Crossings: A Sovereign Guardians Novel (25 page)

A loud snort came from behind us.

"Really?" Granger said, looking at us both. "If you are going to act like two love struck teenagers all morning long, then I'm going to leave and come back when you have this hormone thing you've got going on under control. I can only handle so much. And, might I remind you both, it's not even eight o'clock in the morning yet.”

Keller turned me around until my back was against his chest, and he had one arm curved around my waist. His chin rested against the top of my head as we both took in Granger's annoyed expression.

"Good morning again to you, too, Granger. I trust you slept well?" Keller inquired a little too politely.

"No thanks to you," Granger huffed. "You are shorter than me, so the couch would have fit you better. Too bad you have such problems with self-control."

"To prove how wrong you are," Keller replied, "I plan to spend the entire day with Pagan. You, my friend, are free to do whatever it is you want today. I'm sure that will include a visit to some fast food restaurant and maybe even a nap. Don't forget we do still have some legitimate work to do for Mr. Mac. Unfortunately animals cannot be shielded, and the horses on the front acres still need to be checked on this afternoon since neither of us can convince them they don't really need fresh food or water.”

"No problem," Granger said. "I'll take care of the work today and let you have babysitting duty."

Before I could argue back that I was not a child, Keller spoke up. "That sounds great, especially since I really thought you'd volunteer to work for me, and I already made plans for the day that didn't involve you."

"Of course you did," Granger said. "I don't suppose you have food for me in those sacks you brought in since you're such a know-it-all."

Keller moved so he could reach into one of the containers closest to him. He pulled out a bag of chocolate covered nuts and threw them at Granger, who easily caught it with one hand.

"Yum. My favorite. You shouldn't have," Granger said as he looked at the label.

"It's crazy, really. I was walking down the grocery aisle, saw some nuts, and thought of you," Keller said. "But then, you know, buddy, I'm always thinking of you."

Granger's eyes moved to me and then back to Keller. "Of course you are, mate. I don't know how you have time to think about anything else."

He tore open the bag of candy and popped several pieces into his mouth. He gave Keller a quick pat on the shoulder and mumbled a quick goodbye to us both before leaving out the back door.

The silence that followed Granger's departure only lasted for a second.

"Alone at last," Keller sighed as he turned back towards me.

The temperature in the room heated up at least one hundred degrees for me. I loved being this near to him, his arms encircling me, but I knew I couldn't stay this close to him and still focus on everything I needed to say.

Being more than obvious, I slid from the circle of his arms and walked across the room before leaning against the kitchen counter.

His raised eyebrows were the only sign he gave that he wasn't thrilled with my decision.

"Don't look at me like that," I shot back.

Keller's shoulders shrugged, but he stayed where he was. "Sweetheart, there's only one way I can look at you, and it doesn't matter if you're in my arms or across the room. Nothing is going to change that."

Squirming under his gaze, I knew he was right. The connection I felt with him was so strong, too strong. It didn't matter if we were touching or not. I could barely think straight when he was near me. All I wanted to do was be in his arms, and by the confident smirk on his face, I knew he realized exactly what was going through my mind.

I stared at the ring on his hand, making sure he wasn't trying any of his mumbo jumbo, voodoo, heavenly power thing he could do on me this morning. Seeing the direction of my gaze, he grinned even bigger.

"It's all me, love. I don't need any help."

Completely frustrated, I stomped my foot and let out a low groan. "Well then, you might as well take me back in your arms because apparently I'm not going to be able to think straight no matter where I am if you're near."

Keller crossed the room in three swift strides and wasted no time pulling me close. His mouth brushed near my ear as he whispered, "I thought you'd never ask."

Before I knew what was happening, his lips began a trail down the side of my face, teasing without ever quite touching my lips. His hands kept a steady pressure at my waist. My own hands slid down his arms, and I felt the muscles in them flex and tighten as he lifted me up on the counter and then slid his own body in between my legs.

