Be Mine: Valentine Novellas to Warm The Heart

by Nicole Flockton

  She tried to speak but what came out was a squeaky croak. “I feel the same way, Harrison.” Her voice cracked. “But…” she swallowed, her mouth dry, “…I’m scared. I’ve been hurt so badly.” Her voice came out in a quiet whisper as she struggled to find her voice. Her eyes pooled as tears singed tracks on her cheeks.

  Harrison pulled back and gently ran a finger across her face. “Oh love, let me have your tears. Just let me in.” Two fingers touched above her breast where her heart would be. She closed her eyes, moved by his gesture.

  He managed to sit on a large tree root and brought her with him. He placed his hands either side of her face and kissed her tears, drinking them in. “You have nothing to fear from me. This is my promise to you. Whatever happens from here on, we will work it out together. I know your divorce is not yet final, but I don’t care. Let’s find a way to make this work. You and me.”

  She nodded, her eyes pooled once more but this time with happy tears. She had never felt so loved.

  “Come on, let’s swim.” He pulled her slowly into the warm water and it felt heavenly. She was hard pressed to remove the happy smile from her face. They swam to the other side of the pool to the waterfall and stepped over rocks, then climbed behind the fall. The sound was roaring as they clambered beneath it.

  “Can you believe this? It’s so amazing.” She laughed.

  “You’re amazing. Thank you for coming with me.”

  They both reached hands under the rushing water and played with it. Only to dive back into the glorious sun-filled pool.

  Caitlynd swam to the other side where a crop of orchids of varying colors grew. She’d never seen them so wild, thick and verdant. Only in single pots from specialized hothouses.

  The enormous elephant-ear palms with their fragrant long-stemmed flowers were abundant and spectacular, their perfume filled the air and she in turn filled her lungs with it.

  She turned to see Harrison floating nearby, watching her. She swam toward him and stood ahead of him while he floated. She lightly touched under his chin, biting at her bottom lip. “This is incredible, thank you.”

  His smile reached his sparkling eyes. “I’m happy you like it. Will you be my special Valentine, Caity?”

  She leant in and lightly touched his lips with hers. His arms surrounded her and they peered into each other’s eyes. “Yes. Will you be my Valentine, Harrison?”

  “Absolutely…God you are so beautiful.”

  In his arms, at that moment, she felt beautiful. “You are.” She leant in once again and gently sucked in his bottom lip. He let out a growl that vibrated against her as he took possession of her mouth.

  Something rustled in the plants near them, Caitlynd let out a small shriek. “What is it?” It came out in a harsh whisper.

  Harrison pulled her around him and kept an eye on whatever it was behind the bush. As the brown course-haired creature came into view. “It’s a mongoose. It won’t hurt you.”

  “Oh, he’s got a cute face.” She wanted to go closer but he held her back.

  “Not too close, he will bite if cornered.” Harrison warned.

  “Hhmm, I’ll stay here. There are no snakes in Hawaii, are there?” She hadn’t heard of any.

  “No. None. Not like in Australia. How many snakes have you seen?”

  “Um, none except for the two-legged variety.” She swam toward their towels and stepped from the water.

  While she dried herself, she admired Harrison swimming breaststroke to one side and backstroke to the other. Then he floated on his back for a while. He was captivating. She sat on the large tree root and stretched her neck back, leaving her long hair to dry in a mass of curls. The dappled sunlight was warm against her cooled skin and she let out a soft sigh.

  She heard water splash as Harrison came toward her and she smiled at him. “This is the life, isn’t it? Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could do this always, not a care in the world? No responsibilities. No dramas. Simply serene peace and tropical beauty.”

  She passed him a towel but before he dried himself, he shook his head and water sprayed over her and she let out a giggle. “Oh…you’re cute, but you’ll keep.”

  “Ready to eat, I’m famished.” A frizzle of excitement ran along her spine. She wasn’t sure if he meant for food or for her, judging by the hungry look he sent her.

  “I see a nice flat area over there, where we can lay the blanket and perhaps be a little more comfortable.” He grabbed the bags and moved to where he pointed.

