The Valentine Verse: A Contemporary Christian Romance

by JoAnn Durgin

  With every conversation they shared, she was gravitating closer to kissing the man. Really kissing him this time. Not a little peck, either, as he would say. The proverbial writing was on whatever wall was currently within range—brick, wood, stucco, didn’t matter. Whatever its construction, the Don’t fall for Thornton! walls she’d built up in her mind would crumble quickly if he took her in his arms, much less plant his lips on hers. Lips she couldn’t seem to stop thinking about. Talk about cotton candy fantasies.

  “How can you spout all those things about love when you’ve never been in love?”

  “Everything I’ve said until now has been true from my admittedly limited perspective. Do you think you need to suffer a stroke to know what it’s like?”

  She frowned. “In some ways, yes. That’s a completely different scenario. A stroke is an actual physical condition, the sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow.”

  “Notice I haven’t asked you about your dating experiences.”

  That was fair, and he deserved an answer. “Two guys in high school, one for a year. He’s happily married now with two kids.” She shrugged. “The other is an adventurer like you, but he’s a venom milker or iceberg mover or something.”

  Thornton stared at her. “Fascinating. Are those—?”

  “Yes, they’re real professions. He’s done them both. Trust me. During college, I concentrated on my studies. And then in grad school…”

  “Along came the less than guy you’ll tell me about when you’re ready.”

  “Please don’t call him that.”

  “Are you defending him?”

  She crossed her arms. “No, but it’s in the past. His name is Daniel. Although I realize it might not be a first date topic, I’ll tell you about him then if you want to know.”

  “Only if you’re willing.” Thornton started to say something but then hesitated. “I think I know what’s going on here beneath the surface.”

  Vara widened her eyes. “Maybe you could enlighten me.”

  “Charlotte’s starting to make bigger strides toward recovering her full speech capabilities. When you’re not here, Rose and I take turns working with her.”

  Vara swallowed. “I can see that. I don’t for one second presume my therapy is what’s making the difference.”

  “Of course it is,” he said. “Your work with her is making a huge difference. That’s not what I meant.” He sounded slightly irritated now. “We wouldn’t know what we’re doing without you. You know how many times I’ve called you at your office to ask for your advice and help.”

  He had, but she hadn’t minded. Not at all. She considered that an important part of her position. As much as treating her patients, she was also a liaison for their family members.

  “You’ve been extremely patient in answering my questions and giving us the guidance we need. Watching you work with Nana here at the house has shown us how we can best help her. As I said that first day, you must be very good at what you do. And you are.”

  “Thornton, are you saying you’re ready to release me from my services with Charlotte?”

  “No, I’m not. I will say, however, that Charlotte can see you’re distracted when I’m around.” He drew in a breath. “And vice versa. The other part of the equation is that you’re afraid I’m going to take off on a project at a moment’s notice.”

  “Aren’t you?”

  He blew out a sigh. “Of course, I’ll need to resume my work, but I’ll try to give you as much notice as I can. Both you and Rose have dropped hints about going here and there with Charlotte when the weather gets warmer. And then you look at me with a questioning look in your beautiful green eyes.”

  Dipping her gaze, Vara was afraid for him to see the truth in her eyes now.

  “Your top priority has been my grandmother’s recovery,” he said. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve already done for her and what you will continue to do for her. At the same time, you know how important my work is.”

  Vara nodded. “As I said early on, you’re more perceptive than I want you to be.”

  Shaking his head slowly, he cupped her cheek in one hand. “No, as I recall, you said I’m more perceptive than you need me to be. There’s a difference between wants and needs.”

  Lifting her chin, she searched his eyes. “So, where does that leave us?”

  “I want to stay in Cherish as long as I can. As it is, I’ve already turned down one assignment since I’ve been here.”

  She snapped her gaze to his, unaware of that information. “You didn’t need to do that.”

