Be Mine: Valentine Novellas to Warm The Heart

by Nicole Flockton

  She searched for him, wrapping her fingers around his warm hard shaft. “Harrison. Take me.” She practically pleaded with him.

  “Your wish is my command…” He cried out as he entered her, pulling her closer to him, his hands grasped both cheeks of her backside. She stretched one leg over his shoulder and the other hung as he easily took her. She bent back and placed her hands behind her. Her breasts bounced at each pump and he placed his mouth over one, then the other, sharing the love he adorned on her.

  It was hard and fast but full of promise. He let go of his release and gently lowered her leg and folded over her, cradling her within his arms.

  He rested his head against her shoulder attempting to catch his breath. “I love you.”

  She felt her eyes widen at his words and gulped while trying to calm, her chest heaved. She snuggled her neck into the side of his head and had never felt so much love in her life. Tears sprang to leak. She never believed to be the type of girl to weep after great sex, but suddenly she was. He loved her. He announced it. She loved him too. “I…I love you too.”

  Harrison turned to face her and smiled. “Are you crying?” He stood pulling her with him. “Hey…what’s this?” His warm fingers gently brushed her tears.

  “No, I’m not crying. You make me feel so loved and special. You do everything in your power to pleasure me first, to love me before you look after yourself.”

  “It’s easy with you. It’s because I love you. It’s because you are special to me.” He rubbed her arms, to get the blood flowing again.

  “Thank you.”

  Harrison pulled back, the smile faded and he looked serious. “You truly humble me.” He lowered his head and kissed her with incredible softness and devotion. There was so much more than love expressed in one kiss, tears prickled her eyes once more.

  “Let’s get home.”

  7

  Caitlynd watched on as Harrison helped Kale and the other men prepare the large pit, they called the Imu, for the luau the next day.

  “I had no idea it took an army to prepare the pit and over twelve hours to cook the pig.”

  “Oh, a lot of work goes into it. First they dig the pit, fill it with the wood, and cover it with all those river rocks piled over there. Once the wood is lit, it becomes coal and heats. They place the pork wrapped in wire mesh over the stones and cover it with banana leaves and tea leaves. Big sheets of damp burlap and a big canvas sheet goes over with more dirt to keep the heat inside it. It steams and acts like a huge underground oven. Large trays with sweet potato, lomi salmon and white fish and loads of chicken go into the pit before it’s covered.”

  “Wow, and everyone gets involved, I’m in awe of you and your family Luana.” How would it feel to be part of such a big family and loved by so many? Her reality was far from it and she thought of her father. He was her only family. She looked toward the man who may have changed that and gently touched her stomach.

  “Harrison is something to admire, he’s a good man Caity. I’m glad he’s found you. I’ve never seen him so happy.” Luana passed her a cup of green tea.

  Caitlynd couldn’t help the smile that crossed her lips. She had to agree, Harrison was incredible to watch, his shirt off, the muscles flexed as he dug.

  “He’s always been someone special you know, and since you came into his life, he’s become even more…contented.”

  Caitlynd shoulder-touched her friend. “It’s hard to put it into words, but I know what you mean. Tell me, what’s the word for happiness in Hawaiian?”

  “Hau’oli”

  “That’s so beautiful. Hau’oli…and that’s exactly how I feel.”

  “We can see it in the both of you.”

  “Your language is lovely, especially when you speak it. I know I would never do it justice, but can you teach me some more?”

  “Of course, I would love to. I can teach you while you practice the hula. I can’t wait to see Harrison’s face tomorrow when he sees you.” Luana almost squealed in her excitement.

  Caitlynd gave her friend a small smile but something didn’t feel right. Since she found out that her ex-husband was on the island, she couldn’t help be nervous. Not knowing what James was planning made her sick in the pit of her stomach. She tried to ignore it. Harrison assured her James couldn’t touch her while he was around.

  “Caity, are you okay, you’ve gone quiet.”

  Caitlynd pretended to smile. “Oh, I’m sorry, I was remembering my father. He’s going to love this celebration you’re putting on.”

