Guarded heart

Chapter 22 just enjoying each others company

CHRIS POV

Lisa had spent the past ten minutes fiddling with my top until her hand was clenched around it holding on for dear life. I looked down at her and I could see worry writtern all across her face. So I took her hand in mine hoping it would help calm Lisa down. Even when I called out Lisa. It took her moment to reply and her voice seemed shakey half defeated.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Why would there be something wrong?" Lisa says and she doesn't even look at me.

"Look at me and tell me your fine then" I say because I know Lisa hates to be challenged.

Lisa looks up at me with worried eyes she barely makes eye contact but she forces herself to. She bites her lip which is damn sexy. But I can tell its through nerves. Then Lisa takes a deep breath before she says "I am fine".

"Your a lair, you clung to my top for dear life as if you seem a ghost. You have frown lines and worried eyes you bite your lip nervously as well as took a deep breath. Now you can tell me what's wrong or I can wait until your ready to tell me" I say while I main eye contact and gently tick a lose stand of Lisas hair behind her ear.

"I um, I. We um. We are only going to cuddle right?" Lisa says as she goes to look down. I place my finger under Lisas chin and gently make her look at me again before saying "You indicated the cuddle. Therefore you get to cuddle me. If you don't want to cuddle me anymore you don't have to you just have to say stop. I'd understand. And I told you before I won't do anything unless you say you want to do it. The whole show is being ran by you. You decide what you want when your ready" I say.

"I'm just scared of things, it's not I don't want to try" Lisa says laying her head back down and cuddling into me a little more.

"What scares you?" I ask wanting to understand.

"What if it reminds me and I freak out into a screaming tears broken mess" Lisa says as she tightens her grip on my t-shirt again under my hand.

"Then that's okay, it's not your fault and I will be there until you feel safe again" I say rubbing my thumb gently over Lisas hand until it relaxes.

"It's not okay nothing about this is okay. I shouldn't have my whole life ruined yet I'm still clearly broken" Lisa whispers.

"your not broken your still healing. Plus you should see it like the car accident I bet you was nervous getting into the ambulance and cars after that?" I say.

"Yes it gets a little better each time though" Lisa says

"Excaulty and emtional or physical trauma will leave you mentally worried the next few times. So it's natural to be worried" I say

"Okay, I don't want to keep thinking about it. I hate thinking about it" Lisa says.

"Okay, so are you watching the film?" I ask.

"Yes, kind of" Lisa says.

"I can change it if you want" I say.

"It's fine, plus I'm actually comfortable like this" Lisa says and I can tell she is calming down since there's no longer a death grip on my t-shirt.

We continue to watch the film and I keep looking at Lisa to make sure she is okay. After around twenty minutes I look again to see Lisa has fallen asleep. I laid watching Lisa sleep for 5 minutes before I decided to go get a blanket for Lisa before cooking us dinner.

LISA'S POV

I was so tired after last next to nothing sleep last night I decided to close my eyes while listening to the film. I think I was just drifting off when I felt Chris moving. I wondered what he was going to do so I kept my eyes closed. He gently moved off the sofa while holding my head gently as he placed cushions under my head. Then I felt him kiss the top of my forehead. "Sweet dreams hun" I hear Chris whisper then I heard him walking away. I couldn't get over how sweet he was as well as such a gentleman. But I was suddenly cold without Chris body heat and actually misses being cuddled up to him. Get a grip I mentally tell myself. Come on Lisa he won't want to hug and hold hands only forever sooner or later he will get bored of waiting. Or your try and then if I freak out I will have to hide away in shame. You can pretend your not broken all you want but you know deep down your broken and damaged goods I tell myself.

I then hear Chris walk downstairs again so I continued to pretend I was asleep. Then I felt a blanket being put over my body. I open my eyes and grab Chris's hand before I look up at Chris's face and our eyes meet. "Sorry I fell asleep. I didn't sleep well last night. Give me a moment abd I will get up" I say.

Chris leans down tucks the blanket back over me as he says "Then sleep while I cook dinner". I see the film is still on and I look between Chris and the movie. Half debating to beg Chris to stay and continue the movie with me. But instead I said "Okay" Okay? I mentally scold myself. Then I notice Chris still hasn't moved and is just looking at me.

"What?" I ask

"I need my hand back" Chris says laughing

"Oh, sorry" I say getting embrassed

"Don't say sorry, I like it when you hold my hand" Chris says as I take my hand back.