  “I told you I’d like to stay here for a month or six weeks. At least until I know Charlotte’s well on the way to recovery. But at the same time, I don’t want you to be afraid to explore the possibility of us, Vara. I don’t know what the future brings, but I know that I care for you a great deal. I don’t need a first date to tell me that much. If anything, it will only confirm my feelings for you.”

  Thornton pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Give us a chance, Vara. That’s what I’m asking.”

  She breathed out a sigh. “You make it extremely difficult for a girl to say no.”

  “Then don’t say no. Some say falling in love is the same thing as losing brain cells.”

  “Like a stroke of love?” Vara groaned and leaned her head on his chest. “Oh, that was so bad. Considering I work with stroke patients, that sounds incredibly insensitive. I’ve been around you too much.”

  “No, you haven’t been around me near enough.”

  She glanced up at him. “You have a look in your eyes. What’s in that mind of yours?”

  Thornton inched closer. “After that speech? I think you know.”

  Vara planted her hands on his chest. He probably couldn’t even feel them beneath his thick sweater. “What I know is that this is quite possibly the ugliest sweater I’ve ever seen. Are you sure it’s for a man?”

  His hands circled her waist, his grin slightly wicked. “No one gets away with saying something like that.”

  “I’m trying to figure out if it’s a white picket fence or railroad tracks. And”—she traced a pattern on the sweater—“whether or not this is supposed to be a puzzle piece.”

  “You’re the puzzle, woman.”

  “Woman? Watch it caveman.”

  “Oh, yes. You’re very much a woman.” Thornton’s lips feathered over hers. Tantalizing didn’t begin to describe what his touch did to her.

  Look out, the floodgates are about to open.

  “Vara, being serious here for one second. Is that possible?”

  She swallowed her next comeback. “What’s on your mind?”

  “First of all, I’ll admit this sweater is ugly, but Charlotte found it in a shop in Ireland. It’s handmade by some local sheep farmer’s wife, and they bonded. It’s been more than 20 years, and they still stay in touch by writing letters the old-fashioned way. There’s something to be said for a special friendship like that. Didn’t you see Charlotte’s huge smile when she came into the kitchen and saw I was wearing it?”

  “I guess I missed that,” she said. “It was hidden beneath that distracting apron. So, she bought the sweater for you 20 years ago? When you were 14? You’ve been wearing it that long?” At least it didn’t smell like mothballs. Or anything else.

  “I wear it an average of once every other year. Enough so she knows I still have it. I will never ever be caught wearing this sweater outside of the house. I put it on after we got back from the store. You happen to be one of the blessed few to get a rare glimpse.”

  “So I’m privileged?”

  “Depends on your perspective, but it would be nice if you think you are.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I have one more question. Another big one. Think you can handle it?”

  “Ask me, and then we’ll find out.”

  “You confound me in the best of ways.” He caressed her cheeks with gentle fingers. Softly, oh so softly
. It took every ounce of Vara’s inner strength not to lean into his touch. She was weakening and softening with every passing second. This man could be so good for her but also had the very real potential to break her heart. Even so, she had an answer to the question she sensed he was about to ask. Although it might not be a wise answer, it was the answer of her heart and not her mind. Thornton was worth the risk.

  She swallowed and tried to catch her breath. “If it’s about the Valentine Dance—”

  “Not this time. But since you brought it up, will you do me the honor of being my date?”

  “Only if you agree that I’ll meet you at the library.”

  He sighed. “Do you live in a convent? Or are you afraid I’m going to stalk you?”

  “Your arms are around me. We’re standing less than an inch apart. Do you truly believe I live in a convent?”

  “It’s always good practice to check.” Their gazes met.

  “Was there garlic in that spinach, leek, and shrimp hot dish?”

  Thornton kissed the corner of her mouth. “You saw the recipe in the market. You ate the meal and claimed to love it. What do you think?” He kissed the opposite corner of her mouth.

  “Always good to check first. Thornton, do you have another question?”

