Guarded heart

Chapter 11. Annoying friends.

LISA'S POV

I'd set my alarm. Last night as Chris told me game on in the water fight I planned my next move right there and then. So yeah I set my alarm early. I'd gotten myself dressed. Id got Beth's helps. I had Emma up and ready before we went and got Lewis up. I told the kids my plan and they were super excited. Now we are stood here in Chris room. And damn it I regret it now I'm stood over his bed looking at him sleeping topless damn he has a fine body. But I promised the kids and I can't back out now. The kids tip toes in while I Beth held the water bomb and my cutches while I silently bumb shuffled all the way over to the bed. I'm now stood up holding onto one crutch and the bomb in the other hand. I'm glad we didn't wake Chris up so far mission is going according to plan. With that I drop the water bomb onto Chris's head and he gets soaked as the kids scream "wake up."

"Game on" I shout laughing. Chris opens his eyes as he jumps out of his skin his hair is dropping wet and I can see droplets of water on his mighty fine body. Damn it Lisa I think to myself as Chris then starts laughing as the kids jump pm the bed. Beth runs out the room not wanting any part in this any longer and I laugh as I watch her runout the room. I shouldn't of taken my eyes off Chris though because he suddenly grabs me by the waist I drop the crutch as he quickly turns the tables I'm now laid on the bed ved with Chris hoovering over me shaking his head so more water s droplets splash my face from his hair as he says "Game on" laughing at me. I can't helping laughing myself as I wipe the water from my face. Emma and Lewis are laughing at us while they jump on the bed around us.

"You think your clever don't you" Chris says as he stops shaking his head and looks at me with that cheeky grin.

"Your wrong I know I'm clever" I say laughing as Chris then sits up holding his arm out for me to help me sit up.

"Thanks" I say taking Chris hand.

"If I didn't have to get Lewis to his grandparents then you would of had a full blown water fight on your hands" Chris says to me.

"That's a shame, but breakfast is ready down stairs. Hurry up and join us" I say taking the crutches.

"Thanks" Chris says helping me stand up.

"Come on kids let's go eat" I say.

"Lisa, can I have a milkshake with my breakfast?" Lewis asks.

"Of course sweetie" I say smiling and I'm so glad he seems to have warmed up to me this morning.

"And me me mummy please" Emma asks excitedly.

"And you my little princess" I say smiling at Emma. But I'm still glance at Chris from the corner of my eyes and damn it I wish he would put a t-shirt on already because I just know this image is going to haunt my dreams. With that I start to hobble towards the door as the kids jump off the bed.

"You need a hand with the stairs?" Chris asks.

"I will be fine, just get ready and join us when your ready" I say not daring to look back.

CHRIS POV

After Lisa had woken me up in a way I'd never imagined this morning I'd spent breakfast with her and the kids. After breakfast was done me and Lewis said goodbye as I took him to his grandparents. There was good news Lewis dad has been doing well and they think he may wake up within the next two days. Lewis was happy to hear that as well as see his grandparents. I passed on Lisa's number and message. They said they would be in contact with Lisa in due time. I then stopped by the fire station to see my dad at the same time as collecting today's gift for Lisa.

I had lunch with the crew at the station before climbing back into my car. I decided to ring Lisa and see where she was.

RING RING RING RING RI

"Hello" Lisa says answering the phone.

"Hey, how's your day going?" I ask.

"It's good thanks, how's yours going and how did it go with Lewis this morning?" Lisa asks.

"It's been good. Lewis was happy to be with gus grabs parents, they said they will be in contact with you soon. However I'm ringing to see where you are at the moment" I say.

"I'm at the spa with the girls" Lisa says

"That sounds like fun. What about this evening where will you be then?" I ask not wanting to disturb Lisas time with her friends

"The daily gift, if your wanting to get it out the way now then your welcome to swing by. We are just having a cuppa and doing our nails and hair" Lisa says.

"Are you sure? I don't want to disturb your time with your friends" I say.

"No, you wouldn't be. Plus summer is family and the others are like my sisters as well" Lisa says.

"Okay send over the address and I will be by soon" I say.

"Okay I will, see you soon Chris" Lisa says.

"Bye Lisa" I say hanging up the phone. I then do my seat belt and start the car while I wait for Lisa to send over the address.

LISA'S POV

"Girl why are you smiling so much?" Katy says.

"What are you on about?" I ask while sending Chris the address over in a text.

"Oh you know what we are on about" Hahley says smiling at me.

