The Valentine Quest (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 5)

by Melissa McClone

  It’s nicer to be asked than to be told what to do.

  “I know.” Dustin wanted to see what they could have together. “I just don’t know what I’d do if she said no.”

  “She might say yes. Especially if you show up with a trip to Fiji.”

  “Forget Fiji. The only place I want to go to is New York City in July.”

  “Dude…”

  “What?”

  “You’d pick the craziness of New York over the sandy beaches of Fiji?” Eli blew out a breath. “There’s only one explanation for this.”

  “What?”

  “You’re in love.”

  “Love?” Was that what this feeling inside was? If so, love was highly overrated. “So, what do I do?”

  Eli rubbed his chin. “Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. You’re going to have to come up with something big and romantic.”

  “I’d have better luck getting back on the rodeo circuit.”

  “You have to want to do this.”

  “I do.” Dustin did. “But I feel like I’ve landed on Mars and can’t breathe.”

  “Get used to it because if you wind up in New York, you’re going to feel the same way.”

  If he was with Nevada, he didn’t care. “You think I have a shot?”

  “If she’s as smart as you say, yes,” Eli said. “Because a woman would have to be stupid to let a great guy like you get away.”

  Dustin hoped so. Anticipation surged… followed by a hefty dose of fear that he’d blown his chance. Too bad he couldn’t call on Cupid for help because Dustin had no idea how he could pull this off.

  No idea at all.

  But he would try.

  And maybe he’d stop by Kindred Place and see if Adele and Harry had any advice for him.

  You have to stick together. Doing it on your own is the easy way out.

  If Dustin had only listened to Adele, he wouldn’t be in this mess.

  Please don’t let it be too late for me to make things right with Nevada.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Valentine’s Day arrived with red, swollen eyes and an aching heart. Lying in bed, Nevada covered her head with a pillow. “I’m not moving until it’s February fifteenth, and I have to teach my class.”

  Dakota sat on the edge of the mattress. “I’m sorry you’re hurting. I wish things could be different.”

  “Me, too.” Nevada thought back to each day of the quest. “I don’t regret entering. I just wish the outcome had been different.”

  Especially with Dustin.

  “I still think kicking you out has to be illegal given the rules weren’t on the form you signed,” Dakota said. “I wish we knew a cheap attorney.”

  Nevada appreciated her sister’s support. “Thanks, but the quest will end this afternoon. Let’s leave it at that.”

  “I just wish I could do something.”

  “You stood up and fought for me.” Unlike Dustin. “Against your boss, even. That’s huge.”

  “I had to try. Even if they had their minds made up.” Dakota touched Nevada’s arm. “The past week and a half is the happiest I’ve seen you. I know you wanted to finish the quest, but what you accomplished is huge. You’re not the same as when you started the race. I hope you see that.”

  Nevada shrugged, even though she did feel different.

  Dakota stood. “But staying in bed all day isn’t going to help you.”

  “You sound like Mom.”

  “Mom isn’t always off with her advice.” Dakota’s gaze softened. “I know she’d tell you the same thing.”

  “I know.” And Nevada did.

  “Go to the Valentine’s Day celebration later. Yes, the winner of the Valentine Quest will be announced, but other things are going on. You can hang out in the chocolate shop with Portia and me. I hate to think of you alone here. I won’t be off until later.”

  “Oh, no.” Nevada sat. “Don’t you dare think of canceling your dinner date with Bryce.”

  Dakota bit her lip. “I won’t if you promise to be at the chocolate shop this afternoon.”

  “That’s extortion.”

  She smiled. “It’s called being a big sister.”

  A dog barked from the backyard. That sounded like Frodo.

  Dakota stood. “I’ll put the dogs in their crates when I head to work so you don’t have to worry about them. I doubt I’ll be able to sneak home at lunchtime since its Valentine’s Day.”

  “I’ll make sure they go outside.”

  “Thanks. Promise me that I’ll see you later.”

  Nevada sighed. She had no doubt Dakota would do as she said and not go out tonight if she didn’t. “I will.”

  “Great.” Dakota walked to the door. “Call if you need anything.”

  “I’ll be fine.” A good cry sounded like a perfect way to kick off Valentine’s Day. “I know how to keep myself busy. Don’t forget, I have a dissertation to write.”

  And her mood was perfect to delve into illusions about romantic love and the tragic consequences of adulterous love affairs.

  “Send me a text when you head to the chocolate shop,” Dakota said.

  “I know my way.”

  “I want to have a hot chocolate ready for you. My treat.”

  Dakota was the sweetest. “Okay.”

  “And Nevada…”

  “What?”

  “Everything hurts and feels dark right now, but it won’t always be like this.”

  “I hope not.”

  Another bark sounded. Dakota headed out of the bedroom.