  His warm lips moved to her cheek. “How long do I need to wait to really kiss you?”

  “A week from Wednesday might be good.” She closed her eyes, momentarily lost in his nearness.

  “That’s a long time, Vara. Much too long. Unbearable. Torture.” How could she resist him? This man with his twinkling brown eyes, adorably quirky grin, and almost unbearably honest, open heart. “Shall I propose a negotiation?”

  “I might be persuaded although I think it’s a very bad idea,” she murmured.

  “How bad?” He kissed her cheek.

  “Very bad.” Tugging him closer by the collar of his sweater, Vara lifted her chin as his warm, tender lips swept over hers. “The worst. All that pining away talk was only a prelude, wasn’t it?”

  “Perhaps. Remember, when I kiss you, Vara, it’s not going to be a little peck.”

  “You don’t really have a little black book, do you?”

  “No. Please be quiet now and stop asking pointless questions, Miss Pumpalotagus.”

  “That sounded like pump a lot of gas.”

  “Gus, not gas.”

  “I should hope so.” She stroked his beard. “Kiss me, Gus.”

  “Sometimes you really talk too much. Is that my new nickname?”

  “If you want it to be. I don’t care as long as you kiss me in the next two seconds.”

  “I thought you’d never ask.” Thornton’s lips met hers—finally!—and he silenced her in the best imaginable way. In her heart, Vara was content. Blissfully, euphorically, ecstatically content. What started out slow and soft grew into the slow-burn of long-simmering passion.

  Thornton kept himself in check, but his kiss was everything she could have dreamed. She’d long known nothing could be perfect, but this kiss came as close to perfection as anything she’d ever known. Vara had no idea how much time passed before they finally pulled apart.

  He took in a deep breath and then stole her breath with his heart-stopping smile. “Now will you agree we’re compatible?”

  “Oh, you betcha.” Vara felt the soft rumble in his chest even through that thick, ugly sweater. At least she understood his reason for wearing it, and it was the best reason in the world.

  “Any complaints?” His voice was low, husky, and filled her soul.

  “Hmm…no. Not a single one.”

  “Good. I aim to please you.” He kissed her again, this one even more satisfying.

  Take that, cotton candy dreams!

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Thursday Morning

  Thornton lowered his voice and called to Andrea. “Hey, pew skipper!” He almost laughed at how fast she turned around and moved one hand to her hip.

  “Lover Boy,” she said through narrowed blue eyes. “What’s up, George? You look spiffy in your suit today. Hot date?”

  That did make him laugh. “I have a proposition for you.”

  Andrea’s brows arched. “What’s on your mind?”

  “Consider giving Ron a promotion to Assistant Manager. Or, if you’re feeling even more open-minded and generous, why not give him a shot at Co-Owner?” Maybe that last part was pushing it, but he might as well shoot for the stars.

  Andrea slid into the chair across from him. “Okay, tell me. What have you heard?”

  “I’ve heard nothing. What are you talking about?”

  Her eyes narrowed again. “You didn’t know I’ve been thinking of semi-retiring?”

  “No, but I do now. In that case, I’d say our little chat is fortuitous.”

  “Maybe.” Leaning her elbow on the table, Andrea appeared deep in thought. “If I offer advancement to any of my employees, it’d be Ron. It’s hard to get good help, and he’s been with me a few years now. Longer than anyone else.”

  “He sure knows the business, I’ll say that much.” Thornton turned to see if Ron was still working at the front counter. “If you’ll forgive the analogy, he’s like everybody’s favorite bartender. He knows how to make every coffee, latte, and espresso combination, and knows about every type of tea, and whether or not the pastries have traces of nuts. And what kinds of nuts.” Okay, he’d made up that last part, but he felt sure it wasn’t stretching the truth too far.

  She nodded. “That is important information for a lot of people these days.”