  “Of course, what time does he arrive?”

  “Around four this afternoon. I’m excited to see him, and thank you for being a true friend to me. You and Kale and your family are so generous, and I’ve fallen deeply in love with you.”

  “Well, we love you. You have become part of our family and even though we may not know everything, we protect those we love. If this ex of yours comes sniffing, you will be safe.”

  “Thank you. That means a lot.”

  Luana reached around and hugged her tightly. It felt good to have a close friend in her.

  “I believe my friends like you better than me.” Harrison pulled next to her and dropped a kiss on her forehead. She gazed into his sparkling blue eyes and smiled. He was freshly washed after working up a sweat digging and building the large fire.

  “Oh, wow, I was afraid that would happen.” She let out a soft laugh.

  “How are you feeling?”

  Warmth spread through her and she allowed herself to bathe in his care and love for her. He made her feel special in so many ways. “I’m happiest when I’m right next to you.”

  “Oh babe, I’m the same. When I think it’s impossible to love you any more, you prove me wrong.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. His silken lips soft and warm against hers, tasting of delicious fresh mint.

  His eyes delved into hers. “Lord, what I’ve become. I can’t get enough of you. I want to take you right here, right now.” He lowered his mouth to her throat and gently sucked at the tender spot at the base.

  She let out a giggle. “Harrison. You need to stop this right now. I need to get to the airport to collect my father.”

  “Hhmm, okay…in a sec…”

  “Dad…” Caitlynd cried out and rushed to him in the arrivals hall.

  “Caity darling.” Caitlynd hugged him. “Oh my girl, it’s so good to see you. Wow, you look beautiful. I’ve never seen you so tanned.”

  “I’m so happy to have you here. I’ve missed you so much.”

  “Not half as much as I’ve missed you. Now, I expect this to be Harrison.”

  “Oh, yes, sorry. Dad, meet Harrison Walsh. And Harrison, this…is my dad, Frank Romano.”

  She watched as both men shook hands. “Well, when my daughter told me she’d met a handsome fellow, she wasn’t exaggerating. So good to meet you Harrison. I look forward to seeing your mother. I was surprised when Caity told me Elspeth was your mum and living here. A happy coincidence I would say.”

  “Yes Mr. Romano, and not half as surprised as me. Mom is looking forward to seeing you. She is waiting for us, she’s got dinner sorted. I hope you’re hungry, I suspect she’s been cooking all day.” Harrison took hold of Frank’s bag from him.

  “Please, it’s Frank. No need for any formalities with me.”

  “Right Sir, of course.”

  “I like him.” Nothing could have removed the smile from Caitlynd’s face, as her dad wrapped his arm around her and walked alongside as Harrison led the way.

  “Luana, I’m not sure I can do this.” Caitlynd paced around the room, wringing her hands.

  “You don’t have to do this, but you’ve been practicing so much and you know this dance perfectly. It would be a shame to not do it now.”

  “Thank you, Lu. I never thought I’d be doing it in front of so many people. You said you had a large family, but there’s like fifty thousand people out there.” She felt the tiny bubbles of sweat beading over her li
p.

  Luana let out a short laugh. “You crack me up. Fifty people does not equate to fifty thousand…Caitlynd, I suspect it’s not my family, but Harrison you’re nervous about performing in front of. He is going to love it. You will wow him.”

  “What if I stuff up? What if in my panic I forget my steps. Oh God, I can’t breathe.” She paced some more. “I’m going to be sick.”

  Luana walked over to her and placed her hands over both arms. “Honey, breathe. You don’t have to do this, but I know you will regret it if you don’t. You are ready. You can do this and be amazing. I’ll be there all the way. If you get confused or forget your steps, follow me. It will be perfect. You look beautiful.”

  Caitlynd searched Luana’s dark eyes and knew her friend would not lie to her. She would not send her out unless she was ready. “How did I ever let you talk me into this?” She gave her friend a hug. “Okay. Okay. Let’s do this.”