  He was so organized, bringing a blanket, towels, food and drinks and the all-important UV sunscreen protection. She watched on, knowing he didn’t want her help. She had a good vantage point to see his gorgeous body in action. Every muscle moved, every indent warranted an investigation. He was a delight to watch. She swallowed hard as her body responded to him. She wanted him. She wanted all of him. If she was honest with herself, she’d wanted him from the first moment he spoke to her, that first day, when he gave her his smile. Now, it was certain. She couldn’t deny it any longer.

  He sat on the blanket and looked over to her. “Are you going to join me?” He called.

  She stared at him. Her heated blood intensified. She had no rational excuse to avoid it any longer. No reason she could not take was he was clearly offering her. A certain little thrum beat between her legs. It had been happening several times over the last few weeks, and the battle to ignore it was fast becoming a losing one. She had relieved herself a few times, but now, that simply wasn’t enough.

  “Caitlynd?” She heard the concern in his voice. How could she continue to ignore him? Ignore his needs. She had felt his need; it was big and hard, against her belly many times. She let out a long breath and ran her tongue along her lips.

  Slowly she rose and stepped over to him. His eyes beamed watching her, and before she lost her nerve, she reached behind her and untied her bikini top and let it slip to the ground.

  “Caitlynd…what are you doing?”

  She folded onto her knees next to him and rested her hands at the top of her knees. “I’m giving myself permission to…”

  Harrison swiftly moved his legs under him so he sat on his knees like her. Tiny drops of perspiration beaded on his forehead and his breathing quickened.

  “Permission to…?”

  She ran her tongue over her top lip, her mouth suddenly dry. “Permission to have you. No more wasting time. If you want to.”

  “Babe…yes.”

  She closed her eyes and tried to control her breathing, it was coming too fast. She had to slow, her nerves were getting the better of her. “I want you to have me. I want…I want you.”

  He moved closer, his lips, soft and luscious, cooled from the water, touched hers and she gave in. She relaxed into him and they immediately moved in sync. They unfolded easily as hands moved over each other. He cupped one breast and gently massaged the sensitive hard nipple and she unconsciously let out a soft moan. Her body took over, as his hands instinctively knew what she needed.

  She arched her back and he growled in appreciation. His lips skimmed her cheekbones and made a trail along her neckline, leaving a trail of hot lust in its wake. He kissed her collarbone and headed to her hard nipple where he sucked her in and she arched her back further.

  She ran her hand over his head, her fingers threaded into his hair, pushing it back the way he liked it, so cool and silky against her fingers.

  He pulled her onto his lap and turned around to lay her flat on the blanket. With the thick grass beneath, it was soft against her back.

  She eagerly ran fingers over his arms and shoulders, across his back where she could reach. His flesh solid but silky smooth. His mouth found hers once again and she eagerly met his wet hot tongue, asking for more. Wanting more. She moaned softly, eagerly asking him to touch her.

  He lifted his head and stared at her. Confused, she stared back. She touched his lips, and moved his hair from his eyes.

  “Are you sure about this?”


  Caitlynd felt her smile widen. “Yes, certain. I need you now. Take me, I am yours.”

  He growled and lowered his mouth. From this moment on, there was no going back.

  6

  Harrison sat at his desk gazing out the window. The files had piled up, but he lacked the ability to focus on them. He checked out the ocean, it was flat, no decent waves had been seen in weeks.

  He hadn’t been out for a surf since the day he’d met Caitlynd. The best day of his life. “No, it wasn’t, Valentine’s Day at the secret place was the best day of my life.” He smiled. The past week since the waterfall had been total bliss. He and Caity had barely left the cottage, except for food and drink. The wearing of clothes had become optional.

  “Wow, have you done any work this morning?” Louise stood by the door with arms loaded with files.

  “Hhmmm…” He was hard pressed to remove the smile from his face.

  “I’ve never seen you like this.”

