A Soldier's Valentine

by Jenna Mindel

  The chamber of commerce president quieted the crowd for a short business meeting. The guy mentioned ZZ Glassworks as a newly opened shop, thanked him for coming and then asked if Ginger had signed him up for membership.

  “Not yet,” Zach said.

  “Don’t worry, she will.” The chamber president sounded confident. And the crowd laughed as expected.

  He caught Ginger’s gaze, and she smiled.

  Zach steered his attention back to the chamber president as he launched into the upcoming town events to celebrate Valentine’s Day, including a swing band playing two weekends in a row at the Maple Springs Inn’s outdoor pavilion. The window display contest information came next, and Brady announced that Ginger would be the one to contact with any questions.

  Spread too thin.

  Ginger elbowed him in the ribs and whispered, “That’s Brady Wilson, the chamber president. I’ll introduce you later, if you want.”

  He leaned close to her ear. “I don’t want.”

  She shook her head as if he was a lost cause.

  Zach glanced at Sally Monroe.

  The old lady gave him an encouraging smile.

  If Sally wanted to play matchmaker, she scouted out the wrong guy in him. Especially for someone as sunny as Ginger.

  But he hadn’t seen anyone who might be good enough for her, either. One more glance, and he spotted a short, skinny guy with thick glasses inching his way toward Ginger. Was that the book-man? He looked harmless enough but kept glancing at Ginger with hope in his eyes.

  Zach moved closer to her and whispered, “To your left, is that him?”

  Ginger gave him a quick nod. Then she waved at the guy.

  Lewis, the book-man, waved back. But one look at Zach and the guy’s smile froze until it dipped down with disappointment.

  Zach didn’t perceive a threat from the guy, and their message had been received. It wouldn’t hurt to give this book-man a stronger message that read: Ginger is spoken for.

  Zach slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer, whispering in her ear, “Okay, he’s harmless.”

  “I told—” she turned her head faster than he’d leaned back and they touched noses “—you...”

  He searched her gaze with longing. He wanted what little distance there was between them to disappear, but didn’t make a move. This certainly wasn’t the place, but then again, he’d wanted to send a stronger message. He slid his hands to her hips and smiled, daring her to do something in return.

  Ginger’s eyes widened and then narrowed as if trying to figure out what to do with him standing so close.

  Applause from the crowd erupted, startling them both. Ending the moment.

  He hadn’t backed away. “What now?”

  “Now we leave.” Her voice sounded unusually raspy.

  The crowd pushed forward, bumping Ginger into him. For once he didn’t mind being penned in and cradled her close. “Looks like we’re stuck.”

  Her hands pushed against his chest. “It’ll let up soon. Where’s Sally?”

  He craned his neck and spotted the old lady weaving her way through like a pro. “She’s halfway to the door.”

  “She’ll be by in the morning.” Ginger wiggled away and turned her back to him.

  He spotted Lewis heading for them, against the tide of people, jamming everyone up. They weren’t going anywhere anytime soon. For once, he didn’t care.

  * * *

  Someone bumped her shoulder hard, sending her straight back into Zach. Again. She felt his hands grip her elbows. At least she wasn’t facing him. For a minute there, she thought he’d—well, maybe she’d imagined that intent look in his eyes.

  Ginger hadn’t imagined her reckless response, though. Crazy as it was, she’d wanted to kiss him. Right here in the middle of a crowded room.

  She spotted Sally at the door. The woman turned and waved. She’d made it out just fine, but then she was a slight woman with years of practice at this sort of thing. Having been an active volunteer in the community for aeons, Sally was a pro at bobbing and weaving through a chamber meeting crowd.

  “She’s pretty spry.” Zach’s deep voice rumbled through her back.

  “Yeah.” Ginger was practically smashed against him. Aware of every move Zach made behind her, aware of the heat from the palm of his hand resting on the small of her back as he steered her forward. All too aware of him.

  Too many people tried to leave at once. Those staying for dinner made their way against the crowd toward the dozen or so tables covered with white linen cloths. The place was small anyway and there was nothing to do but wait their turn to leave.

  “Hello, Ginger.” Lewis blocked her path.

  She stopped and Zach bumped into her. This time, his hands went around her waist again, and the scoundrel rested his chin on her shoulder as if it belonged there.

  “Oh. Hi, Lewis. Hey, I’d like you to meet a friend of mine. This is Captain Zach Zelinsky.”

  Lewis pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “You’re that guy from the parade.”

  Zach possessively pulled her closer as he extended one hand toward the book-man. “Lewis.”

  Ginger held her breath. Would this work? Would Zach’s little show finally clue Lewis in that she wasn’t interested?

  “Welcome back to the area.” Lewis took Zach’s hand for a brief shake and gave him a thorough scan up and down. “Thank you for your service.”

  “Honored. And it’s good to be back. Stop by the store sometime.” Zach sounded genuinely warm and welcoming.

  “Yeah, maybe.” Lewis nodded and, with slumped shoulders, let them both pass without a backward glance.