I look up at Chris not knowing what to say but smile as Chris then walks out the room and I'm guessing to the kitchen.

After a few moments I decided I wasn't going to sleep. I sat up and got my wine before downing it. Stupid nerves I curse mentally. I can hear Chris singing in the kitchen suddenly to the radio. I like it when Chris sings. He has a good voice. I decided I was going to go join Chris in the kitchen because I wasn't really watching the movie and it was nearly finished anyway. Plus I wanted more wine. I needed more wine.

I got my crutches and made my way to the kitchen. It reminded me of Summer and Seans kitchen just smaller because it had a island in the middle with stools. I figured I'd take camp at one of the stools and see what Chris was cooking us for dinner. As I hobbled My way to the kitchen the music got louder and I could hear Chris singing along to Ed sheeran beautiful people. When I entered the kitchen Chris was stood over the cooker stirring what smelled like mince in a frying pan shaking his cute little ass to the music as he sang the song coming to a end. I stood in the door way admiring the view before me.

The song came to a end then Train - drive by was announced to be the next song placed. "Good songs on today" Chris says to himself still unaware I was there watching him. Then Chris started to sing

On the other side of a street I knew

Stood a girl that looked like you

I guess that's déjà vu

But I thought this can't be true 'cause

You moved to west L.A., or New York or Santa Fe

Or wherever, to get away from me

Then Chris turns around and sees me. He slides the frying across off the heat as he continues to sing then looks back at me smiling.

Oh, but that one night, was more than just right

I didn't leave you 'cause I was all through

Oh, I was overwhelmed, and frankly scared as hell

Then Chris starts to walk towards me as he sings without taking his eyes off me.

Because I really fell for you

Oh, I swear to you, I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

Just a shy guy, looking for a two-ply Hefty bag

To hold my love

When you move me, everything is groovy

They don't like it sue me, mhmm the way you do me

Then Chris is stood before me singing

Oh, I swear to you, I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

Chris then wraps a arm around my waist while taking the crutches away so I'mraning on him fir support and I can't take my eyes off him as he continues to sing.

On the upside of a downward spiral

My love for you went viral

And I loved you every mile you drove away

But now here you are again

So let's skip the, "How you been?"

And get down to the "More than friends" at last

Oh, but that one night, is still the highlight

Then Chris lifts if the ground and swings me around gently while still singing

I didn't need you, until I came to

And I was overwhelmed, and frankly scared as hell

I wrap my arms around Chris's neck as he holds me close dancing around the kitchen while still singing

Because I really fell for you

Oh, I swear to you, I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

Just a shy guy, looking for a two-ply Hefty bag

To hold my love

Then he spins us around again and I rest my head on Chris shoulder laughing at Chris because I'm having fun enjoying the moment.

When you move me, everything is groovy

They don't like it sue me, mhmm the way you do me

Oh, I swear to you, I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

Please believe that when I leave

There's nothing up my sleeve but love for you

And a little time to get my head together too

Then Chris swirls us around again and I laugh even louder while Chris continues to sing

On the other side of a street I knew

Stood a girl that looked like you

I guess that's déjà vu

I look up at Chris and see he is looking down at me smiling our eyes meet again while he continues to sing

But I thought this can't be true, 'cause

Oh, I swear to you, I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

Just a shy guy, looking for a two-ply Hefty bag

To hold my love

When you move me, everything is groovy

They don't like it sue me, mhmm the way you do me

Then I'm bring placed on a stool and I hadn't even realised as I was so lost in Chris's eyes but he maintains the eye contact as he sings the last lyrics while taking my hand in his.

Oh, I swear to you, I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

Then Chris places my hand on his heart as he says "That's a promise" then he turns away and goes back to the cooker again and puts the frying pan back on to cook. While I sat there lost for words.

"I hope you like spaghetti bolognas" Chris says breaking me from my thoughts

"I do" I say as Chris then moves to island counter and starts chopping an onion. I see he has garlic and tomato, mushrooms and peppers to chop up as well. "Let me help you chop the food up" I say.

"No the options where I cook or a pub meal. Fate had it I cook dinner so therefore you sit there and enjoy the cooking show" Chris says smiling.

"Then I think I should at least get a glass of wine" I say smiling.

Chris goes to the fridge and grabs the wine bottle out before then going to a cupboard to get a wine. He then places them on the island counter before me saying "Your wish is my command" followed by a cheeky wink that just matches his cheeky grin. Before he then goes back to chopping up the food. I watch silently while drink my wine time to time while Chris finishes chopping up the rest of the food bits.

