Sweeter Than Chocolate: Valentine's Day Anthology

by Gina Kincade

  “Don’t worry. We were planning to bring the ring to your mom tomorrow, if you don’t mind?”

  “Mind? That would be wonderful. She’ll love having the company.”

  “Thanks, Spence. Take care.”

  “You too.”

  After Ian hung up the phone, he was in a better mood. There was no doubt Lily Douglas would be thrilled to get her ring back, and it made him feel good to know he’d brighten the old woman’s day. The only dark spot was he had to spend time with Miranda. That was going to really test his willpower.

  Chapter Five

  Miranda ran the curling iron through her bangs for about the fifth time. She’d left work a little early so she could stop home and freshen up before seeing Ian. She studied her appearance in the bathroom mirror, still not sure she was satisfied with her hair. Why today, of all days, was it giving her trouble? Maybe she was just being paranoid.

  Besides, Ian didn’t care that much about physical appearance. What was on the inside mattered most. He’d even told her on their third date that what he liked best about her was her kind heart. And he’d proved he’d meant it when he accompanied her to a charity auction she had to attend, even though she’d broken her nose a few days earlier and it had swollen to twice its normal size. Later that night, he’d told her she’d never looked more beautiful.

  She wanted to look her best today, though. There was no denying it hurt to see him with Holly yesterday. In her heart, she still felt like they belonged together.

  Heaving a sigh, she turned her back to her image, then headed downstairs. As she crossed the foyer, her cell phone rang. She scooped it off the hall table, glancing at the number displayed as she answered. “Hello, Mom. This isn’t a good time. I’m running out the door.”

  “I won’t keep you, then. I was just wondering how things went with Ian yesterday?”

  Miranda sighed. “He hasn’t changed at all. Just as stubborn as ever. He wouldn’t tell me who the ring belonged to, said he didn’t give out his customer’s private information, so now we’re driving to Summerville together to return it.”

  “That doesn’t sound so bad.”

  “He has a girlfriend, Mom. Sorry, gotta run. Talk to you later.” Miranda hung up before her mother could question her further. She raced into the kitchen, took the music box off the table, and stuck it in her purse; then she grabbed her car keys and hurried out the door. Today was going to be stressful enough. She didn’t need Ian annoyed with her because she’d kept him waiting.

  It was an exceptionally cold February day, with the feel of snow in the air. She pulled the collar up on her coat and slid onto her car’s cold seat. With teeth chattering, she drove to Yesterday’s Treasures. She parked next to Ian’s BMW and had just stepped out of the driver’s seat when she spotted him crossing the parking lot.

  “Good timing,” he said, coming to stand in front of her. “I heard a weather forecast, and they’re predicting a storm for this evening. If we hurry, hopefully, we’ll get back before it begins.” He opened the passenger door to his car and waited for her to slide in before he slammed it shut.

  She watched him walk around the BMW to the driver’s side and fit his six-foot-two frame in behind the wheel. All her old feelings for him were dangerously close to the surface. The smell of his cologne did nothing to help with that either. She’d always had a weakness for Giorgio Armani, and on Ian, it was especially intoxicating. She closed her eyes, trying to still her racing heart.

  “Everything okay?”

  When she opened her eyes, he was staring at her. “Oh yeah. Fine.”

  “Good, then put on your seat belt, and we’ll be on our way.”

  “Sorry.” She reached for the belt and pulled it across her chest. “What’s the ring’s owner like?” she asked as Ian pulled the car onto the street.

  He had a tightness to his mouth and didn’t say anything for a moment. “Her name is Lily Douglas. I haven’t met her, but I know of her through her son, Spencer. He handled her estate sale. She’s at Sterling House now. Have you heard of it?”

  Miranda shook her head.

  “It’s the best facility in the state for advanced Alzheimer’s disease.”

  A sharp pain stabbed at her heart. “So that explains why Lily forgot the ring in the music box.”

