Be Mine: Valentine Novellas to Warm The Heart

by Nicole Flockton

  “Sunscreen, where’s the sunscreen?” Alison calls out from the bedroom.

  “Have you looked under the sink?” I asked.

  “No, because that’s where cleaning products are kept.” She walks past where I am sitting on the couch. I am hugging my knees to keep the nerves at bay. “Who puts sunscreen with the cleaning products? It’s meant to be in the bathroom.” She complains. I watch as she walks back to the bedroom.

  She must be halfway through organising stuff for the kids. Cam has them occupied outside in the small back yard. It’s not much, but reasonable for the small space my rental has.

  A knock raps on the front door. Taking a deep breath, I get out of my position and walk as calmly as I can to the front door and open it.

  My favourite smell of Oliver reaches my nose. I want to sniff a lungful just to savour the aroma for later.

  He smiles as he places his aviators on the V of his body-hugging shirt. His shoulders seem broader in this shirt. Not that I mind.

  “Jay,” Oliver’s timber reverberates though my skin and down to the depths of my bones, leaving pleasurable tones throughout my body.

  “Hi,” I try to sound sultry, but it comes off as a smoker’s voice.

  Oliver chuckles and shakes his head. He then reaches out and brushes the loose strands of my hand and pushes them behind my ear. Warm tingles spread along my ear from his touch.

  “Are you going to invite him in?” Alison asks from behind me.

  Turning, I notice the grin she is currently wearing. She’s enjoying this a little too much. Stepping away from the door, Oliver walks in without me having to ask him. I don’t mind, since I was just ogling him at the said doorway.

  I give Oliver a quick glance before giving Alison my attention and making all the introductions.

  Oliver holds his hand out to shake theirs.

  “Is everyone ready?” Oliver asks.

  “Yes, I am. Ali?” I question.

  “Yep,” she lets her p pop. “Just let me grab my bag.”

  “After you, Jay,” Oliver says. I walk outside with him following close behind.

  “Lock the door behind you Ali,” I yell.

  “Where are we off too today?” I ask Oliver.

  “I thought the scenic route would be good for your sister and her family, then end up at Twilight or something.”

  “Yeah, we’ll see if they want to stay there for the rest of the day, later.”

  Climbing into Oliver’s Jeep, I place my handbag at my feet.

  “We’ll stop at the different beaches along the way and take photos, yeah?” I ask. My stomach is bubbling with excitement. The beauty of white sandy beaches and turquoise ocean water are unbelievable. Tourist flock from all over the world to see the famous beaches of Esperance or to see a Kangaroo on the beach. I am yet to see this phenomenon.

  At the beach, Oliver pulls up and everyone else piles out. I reach down to grab my bag and Oliver’s hand gently stops me.

  “Hey, I need to ask you something.” He says, looking incredibly nervous.

  Uh-oh.

  “I am so glad I could meet some of your family, and so, I think it’s time you met some of mine.”

  Double uh-oh. “I mean, yeah, I guess.”

  “You see,” he’s gulping, making his Adam’s apple bob up and down. “I need to ask you a really important question.”

  No, he shouldn’t.

  “Will you …”

  My heart stops, I can’t hear anything over the ocean crashing in my ears. This is all far too fast. We haven’t even done it yet. Wait, what’s he saying.

  “… married on New Year’s Day.”

  “No, sorry, what? I missed all of that.”

  “My sister is getting married on New Year’s Day. I won’t be able to party the year away, but I can come over afterwards?”

  Relief roars through my body. Laughter flies out of me so fast I think I might have scared him.

  A frown crosses Oliver’s features. “What did you think I was asking?”

  “My imagination got the better of me, and I thought you were getting way ahead of things and, y’know, popping the question or something. Which, obviously, you weren’t because that would be cr—"

  He presses his delicious lips to mine and kisses me. My emotions are bouncing off the walls. His kisses are so lovely, so beautiful, so Oliver.

  “Come on, you two!” Ali cries out from over near the beach.

  Oliver pulls back. “I’m more than happy to take things as slow as you like.”

