Valentines Say I Love You Read online

  Georgia gave them a watery smile. She never expected these men to become two of her closest friends. It’s funny, she mused, you certainly find out who your friends are when faced with tough times. They often aren’t who you expect. “Thank you,” she murmured, “I’ll think about it.”

  Manny pulled a card from his pocket and scribbled something down. He handed it to her. “Even though you should already have it, here’s my cell number. Call and let me know what you decide.” He pulled her in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Dinner’s at six. You know Chad; there will be more than enough food. Just bring yourself.”

  Manny released her and followed Harry to the door. Before he stepped outside, he looked back over his shoulder, “We better see you there!” The two men were gone, taking their lightheartedness with them.

  A bit later in the day, Georgia’s closet girlfriend, Felicia, called to check on her.

  “Girl, what are you doing working on Christmas?” Felicia asked. She continued before Georgia could answer. “You should come out to the ranch. We’re having eighteen for dinner.”

  “Thanks, girl, I appreciate it.” Georgia paused. While she liked Felicia’s family, she wasn’t in the mood to be around a lot of people. “However, Manny and Chad invited me to their place for dinner. I’m going to head over there for a bit.”

  “Oh, okay,” Felicia sounded disappointed but said, “at least you won’t be alone.”

  Georgia explained about the gift card and the need to do something for her friends. Felicia’s positive response made her smile. It even got her thinking when her friend suggested photographing the wild horses outside of Placitas. That sounded like a damn good idea!

  “You know, I like it! Sounds perfect!” Georgia’s excitement for photography was rekindling.

  Felicia responded happily, “There you go!” The rest of the conversation was cut short when Felicia’s husband needed help with the preparations.

  After she hung up the phone, Georgia phoned Manny to let him know she would be there for dinner. She couldn’t help but smile at Manny’s excitement. She even heard Harry in the background, cheering at her decision. Simple things may excite her friends, but it left her heart filled with warmth to know how much they cared.

  ****

  Much to Georgia’s surprise, the next week flew by. Shoppers were out in force; her coffee business had record sales. Between making drinks and selling beans, she didn’t have time to think about her mother. In fact, she was so busy; the tempting gift card had to wait.

  ****

  The following Thursday dawned, cold and snowy. Georgia was getting antsy to try out the new equipment she’d purchased the day before. Of course, she just couldn’t buy a lens at the shop — she splurged on other accessories. At the rate the flurries fell, there would be snow lying in the foothills. She needed to get out and see the horses in the next couple of days.

  Georgia called Felicia’s older sister, Lucy, to see if she would man the shop for a bit in the upcoming days. Lucy had been laid off from her office job when the firm downsized, and happily agreed to watch the shop for Georgia.

  Saturday morning, Georgia loaded her camera equipment into her Subaru Outback. She was thankful for the car’s all-wheel drive; the roads were covered with snow the closer she got to the mountains. She pulled onto the wide shoulder and grabbed her tripod and the backpack with her camera. She hiked over the rolling terrain until the wild horses came into view.

  Maybe I need to listen to Felicia’s ideas more often, she thought. This was perfect! The lighting and the mountains would make for some great photos. The horses clearly enjoyed the snow, galloping to and fro, tossing their heads as though they were trying to catch the snowflakes. She grinned as she snapped photo after photo. The horses didn’t seem to fear her intrusion and came closer. A particularly dark brown horse with a white diamond on its nose appeared to be posing for her. These shots are going to be awesome!

  She clicked away, grateful she’d loaded the larger memory card. After about an hour, she hiked closer to the mountains. A dilapidated wood fence caught her eye. She switched lenses and took several landscape photos. Georgia chastised herself. She shouldn’t have put the camera away after her mother’s death. She truly felt alive, photographing the animals and the landscape.

  Movement at the near end of the fence caught her eye. A man stood there, holding a child while feeding a carrot to the brown horse. She hadn’t realized anyone else was nearby.