He then washes the fat off the minice before adding sauce and all the chopped up foods to the mince. He stirs them in then puts on a pan of what I think was already prepared pasta to cook as well. The radio is still on and fills the silence between us. But its not a weird silence its a harmony silence. We even smile at each other whenever we look at each other.

"Okay that's all cooking nicely now" Chris says as he walks to the fridge.

"It smells amazing already" I say seeing Chris grab himself a beer.

"Why thankyou, just wait until you taste it though" Chris says taking a seat opposite it at the island near the cooker. But he looks at me with that cheeky smile again.

"I'm sure it will taste nice" I say

"Hmm mm, so how come you didn't sleep?" Chris asks.

"I was no longer comfortable" I say shrugging my shoulders

"Well who needs sleep when theres still plenty of time to have fun anyway" Chris says smiling at me.

"Excaulty live while I'm still young" I say smiling back.

CHRIS POV

I enjoyed cooking having Lisa sat in the kitchen with me. We chatted away as of we have known each other for years. I could definitely get use to this I thought to myself smiling away like a silly teenager again while I dished up our dinner. Lisa had been singing along to the radio at odd times. But I noticed how none of them where loves songs still. Just like now as she finishes singing fergie big girls don't cry. And I haven't heard that song in years. But I wonder if it could be classed as a kind of love song. But the main meaning behind the song is about a women getting her head together. And I wonder if that's what Lisa is feeling herself atm. Getting her head together after it's drifted off as of lately. I don't hold it against her, but I hope she knows she isn't alone in the world. I'd always be happy to be by Lisas side so long as she let me.

"That smells amazing, I swear my stomach is rumbling in delight at the food it's abouts to devour" Lisa says breaking me from my thoughts as I get knifes and forks out for us.

"Well I hope I don't disappoint, your rumbling tummy" Then I say smiling as I pass Lisa her cutlery and placing mine down on the side as well.

"I'm sure you won't disappoint, it smells to nice to disappoint me" Lisa says as I grab our plates.

"Well if your cooking is as good as your baking skills then I'm sure you would of done a better job than I have with dinner" I say passing Lisa her plate before sitting down opposite Lisa with my own.

"It doesn't matter who can cook better, what's important is being kind enough to cook and try. And I'm thankful for this dinner even if it was burnt I'd still be thankful for your effort and kindness. However I'm glad it's not burnt" Lisa says smiling at me.

If only she knew her smile could light up a room I think to myself.

"Thankyou" I say smiling back.

We then start to eat our meals and after one bite Lisa says "No you make a better bolongue than me. It is really good" She says looking at me and I can tell she isn't lieing in what she says. She really likes the meal I cooked for us. Which I'm glad about. I'm no gourmet chef but I like to think I'm not a bad cook at the same time.

"Thanks, I'm glad you like it" I say before continuing to eat my meal.

"Your welcome" Lisa says before she quickly takes the fork full of spaghetti and bolongue and eats it. I can see she is in food heaven just by her eyes as they slight close and she takes a deep breath before opening her eyes again. I can't help smiling.

They say a way to man's heart his through food. I wonder if its the same for women I think to myself.

We ate our meals in peaceful harmony.

"Now that's a meal, I could eat over and over again" Lisa says after she finished the last bite.

"Well if your really lucky, I may cook it again for you one day" I say then I wink at Lisa as I get up to clear our plates.

"We could always share our recipes my chocolate cake for your spag bowl. That way we will both have a win win" Lisa says as I place the dishes in the sink.

"I can't do that it's a top secret. My mums recipe" I say.

"I bet your mum was a wonderful cook with that type of recipe" Lisa says.

"She was" I say smiling remembering my mums cooking. Good how I missed my mum and her cooking.

I lean on the island as Lisa finishes off her glass of wine.

"So what would you like to do now?" I ask.

"You keep giving me these options but I'm curious to know what you would like to do?" Lisa says.

"I'm happy do whatever you want to do. I'm enjoying spending time with you so you choose" I say.

"Hmm, then we have a problem because I'm not sure what to do next. This place is very lovely and all. But I'm bored of sitting around being stuck In this cast limits me. So I'm running out of ideas to cure my boredom moments these days" lisa says.

"And if you wasn't in a cast, what would you of liked to of done?" I ask.

"To walk around and discover the surrounds of this place" Lisa says.

