Valentine Pets & Kisses: Fourteen All-New, Sweet Valentine Romances

by Rachelle Ayala

  As for Connor, he’d always warned her away from his men, as if she were some sort of man-eating monster. Dad made excuses for her and Mom tolerated her, alternately proud of her looks or censuring her and telling her to be more considerate to others who weren’t as good looking.

  Why had her entire life been centered around how she looked? Why did people judge her or assume she had an easy life? As if all her successes were based on her appearance and not talent or hard work?

  She cried loudly, hurting more than she’d ever been before—alone. Larry hated her and believed the worst in her. He never truly gave her a chance, because he couldn’t see past her beauty.

  “Jenna, Jenna, are you all right?” Her family’s voices called through the door.

  Before she could reply, someone jimmied the privacy lock and opened the door.

  Connor, Cait, Melisa, and Mom stuck their heads in, peering at her.

  “What happened?” Melisa reached for her.

  “Crap. She heard everything,” Cait said. “I thought I heard footsteps up above.”

  “Come talk to us.” Mother patted her back. “Have a mug of hot chocolate. Everything will be okay.”

  Jenna was in no mood for conversation, but she mutely followed her family down the stairs and into the kitchen.

  Dad and Dale were in the living room watching a game on TV, oblivious to the drama unfolding. Why couldn’t the rest of them be as uncommunicative as those two?

  Melisa put her arm around Jenna from one side as Cait held onto her from the other side.

  “Tell us what happened,” Cait said, guiding Jenna to a chair, while Mother heated chocolate and milk in the microwave.

  Jenna bit her knuckles and choked on her words, unable to breathe. “He ha-hates me.”

  “I’m sure you didn’t mean for Quint to write that slam against Larry,” Cait said. “Connor, can you go get Larry and tell him Jenna didn’t mean it?”

  “Wait, what’s this about Larry hating you?” Melisa pulled her chair close and rubbed Jenna’s back. “Larry doesn’t hate a soul. He’s the kindest, most gentle guy around. I’m sure he’s just hurt because of the article.”

  “I-I’m se-selling Grandma’s diamond ear-earrings.” Jenna managed to choke out. “Pay for Larry.”

  “You mean for the auction?” Connor asked.

  “You were only trying to help Larry,” Mother said. “Connor won’t make you pay.”

  “Right, you don’t have to pay,” Connor agreed. “We all know the bidding was rigged.”

  “Rigged?” Melisa cut in. “In what way?”

  Connor told everyone that he had asked Jenna to find a model willing to shill bid for Larry so he wouldn’t come up empty.

  “But, it looks like Jenna really wanted him,” Melisa said. “That’s why she topped the bid.”

  “I did want him, but he doesn’t want me,” Jenna cried, unable to control her sobs. “He says he never loved me. He says he used me.”

  “He did?” Connor, Cait, and Mom exclaimed at the same time.

  Jenna covered her face and nodded. “He can’t believe I really care for him. He can’t see it.”

  “You’re in love with Larry?” Cait asked. “How come I didn’t see this coming?”

  “Larry’s a wonderful guy,” Melisa said. “I can’t believe he used you. Maybe he said that because he’s hurt.”

  “I’m hurt worse,” Jenna cried. “Doesn’t anyone care about me?”

  “I do, sugar cheeks.” Her father lumbered into the kitchen and gave Jenna a hug.

  “We all do,” Cait, Mom, and Melisa echoed, while Connor said, “Shucks, I never thought you could get hurt.”

  “She’s not the tinman,” Mother said. “Come now, let me give you a cupcake.”

  “You want me to talk to Larry?” Melisa said. “I’m sure he’ll listen to me.”

  “I’ll punch his lights out if he hurt you,” Connor said, while Dale handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes.

  Only Grady, her twin, was absent. Of course, he was in Australia fighting their summer brush fires.

  Mom stuck a heart-shaped red velvet cupcake on a plate for her, while Dale poured the hot chocolate. Melisa rubbed her back and Cait patted her arm. Dad kissed her cheek, and Connor paced around the kitchen like a caged lion, waiting for an order to attack.

  “That does it. I’m calling Larry to the carpet for this.” Connor whipped out his phone.

  “No, don’t call him.” Jenna reached for him and knocked the hot chocolate over. The scalding drink spilled onto her bare leg and she jumped up yelping with pain.

  She ran for the bathroom, thundering up the stairs, weeping and burning. Turning on the cold water, she jumped in the tub. More tears dribbled down her face, but she didn’t care. This was nothing compared to what Larry had gone through, burnt more than half his body, some of it third-degree requiring skin grafts.

  Besides, her heart hurt worse, far worse.

  Chapter 19

  Jenna couldn’t sleep, despite being dog-to-the-bone tired. Lying on the bottom bunkbed in her childhood room, she played and replayed everything Larry had ever said to her, the way he’d looked at her, adored her, and stood up for her. His kisses were honest and raw with emotion, and all their conversations had been real and true to the heart.