  Georgia focused on the pair through her telephoto lens. The man held the carrot and spoke to the horse. The child stayed still in his arms. She took a couple shots and then studied the man. His light brown hair was flecked with snowflakes. Warm brown eyes shone with delight. His chiseled jaw was covered in fuzz. He looked down at the child and adjusted his brightly-colored hat. Whatever he said to the boy caused him to throw back his head in laughter. The horse snorted and stepped back a couple of paces. Georgia found herself jealous of the delight the child experienced. Must be nice to be young and not be jaded by life’s pitfalls. The little boy made a perfect subject. His eyes danced with glee as his mittened-clad hands tried to catch the snowflakes.

  A couple of the other horses approached the man and boy. The man carefully set the boy on a sturdier section of fencing, allowing him to face the horses as they approached. The man leaned down and whispered in the boy’s ear and then handed him a carrot. The boy held it out to one of the horses. Georgia couldn’t believe her luck. These pictures might be the best she had ever taken. The man’s smile was amazing as he watched the child. It changed the look of his face. The lines of concentrated determination were replaced by joy and delight. His look made Georgia envious. She remembered the days when her face shone with happiness. However, those days were long gone. Now, her face likely radiated loneliness and the underlying grief.

  Upset with herself for begrudging the pair their happiness, she packed up her gear and headed to the car. The snow flurries stopped and the dark sky had brightened. She’d no sooner closed the hatch, than a warm voice asked, “Do you have a minute?”

  Georgia jumped; she hadn’t heard the man approach. She placed a hand over her heart. “You startled me. Can I help you?”

  The man held out a gloved hand. “I’m Jonathan Marker and this is my son Aiden. I saw you taking our picture.”

  Oh no. Hopefully this guy wasn’t going to demand she delete them. Some people got aggressive if you photographed them without getting their permission first. She smiled, “Nice to meet you. I’m Georgia Adams.” She shook his outstretched hand. “I hope you don’t mind. You made the perfect subjects.” A little flattery never hurt. “You are both very photogenic.”

  The man grinned. His smile was mesmerizing. All those perfectly straight, white teeth framed by thin pink lips. They looked very kissable. “Thanks for the compliment. That’s a new one.” He tickled the boy through his thick jacket. “Hear that Aiden? We’re some handsome guys!” The boy squealed, enjoying his father’s attention.

  No humbleness with that one. He knew exactly how easy on the eyes he was. “Good, I’m glad you don’t mind.” Georgia nibbled on her bottom lip, not sure what else to say. The man’s presence was definitely having an effect on her. Very odd, Georgia. You haven’t noticed any member of the opposite sex in over a year, since before Mom got sick.

  Jonathan cleared his throat, “I don’t mean to be too forward, but is there any way I can see some of the photos you took?”

  Georgia’s eyes strayed to his glove-covered hands. Surely a man like this had to be married. Wait a minute, girl, why do you care? Are you finally ready to get back to living? Could someone like this be worth leaving your funk behind? “Sure, I wouldn’t mind. Although, you can’t get an idea scrolling through them on the camera.” She paused before asking, “Do you have an email address? I could send you the better ones
.” At the last minute she added, “If you guys live close to Santa Fe, you could stop by my coffee shop.”

  “We actually live in Rio Rancho. My dad watches Aiden for me when I work.” He patted his jeans’ pockets with his free hand. “I could give you my email if you have something to write on. I don’t have anything with me.”

  Interesting. If Jonathan’s father watched Aiden, maybe there wasn’t a wife in the picture. “Sure. Hang on a sec.” Georgia walked around to the passenger’s side door. Jonathan followed. She opened the door and rummaged through her purse, finally locating a business card. She turned and handed it to him, “My email’s on there. Why don’t you write me, and then I’ll respond with the pictures?”

  He turned the card over in his hand. Aiden grabbed for it. “No, son, Daddy needs this.”