  Ginger released her breath in a whoosh. It had worked. She pressed forward, away from Zach. Grabbing her coat, she made it out the door into the cold night air. She quickly pulled out a scarf from the sleeve, wound it around her neck and slipped into her coat but didn’t bother buttoning it up. She was still overheated.

  Zach followed her, zipping up his jacket and ramming his hands in the pockets. His breath blew white in front of him.

  “Thank you for, ah, the Lewis thing back there.”

  “You said playing protector was stupid.” He glanced at her.

  “Yeah, well, I was wrong.” Ginger pulled on her fuzzy mittens. “I think he got the message.”

  “Good.”

  Why’d he look so angry about it? “And thanks for coming tonight. See, it wasn’t so bad.”

  “Hmmph.” Zach kept walking. Fast.

  Ginger had trouble keeping up. “Can you slow down a little?”

  He stopped all right, abruptly, and growled, “It’s those heels.”

  “Maybe so, but the polite thing would be to offer your arm.”

  He let loose a bark of laughter. “The smart thing would be to wear decent winter boots.”

  “Are you questioning my intelligence?” She grabbed his arm anyway.

  He leered at her. “If the boot fits...”

  She mock punched his shoulder. “You’re really a jerk.”

  He laughed again and looped her hand around the crook of his elbow. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

  “You have quite the group of fans.” She grinned.

  “What are you talking about?”

  She teased more. “You’ve got yourself real live groupies, Zach.”

  “They’re old. I don’t think that counts.”

  “Not all of them. Maybe I should decorate your window in glitz and glam, like you’re a rock star, huh?”

  “Do that, and I’ll raise your rent.”

  Ginger stopped and pulled away from him, irrationally irritated that their little show was over. It wasn’t real. “While we’re on the subject—you know, sending me that le
tter about your rent increase was really lame.”

  “What’d you want me to do?”

  “Pick up the phone.”

  He shrugged. “Why? I gave you all the information.”

  She couldn’t believe he didn’t get it. “Common courtesy? You could have introduced yourself.”

  “I did. At the parade, I came looking for you.”

  “To point out it was all nonsense.” Ginger huffed.

  “Yeah, well, I had better things to do than walk around on display.”

  Ginger clenched her teeth. That meant a lot to this town, a chance to show some appreciation. Surely he could give Maple Springs that opportunity without complaining. “Evidently your time’s worth more than mine.”

  He looked really irritated now. “Time’s not something to fritter away.”

  And she did? “Is that why you’re paying for the windows? Do you think it’s beneath your brilliance to bother giving me some ideas? Everything I’ve suggested—”

  He moved fast.

  Zach grabbed the lapel of her open coat and pulled her against him. In the glow of the streetlamps above, she could see that he had a wild look in his eyes as he searched hers. Like a man harassed for the last time.

  Before she could speak, let alone stop her heart from racing, he kissed her.

  Hard.

  She gripped his forearms, but wearing mittens, she couldn’t hold on well. She could barely stand upright, either, and swayed right into him. With her head spinning and heart pounding like crashing waves against a breakwall, she knew her knees would give out next and then she’d drop to the icy sidewalk.

  Then what?

  He’d probably leave her sitting there like an idiot.

  Fire shot through her veins and she decided to kiss him back. Just to see...

  His lips softened for a mere second or two but then he ended it. He pulled back quickly as if maybe he’d changed his mind.

  Just when things were getting interesting! “Whhaaatttt! W-why’d you d-do that?”

  He grinned at her teeth-chattering stutter. A furiously pleased-with-himself kind of grin. “To shut you up.”

  “Ooh, that’s it. You’re...” Ginger reared back and let one arm swing. She’d slap that silly smirk off his face.

  Zach caught her wrist and chuckled. “Careful.”

  She stared at him.

  He stared back.

  And he looked amused, full of regret, and maybe even a hint of disgust lay mixed in the myriad of emotions darkening his blue, blue eyes.

  Ginger was disgusted, too. She couldn’t decide what she wanted more—to hit him really hard or kiss him again.

  Chapter Seven

  Zach looked into Ginger’s blazing eyes and knew he’d crossed the line. He let go of her wrist. It took everything he had to step back when he wanted nothing more than to pull her close and kiss her again. Slow this time and more thoroughly.

  He couldn’t stay numb around Ginger. She was flaring emotion and in-your-face feelings—all the stuff he feared. If he let himself feel, it’d all come back. And all those raw emotions unleashed would ruin him. Ruin her, too, if she got close enough.

  He couldn’t let that happen.

  “Come on, it’s cold out here.” He slammed his hands deep into his coat pockets and headed for home. He didn’t offer his arm, as touching Ginger couldn’t end well, so he kept his distance. But he’d slowed down.

  She walked next to him, her coat still open to the frigid air, completely silent.

  He’d shut her up all right.

  When they reached the back of his building, Zach opened the door for her.

  She looked at him. “Thanks for walking me home.”

  He nodded, feeling lower than dirt.

  Before he could say anything, apologize even, Ginger ran up the stairs and disappeared into her apartment with a slam of her door.