  “You got the flowers, then?”

  “Yes, I managed to arrange the right flowers.”

  Another laugh breaks free. A gentle one this time, as my body and emotions have recovered from the shock. “That sounds like a great idea.”

  “It’s a date,” he says.

  “Yes, it is. A date.”

  9

  “My sister got married today. I can’t believe it.”

  Turning, I stare at Oliver. “Why aren’t you celebrating with them?”

  “Nah, she already left the party. I’d much rather bring in the new year with you. And besides, we planned this date.”

  We are sitting on the floor in my living room. I found a rug earlier, moved the coffee table and placed the rug on the floor between the couch and the TV.

  I bring another chocolate dipped strawberry to my mouth.

  “Do you want a refill?” Oliver asks while holding a bottle of wine in his hands.

  “Sure,” I hand Oliver my glass. Cutting some cheese, I put it on a cracker.

  “How was your day,” he asks.

  I bring my hand up to my mouth and move my head up and down because I think it will help me chew the food quicker. “Good,” I say with half a mouth full.

  Picking up my glass I take a drink.

  “Sorry for the cheap wine, and the small snack. I figured with the wedding and all, you would’ve eaten.”

  Oliver reaches out and pushes a loose tendril behind my ear.

  “This is fine. I’m much of a wine drinker anyway.”

  “Oh, I—”

  Oliver places a finger on my lips. I feel his warmth spread through that simple touch.

  “Jay don’t worry about it. Thank you for this.”

  My tongue moves to its own accord and licks Oliver’s finger. His pupils dilate and fill with lust.

  I move to a kneeling position at the same time Oliver does. Grabbing onto the lapels of his shirt I pull him closer. Our lips touch and the butterflies finally disperse and flutter all around my body. My hands move to his shoulders, I can feel the indents of his muscles under my fingertips. Oliver places his hands around my waist, they move further towards my butt.

  I hear the jostling of the plate beneath us as Oliver pulls me closer to his gorgeous body. The sound of glass tumbling over doesn’t stop our kissing. But the cold wet feeling on my knees does.

  Pulling away from Oliver, I lean back. Then stand. My hand reaches out for his. Oliver places his hand in mine and follows me to my bedroom.

  Standing at the end of the bed, my back is facing Oliver. I feel his warmth as he stands behind me. His fingers sweep across my shoulders moving my hair to one side.

  “You’re so beautiful.” Oliver leans down and presses a kiss to the exposed shoulder. Heat spreads through my body.

  Turning around I reach for the hem of his shirt and lift it up over his body revealing those Abs, I love to watch. Oliver takes the rest of the shirt over his head.

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” Oliver asks.

  “Yes, of course I’m sure.”

  Oliver searches my eyes, “we don’t have to take any further.”

  Reaching up I place a hand on one of his pectoral muscles.

  “Oliver, I want this.” I pull my shirt up over my head and slide my shorts down my legs and shimmy out of them.

  Oliver takes in my body with lust filled eyes. One of his hands reach for the back of my head while the other is at my back.r />
  His lips capture mine as we walk backwards towards my bed.

  Epilogue

  It’s as though we were made for each other. We fit so perfectly together last night and the many nights before that. Oliver worshiped my body with his hands as they move over my skin. And I placed small kisses on his chest, shoulders and jawline. His stubble left burn marks on my skin. Not that I’m complaining. Before Ali left, she told me to swim with the sharks and all my fears with wash away.

  Curling up on the couch I text Oliver. We have been texting since he left me this morning after another round of hot sex. I’m still floating with the clouds.

  Me: What if your family don’t like me? He asked me this morning to meet his family for lunch. It’s Valentine’s day and it’s also his mum’s birthday. I’m nervous to say the least.

  I know I’m going to see him later. I just can’t help feeling insecure. Oliver means a lot to me.

  I can practically see his eyes rolling, as the three dots appear in the message.

  Oliver: Babe, they will love you. Are you getting cold feet?

  Me: It’s just a big step.

