Guarded heart

Chapter 30 a cosy night

LISA'S POV

"Here you go" Ryan says handing me a glass of wine as he sit next to me

"Thanks." I say.

"Don't worry I was your original cuddle buddy before Chris came along. So I can reclaim my postion while he takes a work call" Ryan says.

"Look at you trying to be funny" I say nudging my shoulder into Ryan's side.

"No seriously one to one so long as your happy and Emma is happy I shall be happy with your choice. But if he upsets you don't forget your my baby girl and sister therefore I got your back. However right now I don't think you need a big protective brother scaring off your new found boyfriend. I think you need encouragement. So as your big brother it kills me to say this but have fun and I don't want to be a uncle just yet give it 5 years first that will mean I can complete background checks in each country across the world forst" Ryan says.

"Haha, but I'm glad you seem to like Chris" I say

"Yeah he seems good for you and even Emma like Chris so that's definitely a big bonus" Ryan says.

"Yeah I noticed that as well. Talking of which is she falling asleep on the picnic blanket or just watching the sky go by?" I ask tryi g to figure it out while I'm sat watching Emma.

"I'm not sure, but we can find out. Hey Luke see of Emma is asleep or awake please?" Ryan says a little louder so luke can hear.

"I hope she hasn't fallen asleep because I can't carry her up to bed" I say.

"That's what uncle Sean is for" Ryan says.

"Your drunk aren't you?" I say laughing.

"Maybe a little bit and you know me I refuse to carry small people when I'm drunk past a certain point" Ryan says.

"Emma is asleep, want me to take her up?" Luke says

"If you wouldn't mind" I say with a cheesy smile.

"Don't worry I got this" Luke says picking Emma up and carrying her indoors.

"Okay Skylar time for bed, all the other children a re either in bed or about to go to bed" Summer says.

"Aww mummy I wanted aunty Lisa to tell me a bedtime story though" Skylar says.

"Not tonight, aunty lisa is busy telling me story's" Ryan says.

"How about you come and have a sleep over next week and I can tell you bedtime story's then if its okay with mummy" I say.

"We could do a girl night like old times. I'm coming to" Summer says.

"There you go next week" I say to Skylar.

"Okay" Skylar says running over to summer.

"I will be back once Skylar is settled" Summer says going indoors with Skylar.

"Okay now that summer has gone and mum isn't here, tell me your not doing this with Chris just to please them and your doing it for yourself" Ryan asks.

CHRIS POV

"I walk out into the garden again after just passing Summer in the door way and I can hear Lisa and Ryan talking and the question he just asked made me wonder is this really what Lisa wants or is it she is feeling pressured into it. So I hold myself back in making presence known since they haven't clocked me yet and I listen.

"It's purely me and what I want however without everyone encouraging words I'd probably not thought about it so much and it probably would of taken me longer to come around. But seriously I actually really like Chris and although I'm worried and scared about certain things I'm just as excited and find some of the nerves goods. Like I don't know I get butterflies in my stomach at times and I can't remember the last time I felt relaxed around a male let alone laughed with. So don't worry I'm not pressured into anything I don't want anyway" Lisa says.

"Butterflies aye?" I say smiling

"How long have you been there?" Lisa asks.

"Long enough to know I give you butterflies" I say smiling and Lisa gets a little Rosie in the cheeks.

"That's my cue to get enougher beer. You want one Chris?" Ryan asks.

"Sure why not?" I say without taking my eyes off Lisa as I walk in her direction.

"Okay, mick is Robert here yet?" Ryan asks getting up.

"Yeah him and logan are in the kitchen chatting over beers" Mick says.

"Come join us then since the rest of females are busy with the children" Ryan says as I take a seat next to Lisa.

"Don't worry you give me butterflies as well" I whisper in Lisas ear before placing a kiss on her cheek.

"Really?" Lisa says looking up at me.

"Yes really" I say smiling at Lisa.

"was your work call important?" Lisa asks.

"It was Bobby he was worried about my dad. Someone vandals ruined my mums grave" I say.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Are you and your dad okay?" Lisa asks.

"Yeah we had a chat, I said I'd go see him tomorrow. Do you and Emma want to come as well?" I ask.

"I don't want to introduce on your family time" Lisa says.

"I'd like you to come. Plus my dad likes you and Emma it would help cheer him up" I say.

"Only if it will really cheer your dad up and we are not imposing" Lisa says.

"I promise you won't be, however its up to you if you want to or not" I say

"Then I'm sure Emma would love that she keeps asking about seeing all the fireman again. So I'm sure your dad will be enough to make her happy" Lisa says leaning into me as she takes my hand in hers. And I lift her hand as I entwine our fingers so I can kiss the back of her hand.

