Guarded Hearts (Love in Sienna Series Book 3)

by Laura John

  Shae’s daughter, Mazie, is the same age as Olivia, and her son, Cage, is a year younger. Let’s just say it’s a very loud house when they are all together. And if Tia and her kids are here at the same time, don’t even get me started. Pure chaos.

  “I’m interested,” Damon says as I hand out the bowls of popcorn. “Too bad he only wants vajayjays. I promise, one night with me and he would be switching teams.”

  I let out a snort and cover my face. I hate that I snort. My friends say it’s cute, but what guy would want to be with a snorter? I will be alone forever. At least I have great friends and a battery-operated boyfriend.

  We are halfway through the second movie when I realize what time it is.

  “Livvy, it’s time for bed, sweetheart.”

  Her eyes are barely open, but she shakes her head.

  “I wait for Duddy,” she says with an adorable pout.

  Normally I would argue with her, but he goes on tour in one week and this will be her last chance to see him before he goes.

  Dustin isn’t normally this late for get-togethers, and I’m starting to get worried. Excusing myself, I step into the bedroom to call him.

  “Sorry, Dustin can’t come to the phone right now,” a female voice purrs.

  My stomach does a weird drop and I feel like I’m going to vomit.

  Dustin has had a lot of girlfriends, or friends with benefits, or whatever you want to call them, but they always rub me the wrong way. They either hate me or I dislike them. No one seems good enough for my best friend. Maybe if he stopped dating floozies, I’d think differently. Why is he only interested in the fake-tit, high-maintenance girls who wear a pound of makeup?

  “Give me back my phone,” I hear Dustin say in the background. “Sorry about that. What’s up?”

  “Um, sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt anything. I was making sure you’re okay. Olivia has been asking for you.”

  “Shit. Sorry, Crys. I didn’t realize how late it was. I’m just dropping Sarah off and I’ll be right there.”

  “See you soon,” I say before hanging up.

  I don’t know why I’m upset. I don’t think it was that he was with a girl. I think it’s just the fact that it feels like he forgot about us. I know he isn’t Olivia’s father, but she idolizes him, and I don’t want to see her little heart broken.

  Walking back into the living room, I’m lost in thought, trying to figure out these emotions swimming around in my head.

  “So, is he coming?” Shae asks, breaking me from my thoughts.

  I nod. “He’s just dropping off his date.” I bite out the word harder than I mean to.

  “Ooh, someone’s jealous!” Damon exclaims while shoveling more popcorn into his mouth.

  I roll my eyes. “I’m not jealous. I’m just upset that he forgot about us. I know we’re just his friends, but don’t make plans you’re not going to keep.” I cross my arms, and even I realize how childish I sound.

  “Whatever you tell yourself to sleep at night,” he says, patting my knee.

  I kick the pillow out from behind his back, causing him to fall over, and we all laugh.

  I’m not jealous. I’m not even interested in Dustin. He’s like my brother, nothing more. Just my best friend.

  I still remember the first time I met Dustin like it was yesterday.

  “What is Dustin Maxx doing here?” I whisper to Tia.

  Dustin Maxx is an amazingly talented musician who has become a YouTube sensation. Tia has just started managing him, and I may have freaked out a little when she told me he called her.

  I mean, who doesn’t have a crush on him? He isn’t only great at what he does; he’s also insanely good-looking. He is ridiculously tall, and his dirty blonde hair always has that “just got out of bed” look. His jaw is strong and his smile melts the hearts of women everywhere.

  “I thought it would be nice to have someone your own age here,” Tia tells me, pulling me from my thoughts.

  “Tia, this is a bad idea. We should go home,” I say, feeling extremely nervous.

  I cannot have my crush at my birthday dinner. I’m probably just going to stumble all over myself like an idiot. Guys that hot make girls go stupid.

  “Oh, come on. It’s fine. He’s a really nice guy. And look, he even brought you a gift.” She points to the box in front of Dustin.

  My heart does a funny flip. I should really be fighting this, but I follow Tia anyway.