  Georgia chuckled. She grabbed another card out of her purse. “Here ya go. One of your own.” She handed the card to the boy who hesitantly reached for it.

  Jonathan whispered to his son, “What do you say?”

  Sweet brown eyes looked up through long lashes. His voice was soft, “Thank you.”

  “Good job, kiddo.” Jonathan met her eyes. His brown eyes twinkled. Oh, it would be so easy to get lost in those. “We don’t want to keep you, but thanks again.” He slid the card into his back pocket.

  “You’re welcome. Nice to meet you both.”

  Georgia fired up her car as the two walked toward a black pick-up truck parked farther up the road. She found herself smiling as she headed back to Santa Fe.

  ****

  It took almost a week before she had a chance to download her photos. Business was booming, and by the time she got home, Georgia was beat. A couple days prior, she’d received an email from Jonathan, thanking her again for being willing to share the photos. She sent him a quick response, telling him she hadn’t looked at the photos yet, but that she hoped to get to them soon.

  Curled up under her down comforter, she sipped a cup of hot tea while the photos transferred. Mr. Biggis hopped up on the bed and started scratching his chin on the corner of her laptop. She tapped her fingers impatiently as she waited for her computer.

  “Hey, big boy, you need some attention?” she rubbed the patch of fur between his eyes as he purred lovingly.

  “Ah, good,” she murmured as the last of the photos loaded. Mr. Biggis walked over and plopped down against her leg.

  She took her time clicking through more than three hundred photographs. One of the landscape pictures with the fence and the mountains turned out particularly well.

  Next, she reviewed the photos of the horses. Georgia selected a handful of potential shots; one or two of those would likely end up on the coffee shop’s wall.

  “Time to check out the shots of Jonathan and Aiden.” The boys hadn’t been far from her mind. She wondered about Jonathan and what he did for a living. She guessed Aiden was around four or five. Even though she was only thirty-one and had plenty of time to have children, Georgia never saw herself as a mother. Aiden made her reconsider. He was well-behaved and cute as a button.

  Georgia’s jaw dropped as she browsed through their photos. Several of the shots of Jonathan and his son were extraordinary. It was going to be difficult to pick out only a couple to email to him.

  Two hours later and well past her bedtime, Georgia composed an email to Jonathan. She barely kept herself from rambling. She attached five shots and crossed her fingers as she hit Send. Georgia really hoped he liked them, but there was nothing she could do but wait.

  “Well, Mr. Biggis, cross your paws for me,” she yawned and shut down the laptop. “Night, kitty.”

  ****

  Three days. Three stinking days since she sent the email, and she hadn’t received any kind of response. While she tried to console herself with the fact Jonathan could be out of town or could be too busy to check his email, those excuses seemed hollow.

  Once the rush died down, Georgia logged into her email. Still nothing. She sighed, upset with herself for being so stuck on hearing from Jonathan. You know nothing about the man. Knock it off, girl.

  She busied herself with wiping down several of the tables. The door chime indicated a customer. A melodic voice belted out Georgia on My Mind. Georgia didn’t bother looking up before greeting Manny. “How’s it going, Officer?”

  “A beautiful, yet chilly day in the neighborhood. How’s my Peach?” He grinned unrepentantly before wrapping his beefy arm around her shoulder.

  “Only you, Manny.” She chuckled and stood her on tiptoes, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek. “How’s Chad?”

  “Doing well, thanks for asking. He’s happy business has been so brisk at the gallery.”

  Georgia nodded. “Good, glad to hear it. What kind of latte would you like?”

  He scratched his chin before answering, “The usual.”

  “So predictable, you are.” She’d begun to make his drink when the door chimed again.

  A man paused just inside the door. He appeared to be taking in the shop’s décor. Finally, he made eye contact with Georgia, and laid a dazzling smile on her. “Hey, Georgia! Nice place you’ve got here.”

  Georgia glanced at Manny who now resembled an overprotective big brother, his gaze direct, studying the newcomer. She stifled a chuckle. “Hey, Jonathan! This is a pleasant surprise.”

