Guarding His Heart

by Synithia Williams

  “It was,” Kevin said. “I’ll give you both a call before I leave next week. We’ll hang out again.”

  “I’m holding you to that,” Rachel said. She jumped up and hugged Kevin.

  After saying goodbye, Kevin led her out of the park. “The concert isn’t over.” Jasmine said.

  “I know. I was ready to get out of there. Most people respected our space, but I noticed the autograph requests were picking up. Better to leave before things get crazy.”

  She nodded but couldn’t add anything. She didn’t mind leaving. She’d been having a good time but was ready to be alone with him.

  “So what are you showing me?”

  His eyes twinkled with a devilish spark. “The kissing tree.”

  Jasmine laughed. “The what?”

  He took her across the street to one of the small parks next to the city hall. The music from the concert could still be heard, but it was fainter. The park was deserted, most of the town in the square for the concert. Kevin pointed to the large magnolia in the center.

  “That is the kissing tree.” He headed in that direction. “There was always a festival or something in the square. If you really liked a girl and wanted to kiss her without someone seeing, there aren’t many places downtown. But if you come over here and go on the backside of the tree—” which he did “—then no one could see you on the other side of the street in the square.”

  “Are you serious? Wouldn’t the parents see all of the kids coming over here and wonder what was up?”

  “Good point. Okay, busted. I just wanted to be alone with you and since you haven’t invited me to your room...” He pulled her into his arms. “I didn’t need the entire town to see me when I kissed you again.”

  Jasmine wrapped her arms around his neck. “You can kiss me here.” She lifted up on her toes. “Or you can kiss me in my room.”

  Kevin’s body stilled. “Are you serious?”

  “We’ve only got a week. Let’s stop playing around.”

  Kevin’s eyes flared so hot she was surprised the magnolia didn’t catch fire. “I couldn’t agree more. Except I’m spoiled. I want both.”

  His head lowered and his lips brushed hers. Jasmine had no complaints. Kissing him again before going to her room seemed like an excellent idea.

  The sound of glass breaking followed by yelling interrupted them. They broke apart quickly, confusion in both their eyes.

  “That didn’t sound good,” Jasmine said.

  They hurried around the magnolia just in time to see a group of teens around a car. One teen reached in and took something.

  “Hey!” Kevin yelled.

  The kids jumped as one. The group eyed Kevin and Jasmine like frightened gazelles caught by an alligator’s gaze, then turned and fled.

  Kevin’s cell phone rang. “Damn, just a second.” He pulled out his phone and frowned. “It’s Tank.” He answered the call. “Tank, what’s up?”

  In the relative quiet of the park, she could hear a little bit of Tank’s voice. Kevin listened, then cursed. “Yeah, I think I know who did it. I just saw a group of kids break into a car. Give me a second to get Jasmine back, then I’ll be right there.”

  “What’s wrong?” Jasmine asked after Kevin ended the call.

  “Tank’s windows are busted, too.”

  “What the hell?” Jasmine looked in the direction the kids had fled.

  “Yeah, I know. It’s not just his car. A few others on the street where he parked. He says there are some teens that have been causing problems.”

  “I thought Silver Springs was perfect.”

  He shook his head. “Every town has its troublemakers. I’ll go help him. Then—” he lifted her hand and kissed the back of it “—I’ll come see you.”

  “Do you want me to come, too? I saw the kids, as well. I can help identify them.”

  He shook his head. “No. I thought I recognized one. A kid of one of my former friends.” He sighed and ran a hand over his face. “If it is, this won’t be fun. Let me help Tank and talk to the police, then I’ll be right back.”

  She nodded. If he recognized one of the kids, then his identification would be better than hers. “But if they need me to say anything, let me know.”

  “I will.”

  He took her back to Meadow Springs. She waved as he drove away to help his friend, then hurried upstairs.