I pulled him closer, my body easing to the edge of the counter. His mouth hungrily devoured mine, not letting me come up for air, as though I'd want to. His hands slid up from my waist and tugged at my shirt, before sliding up and under the material, going further and further until his hands circled around to the warmth of my back, pulling me close as he hugged me tight against his chest.

Keller finally broke the connection of our lips and leaned his head against mine. His breathing was heavy as he tried to gain control. His frustration equaled my own, and I let out a small groan, my arms holding fast to his, silently begging him not to pull away, knowing he should.

"I don't know how to stop this wanting, this constant need that I have for you. Even though I know I should, I don't want to stop," Keller ground out, his lips grazing mine in small, short kisses, even as he tried to quit touching me.

My blue eyes found and held his gaze as I whispered, "Then don't. Don't stop."

Keller groaned and pulled me tight one last time before reluctantly moving away. With determined strides, he moved to the other side of the room just as I had done earlier, even though we both knew distance did little to stop the need we felt. We were like magnets drawn to each other. It physically hurt when he wasn't touching me.

Despite my own need, I knew he was right, and that was all that stopped me from jumping off the counter and following him across the room. I might could control myself from physically going to him, but I couldn't stop my gaze from hungrily devouring him. I bit my bottom lip, trying to control my desire.

Keller's eyes were glued on my mouth as his own twisted up into a half grin. "You know you aren't making this any easier on me."

"You'd be disappointed if I did," I shot back, a matching smile touching my own lips.

Taking a deep breath, Keller looked at all the food he'd brought inside and put on the counters.

"So, here's the plan. I'll pack up food for us to take on a picnic while you go find and pack anything else you think we might need."

I raised one eyebrow and crossed my arms, relaxing my back now against the kitchen cabinets. "A picnic? Really? You come in last night telling me I am in mortal danger, and today you want us to go on a picnic. You make very little sense to me, oh master guardian."

Keller's slow, even steps brought him back across the kitchen. His arms pulled at my legs until my body began slipping from the countertop and down the length of him before my feet finally touched the floor.

"Don't get sassy with me, Earth girl. As you so clearly articulated, I'm your guardian, and I know what's best for you."

Pressed close to him, I couldn't think, much less argue, so I simply nodded.

Keller quirked one eyebrow and leaned back to look at me. "What? No argument? Don't tell me you're speechless, sweetheart. I'll begin to doubt it's really you."

I curled my right hand into a fist and gave him a playful hit against his stomach. I knew it didn't hurt, but he stepped back enough so that we were no longer touching, and I could think a little better.

"What was that for?" he looked slightly offended.

"I just thought my guardian needed a little attitude adjustment."

"You can adjust anything about me anytime you want to, love," Keller retorted. His mouth curved into that half grin of his that I loved so much.

"Seriously," Keller continued, "I wanted us to do something ridiculously normal. You like the outdoors, it's a beautiful day, and I want - " he stumbled with his words, trying to gather his thoughts. "I just want us to have this day. Let's make a memory both of us can keep."

Keller's eyes shifted to the floor and then back up to my face, worried he might have said too much, but I knew what he was trying to say, even if I didn't want to think about it.

Even if things turned out well, and he and Granger could save me from whatever wanted to harm me, our time together was running out. Keller had to leave. He didn't belong here, with me. He was a sovereign guardian, and his place was in the heavens. Mine was here, with hopefully a long life before me. Only right now, I couldn't imagine that life without Keller in it. The entire situation was a horrible mess and there was no way to fix it where everyone could have a happily ever after. Knowing that, hating that, but still accepting that, I knew I had to take whatever I could, while I could.

Somehow, my smile reached my eyes as I squeezed Keller's hands with my own. "A picnic sounds wonderful."

The relief on his face was obvious, and I knew I'd said the right thing, even if it wasn't totally how I felt.

What would be truly wonderful would be to never have to watch him leave.