  He’d once promised her that he would bet his heart, his soul, and his life that he’d mean more to her than anyone ever would. And he’d been right. So, very right.

  In two short weeks, Jenna’s heart had been turned inside out, and she couldn’t envision life without knowing Larry was okay. She couldn’t believe for one minute that he’d used her. Not Larry. Not the man who was honorable and brave. He was not a user. He couldn’t even care less about the fashion show. He did it because she asked, and he wanted to please her.

  So what changed? Jenna checked her cell phone for the hundredth time. The ember of hope that leapt each time she woke her phone died when she saw no messages from him. No missed calls. Why was he so adamant about cutting her out?

  I don’t love you. I used you.

  Those words couldn’t possibly be true, could they? Had he ever told her he loved her? No. He hadn’t. So why would he tell her he didn’t, unless he did, and he was hurt. He had to be lying. She couldn’t have mistaken all the love and affection coming from him, all the wishes, dreams and hopes, the warmth of his embrace and the brushing of his lips against hers, all the little moments, and the big ones. No, there had to be more behind this.

  Since she couldn’t sleep, she checked the rest of her messages. There were plenty from Monique, Gustave, and Quint. They were all excited about her prospects and wondering what she would wear to the Valentine’s Dinner.

  Social media was blowing up about her and her designs, but even more so, her picture with Larry, labeled Beauty and the Beast, had gone viral. No wonder Larry was upset. With the way people were congratulating her on her marketing strategy, she’d never win Larry back—unless she quit fashion designing. Could she do that and still be happy?

  She glanced at the clock. It was after midnight, so she texted a message to Larry.

  Happy Valentine’s Day. I will never forget you. Give Harley a kiss from me. Love, Jenna

  Tucking her phone under her pillow, she stared at the wall, not bothering to wipe the tears. Was Larry testing her? He’d once said love that was not tested was not love.

  She didn’t know exactly when it had happened, but somewhere in those small moments with Larry, whether it was walking through the park with Harley, or primping him into his tux, or fantasizing about Italian food and Chianti, she’d fallen hopelessly and permanently in love with him.

  No matter what. He was her hero, and she’d go on loving him, with or without his approval.

  # # #

  “We are not interfering,” Jenna’s mother proclaimed early the next morning. It was Valentine’s Day, and the worst one ever for the Hart family.

  Their motto was “Heart comes first,” and Valenti
ne’s Day was one of their favorite holidays, after Christmas, of course.

  But today, everyone approached the breakfast table with expressions befitting a funeral.

  “Come on, you guys,” Jenna said, gritting her teeth in a smile that she didn’t mean. “I’m sure you all have dates tonight. Cheer up.”

  “I’ll be your date to the Valentine’s Dinner,” Dad said. “You should be there since you raised over one hundred- eighty thousand dollars for the Firefighters’ Family Fund.”

  “I was planning on going solo, but I’ll be glad for you to be my date.” Jenna touched her father’s hand. He’d always been there for her, and she secretly believed she was his favorite. “Besides, I paid for that expensive plate of food.”

  A small part of her still hoped Larry would come through, but if he wasn’t through being angry at her, she would not hold her breath or bother him. A man had to make up his own mind. She tried to tell herself he would come around—if only she was certain that he did love her as much as she loved him.

  “Yep, and I’ll enjoy eating it.” Her father patted his trim and taut stomach.

  “As I was saying,” Jenna’s mother repeated when Cait approached the kitchen. “We’re not interfering between Jenna and Larry.”

  “Since when have we followed Geneva conventions on anyone’s love life around here?” Cait yawned. “I say we plan a multi-angle attack. Melisa can soften Larry up, while Connor gives him the man-to-man talk. Dad can pull him aside for the father-son talk, while Mom and I can bring a casserole to his place and spy out how he’s feeling. Jenna, you should do your part. Go back there and claim your dog.”

  “I’m really one hundred percent better.” Jenna said, touching the blister on her thigh. She’d suffered a second degree burn. Fortunately, it was not too serious, only enough to keep her on edge. “Larry doesn’t owe me anything, and I already apologized. He might need more time to allow himself to believe that we can make it.”

  “You’re just going to let him go?” Cait’s eyes popped wide with disbelief. “If it’s true love, it’s worth fighting for.”

  “Everything’s too raw,” Mom said. “Besides, Jenna and Larry should work it out on their own. We shouldn’t interfere.”

  “Afraid your mother’s right, as usual,” Dad said. “Let’s all carry on like normal. If Larry’s decided he doesn’t love our Jenna here, there’s no point forcing him.”

  Jenna’s stomach soured at how no one in her family believed Larry could possibly love her. Well, maybe Cait did, but then she was always a romantic, believing the best about everyone—even her husband who seemed to be more interested in playing video games at the station with his buddies than coming home to her.

  “It’ll be okay,” Melisa said. “I’m sure Larry’s hurt and angry, but after he thinks it over, he should feel better about all of this.”

  “I hope so. I never meant to hurt him.” Jenna pushed away from the table after eating a few slices of fruit. “I need to work on my dress.”

