Be My Valentine

by R. J. Groves

  ‘No, he was not. That’s why I stay with Andie when I’m on leave and rarely see my parents. Dad and I—we don’t exactly talk much.’

  ‘I’m sorry.’

  What else could she say? Both of her parents had been on the older side when they’d had Erin, then Harley less than a year later. She’d lost her mum early—her slightly older sister basically raising her. Her dad had been a shadow of the man he used to be after that. He’d passed not long after Harley’s eighteenth birthday. It was like he’d been holding on until both of his kids were raised before finally joining his beloved wife.

  ‘It’s not your fault,’ Joey said, bringing her back to the present. ‘Our relationship was never great to start with.’

  She cleared her throat, trying to talk through the lump in her throat. ‘So when did the tattoo come in?’

  His smile was mischievous. ‘My first pay after training. Anyway, enough about me.’ He finished off his coffee and stood, holding a hand out towards her. ‘Can I buy you a plant for your birthday?’

  She giggled, placing her hand in his as she stood. She’d noticed the atmosphere between them change as he’d spoken. Only moments ago, it had seemed so heavy. Now, it was back to the fun, carefree aura that seemed to radiate from Joey. She let him lead her to a small shop on the outside of the shopping centre and felt the pang of disappointment when he released her hand to pick up a pot plant.

  She’d missed Joey—that was for certain. And she absolutely felt things for him that she hadn’t felt with anyone else. And he must feel at least something for her. But the thought she’d pushed to the back of her mind still niggled at her. What happens when he leaves again?

  Chapter 4

  Joey ducked the large plant through the front door and shifted it to one side. ‘Where do you want your rubber tree?’

  ‘It’s a ficus,’ Harley said, glancing over her shoulder.

  His heart pounded in his chest. She’d been surprised when he showed up earlier in the day, and she’d looked like she’d had a lot on her mind. But she didn’t pussyfoot around when she’d asked him over coffee why he was back in town, so he hadn’t felt the need to evade the question when he answered. That’s what he came here for, right? To tell her how he felt. To win her over.

  Saying he’d come here for her had only been the start of that. He still hadn’t gauged whether or not she’d been seeing anyone while he was away, and he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to know if she had. She hadn’t believed that he would come back for her. He wondered what she’d been through—how many jerks she’d dealt with who hadn’t valued her like that. Well, his girl would never feel undervalued. His girl. He focused on Harley’s beautiful, relaxed smile. Yes, she was his girl. Even if she didn’t know it yet. But she would. By the end of his leave, she would hopefully be his. And he wouldn’t let her go.

  ‘The guy who sold it to us said it’s a rubber tree,’ he retorted, her eyes narrowing in response. He felt a twinge again and fought the primal urge to just cart her off to her room and make love with her now. He wanted to take his time with Harley. She deserved that much.

  ‘That’s another name for the type of ficus it is,’ she said, dropping her bag on the kitchen bench and walking towards a square coffee table in the corner of the lounge. ‘I imagined it here.’

  He placed the plant where she indicated and turned it so its best side pointed out. Then he moved back to where she was standing and admired it with her. She clasped her hands together and touched her knuckles to her chin.

  ‘Oh, it’s perfect!’

  ‘Yeah. Perfect.’

  He wasn’t looking at the plant. She glanced up at him from the corner of her eye, then the rest of her head followed when she saw him looking at her. There was something about this—this moment, this feeling, her excitement—he wanted to remember it forever. Hell, he would never forget anything to do with Harley. He’d never met anyone like her, and doubted he ever would again. Call him a romantic or whatever, but he’d already fallen for the beautiful brunette. Hard.

  She lifted her chin a little, her breathing shallow, judging by the rise and fall of her chest. He lifted a hand and brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek. Her lips parted, a puff of air escaping, her eyes fluttering closed. It felt as though something was pulling him towards her, and he tried his best to resist, a line of doubt settling in his mind. What if she was seeing someone he didn’t know about? As far as he knew, the bastard she’d broken up with right before they’d met still lived next door. She wouldn’t have gone back to him, would she?