  “Good girl. You won’t regret this, Caity. I won’t let you look like a fool, we are in this together.”

  Before Caitlynd had a chance to change her mind, Luana sent a message for the music to commence. A conch shell sounded to indicate the welcome and commencement of celebrations.

  The drums beat, and Kale called his warrior chant, thanking the gods and welcoming his family and friends to the luau. Dressed in traditional Hawaiian red loincloth, showing off his muscular, dark tattooed thighs. The grass headband matched the band around a thick muscular forearm and ankles.

  As the drums beat faster for a rushing moment and slowed, he bowed his head and in a loud bellow made introductions. “Hula is the language of the Hawaiian people. You are in for a treat.” Six children of various size ran out, parading their colorful matching dress, two boys and four girls moved into place to dance in unison. Kale stood off to the side, with a huge grin on his face, as his children led them.

  Her friend’s husband mesmerized Caitlynd as he danced on the side with the children. “He’s a big softy.”

  “I know, he’s so gruff most times, you would never have guessed he was gooey.” Luana laughed. “Oh look, aren’t they wonderful.” Tears filled her eyes.

  “Oh Lu, they are so precious.” Caitlynd wrapped her arms around her friend.

  “Okay, ready, we’re on next.”

  Caitlynd’s stomach somersaulted. The drums beat faster signaling the change. “Oh my God…what am I doing?”

  “Harrison, where’s my daughter?” Frank appeared concerned. He sat next to Elspeth as they both looked at him expectantly.

  Harrison gave his head a shake. “You know Luana took hold of her a while ago. They have been concocting something for weeks. I have no idea.” He gave his shoulders a heavy shrug, “…but I wish she was here.” He was about to go in search of her.

  The music changed and the children ran off, to much loud clapping and ‘yeehaa’ing.

  “Oh, weren’t they adorable?” Elspeth cried out, clapping with enthusiasm. Her health had improved a little over the last few weeks and with Frank’s arrival, he had not seen her as enthusiastic as he had today. He sent her a loving smile. With Caitlynd in his life and his mum’s health on the improve, life was good.

  The tune changed, the drums beat slow once again and a hush came over the crowd. Kale walked back out to speak once again. “Family and friends, I trust you got a kick out of seeing the young’uns dance, aye. Now I would like to introduce you to the ladies, Luana and Caitlynd as they hula the story of my people. Hula is the language of the heart and the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people. It connects the body, mind and spirit. Let us share the spirit…”

  Harrison was lost for words as he looked at the makeshift stage, forgetting how to breathe. His beautiful Caitlynd dressed in a tiny sarong that sat low on her hips, barely covering the top half of her thighs and bikini top with long floral leis around her neck. Her long dark hair had been straightened, and swung behind her in a silken waterfall. The full colorful floral headband complimented her beauty.

  “Harrison, is that Caity…oh my stars, she is stunning.” Elspeth cried out, grabbing hold of Frank’s arm. “Frank, did you know?”

  “No, I’m just as stunned as you.”

  Harrison barely heard his two companions, all his focus was on Caitlynd as she danced alongside Luana. Her hips swayed slow at first but sped as the drums beat faster. Her arms swung one side and the other, high and low. She was lost in the tune and the steps, so focused on the moves. The drumbeat increased, the tempo amplified, her hips shook faster, and faster.

  Their eyes connected. As she danced, she had eyes only for him and he for her. All sound around them disappeared. For a moment, it was only them.

  Kale came and clapped Harrison on the shoulder with a broad smile on his face. “Well man, I guess they pulled it off. Surprise.”

  “Did you know? So beautiful.”

  “They are indeed. My wife wove her magic. And my friend, if you don’t marry Caity soon, judging from the looks on the men’s faces around here, you could be in big trouble. And I don’t mean from the young ones.”

  Harrison gulped, gave a quick scan and saw red flashes behind his eyes. Something akin to jealousy gripped him. He didn’t like the way other men ogled the two women dancing on stage. “I plan to, just as soon as I can.” He promised himself. He would do everything in his power to get her divorce finalized.