  “Happy birthday, sweetheart. Officially an adult now,” Leah says, pulling me in for a giant hug. Picking up a gift off the table, she hands it to me. “I hope you like it.”

  I smile. “Thank you. You know you didn’t have to get me anything.”

  I place the gift back on the table and turn my attention to Dustin.

  “Crystal, this is Dustin,” Tia says, and I feel like my brain has turned to mush.

  He is just staring at me, his ocean-blue eyes putting me in a daze. Why is he staring at me like that? I’m just an average girl. A guy like him should not be looking at me like that.

  I finally get my brain to function again, and I smile. “Thanks for coming, but you really didn’t have to get me anything. You don’t even know me.”

  “I can’t show up empty-handed. What kind of guy would that make me?” He gives me a sexy smile, but it feels forced.

  I roll my eyes. He probably does this to every girl. I’m not buying it. Okay, maybe I’m buying it slightly.

  “And who is this gorgeous princess?” he asks, grabbing my daughter’s tiny hand.

  “This is my daughter, Olivia,” I tell him, wondering why he is even asking.

  Olivia babbles at him and reaches her little hands toward him.

  “Can I?” he asks, really catching me off guard.

  I nod and place her in his arms.

  “I’ve always loved kids. I’m the oldest of my cousins, so I babysat a lot before I started doing music full-time.”

  Dustin’s eyes are on Olivia, so I decide to check him out, which turns out to be a bad idea. It’s really odd seeing such a hot guy holding a baby and being so enamored with her. But it kind of makes him even sexier.

  Tia lets out some sort of noise, drawing our attention.

  “I’m fine,” she says. “I just choke on air sometimes. Don’t pay any attention to me. Let’s sit down so the waitress will come over and get our order.”

  I give her a weird look, but then grab Olivia back from Dustin so we can sit and eat.

  The whole time we’re eating, I feel Dustin’s gaze on me, and I don’t know how I feel about it. I fell for a guy’s charm before and it ended badly. I won’t be making the same mistake twice.

  “So, is your boyfriend at home?” Dustin asks me.

  I eye him cautiously. “Don’t have a boyfriend. It’s just me and Olivia.”

  He smiles, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes again.

  “You’re cute, but don’t think that smile is going to work on me,” I say, fighting my own smile and biting my lip.

  “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

  Again with that smile. I fight back a sigh. He’s got that boyish charm in spades. How is a girl supposed to think straight around a man like that?

  Olivia starts to fuss, drawing our attention.

  “Are you tired, little girl?” Tia asks her, like she’s actually able to talk.

  “It’s way past her bedtime. It’s probably best if we head home.” I pick up Olivia up, and she cuddles into my shoulder.

  “It was really nice to meet you,” Dustin says, then grabs the back of his neck, looking slightly nervous for the first time all night. “Do you mind if I get your number?”

  I blush and think about it for a second. Why does Dustin Maxx want my number? I will not be spreading my legs for him like he’s used to.

  Well, maybe we could get to know each other. I know I won’t make the same mistake I made last time, but if Dustin really wants to be friends, it could be nice to have a friend my age.

  “
Um, sure,” I finally respond. “But I’m really busy, so don’t get offended if I don’t respond right away.”

  “Noted.” He gives me another smile.

  For some reason, I feel like this isn’t how he is with everyone. But I’ll still keep my guard up.

  I grab my necklace, coming back to the present. Holding the charm in my hand, I take a deep breath. It’s as if the hummingbird is giving me wisdom.

  “Why the fuck did you do that?” I ask Sarah, gripping the steering wheel tightly, pissed off that she answered my phone.

  I wouldn’t even be here right now if she hadn’t called me, drunk as a skunk. Normally I would have told her to take a hike or called her boyfriend Grayden, but since he’s out of town and he’s one of my oldest friends, I felt obligated to help her out.

  “Relax, Dusty baby. It was just a harmless joke,” she slurs, struggling to remain upright in the passenger seat.

