Guarded, p.1
Guarded, page 1
Shout Outs
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Epilogue
Also by R.C. Martin
About the Author
Copyright © 2017 R.C. Martin. All Rights Reserved.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and other elements portrayed herein are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real persons or events is coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.
Cover and Interior Design by Cassy Roop at Pink Ink Designs ©2017
www.pinkinkdesigns.com
To Hayley, my ultimate cheerleader.
To Tammy and Crystal, my kick-ass groupies.
To Carrie, my sprinting buddy.
To Natasha, my last pair of eyes.
To Cassy Roop—the Great.
To God—the Greatest.
And to every single person who helped promote this book in any way—
you get a shout out, too.
Spreading the word is, without a doubt, the hardest part…
Thank you.
I SMILE—AGAIN—as I gaze out the window, admiring the clouds that cover the sky beneath me. I haven’t been able to stop smiling since dad dropped me off at the airport. When I caught sight of this private jet, I can’t deny that I felt like someone important, knowing it was going to be my ride to Nashville. As horrible as it might sound, the thought of traveling in such luxury made it a little easier to say goodbye to my old man.
I’ve been feeling guilty all week about leaving him to deal with the shop over the long weekend. He won’t be by himself, a truth he’s reminded me of repeatedly, but Ruth—as sweet as she is—isn’t exactly our star employee. She can make a cup of coffee just fine, but she’s not nearly as helpful as Corie was. And Ruby, Ruth’s little sister, has more focus, but she’s a bit of a klutz. With me gone, that means more work for dad over the next few days. Nevertheless, he pushed me out the door anyway, and there was only so much I could resist. I haven’t seen Corie in months.
It’s strange to think that this is how she lives now—strange and exhilarating. It’s one thing to hear about it, to see her face on the front of magazine covers, or even to see her picture appear on a celebrity gossip site after a night out with her man; but it’s another thing entirely to experience it. Corie left Dillon, Colorado months ago, and she hasn’t looked back. I wouldn’t either, if Ashley Hicks—one of the biggest names on the music scene today—came and swept me off my feet. Sometimes, it still amazes me that he was a frequent guest at the coffee shop for weeks without either of us recognizing him. Though, in a way, I think it was meant to be. For both of them. She got to see his sweet, down-to-earth, gentleman charm, and he got to see her endearing, lovely, brave personality, neither of them factoring in such things as fame and fortune as they explored their feelings for one another.
If I allowed myself to be, this plane ride—this taste of the life she now lives—it would have me drowning in envy. She now enjoys a fabulous life filled with love and adventures. Granted, it’s not all sunshine and daisies. The struggle for privacy is a real thing for her these days; but that’s just a byproduct of her fairytale ending. And honestly? She deserves the fairytale—without my judgment or my envy, she deserves it. The woman she is, the hard work she’s put in so that she could escape our small town, and the life that she’s had to endure with my uncle—her alcoholic father—it’s just proof that it was her time. Some good was due her, and Ashley is that good. The truth is, I’m too busy being excited for her to envy her, and that’s the way I like it. Besides, as her cousin/best friend, her new status means I get to enjoy a little extravagance, too.
When Ashley contacted me about flying out to Tennessee, in order to surprise Corie for her birthday weekend, I agreed without even thinking about it. I miss that girl, and it’s about time we graduated from phone calls and text messages in order to catch up. I’m sure the weekend ahead of us is going to be amazing. With not much opportunity to travel, this is my first time ever leaving the state of Colorado. I’m looking forward to getting the chance to explore someplace new and foreign to me. I’m also anxious to spend time, not just with Corie, but with Ashley, too. He’ll be family soon—which still blows my mind—and having not spent a ton of time with him before, I’d like to see for myself how happy he makes Corie. Then again, considering the fact that I’m sitting in a quiet, private jet, headed for the airport where I’m to meet up with my best friend, I think it’s safe to say that it’s pretty clear—he’s absolutely worthy of her.
AS SOON AS the side door pops open, the stairs easing their way down onto the tarmac, I jog the distance between the limousine and the jet. With instructions to escort Corie’s cousin back to the vehicle, my mind is focused on the task at hand. I have no idea what to expect when she steps out of the plane, but that matters little.
Fourth of July weekend in Ashley’s home town means I have to be extra vigilant. It’s my job to make sure that he can go where he wants, when he wants, with no concern for his safety. He’s not a small guy himself, but the paparazzi, his fans—his fame is why I’m employed. Holiday weekends mean more activity, bigger crowds, and higher chances of Ashley being recognized—especially here in Nashville. With a reputation like his, it’s pretty standard for him to be spotted just about anywhere we go. When he’s home, I like to stay sharp.