  “Yeah. Her husband, Charlie, died two years ago. After his death, she went downhill. It became a danger for her to live alone. The neighbors would find her out wandering the streets late at night, not knowing who she was or where she lived. It’s been hard for her to settle in at Sterling, though. She’s used to having all her things around her. Her memories were tied to them. It’s been tough on the family too, having to make the decision to move her out of her home, but at least she’s safe.”

  Miranda reached into her oversized handbag and pulled out the music box, then removed the ring from its drawer. “All the more reason we need to get this ring back to her. Tomorrow—Valentine’s Day—is her fiftieth wedding anniversary. I’m sure having her engagement ring will be a comfort to her.”

  Ian looked over at her and smiled. “I’m sure it will.”

  Her fingers itched to squeeze his hand, but she couldn’t do that. Instead, she simply smiled back at him as she blinked away tears brought on by Lily’s sad story. “Image being married almost fifty years. What a feat!”

  “You can say that again.” Yesterday’s sharp tone was back.

  Miranda should have known marriage was a sore subject. It resurrected too many memories of what could have been. “So it looks like the shop is doing well,” she said, changing the subject.

  “Yep.” He kept his eyes trained on the road.

  “And Holly? She seems nice… Young, though, isn’t she? She must be in her early twenties…”

  “She’s old enough,” he said , shooting her a quick disapproving glance.

  For what? “She must not have had much experience with the antique business when you hired her.”

  “She’s plenty qualified. Besides, that’s not what you meant. Stop fishing, Miranda. If you want to know if we’re a couple, just come out and ask.”

  Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I-I don’t care who you date or what you do in your personal life.”

  “Good. Because I’m not about to tell you. It’s none of your business.”

  What was she thinking, bringing up Holly? Now they were right back to where they’d been yesterday, with a ton of pent-up hostility about ready to explode. She glanced down at her watch. They’d been driving over thirty minutes. They must be almost there.

  As she stared out the window, she noticed little flakes of snow hitting the windshield. A few minutes later, those little flakes became so huge Miranda had trouble seeing through them. Ian had the wipers going, but it wasn’t helping much.

  “What time are visiting hours over?” she asked.

  “Six.” He slammed his palm on the steering wheel as traffic slowed to a crawl. The car fishtailed when he applied the brakes, and she grasped the sides of her seat.

  “I hate this weather.” He quickly brought the car back under control. “Bet you didn’t miss this when you were in Texas.”

  “Not a bit.” Traffic was lined up as far ahead as Miranda could see, and a moment later, the wail of sirens pierced the air.

  “Must be an accident. We could be stuck here awhile,” Ian said.

  “We could miss seeing Lily.”

  Ian shook his head in disgust. “I thought leaving when we did would give us plenty of time to get to Summerville. However, that didn’t take into account getting caught in a snowstorm.”

  Miranda watched the snow pile up on the road, and, along with her fear that they’d miss visiting hours, she was beginning to wonder how they’d get back to Pleasant View. Night had settled in, and, off in the distance, sirens wailed again.

  Ian must have sensed her anxiety, because he gently patted her arm. “Relax. The traffic’s bound to start moving again soon.”

  They sat in
silence for a while, and she could see the worry lines begin to crease his brow.

  “We’re not going to make it,” she said softly.

  “I’m afraid not.”

  “How are we going to get home?”

  “I’m wondering that myself. That accident up ahead has to be pretty bad to hold up traffic for this long. I don’t want that to be us if we try to drive back in this weather.”

  “So what do you suggest?”

  “We could get off at the next exit and find a hotel. Then in the morning, we could go see Lily.”

  Spend the night with Ian? Tingles of desire ran through her as she remembered what it felt like to be wrapped in his strong arms. She wondered what Holly would think of them spending the night. She was being ridiculous. Obviously, they’d get separate rooms. “I don’t see what other choice we have.”