  Oliver: I know, and I’m proud of you for taking this leap with me.

  Oliver: And besides, I met your family.

  Me: Sister, you met my sister. My parents on the other hand. Yeah, nah just not yet.

  Oliver: I’ve got to go babe, Mums looking at me with fire in her eyes. I better go see what she needs done. See ya later. I love you.

  Then there’s radio silence.

  Me: Uh—yeah okay, bye. I quickly type back.

  Does Oliver mean that? He said he loves me over a text! Or was he distracted, and his fingers slipped. It doesn’t compress the nervous of excitement roaming through my body right now. I’m exhilarated and I really don’t know how I feel about that.

  Is it too soon for someone to say those three magic words?

  Shouldn’t we have a deeper and meaningful relationship before those three little words are said.

  Scrolling through my contacts I call Ali. I need to talk to someone. My ranting in my head isn’t going to help anyone. Before it stops me from attending lunch later.

  “Hello,” she answers after the fourth ring.

  “I thought I was going to have to leave a message,”

  “Oh, sorry. Been up all night with sick kids.”

  “Anything I can help with?”

  “Unless you got a remedy for a bout of gastro,”

  “Sorry, just the hydrolyte icy poles. Try the black currant one. Most kids didn’t like the orange flavour ones.”

  “Yeah, Jo recommended those. She asked about you actually.”

  “Oh,”

  “Yeah, she wanted to know why didn’t work for the pharmacy she suggested.”

  “I should’ve have called her. Not to worry. I’ll do that another day. Now, how soon is telling someone you love them, too soon?” I ask.

  I hear a few groans and things getting shuffled around on the other end of the line.

  “Did Oliver tell you he loves you? Where did this happen? At the beach. I bet it was at the beach. Cam owes me some money.”

  “Hang on and what do you mean Cam owes you money. Don’t you have a shared account.”

  “You’re going off track their Jay.” I roll my eyes because it seems that little nickname has rubbed off to them too. “Okay, I’m ready now.”

  “Oliver may have said the L word to me.”

  “What are we five? Jay, if he said he loves you then I’m happy and it’s about time. Even Cam could tell by the way Oliver was around you.”

  “I didn’t say it back,”

  “I don’t think he expected you to either. Jay, that boy loves everything about you. Have you not seen his Instagram? You’re quiet the cute couple.”

  “Wait! I don’t remember getting photo’s with Oliver”

  “They’re mostly selfies, some candid ones of you staring off into space, but all in all, cute.”

  “Instagram,” I say as I write it down on a piece of paper. “I’m going to have to get that app,”

  “I’m surprised you’ve heard of it, really.”

  “Hardy har har. Gosh you can be such a smarty sometimes.”

  Looking at the clock on the wall I notice at almost time to leave.

  “Hey, Ali. I gotta go. Talk later. This is your year sis. Love you,”

  “Yep, love you too. Call me as soon as you say them words back.”

  “Okay. Bye.” I hang up.

  First thing first. An outfit. Digging through my drawers I find a pair of dark blue jean and a nice Boho chic shirt with the sleeves hanging on the side. It shows a little skin but not too much to be uncomfortable for everyone.

  Oliver strutting his way towards me as I park on the verge of his Mum’s place. His jeans have rips in the legs and his white crisp t-shirt hugs those shoulders.

  He opens the door before I can even get out. Oliver holds his hand out for me and take it closing the car door behind me.

  Oliver leans his head down to the crook of my neck and shoulder. His hands are both on my butt squeezing it.

  “hmmm, we should find somewhere for a quickie.”

  I slap his shoulder. “Oliver, this is your mums house. I am not going to do that.”

  “That arse in those jeans!” Oliver shakes his head.

  Taking his hand, I walk towards the driveway. “Come on. We’ll have fun later.”

  “Okay,” he groans.

  With Oliver by my side, I can take on just about anything. I know it feels cliché. But I am who I am meant to be with. Oliver makes me feel alive and cherished. And I have fallen in love with him. I just haven’t told him, yet. Maybe I’ll do it tonight over dinner.