  He walked up to the counter and shot Manny an inquisitive glance. Manny hadn’t moved, but at least his expression softened into curiosity. Jonathan nodded, “Officer,” then studied the board behind the counter.

  “Can I make you a drink?” She handed Manny his latte and tried not to fidget, surprised by how nervous she was. For some reason, she wanted Jonathan to be impressed.

  He crinkled his nose before saying, “Maybe just a black coffee? I’m not into all that flavored, sweet stuff.”

  Although he didn’t know it, Jonathan just lost major points with Manny. Georgia shot the cop a look. He rolled his eyes and loomed over the end of the counter. “Sure. That’s easy enough.”

  As she handed Jonathan the mug, her fingers brushed his. The jolt of electricity in their touch made her release the mug before Jonathan had a secure grip on it. Georgia watched in horror as the cup crashed on the granite counter, sending coffee flying. Most of it landed on the front of Jonathan’s button-down shirt.

  “Oh my God! I’m so sorry!” Georgia frantically grabbed a handful of paper towels and passed them to Jonathan.

  “No worries, I’ll live; although, I’m not so sure about the shirt.” Jonathan wiped his hands on the towels before mopping up his shirt.

  Ever helpful, Manny motioned to his right. “Bathroom’s that way if you want to clean up.”

  By the time Georgia looked at Manny, the latte was poised in front of his mouth. Given the wrinkles around his eyes, he was trying to hide at least a smile if not a laugh.

  Georgia glared at the officer before handing Jonathan another handful of napkins. When she looked over at him, he just shrugged. Men! At least the tension in the room had diffused.

  “Let me get you another cup of coffee. I promise not to drop this one.”

  Jonathan held up his hands, palms out. “You know, that was enough coffee for one day. Thanks, though.” He threw the last batch of soiled napkins in the trash. “I have to confess: my goal in stopping by was to talk with you about the pictures. They were . . . incredible. Although, that word doesn’t come close to describing them accurately.”

  Georgia walked around the counter, grateful for the change of subject. Maybe she hadn’t ruined her chances, despite drowning him in hot coffee. “We don’t have to stand. Why don’t we take a seat in front of the fireplace?” She gestured to the grouping of leather chairs.

  Manny shook his head, “Thanks, my southern belle, but duty calls.” He p
ulled Georgia against his body and wrapped his arms around her. Burying his face next to her ear, he whispered, “Be careful.” He pressed a kiss to her temple and spoke loud enough for just her. “Get me his last name, and I’ll run him through our system; make sure he’s clean.”

  Georgia couldn’t believe his nerve! She appreciated him and Harry looking out for her, but this was a bit much. She skimmed her hand up the back of his neck and pulled his head down to hers. She seethed, “You will do no such thing, Officer Palmero.”

  His eyes filled with mirth, and he let loose with a laugh. “Whatever you say, babe!” He headed toward the door.

  Men: can’t live with ‘em; can’t shoot ‘em. She took a seat adjacent to Jonathan. “Don’t mind him. Manny always treats me like his baby sister, who can’t do anything for herself. He and his partner had me over for Christmas dinner. They are quite the pair!”

  Jonathan looked bemused. She guessed he didn’t expect Manny to be gay. “Definitely protective.” His hand indicated several of the landscape photos. “You’re very talented. I wanted to talk with you about printing out some of the photos of me and Aiden. I’d like to frame them.”

  “Of course, I don’t mind. In fact, I have an agreement with the local frame shop. If you give me an idea of style, I’ll have them framed. It’s the least I can do, given your ruined shirt.”

  He glanced at the now damp shirt. “I’m not worried about it.” When he looked up, his eyes met and held hers. Georgia couldn’t look away—his eyes drilled into her heart. What is that stirring low in my stomach? It has been so long. She looked away, not able to take the intensity of his gaze. “Georgia,” his voice was husky.