Page 43 of Bad Girls Don't Marry Marines (Rock Canyon, Idaho 3)

Val knew she was being rude, but maybe if people didn’t have this absurd idea of what love should be, the divorce rate wouldn’t be so high.

Instead of being stumped or angry, Dorothy shook her head sadly. “Unfortunately, I believe you have to be capable of love and compassion to warrant the same in return. The person who is right for you is going to complement your strengths and accept your weaknesses. Things won’t always be perfect, but really, nothing is.”

“And if you aren’t capable of love? That automatically makes you a bad person or undeserving of it?” Val snapped, wondering why she was taking the conversation so personally.

Because you wonder if something’s broken inside you.

Dorothy reached out and patted her hand. “I think good people who have never loved before are extra special.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because when it finally does

happen, you’re going to know it’s real.”

Chapter Eleven

* * *

JUSTIN WAS SO happy to escape the dental hygienist from California, he almost did a touchdown dance when he made it outside. If only there had been something on the questionnaire that could eliminate soulless money grubbers as potential dates.

Holding onto his red square, he looked around for his group and saw Val standing under a sign with the same symbol, talking to none other than Dr. Pretty Boy.

He walked over to them, shoving his hands into his coat pockets as he interrupted Trent. “Hey, guys.”

Val’s look was almost as unfriendly as the doctor’s. “Let me guess, red group?”

“Yep, what are the odds?”

“Pretty good, considering how much the old woman must like drama,” Val muttered.

“What was that?” Trent asked.

“Nothing, I was just wondering what these activities are.”

But Justin had heard her and agreed. Dorothy Love had a flare for the dramatic.

“Okay, folks, are we ready to head out on our tour?” a young man in an orange down jacket asked.

They followed behind the guide, whose name turned out to be Ned, and Justin walked alongside Val, who seemed to be ignoring him. Either she was mad at him for getting between her and the doc or . . .

Maybe she hadn’t liked being on the receiving end of her own game?

She caught him watching her and glared at him. He was going to go with the latter.

Bumping her with his shoulder, he said, “Hey, what’s the matter with you?”

“Nothing. I’m fine.”

“Whenever a woman says she’s fine, it means she’s anything but.” Leaning over, he lowered his voice. “You know, I think you’re awfully pretty when you’re pissed about something. Your eyes get all dark and small, like a—”

She whacked his puffy chest, but he saw her smile before she could hide it. “Watch it!”

Suddenly the whole group was watching them, and Ned the guide looked none too pleased. After a pointed look at both of them, he continued, “Anyway, the old saloon was turned into a ladies’ boardinghouse as they waited for their prospective grooms . . .”

Justin tuned out good old Ned and brushed his hand against Val’s, watching her face for a reaction. He saw her small smile and was tempted to lace his fingers with hers, despite her assurances that she wasn’t interested. But he could wait until she figured out what she wanted; he would just be patient.

Although he did find the thought of holding hands with Val as they walked down the street very appealing.

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