  As the dance ended, he felt relief, while the crowd erupted into cheers and cries of joy. The ladies bowed and hugged each other before running off the stage.

  “Oh Caity, you were amazing. I’m so proud of you.” Luana kissed her cheek and the thrill of their success bubbled within her.

  “I could never have done it without you, my dear friend. Thank you. That was amazing. You are amazing.” Caity gave Luana another hug.

  “I’m going to go see my kids and Kale, come on with me.”

  “Oh Luana, I’ll follow soon. Would you let Harrison know I’ll be out in a few minutes, I’m going to the bathroom. I think my nerves have got the better of me.” Caitlynd rubbed at the annoying ache low in her belly. She watched the anxious look that crossed Luana’s face. “I’m fine, honestly. You go find your kids and the men.” Caitlynd knew Luana was keen to hug her children and see Kale.

  She collected her bag and headed to the main house away from the luau, wanting to change into normal clothes before seeing Harrison.

  “So, you’ve gone native have you?”

  Caitlynd drew a sharp breath and stood frozen. The same voice that had haunted her dreams sounded quietly but clearly behind her.

  “This is what you left me for? To dress in scant clothes and pretend to be something you’re not? I am disgusted and ashamed of you. You’ve become a hula whore.”

  Caitlynd slowly turned to see her ex-husband standing in the shadows. She almost screamed but suddenly lost her ability to make sounds. Bile rose in her throat and she wanted to vomit. She swallowed it and glared hatred at the man in front of her.

  “What’s wrong baby, aren’t you happy to see me?” He moved slowly toward her. “I’ve come to take you home. I’ve missed you.”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  “No? You’re mad. You don’t know what you’re doing. You don’t say ‘no’ to me.”

  “How did you find me? You’re not allowed to come near me.” She screeched in a strangled voice and stepped back.

  “Someone here doesn’t like you very much. She sent me an email.” The leer on his face frightened her more than she could remember him doing before.

  “She? Who?” She thought of all the people she’d met and couldn’t believe any of her new friends would give her up like that.

  “What difference does it make now? I’ve found you, and that’s all that matters.”

  “Who was it James? It’s the least you can do to tell me.” She took another step back, wondering if she could run from him.

  “Who cares? Some Louise bird, she’s useless to me now. It doesn’t matter. I’ve come to take y
ou home.”

  She let out a small cry. “No.” She thought of the blonde Texan and wondered what she had done to cause Louise to hate her so much. “No. Why would Louise do such a hateful thing?”

  “Who cares? I watched you dance. Who knew you could move your hips like that. I remember how you liked to dance, but I never knew you could do that. I might let you dance like that for me, once we’re home.”

  She felt the bile rise once again, burning her throat. Disgust at the sight of him. Unable to understand how she thought him so handsome, when in reality, he was downright ugly. She clutched onto her bag and backed further away but he kept coming toward her. “Don’t come any closer. Go away James. You’re not welcome here.”

  His eyes bulged and he swung his arm toward the crowd. “Oh you like these…these natives do you? You care about them? I don’t care what those people believe, they know nothing. This is between you and me. You are my wife. You will do as I say and come back with me.”

  She heard the contempt in his voice and watched as a vein in his neck was about to explode. “How dare you? You disgust me.” Her breathing came labored, filled with anger and revulsion. He lunged for her but she quickly moved back.

  She tossed her bag at him and made to move but he was fast and lunged toward her again, taking her off guard and grabbed her arm. His grip tight and painful. “No. Caitlynd. I’ve come to take you home. Now. Today.”

  She let out a cry. “James. Let. Go. Of. Me.” She gritted out between clenched teeth. Pain burned through her arm as his grip tightened and he yanked her close. “No. No.” She screamed as loud as she could. He twirled her around, covering her mouth with his hand and twisted her so her back was against him. His arm locked around her neck. She wriggled and bit his fingers as hard as she could.