  Zach sighed. He owed her an apology. Instead, he made his way to his own apartment. Shedding his coat, he looked at his place with the brown leather couch and chair. His weight bench sat in the corner and the wooden miniblinds were drawn shut against the streetlights shining in from Main Street. His apartment was devoid of color. And feeling.

  This is who he’d become.

  He entered his tiny kitchen and made a sandwich.

  Clicking on the TV, he tried to shut out what had happened with Ginger. He didn’t want to care for her, but knew how easy it’d be to do just that. Everything about her was vibrant and warm and full of life. She drew out those dead parts of him and teased him with promises of maybe. As if maybe they could be something. Maybe she was what he needed.

  Maybe...

  After eating, he stared at the TV without watching it. He finally turned it off, got up and changed into an old T-shirt. He might as well get some work done and burn off this itchy restlessness.

  He stepped out of his apartment at the same time Ginger came out of hers. She was dressed in running gear.

  “Kinda late for a run.” His voice came out in a low growl.

  She raised her chin. “I won’t feel like going in the morning, not that I need your permission.”

  “No. You don’t.” Would she stay inside if he asked her not to go?

  She’d become his concern and he wanted to protect her. He’d protect her from herself if he had to, and he didn’t like it that she seemed restless, too. He didn’t know whether to be flattered or furious that he’d driven her to seek out running at nine o’clock at night. This was Maple Springs—a small town where running at night would be fine. She’d be fine, but still.

  Ginger anchored the earbuds of her phone and passed by him. She flew down the stairs without once looking back.

  Zach headed for his shop. The molten glass was hot and waiting for him to make something. He’d make anything to keep his thoughts at bay.

  Once inside his workshop, he turned up the temperature of the smaller glory hole furnace and prepped the area. He was in the mood to make globes filled with twisted strands of glass. They had a pagan history, but he didn’t worry about that. God was bigger than any superstition. Zach didn’t name them; he simply made them for their beauty. And tonight, they perfectly suited his messed-up mood.

  * * *

  Ginger ran hard, but thoughts of Zach and that kiss stayed with her. Like a blister, it swelled and hurt and pretty much made her miserable no matter how far or fast she ran.

  Did she really want to get involved with a guy so twisted up inside that he had nightmares? It didn’t matter that he had more than a legitimate reason for them. Zach was grouchy as her father had been. And her father had nearly crushed her with his careless words and venomous moods.

  When she finally made it home, she leaned against the back door, trying to catch her breath. She could hear Zach in his workshop with that heavy rock music playing. At close to ten o’clock, he was wise not to blast the volume as he had before.

  She heard a masculine yelp, followed by a crash. And then silence.

  Was he hurt?

  An image of him cut and bleeding flashed through her mind and made her feet move before she thought it through. The back door to his shop was open, so she pushed on it.

  It was hot inside. And she might be jumping from the frying pan right into the fire, but Ginger walked in anyway. “Zach?”

  “Yeah?”

  She kept going. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. Be careful where you step.”

  She saw large chunks of colorful glass splintered into pieces on the floor. And Zach stood in the middle of the space with sweat running down his face, drinking from a water bottle. “What happened?”

  “Too big.” He wiped his brow with his forearm, and she saw that he was bleeding.

  “You cut your arm.
”

  He shrugged. “It’s fine.”

  She hustled forward. “No, it’s not. There’s glass in there. I can see it from here.”

  He bent his arm and looked at it. “Huh.”

  “Do you have a first aid kit?”

  “On the shelf.” He pointed toward the bathroom.

  She slipped off her fleece jacket and threw it on a chair. “It’s roasting in here.”

  “Yeah.” He walked to the window and opened it wider.

  She exited the bathroom with a first aid kit. Sidestepping the broken glass, Ginger made her way toward Zach.

  He held out his hand.

  But she waved him away. “Just sit down and I’ll do it.”

  He didn’t argue. He sat on a stool and gave her his arm. Blood trickled down to his elbow and dripped onto the floor.

  “Nice.” She took a deep breath and set the first aid kit down. Her hands trembled a little, so she scanned the table. At the other end, she spotted small piles of colored glass sprinkles. They glittered in the overhead light. Pretty.

  She dug out a pair of tweezers and then looked at him. “This might hurt.”

  He raised one mocking eyebrow.

  Ginger gritted her teeth, scanned the mass of mangled skin scarring his left biceps and then blew out her breath. “Right.”

  The piece of glass sparkled in the light. Grabbing the underside of his elbow, her gaze flew to his when he twitched. “What?”

  “Your fingers are cold.”

  She took another deep breath, and with the tweezers, she grabbed the glass splinter, yanked it out and then set both on the table. The piece of glass was the length of a bobby pin. His wound bled more profusely with that sharp shard dislodged. “Ewwww.”

  His face grim, he handed her the half-empty water bottle. “Pour this over it to make sure you got all the splinters out.”

  She did as he asked and then ripped open a large gauze bandage that she placed over the cut. “Hold that a minute. Can you tell if there’s anything still in there?”

  He looked at her. “It’s good.”

  “Good.” Ginger hopped up on the metal table and wiped her own sweating brow. “Blech.”