  “Louise, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Oh, you know, all goofy like. You’ve fallen hard for Caitlynd. Is it her big brown eyes that got to you?” She moved closer to his desk and sat into one of the chairs. She looked as disappointed and dispassionate.

  “Louise…” he gave his head a small shake in warning.

  “Harrison I don’t get it. What is it about her that makes her so special?”

  “Louise, that’s enough.”

  She gave her head a shake, but her heavily starched and straightened blonde hair barely moved. “Okay, I get it. You’re in love with her. You don’t need to explain.”

  “I’m sorry Louise. You and me…”

  “Whatever. It means nothing Harry.” She gave him a cold shrug.

  “There was never going to be a you and me Lou. You knew that from the beginning. We had some fun, that’s all.” Harrison stomped down the guilt he felt and swallowed hard.

  “Yep, well, this is just like all the others. She won’t last either. She’ll head back to Sydney.”

  “Louise don’t do this, you’re better than that.” He was unable to prevent the disappointment and disgust he felt for her at that moment.

  “As always, I’m here.” She squared her shoulders. “Whatever Harry. I don’t care. Can we go through some of these files? These people are counting on you. Isn’t that why you pay me, to manage your office?” He heard her anger laced beneath her pretense as though it was nothing. She picked the top file and opened it, pulling out the pages he needed to read and sign. He sat back and watched her and wondered what it was he ever saw in her. A little fun. A little distraction. Never mix business with pleasure…what an idiot he was. He gave his head a mental shake – he knew he needed to let her go, but didn’t have the heart to.

  “Okay, I get you’re upset and angry at me, but leave Caitlynd out of this.”

  “Don’t Harry. The files.”

  He knew she didn’t want to talk about it and felt some relief. “You’re a slave driver Louise.” He looked out the window again.

  “Right…”

  He couldn’t focus on anything but the water and Caitlynd’s beautiful eyes.

  “Harry.”

  “Hhmm”

  “Oh my god, Harrison Walsh…look at me.” Louise directed.

  “Oh, for God’s sake, what is it Louise? What is so urgent?” He didn’t mean to sound impatient with her but she was thoroughly annoying him.

  She let out a long sigh and closed the file. “Fine. It’s your business. If you can’t get your head back into it, it’s not my fault. But damn, if you want this business to keep going, you gotta get your head back into the game. I’m taking the afternoon off. If I don’t see you back here and mind on the job come morning, I’ll quit.” She stood with her hands on her hips.

  “Oh Louise. Stop being such a hard ass all the time. Relax. Go get a massage or pedicure thing, or something. I’ll take care of this. Let the others know they can go home too.”

  “Fine. Whatever Harry.” She called as she stomped out of his office mumbling something about things changing.

  He rubbed at his temples. He was used to Louise’s threats to quit, she’d told him so many times before, perhaps this time she would for real. “Righto…let’s take a look at these…” and grabbed the top file once again. “Maybe I need to get another lawyer in.”

  “Harrison…are you here?” Caitlynd called as she walked into his office suite. No one was around. No one sat at the reception. The front interview offices were empty. It was strangely quiet.

  “Harrison…” she called and headed toward his large corner office.

  She found him slumped over his desk, files scattered everywhere and some on the floor. She moved slowly around the desk and lightly touched him on his shoulder. “Harrison?”

  He opened his eyes, blinking and smiled. “I was dreaming of you and here you are.”

  “Oh. Are you sure this isn’t still a dream?”

  He moved swiftly and managed to get his arms around her, pulling her onto his lap. She let out a squeal of laughter, making her forget the panic she was in.

  “Where is everyone?”

  “I made Louise cranky this morning and told her and the others to take the afternoon off.”

  “It’s not like you. What’s wrong?” She smoothed the crease forming across his forehead and pushed his dark hair behind his ears. It had grown long and needed a trim, but she wasn’t going to mention it. She liked him with longer hair.

  “Nothing is wrong. I had a little trouble getting focused this morning. I had a certain dark eyed beauty on my mind who I would like to ravage right here, right now.”

  “Ooh, you are so naughty. What if someone comes in?”