Letting go, I walked out of the kitchen and down the hall to dig up a basket and blanket for our outing. I stopped and turned around, watching Keller sift through the bags of food, trying to decide what he would and wouldn't pack. It all seemed so normal that it was hard to believe I was really in danger.

"Keller," I said, my voice capturing his attention.

He stopped what he was doing and turned to look at me.

"How do you know it's safe for us to go out? What if something happens?"

Keller's eyes widened at my question, before he hurried to explain. "Do you know how you told me you could always tell when something evil was there?" I nodded and he continued. "I don't know how to explain it to you exactly, but know that Granger or I would sense if something was close. There's nothing here right now. It's a regular day, and you are perfectly safe. We plan to make sure things stay that way, okay?"

I nodded without saying anything else, knowing I trusted him with my life

But then I guess that kind of trust happens when you fall in love.

Chapter Fourteen

The realization that I was in love with Keller should have terrified me, but instead it added a special glow to everything about the day. I couldn't stop the goofy grin I knew was plastered on my face. Keller looked at me with an odd expression on his face, but he never commented on my constant humming while I worked.

All of the great romance stories I'd ever read played through my mind as I walked through the house, gathering what we would need. So many of the couples in the classic stories never got a happy ending, but it hadn't stopped them from falling in love. Even when love wasn't logical, it couldn't be stopped. I guess I was fated to be like one of those characters.

Another thought came to me as I slipped on my tennis shoes and slowly tied the laces. Could guardians fall in love?

After living in the heavens, I was quite certain that nothing in my world could compare. But I did know Keller felt
something
for me other than simply wanting to protect me.

Protecting me was his job.

Maybe kissing me was simply a perk to the job. I grinned, thinking if it was a job benefit, I'd have to make sure he felt amply compensated.

Opening the front door, I knew instantly that Keller had been right, but then I wasn't really surprised. The weather outside was perfect for a picnic.

I hadn't been at all surprised either that Keller could drive the ATV my Gran had stored in her barn. When he drove up and parked outside the front door of Fairvue, I knew we must be going to a hard to reach location for our picnic.

The supplies we'd gathered fit neatly into the carrier located on the back of the vehicle, and then I put on the helmet Keller handed me before climbing on the seat behind him. Riding this way would be much more fun than going in his truck, because the only way I could stay balanced was to press my body against Keller's and wrap my arms around his waist. I would have to suggest we travel this way more often.

Pain sliced through me, as I reminded myself there would be no reason to do that. We had less than a week together. This would be our only picnic. I had to focus on what Keller had said.

Let's make a memory both of us can keep.

"Are you ready, babe?" Keller twisted his body around from the driver's seat to make sure I was good to go. The nod of my head gave him the confirmation he needed as he revved the engine, and we took off.

He turned us down a path I had never taken. With three hundred acres, plus Mr. Mac's farm right next door, there was a lot of land I had yet to explore. It wasn't long before we moved off anything that even resembled a path, and he began going in a direction he seemed sure of but that looked doubtful to me as a trail.

We had been riding for about twenty minutes, but the time passed in a blissful haze for me. I was content, holding onto Keller and enjoying our moment together. I was not disappointed, however, when he stopped and I saw where we were. The view on top of the hill was breathtaking.

Keller cut the engine and slid off the seat as he took off his helmet. He ran his hands through his hair, and the light breeze the day provided did the rest. He looked incredibly sexy as longer strands of his hair curved across his forehead, perfectly framing his eyes.

My own helmet followed his as I placed it on the seat of the four wheeler, and then because I couldn't stop myself, I leaned into him and ran my fingers through his hair before pulling his head down to mine for a kiss.

Keller kissed me slowly, thoroughly, before leaning away.

"I'm not complaining, but did I do something to deserve that?"

I smiled at him before easing away and starting to unpack our gear.

"It's just because I love - "

My voice caught in my throat, realizing what I had almost admitted. "I, uhm, I love it here. This place is beautiful."