That’s why, when I reach the foot of the stairs, looking up just as she starts her descent, I mutter a curse under my breath. She’s fucking gorgeous. Too gorgeous. Distractingly gorgeous. It’s been a while since I’ve had pussy, but this weekend is not the weekend to be tempted—and Corie’s cousin, her fucking cousin, is not the chick to fuck with. Though, the closer she gets, the more my dick would like to argue that fact.
While Corie isn’t what I’d consider tall, she is above average height for a woman; her body is curvy and voluptuous, her eyes a distinct brown, and her hair a few shades darker. The woman before me is different. Incredibly, stunningly different. By my guess, she’s no taller than five-four, a little more than a foot shorter than me. Her body looks pliable. She’s thin, yet toned—delicate and petite—and her hair is some sort of ashy blonde, grown out long and flowing halfway down her back. When she looks straight at me, taking her last step onto the ground, I bite back another curse at the sight of her big, blue eyes.
Dangerously adorable.
Fuck.
“Um, hi,” she murmurs, reaching up to sweep a bit of hair behind her ears. “Are you Leo?”
I offer her no more than a curt nod, my attention jerking back up the staircase as the pilot descends with a small piece of luggage. “This your only bag?”
“Yeah. Well, and my backpack,” she replies, twisting around slightly to show me.
“I’ll take both.”
“Oh, well, you don’t have to. I—”
“It’s all right,” I insist, gently slipping the strap from off of her shoulder. Stepping around her, I reach to take hold of her suitcase from the pilot as well.
“Thank you,” she murmurs sheepishly. “I’m Jill, by the way.”
I meet her eyes once more, and the way she looks up at me—her cheeks tinted in a soft blush—I have to concentrate to keep my dick from growing hard. I dip my chin in acknowledgment of her introduction, but I say nothing in reply before I start leading the way to the limo. “This way,” I instruct.
She hurries alongside of me, and we cross the distance in silence. The fact that she doesn’t chatter on incessantly only makes me like her more. I wish she’d give me some reason to stay away from her. I’m already starting to forget the reasons I insisted on myself.
Upon reaching the limo, I step aside, allowing her full access to the back passenger-side door. She looks up at me in silent question, and I tell her, “Go ahead.”
She grins at me before she reaches for the handle, and I clench my jaw as I pull in a slow, deep breath.
“Surprise!” she calls out, her body bent as she peers inside of the vehicle. For a moment, I hear nothing—then Jill dema
Corie squeals in excitement before I see her come crawling out of the door, wrapping her arms around Jill obediently. I watch as they embrace each other, both of them responding with tears and laughter, and I get what I asked for—a reason to stay away from her. The way they’re responding to one another, it speaks of a bond that’s deep and a connection that’s real. It tells me that she comes from a home that knows affection, kindness, and love.
Jill is not a woman you fuck. She’s a woman you cherish—and I can’t fucking do that.
I clear my throat, turning my gaze from them, but my eyes only look away for a second. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can’t take my attention off of her. When Jill pulls away from Corie, she looks right at me, brushing her fingers against her cheeks in an attempt to dry them as she murmurs an apology.
“Take your time,” I assure her, not wishing to rob her of anything.
She turns her back to me, Corie following suit, and I carry Jill’s bags to the trunk. Stowing them with the rest of our luggage, I remind myself that I’m not good for her. I need to stay away. I’m not a tender man, and she appears to be a gentle woman. Oil and water don’t mix.
AS SILLY AS it might be, I’m disappointed when the car starts to move and I realize Leo won’t be joining us in the back. Corie’s described him to me before, of course. Until the engagement, when the paparazzi started getting more intense, Leo was the only security that Ashley allowed. Now they have Frank—also hot—as if life has seen fit to ensure that Corie is only surrounded by attractive men. But even with his smooth, light brown skin, his neatly cropped haircut, and his perfectly shaped beard, Frank’s not comparable to Leo.
If I remember correctly, Corie told me he was huge and good looking, but those are not adjectives that do him justice. Not at all. He is exceptional. Gigantically tall, definitely. Hugely built, yes. But he’s also frighteningly beautiful. I almost tripped coming down those stairs when I caught sight of him waiting for me outside of the plane. Then, as I stood in front of him, looking up into his eyes, I could barely get my words out of my mouth.
He’s the kind of man you could look at all day. Perfect, olive tone skin, head full of black hair—cut shorter on the sides and a bit longer on top—and amazing blue-green eyes. His square jaw, covered in a thin layer of stubble, makes him look regal; and the small scar that cuts through his right eyebrow is sexy as hell. While I know I’m only here for the long weekend, and it’s ridiculous for me to even contemplate any interest I might feel in regards to getting to talk with him a bit more, there’s nothing wrong with simply admiring him every chance I get.