  Instinctively, he pulled back a little, his hand dropping. Her eyes shot open and he was sure he’d seen a flicker of hurt. Something tightened around his heart when he’d seen it, but as quickly as it had appeared, it was gone.

  ‘What are you gonna name it?’

  She blinked quickly, her brow furrowed. ‘What?’

  ‘The ficus.’

  ‘I—I don’t know,’ she said, her voice breathy.

  She took a step back, putting some distance between them, focusing back on the plant, her arms folded across her chest. He already regretted not kissing her when he had the chance. But he’d been there before with someone else. He’d been led on. He’d been hurt. He couldn’t go through that again. It had been hard enough the first time. With Harley, it would break him. He couldn’t risk that. He had to know before he made his move. But God, if she really was with someone else, that might just destroy him.

  ‘Fleur,’ she said. ‘Fleur the ficus.’

  With her decision made, she turned and started back towards the kitchen. Feeling his opportunity slipping through his fingers, Joey gathered up as much courage as he could to ask her before he lost his nerve.

  ‘Do you do anyone?’ Okay, maybe he should have waited a moment longer.

  She stopped in her tracks and turned to face him, her eyes wide. ‘Wh—what?’

  ‘See,’ he corrected, taking a breath. His heart was beating so hard and fast it felt like it was going to burst out of his chest. ‘Do you—are you seeing anyone?’

  She shifted her position, her head tilting to one side. ‘No. You?’

  He couldn’t begin to describe the relief that washed through him. She wasn’t with anyone. He regretted not kissing her even more now. He shook his head, noticing the slight smile that flickered across her face before she bit into her lower lip.

  ‘Do you … maybe … want to?’ God, why couldn’t he get his head on straight? He’d never found words difficult. Ever. Yet, when he tried to tell her how he felt—or anything, for that matter—it’s like he reverted to a prepubescent in that awkward-around-girls phase. He even had the tightening in his jeans to prove it.

  Her eyebrow shot up, her eyes shining, and she lifted her chin. ‘Joseph Gray, are you asking me out?’

  ‘I am,’ he said. ‘And it’s Trevor.’ She gave him a confused look. ‘My name. It’s Trevor, not Joseph.’

  ‘Huh,’ she mused. ‘Why Joey? I mean, it doesn’t really come from Trevor, does it?’

  ‘No, it doesn’t,’ Joey started. ‘Andie has always called me Joey. Mum used to carry me around in one of those slings when I was a baby. Apparently, it reminded her of a baby kangaroo in its mother’s pouch.’

  Harley smiled. ‘I can see how it could look like that to a child.’

  ‘I suppose so. I never thought too much about it.’ It occurred to him that he’d introduced himself to people as Joey more often than he had as Trevor lately. ‘It was always her special nickname for me. I guess I’ve gotten used to more people calling me Joey over the years.’

  ‘Trevor Gray.’ She spoke quietly, a glaze over her eyes as though she was mulling it over. He found himself waiting for her to continue, but she simply pursed her lips, nodding slightly before returning to her journey towards the kitchen.

  ‘So, will you?’

  ‘Hmm?’ She turned the kettle on.

  ‘Will you have dinner with me?’

  She shrugged, getti
ng two cups out of the cupboard and putting them on the bench, her back to him. ‘Sure. What do you want to order?’

  He took a shaky breath, starting to close the distance between them. ‘I was thinking we could go out for dinner.’

  She laughed, reaching for the box of teabags. ‘You know what day it is, right?’

  ‘It’s your birthday.’ He reached into his pocket and retrieved the wide velvet box he’d managed to purchase while she’d been in the bookstore. A few more steps …

  ‘No. Well, yes, but—’

  ‘Harley.’ She jumped, turning towards him. He smiled, surprised she hadn’t noticed him walking towards her. His heart was pounding so hard he was sure she would have heard him. He opened the box and held it up between them. ‘Be my Valentine?’

  She let out a gasp as her eyes dropped to the pendant resting on the silk cushion, her hands reaching up to cover her mouth. Her eyes shimmered and her brow creased. He swallowed.