  “Smarten up or I’m not helping you out next time,” I warn.

  She rolls her eyes and rests her head on the window.

  Pulling into her driveway, I’m angry that this took so long. I know I upset Crystal, but I’m even more worried about upsetting Olivia. That little girl stole my heart the moment I met her when she was just a baby. There isn’t much that’s worse than having her angry at me.

  “Okay, hurry up. I have places to be,” I tell Sarah, trying to drag her into her house.

  “Oh, calm down, I’m sure whatever it is isn’t that important.” She tries to open the door, but she’s taking way too long.

  I grab the keys from her hand and open it for her, then push her in and go to walk away.

  “Aren’t you staying for a while?” she asks, grabbing my hand.

  I glare at her, pulling my hand back.

  “Not a chance in hell. And remember, you’re dating my best friend. Don’t be an idiot,” I chastise her before slamming the door.

  I need to see my friends and apologize for being late. Hopefully, my princess won’t be too upset.

  “Knock, knock,” I say while entering Crystal’s house.

  I’m so glad she let me talk her into buying in this neighborhood. It’s safe, and super close to awesome schools. I couldn’t imagine her living in a place where you can’t go outside at night. I did all the research when Crystal told me she wanted to buy. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if she and Olivia weren’t safe. That’s what friends do for each other, right?

  “Duddy!” Olivia screams, running down the hall at full speed.

  I crouch down to catch her and lift her into the sky. She squeals and giggles as I pull her down into my arms for a big hug.

  “I missed you, peanut,” I tell her, even though I just saw her a couple of days ago.

  “Missed you too,” she says, squeezing my neck.

  “Thanks for showing up,” Crystal says, standing up from the couch and crossing her arms.

  Yep, she’s pissed.

  “Sorry. Grayden’s girlfriend called me drunk out of her mind. I had to give her a ride home,” I explain.

  Crystal’s features immediately soften, and she walks over and gives me a hug.

  “You’re always the good guy,” she mumbles into my chest.

  I smile. Looking down at Olivia, I see that she’s falling asleep in my arms.

  “Come on, princess. Let’s get you to bed,” I say, starting to walk to her room.

  “Do you want me to take her?” Crystal questions, but I shake my head.

  I’ve done bedtime a lot because Olivia insists that I tell a better story than Mommy, and since I’m leaving in a week, I want to spend as much time with her as possible.

  “Remember, I’m going to be gone for a little while, but I’ll call you whenever I can, and you’ll be the first person I come visit when I get home, okay?” I tell Olivia as I tuck her into bed.

  She yawns and nods.

  “I love you, princess,” I murmur.

  “Wuv you, Duddy.”

  I know she has a hard time with the S and T in my name, but I swear to God, it sounds like “Daddy” sometimes.

  I hate the fact that her father wanted nothing to do with her. I get not wanting to be a dad at seventeen, but man up. I would never abandon my child like he did. Whenever I have kids, I will be there for them, no matter what. But it’s his loss. He’s the one who doesn’t get to know this amazing little girl.

  I quietly close Olivia’s door and head down the stairs to the living room.

  “Would you drop it already?” Crystal says, throwing her hands up.

  “What are you guys squabbling about?” I ask, making my presence known.

  “Nothing,” Crystal says, at the same time that Damon says, “You.”

  I raise an eyebrow at them.

  “We’re just trying to figure out why you two don’t just date already,” Shae says.

  Crystal lobs a pillow at her.

  I chuckle and sit down next to Crystal, pulling her into my arms. “They have a fair point, sweet lips. We would make an adorably cute couple.”

  Crystal rolls her eyes and pushes out of my hold. “You’re my best friend.”

  I chuckle again. “I know. I’m just bugging you.”

  I’d be lying if I said the thought hasn’t crossed my mind, though. I’ve wanted to ask Crystal out multiple times, but every time I muster up the courage to actually do it, she throws out the “we’re just friends” card. I’ve never been friend-zoned so hard in my life.