  “Exactly,” he said. “Ron knows all your regular customers by first name and their beverage preferences. He’s terrific with them, and he’s friendly with the visitors and new folks in town.”

  Andrea pushed up higher in the chair. “What new folks?”

  “Well, mainly…Vara. And I realize she’s a visitor. But there’s bound to be new people sometime.”

  “Did Ron put you up to this, Thorny?”

  “Nope. Scout’s honor.” He lifted one hand. “He didn’t say a word, but he’s a young guy with a nice little house and a long-term plan which eventually includes marriage and children. I have no idea what you pay him, and I don’t think that’s even an issue. As long as you can afford it, giving him a raise or a promotion—or both—would give him an extra boost of confidence and also help you out.” Thornton sat back in his chair. “Everyone could use a little help, right?”

  “I’ll think about it.” Andrea lifted out of the chair. “That’s all I can promise.”

  “And that’s all I can ask.” Seed planted.

  She paused beside his chair. “You’re a real good friend to Ron. Now, time to work on your long-term plan. Your future just passed by the front window.” When he turned to look, Andrea gave him one of her little hip bumps. “See you later, George.”

  Thornton practically jumped to his feet as Vara reached their table. Nothing like being obvious. “This is becoming a very nice habit. You look radiant.” He helped her out of her coat and draped it over the chair. As he returned to his seat, Thornton noted how the green of her sweater enhanced her eyes, making them appear a deep jade color.

  “Thank you,” she murmured.

  “You’re welcome. Consider yourself kissed. It went against everything in me, but I thought I probably shouldn’t subject you to PDA with my favorite SLP in downtown Cherish.”

  “You got it right that time!” Vara’s cheeks bloomed with color and her sweet gaze conveyed an appreciation that would keep him smiling well into the morning. “You look very handsome in your suit today. What’s the occasion?”

  “I have a meeting here in town. If it follows the usual format, we’ll end up going to lunch at The Cherish Diner. I doubt I’ll make it back to the house before you leave this afternoon.”

  “Everything okay?” Vara settled on her chair.

  “Some family business.” Might as well tell her. “My grandfather set up a trust fund for me years ago. I like
to expend some of the funds each year to help with projects around town. When I’m home, once or twice a year, I meet with Sherman and the other members of the Town Board to discuss current needs.”

  Her eyes widened. “That’s wonderful…and generous.”

  “I’m not telling you for personal gain. I want you to know what I’m about, who I am, and what’s important to me.”

  “I think I could tell that much, but good to know.”

  Ron appeared beside the table and handed a cup to Vara. “Your death by chocolate, Miss Alexandris.”

  “You’re spoiling me, Ron. Thank you.”

  Thornton chuckled. “So, how are things? I hear you and Laura have been seen around town together.”

  “Things are very good, thanks to the two of you.”

  “Glad it worked out.” He smiled, pleased for his friend.

  Vara brightened. “How’s her boutique coming along?”

  “She got the space she wanted. Just down the street, so she’s full of big plans.”

  “That’s great!” Vara said. “Do you have any idea when she might be opening the store?”

  “In another month, I think. Maybe sooner if she can get the inventory in time.”

  Vara dug a business card from her pocket and handed it over. “Could you please give this to her? Tell Laura to call me if she needs anything.”

  Ron took the card. “That’s real nice, Vara. I’ll tell her. Thanks.” He darted a glance at the counter. “I’d better get back.”

  “See you, buddy. Take care.”

  “Did you catch the Audrey quote on the board this morning?” Vara said. “It’s a great one.”

  “I did, and I thought about you when I read it. I believe what it says is true.”

  Vara grinned. “Don’t read too much into it. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Audrey was one of a kind in terms of class and elegance. In my opinion, she’ll always be the one true Audrey. No last name needed. A legend.”

  “Then I hope you don’t name a daughter after her. That’d be too much pressure on the poor girl.”

  She thought about it for a moment. “Well, yes, that would change things, wouldn’t it?”