"Will you all drop it? You know I don't like Chris like that" I say.

"Who are fooling?" Katy says.

"I'm not fooling anyone. You know I don't date" I say.

"You didn't but you want to" Michelle says.

"I like Chris, I think he would be good for you" Summer says

"I don't care if you all like Chris and think he would be good for me. No one will be good for me!" I say rolling my eyes.

"What are you really scared of?" Hahley asks.

"You know I'm damaged good and I'm scared of all men" I say.

"I'd of brought that before but you like Chris. I don't think your scared of Chris. I think your scared of yes getting hurt again but that's everyone person going into a new relationship after heartbreak. I want to know what you are really scared of. Don't lie to me because you know I already know what your scared of. I know because I've been there let me tell you now Lisa I think you could stop being scared and let yourself be loved and love being loved the right way" Hahley says making everyone stare between me and Hahley.

"What's she really scared of?" Katy asks.

"Letting her walls down enough to try allow someone in. She is scared of being hurt again. She is scared she wouldn't be able to cope mentally at being hurt again and she is petrified of being touch imtimaly again" Hahley says looking at me and I can see that's what's she struggled with and I can't deny it's true. But I don't say anything I just look at hahley lost for words.

"Trust me you can overcome all that and be so happy. Your not damaged goods your a little kick ass women" Hahley says smiling at me.

"Yeah, your our little kick as women and you don't have to be afraid anymore" Summer says patting my hand.

"I'm good single, let's drop the subject before Chris shows up. I don't want you all giving him any wild ideas. He already knows I don't do relationships!" I say not wanting to talk about it anymore.

"Okay, but for the record that bloke likes you alot. You can see it in his eyes when he looks at you. I wouldn't be surpised if he secretly loves you" Summer says.

"Really?" Katy asks.

"Your see when she shows up soon" Summer says

"your all crazy" I say waving my hands in the air giving up getting through to these people that I'm staying single. I don't need no more hurt and pain in my life I've lived enough to last me ten life times. It still feels like yesterday I had my hands tied in a dirty grubbing bedroom while I was about to have my unborn baby ripped from my stomach before the police and my brothers broke down a door getting to me just in time. I still have nightmares till this day thinking about it. And all because that monsters parents wanted my baby that was forced inside me by that monster. I'm just glad I came out alive with my baby so I could teach her how to be a decent human unlike them.

I'm even more glad that I feel OK love with Emma at first sight and didn't hate her like I thought I might have. Since the day she was born thankfully safe at home with my own midwife and doctor at hand to help I loved Emma and took care of her every day. She has no idea how she came into this world and I will never tell her how bad things really were she doesn't need that guilt on her ever. She just needs to know she is loved by me and that's all that matters.

"Lisa I said tell us honestly do you like Chris more than just a friend do you fancy him? It okay to fancy someone even if you want to stay single." Hahley says.

"Huh, what? No he is good looking but I don't fancy him" I say.

"I asked you that four times before you answered why was you so distracted then?" Hahley asks.

"No reason. Was just thinking what do have for dinner tonight" I say lieng.

"It's stir fry, Karen texted wanting to know if we were going Iver for dinner as well. Which we are by the way" Summer says.

"Oh, well saves me figuring it out then" I say smiling at Summer

"Okay curly or straight hair before Chris arrives?" Michelle says

"Straigt hair please" I say.

Whole I had my hair straighten we all talked about the usual things. Our children, jobs, there partners. I never got jealous when they talked about there partners how ever I wished my life was different and I'd had Emma with a bloke who was decent then she would of had a dad in her life. Although my brothers and brother in law don't let Emma go with out they always go extra with Emma knowing there's just some things a mum couldn't live up to. I'm greatful for my family helping me with Emma everyday I will be forever greatful. They helped with night feed, Sean taught Emma how to ride her scooter while Ryan and luke taught Emma to like batman, spiderman movies. They even held a super hero day when Emma was 3 years old with super hero cakes and movies dressing up as each super hero as they watched the movies.

"Hello" I hear Chris voice bringing me back from my thoughts and stopping the girls all chatting around me.

"Hey" I say looking up at Chris who is smiling walking towards me and I can't help smiling back because I simply just like his smile.

"Today's gift" Chris says waving a lush bag in front of me as he approaches.

"One of my favourite stores" I say smiling as Chris hands it to me.

"That's good then" Chris says as I look inside I see there's a gift box which I take out however I already know its one of the most popular ones a selection of bath bombs and one of my favourite one.