  Nevada remained in bed. She hoped her sister was right because she couldn’t wait to stop feeling this way.

  *

  That afternoon, Nevada was still in bed, but she had been working on her dissertation. Going out didn’t appeal to her. She would have to figure out an excuse to tell Dakota to keep her sister from canceling her dinner plans tonight.

  Her phone rang. The ring tone—the theme from X-Files—belonged to her brother York. Ignoring him wasn’t an option.

  She held the phone to her ear. “Hello.”

  “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

  “I hate this holiday.”

  “Which is why, as your big brother, I must say that every February fourteenth.”

  “Ha-ha.”

  “Dakota told me what happened. I’m sorry.”

  Nevada clutched the phone. “I’m the one who’s sorry. You’ve done so much for me. Been there whenever I needed you. I wanted to do the same for you and win you the vacation.”

  “Hey, you signing up for the Valentine Quest was the best gift you could give me.”

  His words hugged her heart. “Really?”

  “Yes. You put yourself out there. For me. Nothing could make me prouder.”

  “Thanks.” Tears filled her eyes. She stared up at the ceiling. “You always make me feel better. I can’t wait to see you in May.”

  “Me, too, but am I going to have to knock some sense into that knucklehead cowboy when I get there?”

  “No. Dustin’s not a knucklehead. He just wants to win, and I let myself get carried away.”

  “You’re too good for him.”

  Spoken like a true big brother. “You don’t know him.”

  “But I know my sister.”

  She sighed. “I love you, Bro.”

  “Right back at you, Sis. Now get out of bed, get dressed, and go to the chocolate shop.”

  “How do you know that I’m not already out of bed and dressed?”

  “Because you’re my sister.”

  She laughed. “Guess it’s time to put on my big-girl panties.”

  “Past time.” Silence filled the line. “I have to go, but I’ll be up late tonight if you want to touch base again.”

  That was big-brother code for “call if you need me because I’ll be here.”

  “Thanks, and I hope you have a happy Valentine’s Day.”

  “I didn’t have to buy chocolates or flowers today, so I’d call it a win.”

/>   That made Nevada laugh. She disconnected from the call, hopped in the shower, and then dressed. She made the short walk to downtown where young and old filled Main Street.

  Conversations rose above the music and laughter. She hadn’t thought the town could get any more decorated than it was, but she’d been wrong. More red and pink had appeared.

  A midnight run by Cupid? More likely the liege of cupid-wannabes in Marietta got a second wind.

  She had no idea what the last leg of the Valentine Quest consisted of, and she didn’t want to know. Her destination was Copper Mountain Chocolates. She’d drink her hot chocolate, appease her sister’s worry, and then go home where she would stay with Dakota’s three foster animals and Bryce’s Rascal while the two shared a romantic dinner at the Graff Hotel.

  Nevada entered the chocolate shop. The bell rang, as usual, but no greeting welcomed her. Instead, she saw Dakota hugging Portia.

  Nevada walked closer.

  On the counter lay a registered lettered addressed to Portia Bishop and a bouquet of gorgeous flowers—a mix of roses and lilies.

  “Hey,” Nevada said.

  Dakota’s face brightened. “You’re here.”

  “You made me promise.” Nevada glanced at the flowers and then at Portia. “What’s going on?”

  The young woman wiped her eyes. Without a tray or envelopes to hide behind, her baby bump showed through the apron she wore. “I got a delivery, that’s all.”

  “You need to talk about this to someone,” Dakota counseled. “The father—”

  “He doesn’t know, and he can’t know. At least, not yet.” Portia picked up the letter and the flowers. “I’m going to put these in the back.”

  “Take your time,” Dakota said.

  Nevada had a feeling that was coworker code for ‘relax and pull yourself together.’

  “This is the first lull we’ve had all day,” Dakota added to Portia. “As people get off work, it’ll get crazy again.”

  Portia sighed, but then a smile seemed to tug on her lips. “It’s always a little crazy here. That’s what I like about this place.”

  She walked into the back.

  Nevada shook her head. “And I thought I had trouble.”

  “Puts things into perspective.”

  “Totally.”

  Dakota handed her a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. “How was your day?”

  “Better than I expected.” Chance, Frodo, and Kimba had been well behaved and quiet, as if they knew Nevada was upset. “I got more done on my dissertation today than in the past two weeks combined.”

  “Sounds like a productive day.”

  “It has been.”

  Surprisingly. But that didn’t ease the weight pressing against her chest. Or keep thoughts of Dustin from popping into her brain at the oddest times. Or stop tears from welling in her eyes.

  What had Dakota said she needed?

  Time.

  Nevada didn’t like that answer.

  “The final task is underway near the Graff Hotel,” Dakota said.

  “What is it?”

  “A snow-sculpture contest.”