"Please tell me your not drunk like the rest of the men because I've had a few drinks myself and I will feel bad if I have to get my bodyguards to carry me up the stairs" Lisa says.

"Hmm I've had a few but I can still catch you if you fall" I say.

"Don't worry I shall have the bodyguards help me. No offence but I don't trust people's judgement after they have had a few" Lisa says.

"I will prove it to you if you want" I say.

"How are you going to prove it?" Lisa asks

"Want me to show you?" I ask as I stand up.

"What are you planning?" Lisa asks looking at me nervous.

"You trust me right?" I ask.

"Yes, but" Lisa says and I don't let her finish as I lift her up into my arms and spin us around twice before I stand still and steady myself. "See I told you I would be able to catch you" I say smiling.

"Okay you proved your point mister" Lisa says laughing as she tightens her arms on my neck.

"I like it when you laugh and I know I'm the reason your laughing" I say as we stare into each others eyes.

"Shouldn't I be the one cheering you up?" Lisa asks

"Techinally yes, but your laughter is enough to infect others to be happy" I say

"Now I can see how our Lisa has been won over by you" I hear someone say but my eyes don't leave Lisas as I take a seat keeping Lisa in my arms.

"Katy, you sure pick your moments. But yes he is charming isn't he" Lisa says breaking eye contact with me after she said that to face Katy. I look as well but it's not just Katy stood there no it's Katy, Michelle and Summer. I wonder how long they were stood there because I swear a second longer and Id of kissed my women who looked at me so damn amazingly that I can get lost in her eyes.

"I'd I wasn't a married women you would have competition" Katy says

"Watch logan doesn't hear you say that" Michelle says.

"Oh come of it I can see where Katy is coming from. However I still wouldn't change my Sean for the world. Maybe a few years back yes but now I couldn't wish for a better husband" Summer says.

"That's good to know" Sean says as he walks outside as well.

"Hey, Chris this is Robert my boyfriend he hasn't got the hint to put a ring on my finger yet" Michelle says as Robert and the other lads come out from behind Sean.

"Hi" I say.

"Hey man, I've heard good things about you. I would give you a warning but u hear everyone did that already so instead welcome to the gang" Robert says

"I've not heard much about you but look forward to get to g to know you. Your a surgeon right?" I say.

"Sure am" Robert says.

"Fair plays. The doctors and surgeon teams have saved a few my friends growing up. Much respect to you all" I say.

"I hear your a police officer so the same to you" Robert says as everyone takes seats.

"Okay enough chit chat it's time to get serious" Logan says.

"About what?" Luke asks.

"Who is dressing up as santa this year? Because I'm not doing it two years running. Now I think it should be Micks turn. Or we could have Chris do it now he has joined the gang" Logan says.

"Why can't I do it again?" luke asks.

"Because the year you did it they worked out it was you and Robert had to step in" Ryan says laughing.

"I don't mind doing it after all I'm a dad now. Then again it be first year Chris would Techinally be some kind of step dad so if Chris wants to that's good with me to" Mick says.

"What do you mean santa?" I ask

"Come on you can't ask Chris that's not fair. Plus Emma doesn't know him as a stepdad just a friend and it's early days" Lisa says.

"It's where one of us dressed up as santa and hits everyone homes for the kids to wave and leave sweets before he travels the world delivering presents" Michelle says

"Lisa I know Emma is part of the package so later Down the line when your ready with Emma I will take on the role seriously" I whisper into Lisa ear.

Then I look up to everyone else and I see Sean is smiling at me. I wonder if he heard me since he is sat next to us with Summer next to him.

"Well I hate to say this but I already have my Christmas Rota I'm working Christmas eve night into Christmas morning" I say.

"Then it's settled I will do it" Mick says.

"Why are you eeger to know anyway?" Robert asks.

"Because we already started Christmas shopping and it made me wonder that's all" Logan says.

PING

I check my phone

Nathan

Your dad gave me a call to say to keep an eye on you. He said what happened to your mums grave. I'm sorry man. You good? Or you need me to come over?

To Nathan

I'm good. Don't get me wrong it makes my blood boil but I can't change what's happened. I think my dad took it harder, me on the other hand I'm okay and currently with Lisa. Don't worry about me.

"Lisa while I remember I've sorted a manager to cover your cafe for you until your ready to go back. She said she will be in contact next week to go over a few things" Sean says

"Thanks. The extra help you already sent has helped loads already the girls where messaging me the other day thanking me. I left them in charge of sorting everything until my cast comes off. I just need to bake the cakes otherwise there sorting the rest for me" Lisa says.