  Crystal is different from any girl I’ve ever dated. Her long brown hair falls around her face, hiding her beautiful features. She never wears a lot of makeup; she’s a natural beauty. Her hazel eyes shimmer when she’s excited. I notice everything about this girl, and she doesn’t even know.

  “So, what are we watching?” I ask, changing the subject, and Crystal smiles at me.

  This isn’t the first time Damon and Shae have brought up the fact that Crystal and I should date. They see the obvious chemistry, but Crystal isn’t interested, and I’ll respect that. I also know that it makes Crystal uncomfortable when they bring it up. I know they’re just trying to rile her up, but I don’t like seeing her upset.

  “27 Dresses,” Damon says.

  I roll my eyes. I have watched so many chick flicks with these three, it isn’t even funny.

  “I’m inviting Kyle next time. At least then I’ll have someone on my side for movie choices,” I grumble.

  “It would still be three against two,” Shae pipes up.

  I grab a handful of popcorn from Crystal’s bowl, knowing this is a battle I won’t win.

  Crystal is cuddled into my body by the time the movie is over, and it just feels right. I glance down at her and wonder why she won’t even give this a try.

  Maybe I’m just not her type. She’s never once made a move. But can these feelings really be completely one-sided?

  “Well, time for me to go!” Shae stands and raises her arms, stretching.

  “Same here,” Damon agrees while giving Crystal and I a once-over and a knowing smile.

  I roll my eyes.

  “Thanks for coming, guys. I’d walk you out, but I’m too comfy and you’re still on my shit list,” Crystal says, not bothering to get up.

  I chuckle and wave at my friends as they leave.

  “So, should I go too, or do you want to watch another movie?” I ask Crystal, not wanting to leave.

  She holds on to me a little tighter and snuggles in even more. “Let’s watch another movie. I always miss you when you’re on tour.”

  I kiss the top of her head and grab the remote, putting on an action movie. Crystal giggles.

  I smile. “Sorry, I’m done with the chick flicks.”

  “I don’t mind action. It’s just fun making you watch chick flicks.”

  Before the movie is even halfway through, I hear Crystal snoring. Shaking my head, I pick her up and carry her to her bedroom.

  She snuggles under her covers and I just stare at her. She has no idea ho
w truly beautiful she is. She puts a guard around her heart and keeps pretty much everyone at arm’s length because she doesn’t want to get hurt again. She doesn’t talk about her past much, but I know she’s been through a lot. She’s a single mom to a three-year-old girl at twenty, after all.

  If she let me in more, maybe she’d see that I would never hurt her or her daughter.

  But we’ve been friends for almost three years now. If she doesn’t see me as more than a friend by now, she never will.

  “Are you sure this looks okay?” I ask, pulling at the fabric wrapped around my stomach.

  I feel like I’m wrapped in saran wrap. And I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to eat anything from now until the wedding if I still want to fit in this dress by then. It’s long, but so fricking tight. I don’t think I’ll be able to breathe on their wedding day.

  “You look amazing,” Rayna, Tia and Leah’s other close friend, says.

  I blush.

  “Seriously, you are H-O-T, hot!” Leah yells.

  “Okay, ladies, it’s your turn,” Tia says.

  I go back into the dressing room to take off the long, shiny gray dress.

  Everyone else looks stunning in the dress, so I guess it’s chosen; I just wish I felt more comfortable in my own skin. Even with Leah’s slowly-growing baby bump, she still looks drop dead gorgeous.

  Rayna and Leah have something about them that just screams control and beauty. I am more of a “walk in the shadows” than “stand in the spotlight” type.

  “We can look for another dress if you really aren’t comfortable,” Tia says, grabbing my shoulders.

  I smile at her. “Thanks, but it’s fine. Everyone looks great, and if it’s what you want, I’ll wear it.”

  Tia’s shoulders immediately relax. “Oh, thank God. I am so done with dress shopping.”

  I giggle. So am I.

  “I seriously look like a whale in it,” I complain to Dustin.