Page 38 of One Night Valentine

I shrug. “Yeah, I think you’re used to being in control, and if you feel better driving, I’m fine with it.”

She reaches for the keys and then stops, letting her hand drop to her side. She looks exhausted. “Ya know, I would love to let someone else be in control for awhile. Do you mind driving?”

I put my hand on her lower back. “Not at all.” I steer her to the passenger side of the car and open the front door. “Just tell me where, and I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”

I drive us through town, making stops. Tara is smiling as she leaves each house and business, but I know she’s still upset by what happened today. We’re all business as we make each of thedeliveries, and when we drop off the last bouquet, Tara slouches in the passenger seat, head back, eyes closed.

I have one arm over the steering wheel, watching her. “Now what?”

She huffs, “I need to call a tow truck for the van and then I need to go and help at the store. We’re open late today, so I have a few more hours to go and then I can hopefully forget this day.”

I put the car into gear and drive us across town. “I called the tow truck earlier. Your van is at Dom’s garage, and he said he’d have it fixed by tomorrow.”

She sits up a little higher, and I thought she would be relieved that I took care of it, but it seems like it’s stressed her out a little more. “Oh my God, I’m never going to be able to pay you back for all you’ve done for me.”

I’m not sure she’s ready to hear what I have to say, so I’m quiet as I pull into the open spot in front of her shop. I get out and go around to help her out. Instead of walking to the store, she stops, crossing her arms over her chest. “Thank you again.”

I gesture to the shop. “I’m going in.”

She opens her mouth, closes it, and then opens it again. “Why?”

It’s time to come clean. “Because it’s Valentine’s Day and I want to spend it with you.”

She blinks her eyes rapidly and takes a step back. Her hand goes up. “Cruz, look, you’re great, you really are…”

Her voice trails off, and I can feel the panic rise. “But?”

She nods. “But I can’t be around you… not yet. I need a few days to get myself together and?—”

I put my hands on my hips. “Did last night mean nothing to you? Is that what you wanted, a one-night stand?”

She points to me. “That’s what you wanted.”

I grit my teeth. “When I agreed to this, I wanted to help you, and yes, I agreed to one night, but there’s no way you can believe that last night was just a one-night stand.”

She’s holding herself stiffly. “You’re right. To me, it was more. It was perfect in every way and made me want things I never thought I’d have, but it doesn’t change the fact that you have a list of reasons of why you and I are a bad idea.”

“You’re beautiful.”

She stutters. “So what, now you’re going to flatter me?”

I take a step toward her. “No, I’m going to tell you the reasons why I need you in my life.”

Her mouth falls in shock. “What?”

“You make me laugh.”

When it seems she’s listening, I continue, wanting her to hear me out. “You’re brave, kind, loyal.” I move toward her and put my hands at her waist. “I love the way you make those little whimpers when I press my tongue to your clit.” I kiss her forehead. “I love the way you hold me when you climax.” I kiss her cheek and then lean back and look at her face. “One night was not enough, Tara. I’m not sure forever will be.”

“Forever?” she croaks.

I nod. “Yeah, and I can tell that freaks you out, so why don’t we start with you agreeing to be my Valentine.”

She puts her hands up and touches my chest, and I want to bang my fist in the air, but instead I pull her flush against my body. She lands with an oomph. “You want to be my Valentine?”

I cup her face in my hand. “Oh yeah.”

Her hands slide up my chest, and she goes to her tiptoes and wraps her arms around my neck. “Okay.”

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