"After we spoke about it I realised that you were right you never really did have time just for yourself so you just do what you have to do. The cafe is in good hands just take time to enjoy life until your ready" Sean says.

"Thanks I appreciate it. Although it helped me as a distraction to do something to make me feel better at that time of my life I think it's times I focused on me a little more" Lisa says.

PING

Nathan

Okay man if you need me you know where I am. Don't forget you have the whole station and fire station there for you if you need any of us. I'm glad your enjoying yourself. I like Lisa I hope you both end up together I'm team wanting to see you both happy like everyone else on social media.

"Sean I have one more thing I'd like from you and Ryan" Lisa says

"What's that?" Sean ask.

"When my cast comes off let's go paint balling just the three of us it's been to long since it was just us like we were as kids. I want to have a fun day with just my brothers" Lisa says.

"Hell yeah! Ryan you hear that? Lisa wants a sibling day paintballing" Sean says loud enough to grab Ryans attention.

"I'm game" Ryan says.

"So Chris how come you didn't become a fireman lile your dad?" Logan asks.

"As much as I love everyone at the fire station they all protect me like a son or younger brother they would throw me out a burning building before I had a chance to save anyone. Plus as much as I respect fireman I knew I didn't want to be a fireman. My dad and mum knew that from a young age and respected my choice so long as I did a good job. My dad approved and I'm sure my mum would have as well" I say.

"Cool" Logan says

LISA'S POV

The hours went by and everyone had fun. Laughing and Summer had made sure Chris bag was in his room with having Someone show him his room.

Drinks had continued to flow into the nigh and slowly people started to head up to bed until it was just Me, Chris, Summer and Sean.

"You know Chris at first I was impressed that there was someone interested in my baby sister. I was even more unimpressed that my mum and Summer were trying to play match maker. But I can see over these past few weeks how you seem to be good for my little sister even if she doesn't realise how much herself yet. Your alright and I like you" Sean says.

"Thanks" Chris says.

"Your drunk love. Let's also head up. I've already told the security guards to help Lisa if he needs help up stairs" Summer says.

"My sweetheart has spoken. That's my cue to go to bed. See you in morning" Sean says standing up to walk over to me.

"Good night" I say as Sean hugs me goodnight

"Night" Summer says before also giving me a goodnight hug

"Night" Chris says and they both say "Goodnight" at the same time to Chris before heading indoors.

"Are you tired?" I ask Chris

"No we had a late start so I'm still pretty much awake" Chris say

"Fancy watching a movie?" I ask.

"Lead the way" Chris says smiling at me.

I go to get up and Chris picks me up "Be quicker just to carry you" Chris say smiling at me.

"I'm not that slow I've improved" I say wrapping my arms around Chris neck.

"True but your still kinda slow" Chris says

"Who ever is on duty grab the crutches" I shout out as Chris starts to walk into the house.

"So demanding" Chris says

"Well I will need them later" I say.

"Good point" Chris says entering the house and I untangle one arm to point the way out to the living room.

"What film do you want to watch?" I ask.

"Anything is good with me" Chris say

"We can decide in a minute then" I say.

"Lisa I will leave the crutches in the living room. For you. By the way before you go tomorrow let's have a chat about you not wanting a security team anymore" Nick says passing us in the hallway.

"Nick you know Emma is still having them so there still be around" I say

"Yeah I know. I'm but once your leg is better I want to check you can still take me down before I'm happy to to let your team go" Nick says.

"Don't worry this fire cracker has a punch on her still" Chris says

"I will judge that in a few weeks" Nick says

"ayou know your going down" I say laughing

"That's what I want. I'm all for your independence and space but we can start your sparing sessions back up if you need it" Nick says.

"Don't mind Nick he is just like Hahley they both treat me like a best friend and little sister" I say.

"It's okay" Chris says as we enter the living room.

"I will be in the kitchen with the others incase you need anything" Nick says as we pass him

"Go to bed Nick your off duty" I say.

"I'm good" He says and I roll my eyes.

"Let's grab the Controls from the unit" I say to Chris pointing in the direction of where I want to go.

"As you wish me lady" Chris says smiling at me as we make our way to get the controls.

"What is this the 60s?" I say laughing

"No its the 21st century did they not teach you decades at school?" Chris asks smiling at me as I grab the controls.

"They taught me alot actually" I say

"What was your favourite subject at school?" Chris asks

"I didn't really have a favourite however I didn't mind PE, Music and Cooking" What about you?" I ask.

"I liked science when it was the fun lesson and woodwork" Chris says as he sits us on the sofa.

