Valentines Say I Love You Read online

  She shifted nervously, crossing her legs. She risked a glance at his eyes. Desire bled through their chocolate depths. Unconsciously, she licked her lips. Get a hold of yourself, girl! Back to business. We were talking about photography. She studied the flickering flames in the fireplace when she spoke, “If you want to email me the photos and what sizes you want, I can get an estimate on the printing and framing.”

  A warm hand grasped hers and squeezed. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Georgia. You’re an attractive, talented woman. I thought . . . um, I hoped you might like to go to dinner some time . . . if you aren’t already involved.”

  She chuckled, although it was forced. “Nope, nobody in my life.” She wanted to say yes, dinner sounded great but things seemed too good to be true. No way was this hottie interested in her. “I’m not sure . . .”

  He gave her hand another squeeze and used a finger to lift her chin. “Georgia, it’s just dinner. You can pick the place if it makes you feel more comfortable.”

  She felt a smile form. Georgia, you can do this. She studied his whiskered jaw – safer than looking into those eyes. “Okay . . . dinner would be nice.”

  “Saturday night work for you? I can come to Santa Fe.”

  Her eyes traveled to his mouth when his tongue snuck out and moistened his bottom lip. Georgia’s mind filled with lust-driven thoughts. What is wrong with me?

  He leaned closer when she didn’t answer. “Georgia?”

  Oh yeah. Saturday. Restaurant. Right. “Yeah,” her voice squeaked. She cleared her throat. “Saturday is fine. El Gordo’s?”

  He chuckled, his minty breath filling her nose and mouth. “I know it. There is a beautiful view from the second story. I’ll make reservations for seven.”

  “Seven, good.” If she leaned just a bit closer, she could swipe her tongue out and sample that minty goodness. She was, however, saved by the bell. A couple entering the shop broke the mood between her and Jonathan. Close one!

  She greeted the customers before standing. “So, I’ll meet you there Saturday?”

  His eyes dimmed just a bit. “I don’t mind picking you up. How about I meet you here at six-thirty?”

  Georgia hesitated. “Sure. That will work.” She looked toward the customers who studied her drink board. “I need to go,” she said softly.

  Jonathan stood and waved good-bye. He smiled, “I’ll see you Saturday.”

  ****

  Friday night found Georgia a mess of nerves and second thoughts. Halfway through a glass of red wine, she convinced herself to email Jonathan and cancel their date. No way could she go through with it. Her mother hadn’t been dead a year, and she was contemplating a relationship with someone. What if tragedy befell him? Then where would she be? Georgia couldn’t handle the thought of getting close to someone only to lose him, too.

  She and her mother had been the best of friends. Her father passed away suddenly when she was just a little kid; Georgia didn’t have any memories of her dad. As she got older, her mom became more like an older sister to her. They had such a great relationship; one that she now missed terribly, as though a piece of her heart had been ripped away when her mother died, and she was left with a gaping, festering wound.

  She put a quick call in to Lucy. The woman agreed to cover the shop for her both Saturday and Sunday. Georgia figured she would hibernate and go into avoidance mode. Hopefully, Jonathan wasn’t a stalker, who would check to see if she manned the shop. In any case, if he did, he would find Lucy there.

  After hanging up with Lucy, she hit Send on the email. Her excuse of being sick was lame, but with wintertime came the flu and stomach bug. Hopefully, he would believe her and not offer to deliver chicken soup.

  ****

  Saturday and Sunday dragged by. Georgia was utterly miserable. She felt horrible for cancelling the date. The email response from Jonathan was nice enough. He said he hoped she felt better soon and asked when she would like to reschedule. Thank goodness! She had yet to respond. Georgia wished she was stronger and could face her fears and doubts. She truly didn’t want to spend the rest of her life alone, but maybe she needed more time?

  “What do you think, Mr. Biggis? Can I be that brave?” She’d finished her last bottle of wine Saturday night so she sat sipping at vodka on the rocks.

  Of course the cat didn’t answer, but he looked at her as though he thought her crazy.

  She was saved from further conversation with her having-trouble-staying-awake beast, when her doorbell rang. Georgia jumped. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Random visitors didn’t usually stop by to visit her. Besides, she would not answer the door looking like a bum. Her hair was pulled up in a sloppy bun, and she wore a baggy Denver Broncos shirt over leggings.

  Ding-dong.

  “Damn it, go away!” She yelled at the door. Can’t people get a clue?

  Apparently not, as her phone beeped with an incoming text. It read: open the door, peach, know ur home.

  She threw her phone on the ottoman and stomped down the stairs. If she didn’t answer, Manny would continue the harassment until she did.

  She pulled the door open, huffed in greeting, and started back up the stairs. Manny followed her and took in the messy living room. He picked up her glass, sniffed it, and promptly walked to the kitchen and poured it down the sink.

  “What the hell, Manny?” she stood in the kitchen doorway with her arms akimbo.

  He pushed by her and took a seat on her couch. She followed and slumped on the opposite end. “What’s up, darlin’? Not like you to miss two weekend days at the shop. Plus, you were out of sorts on Friday when I stopped by.”

  She rolled her eyes. Fine, if he wanted to play shrink, she would let him. No doubt it would be the only time. He would run scared the next time she was in this position. “I was supposed to have a date Saturday night, but I cancelled. Got cold feet.”

  “With that guy? The one about the photographs?” Manny shifted, getting more comfortable. The man dwarfed her leather loveseat.

  She huffed. “Yep. That’d be the one.”

  “Why’d you cancel? Despite my ribbing, he seemed like a nice guy.”

  Georgia picked at a hole in her leggings. “I’m not ready. It’s too soon after Mom’s . . .” She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

  “Oh, mi amor. You can’t let your mother’s death keep you from a chance at love.” He reached across the couch and pulled her into his body.

  She snuggled into his lap, fighting back tears. What is with me and crying around this man? Sheesh! “I hear you, I really do. I just . . . don’t know if I can.”

  “Of course you can. You are the strongest woman I know. Besides, you have me, Chad, and Harry as moral support.” He poked her in the ribs. “You can do this!”

  She sniffled through her giggles. “I suppose you’re right.”

  “Of course I’m right. Now, do you have his phone number? Can you call him and set something up?” He poked her again. “I know you, and I am not leaving until you contact him.”

  Georgia pushed against his massive chest. “You are such a bully!” She crawled off his lap and grabbed her iPhone. She quickly typed in a reply to Jonathan’s email, asking to reschedule to Saturday. She glanced at Manny, who watched her like a hawk.

  Hitting Send, she said. “Happy now? I asked him to reschedule.”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.”

  The pair talked for a bit more before Chad called, inquiring about how things went. Manny winked at Georgia when he told Chad about the email.

  Of course, I should have known Manny would have told Chad about me. Those two are such girls sometimes. Not that I would ever tell either of them that!

  Manny headed home after the phone call. Georgia got ready for bed, feel
ing better about the whole situation. She crossed her fingers that Jonathan would agree.

  ****

  Dinner was going well. Jonathan looked amazing in his tweed sport coat and khakis. Georgia had chosen a long skirt and boots, one of her favorite outfits, and it set off the green in her eyes.

  She would be spoiled in no time – Jonathan was the perfect gentlemen, opening doors for her, pulling out her chair, and ordering the dish she requested. Georgia was grateful the ghosts of her mom remained at home. She felt refreshed sharing Jonathan’s company. The man had a dry sense of humor and a big heart; Aiden had a wonderful father.

  Their entrees just arrived when Georgia’s cell phone rang. She hesitated to answer it, but the ring belonged to Harry, who knew she had a hot date—his words —tonight.

  She glanced at Jonathan, who said, “If you need to answer it, please do.”

  Nodding her thanks, Georgia said, “Hello?”

  “Georgia, sweetie, it’s Harry. Look, I’m sorry to bother you, but something’s . . .”

  Harry’s voice sounded strained. She could tell immediately something was wrong. “What happened?”

  “It’s Manny.” Harry’s voice wavered as he continued. “We got into a tussle with a suspect. The guy had a knife and stabbed Manny just outside of his vest.”

  “Is he going to be okay? Where are you?” she heard noise in the background but couldn’t distinguish anything in particular.

  “Manny’s in surgery at Santa Fe Memorial. The doctors seem to think he’ll pull through fine. I just, well, I wanted to let you know.”

  Georgia glanced at Jonathan, who had picked up something was wrong. While she got more details from Harry, he asked the waiter for boxes and their check.

  She hung up as he shoved several bills at their waiter. Before she even blinked, he walked toward her and helped her out of her chair. “Where do you need to go?”

  “I’m sorry, Jonathan. It’s Manny.” She bit her quivering lip. She needed to be strong for Manny. “He was stabbed at work tonight. He’s at Memorial.”

  He collected their food and guided her down the stairs to his truck.

  The trip to the hospital didn’t take long. Georgia twisted her hands in her lap, dreading the update she would get from Harry. Jonathan found a parking place and came around to her door. When he helped her out of the truck, he pulled her into a warm embrace. She was grateful for his strength and comfort.

  She breathed in his scent. He smelled like Cool Water, one of her favorite colognes. She wished he was holding her at the conclusion of a wonderful date, not standing in a hospital parking lot while one of her closest friends underwent surgery.

  They strode briskly into the hospital and were directed to the surgery waiting room on the second floor. Harry paced, holding a cup of coffee. Chad stood by the window, tension radiating from his small frame.

  “Georgia, I didn’t mean to interrupt your date,” Harry said sheepishly.

  “Nonsense, Harry. You were right to call.” As she gave Harry a hug, Chad turned. His eyes were red and puffy.

  She left Harry’s embrace and went to Chad. “I’m so sorry. Tell me what you need.” She held Chad through another round of tears.

  He finally released her mumbling, “Sorry.”

  “Don’t you dare apologize.” She glanced at Jonathan before addressing her friends. “I realize you would have liked to meet on better terms, but this is my date, Jonathan Marker. Jonathan, this is Officer Harry Vincent, Manny’s work partner.” She nodded to the thin blond. “This is Chad Winston, Manny’s partner and husband if our state ever recognizes gay marriage.”

  Jonathan shook Harry’s hand and moved to shake Chad’s hand when the man waved him off. “My hands are, well, for lack of a better word, snotty. But thank you for bringing Georgia.”

  Her date’s response was cut off when the surgeon entered the waiting room and approached their little group. They went through introductions again before the surgeon would give them the update. Thankfully, it was good news. “Mr. Palmero came through surgery fine. He’s being moved to recovery.”

  Chad interrupted, “Can I see him?”

  The surgeon smiled, his eyes tired. “Once they get him into a room. It will probably be in an hour or so. The nurse will come get you.”

  A round of thank-yous were exchanged as everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Jonathan and Georgia stayed until Chad got to see Manny. She instructed Chad to call if they needed anything. He gave her a quick hug before following the nurse down the hallway.

  ****

  No empty parking spots remained in front of the coffee shop. The bars did a brisk business despite the weather. Jonathan finally found a spot and walked Georgia to her doorstep. She unlocked the outside door and they stepped into the small foyer.

  So many emotions rolled through Georgia. She wasn’t sure if she should invite Jonathan up or not. Plus, it had been a long time since she’d been on a date. What was the protocol? “Would you . . . do you want to come up?” she peered at him uncertainly.

  Jonathan smiled, “I’ve had a wonderful time tonight despite the trip to the hospital. I really do hope Manny’s okay.” He pulled her into a hug, tucking her head under his chin.

  She snuggled against the warmth of his chest, enjoying the feel of being wrapped in his muscular arms. “I’m really sorry. If you are willing to do this again, maybe we can finally spend some quality time together. Just the two of us.”

  “Oh, Georgia.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I definitely want to see you again.” He hesitated. “The only problem is I have a date with Aiden next weekend so we would have to do it the following Saturday. Would that be all right with you?”

  Georgia pulled back just enough to meet his eyes. Her eyebrows furrowed. “You have a date with your son?”

  He laughed, tightening the embrace. “This season my nephew is a starter on the Air Force Academy’s basketball team. They have a tournament next weekend so I’m taking my dad and Aiden to Colorado Springs to watch him play.”

  Family. What a nice thought. It would be nice to be a part of something again. Well, something more than Harry and the boys. “That’s very sweet. I’m sure you’ll have a nice time.”

  “Well,” his voice deepened, “it would be a lot nicer if I was spending time with you.”

  Butterflies, and lots of them, buzzed to and fro in Georgia’s suddenly small stomach. She ran her hands up his arms to tangle in his short hair. Turning her head, she placed small kisses along the column of his neck.

  “Lord, woman,” he rasped.

  Georgia smiled against his neck. She liked being the one who caused his voice to sound like that. Her musings were interrupted when his lips found hers. She gasped in surprise and soon found her mouth invaded. His tongue danced and twirled with hers. She couldn’t stop the moan that escaped from somewhere deep inside. Georgia pressed her body closer to his, her mind lost to the passion of the kiss.

  After several moments—or was it hours?—Jonathan broke the kiss, panting. He gently nibbled her swollen lips before murmuring against her mouth, “Let me cook for you on Valentine’s Day. I’d love to show you my house and treat you to my homemade lasagna.”

  She almost didn’t hear what he said, she was so focused on the teasing touch of his lips, his tongue darting out to tempt hers. It had been so long since she’d been kissed, let alone like that. Georgia unconsciously fluttered her eyelashes while agreeing to his offer.

  He studied her face in the dim lighting. “What’s with the look?”

  Her face heated. She waved her hand in a ridiculous attempt to fan away the blush. “You’re going to make me say it, aren’t you?”

  Jonathan raised his eyebrows, patiently waiting. It didn’t appear that he would let her off the hook
. She had to spill.

  And out it came. “Damn, you can kiss!”

  “Aw, honey, I’m just getting started.” Lust took over his eyes as she felt his hardness press against her belly.

  Georgia didn’t have time to comprehend what that meant before those lips were on hers again. There was nothing delicate about the kiss. His mouth soon left her lips to explore her jaw, her ear. When he bit lightly on her earlobe, Georgia groaned and rolled her hips against him. He backed her against the wall, holding her firmly in place while he kissed down her neck. She shivered at the feel of his whiskers against her skin.

  Suddenly, he stopped. Taking a couple of steadying breaths, his half-lidded eyes met hers. “Georgia . . . I didn’t mean to get carried away.” He pressed his forehead against hers.

  She lightly traced the line of his jaw, enjoying the feel of his body against hers. Right now he was exactly what her brain needed—to be overwhelmed and all-encompassed with positive feelings. His passion filled in the gaps in her heart—for the loss of her mom and for her worry about Manny. She whispered, “No apologizing allowed.”

  He grinned shamelessly. “You’re gorgeous with your skin all flushed. And those lips . . .” he trailed off.

  Georgia brushed her nose against his before suggesting, “Oh so kissable, right?” When did my voice become so breathless?

  “Reading my mind already, are you?” He stood and took a step back from her. “Email me your phone number. I’d like to be able to call you next weekend.”

  Georgia nodded, “Of course. I should have given it to you sooner.”

  He stepped in and pressed one last kiss to her lips. “Good night.”

  ****

  Georgia didn’t waste any time emailing Jonathan her phone number. The two talked and texted several times during the week. She finally worked up the nerve to ask Jonathan about Aiden’s mother. Needless to say, she was relieved when Jonathan told her the woman skipped town shortly after giving birth and hadn’t seen her son since. With that piece of the puzzle filled in, Georgia found herself braver. She blushed as she recalled last night’s text conversation. She wasn’t up on the current lingo, but it seemed like sexting to her.