  She hated the fact that a few delinquent teens were breaking into cars. Though Kevin said he’d be back soon, she doubted he’d be back within an hour. She’d take the time to shower and get ready for him to return. The night wasn’t overly hot, but it was humid enough to make her sweat.

  She showered and put on a pink lacy camisole and shorts set. That was the only sexy set of pajamas she’d brought on this trip. Fun times hadn’t been on the original agenda. She put lotion on and lay on the bed to wait. And wait. And wait some more.

  Kevin texted two hours later. Still at police station. Should be done soon.

  Sighing, Jasmine tossed the phone on the pillow next to her and stared at the ceiling. Her was body both exhausted from the long day and tight with anticipation. She’d fallen asleep when her ringing cell woke her up another two hours after the text.

  “Kevin?” she answered groggily.

  “Sorry, this thing with the kids is taking longer than I thought.” He sounded tired. “They found the kids. One of them is the one I recognized. He plays on Tank’s team. He’s a good kid hanging with the wrong crowd. We’re trying to work with the cops to not throw the book at the boys. I won’t make it by tonight.”

  The disappointment in his voice matched the heavy feeling in her chest. She glanced at the clock. It was past midnight. She could still ask him over, but that officially put her in “booty call” territory. She and Kevin may not be forever, but that didn’t mean she wanted their first time to be a post-midnight drop-in after he’d left the police station. The romantic mood of earlier was effectively killed.

  “No, I understand,” she said, trying to sound relaxed when her body still yearned for his touch. “You helping where you can is most important.”

  “I’m really sorry about this.”

  “Don’t be. You’re a good guy. That’s sexy.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll remember that. Good night, Jasmine. I’ll pick you up tomorrow and we can talk with my grandmother.”

  “See you then. Good night, Kevin.”

  She ended the call and let out a disappointed, frustrated breath.

  Chapter 10

  Watching Jasmine’s eyes light up as his grandmother told stories about their family was something Kevin doubted he’d ever tire of. They were on the back porch. The late-afternoon sun formed shadows around the edges of the yard. A cool breeze along with the ceiling fans on the porch ceiling made the evening pleasant. Jasmine and his grandmother sat at the glass table on the right side of the porch. He sat in his favorite spot on the step.

  He’d heard this story about his great-grandfather before, but seeing Jasmine’s interest made it seem new. She leaned toward Charlotte, her eyes wide and her body alert with anticipation. He lifted his cell phone and captured the picture. He still took pictures with her and snapped a few of his own candid shots. Jasmine was beautiful, and her personality made her radiant. Her not liking the way she looked in pictures made no sense to him.

  “What happened after that?” Jasmine asked, leaning closer to his grandmother.

  Charlotte’s eyes were bright. Her joy from having an enthusiastic audience was written all over her face. “I was little, so the adults didn’t tell me everything. We were all asleep that night when someone banged on the door. I tried to look out the window, but my mom pulled me back. I could still see the flicker of the flames. The men dragged my dad off.”

  “What did they do to him?”

  Charlotte’s eyes tu
rned sad. “No one ever told me. Mom got a call the next morning from someone telling her where to pick up my dad. My uncles went and got him, brought him home. They rushed him into the bedroom before I could see him, but I sneaked and looked. He was beat up pretty bad.” She got a faraway look. Lost in the past and a tragic memory. “Daddy never did go back to work at the mill after that. The guys stopped their protests to get paid what they were due. Things got hard after that. Mom started working in town, cleaning houses for the wives of the plant supervisors. Daddy worked the farm. He was different after that. Meaner. Momma said it was the only way he knew how to be a man again after they came and got him.”

  His grandmother’s eyes were sad. She shook her head and blinked a few times. “Sometimes he was still nice to me. Not often, but sometimes I saw the man he used to be.”

  Jasmine reached over and placed her hand over Charlotte’s. “Can I tell your father’s story?”

  “You want to tell his story? Do you think people will care?”