  ‘Joey,’ she whispered, moving her hands to cup the box as she stared down at the heart-shaped amethyst nestled in a ribbon of gold and tiny diamonds. ‘It’s beautiful.’

  Her fingers brushed against his, sending a jolt of electricity through his body. His jeans grew tighter. Her mouth moved as if she tried to talk but nothing was coming out. Her gaze lifted to meet his and it took all of his restraint to not pull her into his arms and show her just how beautiful she was.

  ‘Well?’ he prompted.

  ‘Y—yes, of course,’ she said. ‘I’d love to be your Valentine.’ She glanced down at the pendant again with a longing. ‘But, Joey, this is too much. I can’t accept this.’

  ‘You can, and you will,’ he said simply, removing the necklace from the box. ‘Turn around.’

  She did as he asked, pulling her hair to one side. ‘But you already bought me a plant,’ she protested. He lowered the necklace around her neck and worked at the clasp.

  ‘That was for your birthday. This is your Valentine’s present.’

  He finally got the clasp clipped into place and caught her scent—her shampoo, her sweet perfume, the coffee aroma. And underneath it all, her. He’d already lowered his head to see the clasp better. Now he was mere inches away from the delicate nape of her neck. He moved his hands over her shoulders, massaging as he went, and felt her lean back against him—just enough to bring her neck closer. He couldn’t stop himself. He gently pressed his lips against the side of her neck, breathing her in, memorising her scent for those lonely nights on the sea. When he tore his lips away from her, she turned in his arms, her hazel eyes dark, her pupils dilated.

  ‘Don’t ever think you don’t deserve to be spoiled,’ he whispered, urging her to believe him. He lifted a hand to cup her face, his thumb gliding across her smooth cheek, and kissed her softly.

  It was the most chaste kiss he’d ever experienced, and yet, it was also the most intimate. His whole body felt alive, and time truly felt like it had stopped. His heart expanded in his chest as she pressed further against him and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but his body reacted so readily to the contact that they may as well have been kissing for hours. He pulled away just enough to look in her wide, bright eyes—her smile captivating, her cheeks flushed.

  ‘Thank you,’ she whispered, her voice sweet.

  He smiled, pressing her harder against him. ‘For the necklace, or the kiss?’

  She bit into her bottom lip, still shining from their kiss. ‘Both.’

  ‘You’re welcome.’ Trying desperately to keep control of himself, he gave her another quick kiss and released her. ‘You should change so we can go eat while we have the chance.’

  She walked backwards towards her room, keeping her eyes locked with his. ‘What’s the alternative?’ she said seductively. Oh, he could think of a few things. Determined to make her night special before going any further, he forced himself to take a deep steadying breath, his jeans growing tighter by the second.

  ‘Patience, darling,’ he said. ‘You’ll want to eat first.’

  Her eyebrow lifted in a challenge. ‘What makes you think that?’

  He smiled, glad to finally know they were definitely on the same page. ‘Because the food is really good.’

  Chapter 5

  Joey hadn’t been lying. The food was good. And it might have been better if she hadn’t been so distracted by the incredibly handsome, sweet, thoughtful man sitting across from her. Or perhaps that’s what made the food so enjoyable. She finished off her last mouthful, placed her knife and fork on her plate, and glanced up at him, her body growing hot under his gaze. He was still wearing the clothes he’d worn earlier in the day, but he looked delicious. Surely only Joey could make jeans and a tee look that good.

  She’d noticed the look in his eyes the second he’d turned to see her when she’d changed her clothes. Sure, she’d put on the sexiest outfit she owned—which, admittedly, wasn’t totally out there. But when she’d seen his eyes darken as he followed the length of her short black strappy dress that tied around the waist and flared just below, then down her tanned legs to her chunky high heels, and back up again …

  Well, she hadn’t felt the way she’d felt in that moment with anyone else before. She’d been thinner the last time she’d worn this dress. She’d been worried it might not fit anymore, but the elastic in the waist was forgiving. And besides, black was slimming. She’d had to forego the bra since the deep neckline and spaghetti straps wouldn’t allow for it, and she’d dug around in her underwear drawer for the lace panties she’d kept for such an occasion. They were scratchy and uncomfortable. Hell, her whole outfit had felt uncomfortable until he’d looked at her like that. Dark eyes, jaw tight, body tense.

