resource, we assign Landon.”

  “That sounds interesting.” Kristin walked over to the computer.

  “If you’re really interested, we can teach you how to look things up.” Grandpa Scott’s eyes were kind.

  “I’d like that.”

  “They’ll have you hooked before you know it.” Landon chuckled.

  Grandma Suzie moaned.

  “Suzie, what’s wrong?” Grandpa Scott leaned close to her, trying to find how to help.

  Grandma Suzie held her right hand in her left. “I hit my hand on the desk. Scott, can you put the rice socks in the microwave?”

  Grandpa Scott left the room.

  “Do you want some medicine?” Landon worried about how frail they were becoming.

  “I’ve already taken some. Don’t worry about me. It’s just my arthritis.”

  Kristin knelt down in front of her. “Do your hands hurt often?”

  “It seems to go in cycles. This week it’s been severe.”

  “But Grandpa steps in and becomes her hands.” Landon started massaging Grandma Suzie’s shoulders.

  “Yes, he does. He’s my hero.”

  Landon watched his grandpa tenderly wrap his grandma’s hand. He glanced at Kristin who was engrossed in this moment. The look on her face was hard to interpret. It looked like confusion and adoration at the same time.

  “I don’t think I can work on this anymore. Let’s go in the front room.” Grandma Suzie led the way. She and Grandpa Scott sat on the sofa. Landon settled in the recliner. “Kristin will you play something on the piano for us?”

  Landon watched her hesitate and then square her shoulders and sit at the piano.

  “Sure. Do you have a song preference?”

  “Anything.” Grandma leaned her head back and waited.

  Landon observed Kristin as she took some time to decide on a song. She tentatively touched the piano and started playing slowly. She kept her eyes closed as her long, graceful fingers glided over the keys. The music reached the crescendo and Landon looked around the room. Grandpa Scott was smiling and Grandma Suzie had her eyes closed with a slight smile. The song slowed, hushed, and then ended. The room was silent. Landon’s heart was racing, and he felt emotional. He was surprised that this song touched him so deeply. That didn’t happen often. He knew that from experience. Everyone was motionless.

  Grandma Suzie was the first to disturb the moment. “Did you write that song?”

  “Yes. I finished it last week.”

  “It’s beautiful. You’re extremely talented.”

  Kristin beamed. Grandma Suzie really had a way with her.

  “Why don’t you play another song? I think it’s helping me to feel better.” Grandma Suzie winked at Kristin.

  Kristin smiled back at her and then turned her attention to the music on the piano. “It’s Only You” was the sheet music that she picked up. Landon watched her peruse the words. Her face didn’t give away her thoughts. Wondering if she was going to like the words, he found himself nervous. Why should he care? But, strangely enough, he did. He liked the fact that Kristin didn’t know the words. In fact, he found it attractive. Landon started thinking of the words that he wrote, and he wondered if there was someone special out there for him.

  “Landon, this has your name on it. Did you write this?” Kristin’s brow was furrowed.

  “Yep.”

  “He wrote that for us.” Grandma Suzie’s eye twinkled with merriment.

  Kristin turned back to the piano. “Well now I have to hear it for myself.” The first verse she fumbled through, but by the second verse she had it down. “That song is beautiful and it’s perfect for the both of you.”

  “Landon wrote it as an anniversary gift, and it was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.” Grandma Suzie smiled at Landon.

  Kristin turned to Landon. “You should record this on your next album, or you could release this as your next single. It’s that good,”

  “You should do that, Landon, that’s a great idea.” Grandpa Scott shook with silent laughter.

  “That’s a great idea. But I put this son
g out about a year ago. It was a number one hit.” Landon winked.

  Grandma Suzie and Grandpa Scott looked amused.

  “Oh, I’ve never heard it before.” Kristin’s cheeks turned a subtle shade of pink.

  “Well, you wouldn’t have because it wasn’t on classical radio. It’s a country song. But I did sing it at open mic.” Landon amused.

  “Oh! That would make sense why I didn’t know it was your song. I couldn’t hear the country twang from the piano.” Kristin proceeded to play the chorus again with a western finesse.

  “You nailed it!” Landon found he enjoyed teasing with her.