  “Your father was a happy, proud and strong man. All he wanted to do was get equal pay for the guys working at the mill and he was punished for it. His work on your farm kept your land in your family and helped provide a home for Kevin and his mother. His story deserves to be told.”

  Charlotte smiled and placed her hand over Jasmine’s. Kevin thought he saw the glint of tears in her eyes. He had to look away as his own eyes burned.

  He’d heard the story. Knew that his great-grandfather had been humiliated and beaten until there was nothing left but bitterness and anger. His grandmother and mother hadn’t had things easy. That’s why he worked so hard to give back and make their lives easier now. His family’s story was nothing special, but the idea that Jasmine wanted to tell it anyway cemented his need to be with her.

  A few nights for a week wasn’t enough. He wanted her as a long-term lover. Yes, he’d failed at two long-term relationships already, but if they both entered this knowing they would eventually call things to an end, maybe it could work out.

  The challenge was figuring out how to get her to agree to that before he left town in a few days. Last night when she’d invited him to her room, she’d said they didn’t have a lot of time. Meaning she probably only wanted a quick fling. He needed to convince her to at least give him the summer before he left for Jacksonville.

  “Yes,” Charlotte said with a firm nod. “You can tell my daddy’s story.”

  Jasmine smiled. “Thank you.”

  His grandmother blinked several times. “You know what? I better go check on that peach cobbler I’ve got in the oven.” She stood.

  “You need any help, Grandma C?” Kevin asked.

  She waved him away and for once picked up her cane. “I’ve got it. You stay out here and entertain your friend. I’ll be back out in a few minutes.”

  His grandmother went inside. Jasmine got up and sat next to him on the porch step. “Your family is amazing. Did you know you were one of the founding families?”

  He laughed. “I’d heard a rumor once.”

  She shook her head. “Sorry, of course you knew. It’s just so interesting. There’s so much history in this small town. History that would have been lost if you hadn’t helped keep the town going. You’re such a good guy.”

  He leaned in and traced a finger down her cheek. “Remember that later when I drop you off at your place.”

  “Don’t get too cocky,” she said. She reached over and toyed with a button on his shirt. “You stood me up last night.”

  Kevin groaned. “Not on purpose. I was helping a friend.” And if he would have known it would take so long to talk with the police, he would have waited to give his statement today and spent the night in Jasmine’s arms.

  “Fine, I’ll give you a pass for last night.” She leaned in close. “There is still room for me to change my mind.”

  “I get that. But are you ready to admit that there is something between us?” That there was something simmering beneath the lust they both felt that deserved exploration.

  She held up the camera that was still on the strap around her neck. “There is something between us.”

  Kevin pulled the camera off her and set it next to him. He took her cheek in his hand and leaned close. “Nothing between us now.”

  “Are you sure that’s not a bad thing?”

  If it were, he didn’t want to explore that. His retirement, inability to make a relationship work, the failure of his body. None of that would matter if they were together for a summer. One last summer before his life went to hell. “Oh no, ma’am. This is definitely a good thing.”

  He kissed her. She sighed and leaned in closer. They could be interrupted, he needed to get her home before his kids arrived, but he really wanted to touch her. Feel the warm weight of her breast in his hand. As if that was an order instead of a stray thought, his hand went to the hem of her shirt and slipped beneath. Her skin was smooth and warm against his fingertips. He wanted to kiss every inch of her.

  Forgetting where he was, his hand traveled up her side. She trembled. Her mouth opened, granting him access to the sweet depths. The taste of her made him want to lay her back on the porch and strip her naked right then.

  He lifted his hand to boldly cup one firm breast. Her answering moan made his dick rock hard. He gently squeezed her breast. Her nipple was plump against his palm, but something hard and firm caressed his hand, too. He pulled back and stared into her eyes.

  “Did I just find another piercing?”

  Her answering smile made his testosterone levels fly to the moon. “One of two.”