  I’m glad he didn’t push me and was patient. I thought this whole time I was finding myself when in reality I found Oliver.

  About Wanika Fazekas

  Wanika is a romance author and lover of all things romantic. While being surrounded by her husband, four gorgeous kids, nine hens, a rooster and a dog at their home in Western Australia’s wild but beautiful Goldfields.

  She still finds time to escape the bustle and sit down to write the stories of the characters who clamour for attention in her imagination. Her tagline ‘Be yourself, Own it. Only you can change your future.’ is about achieving your dreams and making them a reality. You can also find Wanika hanging out on Facebook.

  wanikafazekas@gmail.com

  https://www.facebook.com/Author-Wanika-Faze-kas-1050190281674994/

  https://twitter.com/WanikaFazekas

  Trapped By Cupid

  Nicole Flockton

  Setting:

  Perth, Australia - uses US English spelling.

  Heat rating - two chillies

  About Trapped By Cupid

  Nurse Lisa Wheeler wouldn’t mind getting swept off her feet this Valentine’s Day, but it seems Cupid’s arrow has passed her by. Instead, she’s stuck working the night shift with flirty and arrogant Dr Noah Collins. But when this couple gets stuck in a stalled lift, it turns out the ER’s golden boy might just have a secret soft side—and Cupid might have better aim than she thought.

  What happens in the lift stays in the lift—Right?

  To my beautiful niece, Michelle.

  I’m so glad that you’ve discovered the love of reading and I’m so thrilled that it was my books that led the way.

  1

  Voices buzzed around Dr Noah Collins as he bounced on the balls of his feet waiting for the victims of a multi-car accident to arrive at the hospital. Valentine’s Day wasn’t normally a busy day for them, but then again, he wouldn’t know as he usually had the day off. Not that he always planned it that way, it was just how the shift schedule fell. This year though he’d made sure he was working, even deciding to do the night shift instead of the morning one he’d been assigned.

  The doors burst open and he strode over to the greet the paramedics. “What have we got?”

  “Twenty-five-year
-old female patient. Was traveling in the back seat of the third vehicle hit. Stats are normal but she cracked her head on the side of the car and was unconscious for a few minutes. Was alert when we arrived on the scene.”

  “Okay, get her into cubicle one, thanks.”

  The paramedics moved forward and Noah trailed after them. A nurse rushed past him but he was still able to recognize her, Lisa Wheeler. Noah had no idea what it was about her that attracted him. Lisa was like that rare bird, one you were always able to see, but never able to capture. Not that he wanted to capture her, no he just wanted to be able to talk to her and not look or act like a superior jerk whenever he got close to her.

  “Dr Collins?” Another nurse pulled him back to the present. “Your patient is ready and waiting for you.”

  Noah focused on the task at hand and pasted the smile he knew calmed the most anxious of patients, on his face. He wandered over to cubicle one and picked up the paperwork left by the paramedics. “Hi, there.” He glanced at the papers to find his patient’s name. He always addressed them by their given way, letting them know he saw them and they weren’t just another patient to him. “Georgia, how are you feeling?”

  “My head hurts and my chest hurts from the seatbelt.” Her voice was strong and sure, which was a good sign.

  “Okay then, let’s look you over.” Noah whipped his stethoscope from around his neck and began his examination. “I need you to breathe deeply for me.”

  “Oh I can do that for you, doctor.” Georgia all but fluttered her eyelashes at him.

  Noah winked, smiling again in attempt to keep her relaxed and her mind off the accident she’d just been in. “Excellent, make sure follow my every instruction. That way you won’t get me into trouble.”

  Georgia giggled and he pulled one of the prongs out of his ear, in time to hear a snort. Glancing over his shoulder he spied Lisa as she pulled the curtain open as if to assist him. “Don’t mind me, I just need to grab some items.” She walked over to the small cabinet and pulled out a couple of packages of gauze, then headed back out, not without a parting swipe at him. “I’ll leave you to it. Wouldn’t want to interrupt such a thorough examination.”