I shove aside all thoughts of Leo when Corie speaks to get my attention. We fall into conversation just as easily as we always do, and before I know it, we’re pulling onto Ashley’s private property. When we come to a stop, he’s quick to get out, and Corie and I follow after him. He offers his hand, and I accept, my eyes scanning my surroundings. The sun is all but gone, however, it’s not hard to notice his well-kept grounds and his respectfully modest ranch style home.
“We’ll get your bags from the trunk, then we’ll take you down to the guest house and get you set up in a room,” he tells me.
Leo walks by us, headed for our luggage, and I can’t stop my eyes from following him.
Ashley’s voice brings me back to our unfinished conversation as he explains, “You’ll be stayin’ with the guys, but there’s plenty o’room for all y’all, so you don’t have to worry about sharin’ your space. I’d keep you here at the main house, but I’ve only got the one room. I figured you’d prefer a bed over the couch.”
“It’s really nice down there,” Corie says, reaching for Ashley’s hand. Lacing her fingers with his, she assures me, “You’ll love it. And you’ll only really be down there to sleep. I’m a phone call and a short ride away if you need anything.”
“Yeah, sure,” I reply with a shrug, trying not to think about the fact that I’ll be sharing a roof with Leo for the next few nights. “I’m happy to sleep wherever you put me.”
“I’ve got her bags,” says Leo, earning all of our attention. He doesn’t look at me, but focuses on Ashley as he tells him, “Frank and I will take the golf cart down.”
“Al’right. See y’all in a minute.”
While Ashley takes his and Corie’s bags inside, Corie and I discuss our menu for the evening.
“Are you sure you don’t mind staying in tonight?” she asks me. Again. “I feel like it’s bad manners to keep you in the house your first night here—or any night here, for that matter. This is supposed to be an adventure for you.”
“Babe, I flew here in a private jet. I’m now standing in the middle of fifteen acres of property that belongs to Ashley Hicks. I’m going to be sleeping in his guest house tonight. This is your life now—but just being here, it’s an adventure in and of itself for me.”
She stares at me, worry etched onto her brow as she murmurs, “Are you sure?”
“Corie!” I laugh, wrapping my arms around her in a playfully awkward side hug. “Have I ever lied to you?”
“No,” she admits with an eye roll.
“Exactly! I know how much you need this.”
“I do,” she sighs, tilting her head to rest her cheek on top of my head.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve come to learn how much of a to-do it is when the two of them go anywhere. Ashley might be the star between the two of them, but his fame means all eyes are on her, too. The world doesn’t really know who Corie is, and they’re curious. That being said, I also know how much she was looking forward to relaxing this weekend. With the wedding next month, Ashley’s first world tour starting the month after, and all the work she has on her plate as she manages the business behind his name—these days, she could use a break. So, we’ve opted for pizza and some of Corie’s delicious, homemade cupcakes—treats I haven’t had in ages—along with a couple of movies for entertainment.
“Have I mentioned how glad I am to see you?” she asks, pulling away to smile at me.
“I’m excited to see you, too.” Bumping my hip against hers, I add, “It’s not every day a girl turns twenty-five. Had to be sure I was here to welcome you to the club properly.”
At the sound of a door opening and closing behind us, we turn and see Ashley making his way out of the house. Pointing at the truck, he asks, “Y’all ready to head on over?”
“Definitely.”
“CORIE’S PRETTY AND all, but did you expect her cousin to be such a knock out? Damn,” mutters Frank.
I look straight ahead, navigating the cart along the dirt road to our destination. For reasons I don’t care to examine, I remind him, “You have a girlfriend.”
“Thank God. For real, man. If it wasn’t for Aubrey, I might be tempted to go there—and that shit would not be good. It’s not like she’s some one-and-done chick, you know? You’d definitely have to see her again, eventually. If shit got complicated, how awkward would that be? She and Corie are obviously close.”
I grip the steering wheel tighter. I have no desire to have this conversation. Not only is he right, but I don’t want to hear about his attraction to her. I don’t want to think about any man touching her—including me. Definitely me.
Hoping that my silence will get Frank to stop talking, I don’t speak a word.
“Wait,” he starts to say, turning his body toward me. “You weren’t thinking about going there, were you?”
Still looking straight ahead, I don’t answer him. I don’t need to. It’s none of his business what I plan on doing—or not doing—with my dick. When we reach the house, I stop the golf cart in front of the porch. I can tell that Frank is still looking at me—analyzing me—as if he could possibly get a read on me. He’s only been around for a couple of months. He’s good. Corie’s safety is his priority. If I didn’t trust him, he wouldn’t be here. However, he’s yet to learn that I’m not an easy man to dissect, and that’s not by chance.
Finally giving him my attention, I fix him with a blank stare. “Stay in the same room you did last time. Or don’t. Doesn’t matter to me. You have your pick—just not mine.” I say the last bit with a smile, and he chuckles as I climb out of the cart, headed to get our bags.