There was a gift card underneath the gift set. I looked at it and it was £100.

Do these people think I'm broke I think. I spent that easily each time I'm in store I think laughing to myself mentally.

"This is one of my favourite daily gifts so far" I say smiling at Chris.

"That doesn't surprise me" Katy says.

"Yeah that girl can easily spent a few hundred in that shop eavh month" Hahley says laughing.

"It's true" Summer says laughing.

"your just as bad" I say to them all.

"True" Katy says.

"So your the Chris that's got everyone talking?" Hahley says eyeing Chris up.

"Am I?" Chris says with a raised eyebrow at me.

"Hey, I don't do the talking they all do with my mum" I say holding my arms up

"That's also true" Summer says

"Well it's not every day our Lisa likes a male bloke even if it's just a friend" Michelle says.

"Yeah so friend or more you better be nice to our Lisa don't go scaring her off men forever" Hahley says.

"He didn't do that! you all know who did now play nice" I say wanting the ground to swallow me up. I should of said I wasn't free. But I don't want Chris to waste the afternoon waiting around for me therefore I said I was okay for now. Yet here I am regretting that decision now.

"We know don't worry we shall play nice now" Katy says elbowing Hahley.

"yeah we are all nice" Michelle says smiling.

"Sorry about them" I say looking at Chris and he is just smiling amused by all this.

"Okay let's get the photo done then you can go on your merry way without the third degree from these women" I say feeling embarrassed.

"What's the caption going to be today?" Chris says coming to stand next to me leaning down slightly while I get my phone out

"It should be 'a new day a new gift delivered by my one and only hero' what you think?" Michelle says making all the girls laugh and myself rolling my eyes mentally again.

"I wouldn't go that far" Chris says smiling and I smile as well as I take the photo.

"No, I'm going to caption it ' I don't think Chris ever gets a day off work' i think that sounds better" I say.

"I wouldn't call popping by to see you everyday work" Chris says to me.

"Aww" Hahley says.

"Your all taken women! Yet I'm the only one not going gooie eyed" I say to the girls.

"Don't be silly, I wouldn't change my man for nothing. It's just so sweet how you both interact" Katy says and I see even Chris looks like he could go red any second.

"Blimey, you girls watch to many romance movies to tell when people are just friends" I say.

"Well as much as its nice seeing you, I shall not disturb your girls time any longer. I will see you tomorrow with the next gift. From what I've heard it's a big one" Chris says.

"What do you mean big one?" I ask while Katy says "Big aye?" followed by laughter. I grab the cushion under my leg on the chair in front of me and throw it at Katy. "Girl you better be careful" I say as she laughs catching it but throws the cushion back at me before I can catch it Chris catches it saying "Never mind them you should be resting that leg. Keep the cushion where it's really needed".

"I wasn't minding them I was showing them broken leg or not I will still showing them they can't tease me. So what's this gift then?" I ask curious and trying to change the subject.

"Your have to wait and see. Anyway lady's enjoy your afternoon" Chris says as he heads for the door waving to everyone but only looking at me.

"bye Chris" the girls says while I smile and just wave.

CHRIS POV

The second I'm out the door I hear Lisa say "Damn it! Your all embrassing. I regret saying I was free now. How many more times? I don't do relationships?" I can't help smiling as I walk out. I'm glad Lisa likes her gift of the day. I'm also glad the community are helping me give back to Lisa. She deserves it more than anyone else I know. Lisa just amazes me and once again I think it's a shame she doesn't like to date or do relationships because id love to show her how a women should be treated. Hell I'd love to make her my women just like the first time I clapped eyes on her. Even in a cast she still looks sexy as hell and of love to worship her body. I decided to go home check on Nathan, have dinner with him since he is now on a lower sleeping tablet dosage. I figured it would be good for a catch up as well. Then after dinner see if he wants to hit the pub knowing others from work would probably pop in for one after there shift.

As I climbed into my car once again my ohone vibrates so I quickly check it

Lisa

So sorry about them. Please just ignore them.

To Lisa

Its fine. Honestly don't fret it. From what you and others have said I can tell its a big deal you making a male friend. And we'll I'm just glad we are friends, your a pretty amazing women though.

I put my seat belt on and start up the car just as I see a reply from Lisa again.

Lisa

Thanks your not bad yourself as well for a bloke that is.

I couldn't help laughing as I started to drive away. Not bad for a bloke is that Lisas way of saying I'm alright as well or even amazing? Maybe she was down playing it. Why am I even questioning this I wonder to myself as I pull up to a red light.