"Fair enough" I say turning on the TV at the same time I put my foot up on a cushion as Chris wraps a arm around my stomach leaning me against him. No thats not going to work I say reaching over to take my trainer off my good foot before putting both feet up and laying back against Chris as he wraps his arm around my stomach again.

"Comfty?" Chris asks.

"Yes that's better" I say grabbing the remote control to get Disney plus up.

"Good" Chris says kicking his trainers off then places his feet next to mine. "This is okay right?" Chris asks

"Yeah, Summer and Sean don't mind people relaxing trust me all the lads have been passed out on the sofas from nights out. Us girls have painted eavh others toes nails on these sofas so it's fine" I say flicking through movie choices. As we both shuffle a little more getting comfortable cuddled up together.

"That's good then because, I like being cuddled up with you" Chris says as he links my free hand with his hand and I can't help smiling as the butterfly appear in my stomach again.

"You go quiet when I say nice things to you. I like your shy side it's cute" Chris says.

"I'm not shy, I just don't know what to say I'm not use to someone saying nice things to be regularly" I say

"It's still cute and your get use to it because I will tell you all the time the things you should hear" Chris says

"How about pretty women" I say seeing it come across on the screen and deciding it's a good film plus it changes the subject from me not knowing what to say.

"Okay" Chris says and I press play.

"She is not as pretty as you though" Chris whispers into my ear and I swear I had goose bumps go across my arms. What do I say to that I think to myself.

"maybe" I reply not knowing what to say.

"Definitely" Chris says as the movie kicks in. I twist me body so I can face Chris as I lean my arms in his body so I can look at Chris.

"Are you going to talk all the way through the film?" I ask and Chris gives a heart stopping smile as our eyes meet. And I feel one arm come around my waist to stop me falling off the sofa as he moves me onto him so I'm laying across his body looking down at him. His other hand runs through my hair so gently as Chris says "No, I won't talk throughout the film".

"Thanks" I say finding some courage as I kiss Chris's cheek but my stomach is doing flips from nerves then I quickly rest my head on Chris body using one arm use as a pillow as I tuck it under my cheek to face the TV.

"Are you going to run away to hide from me eavh time you attempt to kiss me?" Chris asks.

"Probably for a while" I say

"Your to cute" Chris says then he places a kiss on tip of my head and I remember he says he does that everytime he wants to kiss my lips and I don't know why but I'm smiling like a silly teenager yet I'm a fully grown women.

Then I remember the scene at the end of the film where she gets attacked and I can't believe how stupid I am to forget it. I dint need that reminder so I switch the film off.

"I've changed my mind let's watch something else" I say

"Why?" Chris asks

"I just remembered a scene I don't like" I say flicking through the movie options.

"Okay" Chris says while running his habd through my hair. I end up putting on parent trap.

"Sorry" I say feeling guilty for changing the film. Chris stops running his hands through my hair for a second before he continues. "I don't perticularly like pretty women anyway. Im just happy to be cuddled up with you that's I'd watch anything" Chris says.

I look back up at Chris and his eyes go from my hair to meet my eyes as he continues to run his fingers through it. And u have to admit its pretty relaxing.

"Your crazy. If you don't like something you don't have to watch it" I say.

"Shh, the film is starting and you don't want me chatting throughout it right?" Chris says smiling at me.

"You don't like this film either do you?" I ask.

"I've not seen it before from what I can recall so I couldn't say if u like it or not" Chris says

"Your not piecing are you?" I ask.

"No I'd not lie to you" Chris says seriously. We contuine to look at each other sometimes our eyes wonder but mostly just look into each others eyes.

"When you look at me like thar it makes me want to kiss you, and I think your thinking if kissing me to. If that's the case don't run away so I can kiss you back" Chris says.

"What if I don't want to be the kisser but the one being kissed though?" I say

"Then you should give me a signal or tell me so I can fulfill such a wish" Chris says as he runs a finger gently down my face and past my ear as he cups my neck gently sending tingling down my neck and spine that I close my eyes as I feel my neck stretch out as my head gently leans down and I feel Chris lips on mine leaving tiny kisses along my lips. As I kiss Chris back he depends the kiss softly and slowly as our tongues collide and I feel Chris arms wrap around my body bring our body's close together. Yet I don't feel trapped instead I feel secure as I bring my hand up to cup Chris's face.

Hell I could kiss Chris all night long with the way he is kissing me right now I think to myself.

Chris then pulls away as he runs his fingers through my hair again.

"I could kiss you all night long, but I'm sure you wanted to watch this film" Chris says

I look towards the TV and see the film has indeed started now. Then I look back towards Chris before I cuddle back into him resting my head on his shoulder to watch the film.