  Nevada had no idea if Dustin knew how to do that. She hoped so, because she knew how badly he wanted to win. Truth was, she wanted him to win.

  “Why don’t you walk down there?” Dakota asked.

  “I’m drinking my hot cocoa.”

  “After you finish.”

  “Why is it so important for me to be there?”

  “Because I don’t think you were treated fairly. I’ve told this to everyone who would listen, including the mayor.”

  “You went to the mayor?”

  “Before my shift started,” Dakota said. “That’s what big sisters do. Walt Grayson went with me. He agrees you were wronged.”

  “Well, he’s your future father-in-law.”

  Making a face, Dakota held up her left hand. “Do you see a ring on this finger?”

  “Not yet.” Nevada emphasized the last word.

  “No rush.”

  “So you keep saying.” But Nevada wondered if tonight’s special Valentine’s dinner with Bryce at the Graff Hotel might end with a proposal. Despite a broken heart, she hoped so. Dakota deserved a happily ever after.

  “Anyway, this is out of the mayor’s jurisdiction, so he can’t get involved, but Walt had mentioned a couple of things to me back in November. Both are applicable to you.”

  “What?” Nevada sipped her hot chocolate.

  “Well, the first will be hard for you to hear, but you’ll understand in time. Walt says that ‘Even though we don’t always know why, things happen for a reason.’”

  “Yeah, I’m not there yet.” Nevada lowered her mug. “What’s the other one?”

  “When I was trying to figure out the Home for Thanksgiving adoption drive and worried about failing, Walt told me ‘Not trying would be failing. Giving this a shot, no matter the outcome, means you’ve won.’”

  “Wise words.”

  “Yes, and you gave the Valentine Quest a shot. You tried. That means you won even if you won’t be declared the winner today.”

  No doubt, Dakota and York had been talking about this.

  “I won…” Nevada repeated the words. “I like the sound of that.”

  “You should because you did.” Dakota stirred the pot on the burner. “Dustin is the last person you want to see on Valentine’s Day, but you should be at the finish. Not for him or the other competitors, but for yourself.”

  Nevada let her sister’s words sink in. Even though she’d rather be in bed with her head under the pillow and a box of tissues within arm’s reach, Dakota was correct.

  “You’re really smart,” Nevada said.

  Dakota beamed. “That’s because I had a little sister who read to me and helped me with my homework.”

  Nevada hugged her. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” Dakota stepped back. “Now go.”

  “Wish me luck first.”

  “You don’t need any luck. You’ve got this.”

  Even if Nevada saw Dustin? She took a breath. And another.

  I have this.

  Not really, but maybe if she kept saying the words, she’d feel more confident. Besides, what was the worst thing that could happen?

  On second thought, she didn’t want to know.

  *

  Focus.

  Dustin’s friends and coworkers were watching this final task of the quest. He should be concentrating, but his mind was elsewhere.

  On Nevada.

  Was she here in the crowd somewhere?

  “Go, Dustin, Go.” Eight-year-old Brooklyn led the cheers. She was decked out in pink, the perfect color for Valentine’s Day. “He’s my valentine.”

  Her young voice rose above the crowd and provided the encouragement he needed. Fitting, since he’d learned how to make just about anything using snow while playing with her outside in the wintertime.

  You’re going to have to come up with something big. And romantic.

  Eli’s words had kept Dustin awake last night. This morning, he’d met with Adele and Harry. But Dustin hadn’t been able to think of what to do until this final task was announced.

  What came to him was more silly than romantic, but he hadn’t been able to think of anything else.

  Would this be enough to show Nevada how much he cared about her and how sorry he was?

  He didn’t know.

  But he had to try.

  Dustin directed his attention and energy on the giant heart he was carving out of snow. From his peripheral vision, he saw the other competitors working, but he didn’t look at what they were making.

  He couldn’t.

  Because their snow sculptures didn’t matter to him. Something bigger than a trip to Fiji was on the line today.

  His heart.

  He hoped Nevada would give him a chance to redeem himself.

  *

  As the sun was sinking t
oward the horizon, Nevada walked toward the Graff Hotel and the sound of applause. Uncertainty filled her, but she kept going. She might not cross a literal finish line today, but she could end her quest this way.

  She zigzagged through the crowd to get closer to the stage that had been set up. The snow sculpture task appeared to be over. The competitors stood near the stage.

  Nevada peered around a tall, thin man wearing a cowboy hat, but she didn’t see Dustin. That didn’t bring the relief she thought it would.

  “Aren’t those great?” a woman said to her children.

  A little girl bundled up in a purple snowsuit jumped up and down. “Cupid.”

  “The heart is the best,” said a teenaged boy whose expression suggested he’d rather be anywhere but here.

  With love shining in her eyes, the mom looked at each child. “They’re all wonderful. