Page 24 of My Surly Valentine

HAZEL

If anyone had told me that the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner would involve learning insults that would make a sailor blush, I would never have believed them.

But this has been the most incredible Valentine’s date of my life. Nothing could possibly top it, especially when Axton drops completely unsubtle hints about me wearing a diamond ring by this fall and mentions in passing that there are two spare bedrooms for children’s rooms, even after I take over the office.

Over strawberry pie and raspberry vanilla cupcakes, he explains that he spends six to eight hours almost every day out in his massive workshop, making furniture and restoring antique motorcycles. I’m going to have plenty of time to work undisturbed.

“And now…” Axton pushes himself up from the table and takes my hand. “I think you should see your office before it’s completely dark.”

We stroll down the hall, and I realize again that everything in this house is scaled for his huge frame. The hallway is a bit wider. Doors are two inches taller. Vaulted ceilings. Highcounters. I’mdefinitelygoing to need a step-stool to reach things in the pantry.

It’s also becoming clear that Axton is wealthy. The woman in the bookstore had mentioned the Wolfe family as if I was supposed to know who they were. I don’t, but I’ll look them up later. It’s clear they’re a big deal.

“Presenting… your new office. I use it for reading sometimes, or if I’m doing research on bikes, or furniture styles. I can easily do that at the dining room table, though.”

In the darkened room, I am stunned by the exquisite view of the valley and rolling forests through the windows. Then Axton snaps on the light.

“This is…” I sputter. “I mean… Wow.”

The left wall is completely lined with mahogany bookshelves. The opposite side has a long, sleek desk right by the window, and a soft, gray, comfy couch.

I spin, throwing my arms around Axton. “My decision had already been made when you cooked such a wonderful dinner for us and were so sweet about this date. But now you’re giving me an office?”

He tips my chin up with his finger. “Your career is important to you. I want to give you everything you could possibly need to succeed.”

He leans in to breathe against my ear. “I have to admit, though, I’m happy you liked me even when you thought I only made furniture and lived in a one-room cabin.”

My fingers tangle in the back of his hair as I pull his lips to mine. Every kiss with him is magical, but this one feels different. Like a declaration has been made. His response now is even more fiery as he grabs my ass, strokes my back, and holds my body tightly against him.

He breaks the kiss far too soon. “Do you want to get that phone call over with?”

“Not really.” I squeeze his hand, then stroll out to the kitchen, where I left my purse. Grabbing my phone, I flash him a grin. “But are you busy two weeks from now?”

“No. Why?”

“There’s an annual conference in New York that Dad never misses. We could go to the house and pick up my stuff then.”

“Perfect. I’ll borrow a van.”

I type out a text carefully, then hold it out to show Axton before I hit send.

Hi Dad. Two words: Get. Fucked. It was disgusting of you to send Fern here without checking with me first. It was completely nuts to send the local sheriff later. I told you I was fine several times, but as always, you didn’t listen to a fucking word I say. I would have answered your texts properly if any of them had been polite or sane. They weren’t. I’ll be coming to pick up some of my stuff on February 28. If you’re reasonable about this, I’ll call you on holidays. If you’re shitty about it, you’ll never hear from me again, and I’ll tell Mom exactly why.

“What do you think? I didn’t say all of my things, just so he wouldn’t freak out as much. I hope.”

“I think it’s perfect.”

I hit send, nodding decisively, then Axton looks at me straight on, his jaw tense. “Baby, when we get there, if your father raises his voice or even tries to lay a hand on you, I can’t guarantee that I won’t snap.”

“Snap away all you like. But I can all but guarantee he won’t be there.”

“What about your mother?”

“Oh, she’s really nice when Dad’s not around. She’ll probably make us some sandwiches and help us pack.”

He laughs and kisses the top of my head. “I like her already.” Axton looks around, then scratches his chest absentmindedly. “You know, that just wasn’t enough dessert for me. I’m still peckish.”

I turn toward the kitchen. “If you like, I could make?—”

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