  Kristin smiled at Landon. “In all seriousness, I love the song!” Kristin was quiet as she looked at the sheet music. “You really sang that song at open mic?”

  “Yep.” Landon stood up and walked over to Kristin.

  “I wasn’t myself that night. I have to apologize for my bad attitude.”

  Landon leaned his arm on the piano as he watched his grandma and grandpa walk into the kitchen.

  “You don’t have to like country music. It’s okay.”

  Kristin looked down. “I didn’t pay attention to it the other night, but the song is fantastic. I jumped to some very wrong conclusions.”

  Landon nodded his head. “Would you like to hear the song that you missed?”

  “I’d like that.”

  Landon pulled out his guitar and started singing.

  Meeting you changed my life.

  My thoughts are all about you.

  You are my world, and you make it bright.

  You rescued me from the darkness with your unconditional love.

  You are the only one for me.

  I want to spend the rest of my life by your side.

  It’s only you that makes me complete.

  It’s only you I want to be with through my life.

  You’re my only love, it’s only you, only you.

  “What do you think?” Landon normally thought about his grandparents during the song, but this time it was different. He found himself thinking about Kristin.

  “I’m having a hard time talking. It’s incredible.”

  “I’m glad you liked it. Did it sound too country for you?” Landon tilted his head and had a slight smile. He liked her openness.

  “It was wonderful. Do you write most of your songs?”

  “Yeah. I try to, but I have to admit that I liked the way it sounded when you played it on the piano. I’d never heard it sound like that before.”

  “Thanks. I added some chords. I love that you wrote that for your grandparents. You’re so good to them.”

  “I think it goes both ways. They’re good to me.” Landon liked that she was not so guarded, and the apology seemed humble and sincere. Maybe there was something to this girl after all.

  Chapter 15

  Kristin stayed up to work on her music. When she was finished, she realized how exhausted she was. As she entered her bedroom, she thought she noticed a figure outside her window. It was dark outside and that made it difficult to see clearly among the shadows, but it sure looked like a person. Without turning the light on, she crept over to stand by the edge of the window. With her back pressed against the wall, she carefully looked. There didn’t seem to be anyone there. She looked again.

  Grandma Suzie stopped at Kristin’s room. “Is everything okay?” She had a serious look.

  A small scream escaped from Kristin. She quickly put two hands over her mouth.

  “I’m sorry to scare you. Is everything all right?” Grandma Suzie came over with her arms extended.

  “I have to admit, I’m a little jittery. I thought I saw a man outside my window.” Kristin melted into Grandma Suzie’s arms. Even though this woman was quite a bit older than her, she still felt safe and protected being held by her. She was the perfect grandma.

  “What’s wrong?” Landon came in, looking like he’d been asleep.

  “I’m sorry to wake you. I thought I saw someone outside my window, but it’s probably my over- active imagination.” Kristin could feel the flush that crept across her cheeks as she kept shuffling her feet. They must think I’m an idiot, seeing things in the night.

  Landon rubbed his eyes. “Let me call the guard shack,” he said as he walked away.

  Grandma Suzie stood there with her arm around Kristin’s waist. “Everything’s going to be okay. I promise you.” She looked Kristin in the eye.

  Kristin sat on the bed and Grandma Suzie joined her. “I’m not normally like this.” Kristin tried to laugh, but it came out a miserable snort. Landon and his family were seeing her at her worst. She felt like a magnet that only attracted problems.

  “You’ve had a shocking day. I’d expect nothing less.”

  Landon did three little raps on the door jam and then walked in. “I personally checked every door to make sure it was locked. Then I spoke to security in the guard shack. He said no one has been around here. I made him get some of the team to go around and check. So now you might see people walking around.”

  “Why don’t you close the drapes?” Grandma Suzie sat there with Kristin.

  “Good idea.” Landon did as Grandma Suzie suggested.

  Grandma Suzie stood. “I think you’re in good hands, so I’m heading to bed.”

  “Night. I’m sorry I scared you when I screamed.”

  Grandma Suzie placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “I’m glad you’re safe and that no one was out there. Sleep well.”

  Landon took his grandma’s place on the bed. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m doing fine, except for my pride.”