  A few minutes later, traffic began to move, and they found a hotel about a mile down the road. When Miranda stepped out of the car, snow filled her shoes. Before she could take another step, Ian was at her side with his arm around her waist. “Careful,” he said. “I don’t want you to slip.”

  “Thanks.” She leaned into him and let him guide her through the wet, slick snow and into the hotel lobby.

  At the front desk, a young woman seated at a computer terminal was on the phone. When she hung up, she looked at Ian and said, “May I help you?”

  “Yes. We’d like two rooms for tonight.”

  “Do you have a reservation?” she asked.

  “No.”

  “I’m sorry, sir. I only have one room available. It’s a king.” She glanced over at Miranda and then back at Ian.

  “Does it have a pull-out sofa?” he asked.

  “No, sir. It doesn’t. It has one king-size bed.”

  “Great.”

  “Would you like that room, sir?”

  “Fine.” Ian pulled out a credit card and handed it to the clerk. “What about a cot? Can I order one of those?”

  “I’m not sure we have any available tonight, sir. We’re booked solid. I’ll let housekeeping know of your request, and they’ll call your room shortly with an answer. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  “I guess not.”

  She gave Ian back his credit card along with two keys. “Here you are, sir. Room 410. You can take the elevator on your left up to the fourth floor. Have a good night.”

  “Thanks.” Ian stuffed his credit card back in his wallet and, without looking at Miranda, headed for the elevator.

  She had to walk quickly to keep up with him. There was no doubt Ian wasn’t happy about having to share a room with her. Not that she was all that thrilled with the arrangement either. “I’ll write you a check for my half.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll write it off as a business expense.”

  Ian opened the door to their room, letting Miranda enter first. She flipped on the wall switch and was bathed in a soft golden glow. The bed was adorned with a rich tapestry bedspread and a plethora of plush velvet throw pillows. In the middle of the bed was a silver tray holding an ice bucket, out of which poked a bottle of champagne. Two crystal glasses were beside it, and in front was a heart-shaped box of chocolates. What a smart thing for the hotel to provide in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Too bad they weren’t there as a couple.

  Across the room, over by the window, was a table and two chairs. They walked over there, and Ian pulled back a thick brocade drape in order to look out the window. The snow was coming down harder than before, swirling and blowing in drifts. It was a good thing they were able to get a room, but this was going to be one long night.

  Ian let the drape fall from his hand, then turned to face her. “Hungry?”

  “Starving. I haven’t eaten much all day.”

  He handed her the room-service menu lying on the table. “Order what you want and something for me too. I don’t care what. You know what I like.”

  Before she had time to answer, he had disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door firmly behind him. It was quite clear he was unhappy with their sleeping situation, but why take it out on her? It wasn’t as if she wanted to share a room either. No matter how attracted she might still be to him, their relationship was long over, and there wasn’t a chance of resurrecting it.

  She sank onto one of the chairs and opened the menu. She decided on two cups of clam chowder, a veggie wrap for herself, and a cheeseburger for Ian. She’d just finished placing the order, when the bathroom door opened and Ian stepped into the bedroom. He walked over to her, and his arm brushed hers, sending a rush of heat through her body. She lowered her eyes, so he wouldn’t see what a strong effect he still had on her.

  “What’s it doing outside?” He pushed back the drape and peered out the window. The snow was coming down as heavy as before.

  “I sure hope it stops by morning. I don’t want to be stuck here another day.”

  Ian looked at her with hardened eyes. “Oh, we’ll get back to Pleasant View tomorrow one way or another.”

  “That’s right. You must have plans to celebrate Valentine’s Day with Holly.”

  Ian turned away stiffly to stare out the window.

  “Shouldn’t you call her to let her know everything’s okay? She must be worried about you.”

  He gazed at the falling snow a few moments longer, then said, “You’re right. I should call her.” Ian took his cell phone out from his pants pocket and dialed a number. “Hi, sweetheart,” he said into the phone. “Yeah, yeah, we’re fine. The roads are awful, though. We’re stuck in Summerville. We’ll be back tomorrow after we see Lily.”