When I arrive home I switch off the car engine and decided to reply to Lisa before going inside. However she had sent a text I hadn't noticed while driving.

Lisa

When I mean alright, I just mean we'll you know a good person to. Ahh good you know what I mean don't go reading anything into it.

As I go to reply I see enougher message pop up.

Lisa

Damn it just ignore these messages I swear these girls are just getting to me. Your a good person and I like good people let's just leave it at that.

I couldn't help laughing and it's amusing as Lisa is clearly becoming flustered. It's so cute and adorable.

To Lisa

Don't sweat it, I know what you mean. Enjoy the rest of your day.

With that I get out the car and head indoors. I look around and call pit "Nathan you in man?" I hear nothing so I go upstairs to see if Nathan is sleeping. He isn't he isn't even here. So I quickly send a message

To Nathan

Where are you at? Fancy dinner?

A message comes back but it's not Nathan.

Lisa

Thanks, you enjoy your day as well. Oh by the way I will be in at my mums all day tomorrow since its the weekend I feel like a lazy day. So there's no need to hunt me down.

To Lisa

Thanks, I will pop by in the afternoon before my evening shift at work.

Nathan

I popped by work to see callum. He still says Im not allowed back at work yet though and thinks I should see a Councillor what's that about? Yeah dinner sounds great. My treat meet me at Kfc.

To Nathan

On my way. Man I think it will help you that way you won't be hounding me every day how is Lisa. By the way she is okay today except from her friends teasing her.

I go to put my phone in my pocket so I can head out to meet Nathan but then it goes off again.

Lisa

Thanks, I hope you enjoy the rest of the day as well.

With that I head out and meet Nathan.

After having dinner with Nathan he was up for hitting the pub as well. So we headed there. I haven't been in here a few days so I was shocked when I walked in and everyone started clapping and cheering when we entered.

"You two thought you could hide after that accident? This one's on the house" Joey pub owner says.

"I've been busy" I say as me and Nathan take a seat at the bar.

"Yeah we all saw that. Your becoming famous. Talking of which have you seen today's update?" Joey ask.

"Not yet, I haven't checked my phone in the past 20 minutes though" I say

"It went up 10 minutes ago and it's pretty sweet" Joey says.

With that I check my phone as two pints get slide infront of me and Nathan.

"I'm gonna check this out as well" Nathan says getting his phone out. It never takes long to find the post since I'm always tagged in it dozens of times.

It's a picture of me and Lisa today and we are both smiling just as I remember how it was taken. It says 'I still can't get over how this week began. It started awful yet this lovely man here is definitely making it better with every day that passes. Thankyou to lush for today's gift. And thanks everyone for there continued support. Let's give it up to Chris though the man who continues to be a hero to our community while finding time to swing by check in on me and deliver all your lovely gifts'.

Man she warned me she was taking me down with her and she clearly is by looking at the comments posted. 'well done Chris keep up the good work' one says while there's more similar or saying 'true hero's don't wear capes. But damn that's one might fine hero I'd like to claim' what are these people crazy? I'm not looking for dating. Jeez I think to myself.

"Your getting quite popular" Joey says breaking me out my thoughts.

"What do you mean" Nathan asks.

"The two blonde women the other end of the var insisted they buy your next drinks" Joey says. Me and Nathan glance at the women who are waving and fluttering there eyelashes at us.

"I'm going to be back in a second" Nathan says going to join them. "Alright have fun. But I'm not interested in them" I say.

"Your not? Hell they look like there up for a good time though" Nathan says.

"Yeah, well I'm up for just a quite drink" I say as he walks over to them.

"I'd be the same if I had a chance to get close to Lisa as well" Joey says.

"Joey! Seriously man, she isn't interested trust me I already had that flickering thought but Lisa made it clear she doesn't do relationships" I say.

"Then you should change her mind" Joey says.

"I don't think I'd succeed" I say.

"You never know unless you try" Joey says before going to serve someone else.

Blimey it seems its not just Lisas friends I think to myself.

I don't know why but I suddenly decided to message Lisa to inform her she isn't the only person with annoying friends wanting to see us more than just friends. I'm sure if Lisa was here she would be rolling her eyes like she did at her friend today.

"Chris are we just stopping for one or a few?" Nathan shouts across the bar.

"A few. So don't leave me as Billy no mates" I shout back as I press send on the message I've writtern out for Lisa.