  For the first time in her life she felt sexy.

  And suddenly the dress wasn’t so uncomfortable and daring, and her panties weren’t so scratchy. Though, she probably should have opted for the salad like most women would on a first date, rather than the large steak and vegetables the restaurant prided themselves on. In her defence, Joey had ordered the same. Then again, he was a man. And he could, no doubt, put away such a tasty meal with ease and not put anything on. Except maybe more muscle.

  Her cheeks flushed when his lips curved in a smile. ‘What?’ she said, touching her napkin to the sides of her mouth in case she had food on her face. The napkin came back clean.

  ‘It’s nothing,’ he said, his eyes shining.

  She narrowed her eyes. ‘No, tell me. Do I have something on my face?’

  He shook his head slowly, leaning forward so his elbows were on the table. ‘No. You look beautiful. It’s just—I didn’t think you’d get through all that.’

  Her heart dropped to her stomach, and she tried to pretend it didn’t sting a little. ‘Well, I hope I didn’t disgust you,’ she said curtly. Had she misread the way he’d looked at her before? But surely he liked her. He kissed her, if her memory served her correctly. Which it did. Because it was barely a couple of hours ago. She made a move to cross her arms over her chest, feeling more self-conscious than she should, but he caught her hand before it could move far from the table.

  ‘Harley, no. I like that you like food.’

  She pouted. ‘You’re not making it any better,’ she said quietly.

  He rubbed a hand over his chin worrisomely before letting out a sigh. ‘God, I can’t even talk to you.’

  She couldn’t hold back the gasp that escaped. Was he trying to humiliate her? In public, no less, on the busiest restaurant day of the year. She must wear her heart on her sleeve, because he swore, his eyes wide, and he got to his feet, rounding the table until he was kneeling beside her, looking into her eyes.

  ‘I don’t mean it like that—how it sounded. What I mean is—’ He paused, searching for words, his eyes not leaving hers. ‘I think of what I want to say to you, and when I open my mouth, it comes out all wrong. I like you, Harley. More than I’ve ever liked anyone. And I love that you’re not one of t
hose girls who’ll hardly eat anything on a date. I want you to enjoy yourself, and I can’t see how not eating can be enjoyable for anyone.’

  She swallowed the lump in her throat, her mind still reeling from him saying he liked her and that she made him muddle his words. She’d never thought she could have that effect on anyone. When she didn’t respond, he squeezed her hand.

  ‘Is it all coming out right, or am I still making a fool of myself?’

  She shook her head slowly, her brow still creased, the back of her eyes burning from threatening tears. She searched for words of her own, but it seemed he had the same effect on her. ‘So I don’t disgust you?’

  He chuckled, cupping her face with his hand. ‘Far from it.’ He kissed her then, and at the back of her mind, she thought she could hear a rumble around them. When he pulled away, his dark eyes looking deep into her soul, or so it felt, even with the big mischievous grin on his face, she realised it was not rumbling she’d heard, but clapping. ‘I think they think I proposed,’ he mumbled.

  She laughed, her eyes growing wide. ‘Really?’ He nodded. Her heart fluttered at the thought of the romantic gesture. Proposing on Valentine’s Day? A little cliché, sure, but romantic all the same. But he wasn’t proposing, and their audience might be disappointed they’d clapped for nothing. ‘What do we do now?’

  His eyes narrowed in thought and he glanced towards the smaller menu left on the table. ‘Don’t suppose you were hoping for dessert, were you?’ She shook her head, and he squeezed her hand again. ‘Grab your things, then. Let’s get out of here.’

  He made to stand, and she pulled him back closer to her. ‘Don’t we have to wait for the bill?’ she said.

  ‘And what, celebrate our engagement by sitting awkwardly at the table waiting for it?’

  His eyes were mischievous, and a warmth swirled in her belly at the thought of celebrating an engagement with Joey. Could they really get that serious? She shook the thought from her mind. She liked him, sure, and he said he liked her. But it was still too soon to think about love and marriage …