  He ran his thumb over the small bar. Pictured it in his mind. Her pert, dark nipple pierced with a slim metal piece of jewelry. How would it feel against his tongue? How would she react when he ran his tongue over the ornamentation? “Damn, you’re driving me crazy.”

  He wanted to see them. Right. Now.

  The sound of high-pitched voices came from inside the house. Voices he recognized. No! They weren’t supposed to be here for another few hours. His hand jerked from beneath her shirt and he turned toward the back door with a mixture of frustration and surprise.

  “What?” Jasmine asked.

  “That sounds like the twins.”

  The back door flew open and his twin daughter and son ran out screaming, “Daddy!”

  Brushing his frustration aside, Kevin jumped up to hug his kids. “What are you two doing here already? I wasn’t expecting you until eight.”

  “Mommy had to go to LA for a photo shoot,” his son, Deshawn, said. “Grandma switched our flight.”

  His daughter Mya tugged on the leg of his pants. “Aren’t you glad to see us, Daddy?”

  He gently pulled on one of her curly pigtails. “Of course I am.” Both of his kids had the golden tan coloring of their Filipino mother, but instead of Hanna’s straight, dark hair, their precious heads were adorned with curly sandy locks.

  “Who’s that?” Deshawn pointed to Jasmine.

  Jasmine stood. She rubbed her hands on her pants and smiled. Her smile was tight. Uncomfortable. “I’m Jasmine. I’m taking pictures of your dad’s property for a project.” She said the words as if she were explaining to the principal why she was hanging out in the hall instead of being in class. She threw him a nervous look.

  An unsettling thought crept through his mind. Did she not like kids?

  Mya’s face lit up. “Pictures? Can I see?”

  “Maybe later,” Kevin said.

  “Yes, later,” Jasmine said quickly. She looked at her watch. “I’m running late. I’ve really got to go.”

  “Stay for a little while. I’ll take you home soon.”

  His grandmother came out. “Yes, dinner is ready and Kevin’s mom is home. You should stay and eat.”

  Jasmine shook her head. “Oh no, I don’t want to intrude.”

 
“Girl, hush, you’ve got to eat.”

  Kevin agreed. Her last snack was an hour ago and he wasn’t ready for her to leave. If she didn’t like kids, then that was an automatic no deal for him. He had four. He couldn’t be with a woman who had a problem with that, but Jasmine didn’t come across as the type of woman who would dislike kids. Disappointment settled around him.

  “I’ve really got to get back to my room. I’m feeling a little tired.” She hurried over to his grandmother and gave her a quick hug. “Thank you so much for telling me your family’s story.” She pulled away and glanced at the kids. “It was nice meeting you.” She looked at Kevin. Fear glossed her eyes. “Umm...call me later, okay?” She turned and damn near ran off the porch.

  “What was that about?” Charlotte asked.

  Kevin watched Jasmine’s retreating figure. Fear? Another unsettling thought hit him. Was she feeling bad again? Did she want to get out of there because she was sick? Worry crept up his spine.

  He turned to his grandmother. “I don’t know,” he said. “But I’ll find out.”

  Chapter 11

  Back in her room, showered and dressed for bed, the second thoughts crept into Jasmine’s mind. She shouldn’t have run away from Kevin like that. More important, she shouldn’t have panicked the way she had. As soon as she’d seen the kids, she’d panicked.

  Jada would say the emotional post-traumatic stress had kicked in.

  Maybe that’s what happened. One second, her feelings for Kevin had swelled. He’d said there was something between them and she’d forgotten all about this thing being a one-and-done situation. The next second, his kids ran in and all of the reasons why she shouldn’t get attached again slapped her in the face.

  Julio had given her a glimpse of what a long-term relationship could be. She wanted someone there for her in the middle of the night. Someone to ask if she was okay. Someone who wouldn’t be angry or resentful because of her decision to not have kids. She’d fallen in love with his kids. Fallen in love with the idea of having a family. Julio had been the promise of things she hadn’t considered a part of her life. Imperfect but he’d been there.