"Yeah a walk around this place could be tricky on crutches" I say.

"So what are the options again?" Lisa asks.

"There is TV, movie, music, board games, sitting out in the desk over looking the lake. Or we could make our own entertainment up somehow" I say.

"what's board games are there?" Lisa asks.

"There's from what I can remember playing cards, monopoly, twister not that would be any good for you though. Snakes and ladders, uno and I can't remember all the board games to be fair" I say.

"Do you know how to play poker?" Lisa asks.

"Yes I do" I say smiling.

"Then I warn you I'm pretty good at playing poker after all I only have brothers" Lisa says.

"I will go get the cards" I say going to walk out the kitchen

"let's add a twist to it. Loser has to do truth or dare" Lisa says I stop in my tracks and look at Lisa with raised eyebrows. "You want to play truth or dare with it. You sure your ready for that type of game?" I say and I see Lisa go wide eyes before she takes a breath and says "Living for today remember?".

"Living for today" I say walking out the kitchen. I should tease Lisa like that I think to myself but I was curious how she was respond as always she never fails to live up to a challenge or be super cute. But I know Lisas limits and I won't push pass them either I think to myself as I get the playing cards out from under the stairs.

LISA'S POV

Chris won the first two rounds of poker. First of was a truth. He wanted to know a food I hated. Second off was a dare and that bloke made my whole body burn and feel hot with some hot sauce he had in the cupboard. I was dared to have a table spoon and I swear if I could have jumped in the lake I would of done to cool down. That was sauce wasn't even normal. But it gave me a idea for payback. He better pray he keeps winning and doesn't choose a dare I think to myself.

The cards are death by Chris this time. And I have a A and K. Good cards I think. Then I see a J 10 and 9 Dealt. I only need a king I think to myself. "I'm in" I say.

"Me to" Chris says. He then deal the card and its 4 "In" I say praying a Q is dealt. "I'm in" as well Chris says as he deals the last card and thank the stars above me I got a Q! "In I say smiling".

"You really think you won me?" Chris says smiling. "Yeah I do" I say smiling back.

"Okay shoe me what you got" Chris says I show him cards smiling "Damn it I only got a pair of 4ths" Chris says laying his cards down and I see he has a 4 and 1.

"Truth or dare" I say smiling.

"I'm not afraid of your truths or dares. So hit me with a dare first" Chris says.

My smile gets wider.

"Not scared. Hmm? Then tell me your still not scared after you have jumped in the lake" I say.

Chris stands up empty his pockets from his wallet and stuff leaves them on the island saying "Your on" while I sit there laughing. We walks towards me and holds his hands out saying "You and water games" laughing as I take his hand as I get myself up. Chris passes me the crutches and walks beside me as I hobble my way out to deck. Every now and again he would laugh at me muttering "Water again" and I'd laugh even harder trying not fall as I hobbled out. Chris made sure I was sat on the swing before he said "Okay here goes me getting into the lake just like you wished"

"Ha, its payback for the hot sauce I felt hot all over I could of easily jumped in myself if I didn't have this cast so it's you who gave me the idea" I say through laughter. "I don't know I'm beginning to think you like getting me soaked Chris says then he jumps into the water and shouts" Damn it's cold" and I laugh even harder and louder. As I watch Chris pull himself up out of the water. It was like them movies when men pull them self's out of water but look mighty fine doing so. He stands on the decking smiling at me as he then peels his soaking wet t-shirt off his body then he walks closers as I'm still watching him. And I'm still laughing as Chris then throws his soaping wet t-shirt at my face saying "Your face doesn't have a cast on" As he laughs at me.

I grab the t-shirt of my face and say "looks like you need to go fishing now" as I throw his t-shirt back into the lake. Chris looks at the lake then back at me.

"Just wait until that cast is off I'm throwing you in some kind pool" he says before diving back into the lake to retrieve his t-shirt. Then he swims back to the edge of the decking rests his hands on the decking with his t-shirt looks up at me and says "I forget to grab a t-shirt. So you may want to close your eyes while I strip off in a moment then run inside to get dry and dressed".

I could help laugh even harder as I watch Chris climb back out the lake as he walks towards me I close my eyes saying "It's a good job this place is closed off otherwise you could get caught in the nude from prying nabouirs".

"Yeah and I'm sure you would of laughed even more at that" Chris says from behind me.

"I don't know about that" I say

"You can open your eyes now" I'm inside just don't turn around I shall be back soon" Chris says