  “It’s always better to be safe. The guy we’re dealing with isn’t mentally with it.”

  “Yes. It does appear that way.”

  “My room is next door, so if you need anything, come get me.”

  “I should be fine.” That sounded like a lie even to her ears, but she didn’t want to bother them anymore. She wished she was there for fun. Instead, she felt like a prisoner. “Thanks for everything.”

  One benefit of being there was spending time with Landon’s grandma and grandpa and watching their relationship. It was rare and beautiful. Her own father couldn’t stand to be around her mom when she gained a little weight after she hit menopause. He wanted the youngest, sexiest woman he could find. The problem was, he was getting older and was not as attractive as he used to be. He didn’t seem to remember that.

  When Kristin was alone, she leaned back on the headboard and started thinking about the day. It had been enjoyable to play the piano and to forget her difficulties. Landon’s song had touched her heart and it seemed to capture the true essence of his grandparents’ relationship.

  Is it possible for a person to have just one true love? A one and only? The men she’d seen were controlling to various degrees. Control is not love, she thought. Landon had seen a wonderful type of commitment. Kristin’s gut feeling was telling her to trust him, but her mind had many questions. Was he actually a player or did he unwillingly have girls throw themselves at him? He wasn’t raised that way; Kristin was sure of that. But people made their own choices. Had he been with a lot of girls? She hoped he hadn’t. Seeing him in his home, he came across as humble, kind, and dedicated. If he was as dedicated to a girl as he was to his grandparents, it would be a love of a lifetime. She wanted someone who was committed and loyal without being overbearing.

  But every time she started thinking about what kind of relationship she wanted, her past would edge its way into her mind and leave doubt in its place. Good old-fashioned love stories happened to other people, not her. From her perspective, it seemed like no relationship could last forever.

  Today had been a wild ride, but Landon’s family acted like it was natural for her to be there. Why did she choose to go to Landon’s place when she could have gone to her mom’s home? Especially when her mom’s place was closer to her apartment. As she analyzed that question, she concluded that she chose him because, deep down, sh
e trusted him. He made her feel safe. Kristin truly believed he was a good guy.

  Kristin went to the window and moved the drapes so she could peek. She didn’t see anyone. Now she’d just have to trust that security was out there, taking care of her and the Ross family. Perched on the armrest of the chair near the window, her thoughts drifted back to Landon as he played his song for her. It was amazing and she had felt choked up. There was a reason he was so popular. He was talented, handsome, and seemed like a great person. Guilt started as she remembered judging him at karaoke night. She thought he was a dumb cowboy. Boy, was she wrong. He had a lot of depth and she was privileged to be able to see some of the things he cared about.

  Kristin was feeling restless, so she stood up and paced. Feeling cooped up in the bedroom, she walked out to the family room. It was dark and made her feel disoriented, especially since it was a home that she wasn’t familiar with. Feeling her way to the couch, she tripped over something that was warm and firm. She heard an intake of air.

  “Kristin, it’s me. Sorry I didn’t have my foot out of the way.”

  “Landon, you scared me. I’m so glad it’s you and not an intruder. Is your foot okay?”

  Landon chuckled. “I’m good. I see you can’t sleep either.” He sat up and reached over the end table to find the lamp. He turned it on.

  “Yeah. I’m still a little worked up.”

  “Can I interest you in an action film?”

  “That sounds great.”

  Landon patted the couch next to him and Kristin sat down. She watched Landon pull a blanket off the chair. Her heart was beating rapidly as she realized that she wasn’t ready to share a blanket with anyone. But Landon went to the cabinet and pulled out a second blanket. “Here’s a blanket for you.”

  Kristin felt herself relax as she nestled into the couch. Landon was thoughtful in allowing her space. Even though she found herself wanting to be near him, she still had trust issues and she didn’t trust her judgement where guys were concerned. But she could see how Landon was putting aside his own schedule and vacation time to take care of her, especially when the Sam situation had nothing to do with him. Again, Kristin found herself comparing Landon and Sam, with Landon coming out the winner. Sam would never have changed his schedule to take care of her and he never would have helped a stranger. Kristin hoped that Landon was as genuine as he seemed and that her heart was leading her in the right direction.