  Miranda wondered what Holly would think about Ian spending the night here? She seemed like a level-headed girl. Not at all the jealous type. But then she didn’t know how much Holly knew of her relationship with Ian. What did it matter, though? It wasn’t as if something was going to happen between then tonight. They’d eat dinner, watch a little TV, and then fall asleep.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She opened it to a busboy, waiting to roll in a cart with their meals.

  Ian said a quick good-bye to Holly, took some money from his wallet for a tip, then signed the dinner bill.

  After the busboy left, Ian glanced at the steaming cups of chowder and said, “Good choice, Miranda. These look great. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until just now.” He sat down across from her and took a bite of his burger. After he finished chewing, he said, “How does it feel being back home?”

  “A little strange sometimes. I’d kind of gotten used to big-city life. And other times, it feels like I never left.” She studied him closely, waiting for a reaction.

  He was silent for a moment, then said, “Except you can’t turn back time. The past is the past. Things change…”

  “And people move on,” she said, finishing his sentence, annoyed at the cynicism of his remark.

  His jaw tightened. He opened a pack of oyster crackers, poured them in his soup, then began to eat it, making it quite clear he didn’t wish to continue with that particular conversation.

  “I got my old job back at Patterson.”

  His dark eyes softened. “I’ll bet they’re glad to have you back.”

  “Yeah, I guess.”

  “Any regrets?”

  She raised her brows. “About leaving Patterson?”

  “About moving to Texas in general.”

  Now it was her turn to want to talk about something else. She stirred her soup and thought how best to answer him. She had lots of regrets. Leaving him was what she regretted most, but she couldn’t tell him that. Especially since he was involved with Holly. She still had her pride.

  He stared at her with a look she couldn’t decipher, but then it quickly changed to bitterness so that she wasn’t sure if she’d seen something else there at all.

  “Of course I have regrets. It was really hard leaving my mom. Despite her meddling, you know how close we are. Leaving her alone bothered me a lot.” Mir
anda’s dad had died when she was a toddler, so with a young child to care for and a business to run, Beatrice had never remarried. She spent her days fixing up others, and her nights reading bedtime stories to Miranda. Maybe that was why Miranda had been able to walk away from Ian. And why Ian had let her go. Neither of them had grown up in a two-parent household. Ian’s dad had walked out on him and his mom when Ian was only seven, and that memory made Miranda’s breakup with him that much more terrible. But she had to do what she’d thought best for her future. She’d wished Ian could have understood how important her career was to her, just as important as his business was to him. But her leaving was something he would never understand.

  “That’s all you regret?” His eyes probed hers, and she knew what he was getting at.

  She leaned back in her chair and took a deep breath. “No, of course not. Some things I regret even more…” She let her words trail off. He wasn’t going to get her to go into detail. He knew exactly what she meant, and he wasn’t going to get her to explain any further. The damage that had been done between them had been so extreme there was no going back. Not ever. But just in case he tried to cajole her into opening up to him with her true feelings, probably to feed his bruised ego, she pushed her chair back, then walked over to the huge wooden console that held the TV and turned on the news. “Let’s see what they’re saying about the weather.”

  “Good idea.”

  They ate the rest of their dinner in silence while watching the news. Thankfully, the weather forecast was predicting the snow to taper off overnight and be completely gone by midmorning. That fit perfectly with their plan to see Lily after breakfast and then head back to Pleasant View by noon, giving Ian the rest of the day to spend with Holly. A needlelike pain shot through her heart. She remembered their last Valentine’s Day together, and more explicitly their night. Ian had gone to great lengths planning an elegant candlelit dinner for two and afterward a sexy night between the sheets. The memory of his big, strong hands stroking her body sent shivers up her spine, and she could feel her face getting warm as she remembered his luscious kisses. Enough. I need to push those thoughts away and never think of them again.