  “I better go lock the front door.” His kiss took her breath away, before lifting her onto his desk. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move.”

  He practically ran from the office, which made her giggle. She wriggled down and walked to the windows pulling the blinds, blanketing the room into shadows. She checked over the desk and straightened the folders, placing them into some semblance of order, collecting the ones scattered on the floor and piled them into the wall unit in a neat stack. She ran fingers over the leather bound legal books that filled the shelves.

  A white statue stood on a shelf of its own, as though it took pride of place. She ran fingers over it and felt the cool stone. Impressed, she held it, tipping it slightly, a tiny sticker beneath read it was made of white onyx. She nodded her head in understanding and approval. “Hhmm, nice.”

  “That’s Lady Justice” Harrison came behind her and took the statue from her.

  “I’m sorry.” She should not have touched it.

  “No, it’s okay. Mom and Dad gave it to me when I graduated, amongst other things, but this one means a lot to me.” He placed the statue back onto her shelf.

  “White onyx is special. It helps to bring the right person financial forte and help to keep focused, particularly in achieving financial goals. I hope it’s brought you much luck.” She smiled, slightly embarrassed at knowing that.

  “Well she helped me get through all those files. And helped find you. Thank you for tidying things.”

  “Why is lady justice blindfolded?” She moved aside to sit on the edge of the desk.

  “Ahh, blind justice. It represents impartiality in all matters of justice.” He moved to place her legs between him. “What’s wrong Caity. There’s something you’re not telling me.”

  He placed a finger beneath her chin forcing her to look into his deep blue eyes. She could see the concern build in them. She loved that about him, he was so intuitive with her.

  She sucked in deep. “That’s kinda why I’m here. I spoke to my dad a little while ago. James is here. He’s here on Oahu.”

  “What the? But how did he find out?”

  “I don’t know. Dad doesn’t have a clue. I’ve sent a message to my solicitor but it’s the middle of the night there in Sydney.”

  “Le
t’s not overreact over this. The island isn’t that big, but it’s over populated. It would be like trying to find a grain of salt in a sandbox. Unless he’s got your address, it would be impossible to find you.”

  “I’m grateful for your assurance. I can’t help but…” she looked away, trying to squash the pain the mere mention of James brought her. “I don’t want him to poison everyone here with his lies, like he has at home.”

  “Baby…I know you well enough now to know the person you are. You have nothing to worry about. I promised to protect you. I will keep you safe. Kale and Luana love you. Mum adores you, as do all our friends. None of them will believe any rubbish this idiot might sprout about you.”

  He kissed her forehead.

  She closed her eyes as his love spilled into her. “Thank you. It makes me sick knowing he’s even on this island.”

  “What if he’s here to deliver the final papers to sign?” Harrison sounded hopeful.

  “Harrison, I’ve signed the papers already. My solicitor has them. James only has to see him.” Her stomach churned.

  “I figured as much, I guess I was trying to be optimistic.” He kissed along her cheek, the side of her throat. “Didn’t we have something else in mind.”

  She let out a small sigh of pleasure and arched her neck. He easily slipped the straps to her sundress and bra from her shoulder followed by his lips. The other side followed easily, exposing her breasts that he bent to massage with his mouth. She bent back placing her hands flat behind her, giving him full access.

  “This is one of my biggest fantasies coming alive…” he growled.

  She giggled at him while pushing his shirt over his shoulders. He shrugged it off, tossing it to the floor. He kicked off his shoes, almost tripping in his rush. “Whoop…” With fumbling fingers, she helped him remove the remainder of their clothes in a rush only to land in untidy puddles across his office.

  He stood between her legs as they hung over his desk. “God, you are lovely. How did I get so lucky to find you?” He lowered his mouth, consuming hers in a kiss that held so much passion and love. His fingers searched her wet center and she cried out as he softly massaged and she pushed forward. “Oh…” she sighed and pressed herself harder into him as he continued to massage with skillful fingers, knowing how to please her, sending hot spasms through her insides until she cried out in ecstasy.