The spot he'd chosen really was perfect. We were parked in a clearing that already had wildflowers blooming even though it was only May. A stream ran off to our right, water bubbling across small pebbles and larger rocks before it made its way down the hill to the valley below. Giant maples, oaks, and sycamore trees grew around the edge of the field and straight up to the sky, adding their own natural beauty and privacy to the spot as their branches melded together.

Keller looked at me as if he expected me to say something else.

"Yes," he finally agreed, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "I love this spot, too. In fact, it's perfect. I'm glad you love it."

Without warning, tears sprang into my eyes, and I turned my head so Keller wouldn't see. I occupied myself with unloading the blanket for the picnic and grabbing the basket full of food.

Keller had already walked away to choose the place for our picnic. He was clearing away the few sticks and rocks that littered the area. When he looked up and saw I was carrying so much, he rushed over to help.

"You should have waited; I would have gotten everything."

I shook my head, not sure if my voice would betray me and tremble as I mumbled, "No, I'm good." But he still insisted on taking the load from my hands.

Together we unfolded the quilt I had packed and spread it on the ground. Keller began to make quick work of the picnic basket as he pulled out bottles of water, the chips, and the ham and cheese sandwiches he'd packed for us. He'd also brought a second bag of chocolate covered nuts like the ones he'd given Granger.

I was glad I could think of Granger now without feeling any guilt. I knew he was taking care of a lot of things so Keller and I could have this time together. He really was a good friend to both of us.

"Do you want to tell me why you're sad?" Keller leaned over and gently lifted my chin with his fingers.

I bit my bottom lip and mumbled, "So, you noticed that, huh?"

"I notice everything about you, babe. You should know that by now."

His hand slid up the side of my face, and our bodies moved, closing the distance between us. With his fingers wrapped in my hair, he pulled me close and the kiss he gave me was different than the ones we'd shared before. This one was all tenderness and caring, and I had never felt so cherished as I did in that moment.

"I hope you aren't hungry," he breathed against my mouth.

My head shook from side to side causing several curls to come loose from the tie that held back my hair. Keller's fingers reached up and pulled at the elastic band, until all of my hair was free.

"You're beautiful no matter what, sweetheart, but I love being able to run my fingers through your curls." His hands followed his words as he wound his fingers through my hair as he eased me down onto the quilt. His body followed as he shifted me to my side and carefully positioned himself across from me. Propped up on one elbow, he turned to face me, pulling me close and staring down into my upturned face.

He continued to give me kisses, telling me things I wanted to hear between each one.

"You are the most beautiful, fascinating girl in any world." His long lashes made shadows on his face as he looked at me. "You have to know that if all we ever have is this day, this moment, it will always be the most perfect moment of my life." His eyes seared into mine, willing me to believe him.

Keller's voice trembled as he rushed on. "I need to make sure you know how much I care about you, how much I feel when I'm with you. I don't want you to ever cry or be sad again and especially not because of me. All I want to do is see you smile."

His crooked grin broke out across his face as he added, "Well, maybe I'd like to hear you moan with pleasure, too, but I'm sure you'd be ecstatically happy then as well."

I punched him lightly with my free arm, causing him to tumble backwards, and I quickly took advantage and crawled on top of him, my long hair falling around us before I reached over and pulled it to one side and out of the way.

"I know it's selfish," I began, "but I want more than one day with you. Keller, I don't know what the rules are for guardians. I know that even if everything works out and you're able to save me, there won't really be a completely happy ending for me because you'll have to go back. And when you leave, well, when you go, I will have lost my heart, so how can that really be living?"

The tears that had threatened to overwhelm me, finally spilled from my eyes. Keller moved swiftly. sitting up and gathered me in his arms. He held me and kissed the top of my head as I buried my face against his chest and let the tears empty my pain.