  “Which one are you wearing?” Melisa asked. “I really liked that pink one with the gray shield on one side.”

  “So do I, but I can’t possibly wear the same dress again,” Jenna said. “I’ll have to hit the fabric mart and stitch something up.”

  “By tonight? Are you crazy?” Cait flapped her arms like a panicking bird.

  “There’s nothing like designing and sewing that makes me happier.” And keeps me from moping over a broken heart. Jenna tossed her hair back and sauntered to the key hook. “May I borrow the Toyota again?”

  Mother rushed to her and kissed her. “Of course, you may. Can’t wait to see what you come up with. I take it you’re not coming to church with us?”

  “No, sorry. I have to get this gown designed and done for the red carpet this evening.” She kissed her mother and hugged her longer than usual. “All of you are the best. Thanks for not interfering.”

  Jenna escaped her family as fast as she could. They meant well, and thank God they weren’t going to interfere. Besides, if they were, they would likely gang up against her. Larry didn’t need to hear more bad things about her, like how she ditched her prom date and he ended up going stag. They didn’t know all the facts until years later when he came out of the closet, but boy had they railed on her for supposedly breaking his heart, when in reality, she missed the prom herself and had given her ticket to his “crush,” a guy on Connor’s football team.

  An hour later, Jenna was back with a beautiful blue to black gradient cloth and yards of true blue fringe. She was going for a four-dimensional look, movement combined with color transitioning from blue at the top to midnight black at the floor covered entirely with the fringes feathered to resemble a kiwi bird’s coat. Simple spaghetti straps would hold up the low-cut sexy bodice over the shoulders to a deeply scooped back.

  Everyone else would be wearing red, it being Valentine’s Day, but her heart was broken, bruised, and blue. Yet this blue was true, and almost electric—like the way Larry was making her feel right now, like a hound dog crying all the time, but still hoping everything would turn out all right.

  # # #

  Larry worked out hard on his weight bench. Jenna was right. Whether she loved him or not, it didn’t matter. What mattered was him not accepting second best anymore.

  He’d been a chicken ever since that last fire, quitting the squad and working at the school. He’d been throwing his very own pity party for too long.

  Harley stretched on the floor, watching the weights go up and down and back and forth. What a loyal dog, although he seemed down with his head on his paws. The poor puppy missed Jenna as much as he did.

  Larry was tempted to check his phone, although it would be a trap. No doubt, Jenna had texted him and left voicemail. It had been hard enough to throw her out when every fiber of his body wanted to hold her close and accept what she offered—second best.

  She obviously valued her fashion pack more than she cared about him. He’d never said he was high-classed, never lied about his status, and he wasn’t going to be anyone’s mascot or unfashion statement.

  Larry burned through the reps, letting his muscles tire as sweat poured over his aching body. His heart was beyond repair, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t get his knee fixed and face the fires again.

  “That’s right. I’m going back to the station and so are you, Harley. You’ll ride in my engine and you’ll sleep in my bunk. Let Connor have Cinder. I have you and you’re the best hound dog ever.” Larry stroked Harley’s ears.

  Someone knocked on his door. Larry’s pulse picked up. Maybe he should have looked at Jenna’s text messages. She might have warned him that she was coming over.

  The pounding sounded again, but Harley didn’t get up and bound toward the door with his tail wagging. Instead he let out a low growl as he marched to the door.

  Definitely, not Jenna.

  Larry grabbed Harley by the collar and opened the door.

  It was Connor. He rubbed his palms and glanced around. “You alone?”

  “Of course I’m alone.” Larry stepped back to let him in. “Been lifting. I’ve decided to get my knee fixed and try out for the squad again.”

  “Seriously?” The man gave him a bear hug, slapping his back. “You’re coming back? What made you decide?”

  “It’s time I stopped hiding behind my scars and face my fear.”

  “Fear? You’re fearless, Larry.”

  “I’m afraid of fire,” he admitted, hanging down his head. “That’s the real reason I haven’t gotten my knee fixed. But now, I’ve decided to come back and do the job I’m meant for—fighting fires and savings lives.”

  “Wow, that’s awesome. What changed?”

  Larry pointed to a scar on his shoulder, then another, and another. “Your sister calls these badges of courage.”

  “Jenna did?” Connor’s eyebrows rose and he gawked. “I’m surprised. So, where is she? Did you guys make up?”

  “She has her life, and
I have mine. She’s a wonderful person—just not for me.”

  “Why?” Connor bent down and petted Harley idly.

  Larry shut the door and lumbered to the kitchen. He poured both Connor and himself mugs of black coffee. He owed it to his buddy to explain that Jenna was not at fault.

  “Want anything to eat? I can heat something up,” Larry offered.

  “Had breakfast already.” Connor accepted the cup of coffee. “Tell me your side of the story.”

  “It wasn’t Jenna’s fault. She did everything she could to make sure I fit into her world, but the sad truth is I don’t fit in. I felt like a mummy in that tux, all tied up and stiff. I’m a sweats and jeans type of guy.”

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