"Baby, don't cry. Please don't cry." His arms tightened around me even more and his hands moved across my back, the motion soothing me, helping to stop my tears.

His own eyes were bright as he gently raised my chin and forced me to look at him. That's when I knew this was as hard on him as it was on me.

"I have broken so many rules in the past few days. It was one of the reasons I had to go back today. I'm guessing Granger told you I had to go back because of our shields, which was only partially true. I'd actually received a summons I couldn't ignore."

My eyes grew wide with concern, knowing I was the cause of any trouble he had to face.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for you to get in trouble."

Keller's face looked unconcerned as he said, "Don't be sorry. It wasn't like that. I simply had to answer for some of the things we told you. I am forgiven for most of what was said since shielding doesn't work on you, and well, you'd basically figured out a lot of the truth on your own, but I have been given a reminder that both Granger and I need to be...careful about what we do from here on out."

Keller's eyebrows drew down into a frown. He seemed to be searching for the right words, and then he shook his head and said, "Why don't we eat now, and then if you feel like it, we'll go down by the creek once we're done."

I nodded my agreement, even though I didn't feel very hungry. The food would be a good distraction for me, and it was obvious Keller needed the time as well.

Despite the initial awkwardness, conversation over lunch was more relaxed than I could have ever imagined, especially considering my life was in danger, and Keller had started his day with a reprimand. I was as if we'd both agreed that from this point on we would not think about anything else except each other.

There were so many things Keller couldn't tell me, but it didn't stop him from sharing a few stories about his world. He was a wonderful story teller, and he had me laughing in no time. The way his face became so animated and the way he used his hands and his arms to express his stories, he was like a performer, and I was mesmerized watching him.

"In all of the stories you've told me, you're always the age you are right now. How does that work?" I asked him when there was a pause in the conversation.

Keller pursed his lips, trying to find the best way to explain.

"Where we live, everyone is pretty much near my age, but I think I've already told you that. There are a few elders there who help guide everything that goes on. We have a huge respect for those who are older than us, which is one of the reasons I love the relationship you have with Ms. Ellie. It reminds me of the relationship guardians have with their elders."

He shrugged his shoulders as he continued, "I don't remember being much different than the age I am now, but I know I was because I came there as a baby. All I remember about that time is just an overwhelming happiness. There were no physical hurts like cuts or scrapes or bruises or any type of worries, for that matter, like you go through here."

I thought about my own troubled childhood and wondered what type of person I would have become had I not had those experiences to shape me. I liked who I was now, so maybe it was time I became okay with my past and excepted that it helped make me who I am just as Keller's made him the person I loved.

Keller's voice continued his explanation, bringing me back from my thoughts. "I do have memories from the age I am now. I have been friends with Granger and his brother and sister for as long as I can remember. They are the closest thing I have to a family."

Granger's earlier words ran through my mind, and I knew he felt the same about Keller. Even though Keller and I couldn't be together, it helped me a little to know there would always be someone there for him, even when he went back.

"Well, I think you're the perfect age." I wiped my mouth with my napkin and sat my plate of food to the side. Then I smiled and let my eyes run up and down him suggestively before I added, "Everything is pretty much perfect about you, actually."

"Only pretty much perfect?" His eyebrows rose in feigned surprise. "Just what do you find lacking, sweetheart?"

My mouth parted into a huge grin as I jumped up and took off running, shouting back over my shoulder, "You keep telling me you're seventeen, but I think you're probably much too old for me. I bet with all the years you've got on you, you probably can't even catch me!"

Keller's eyes gleamed with the challenge. Faster than I could have imagined, he jumped up from his spot and began to chase after me. My feet flew across the ground as I ran toward the creek. I wanted to prove I could outrun him by crossing the water before he could, but the idea of being caught in his arms made me a winner either way.

My feet were already touching the first large rock in the shallows of the water, but even with my head start, he was faster. Two strong arms came from behind me, capturing me, and swirled me through air, landing me safely back on the bank.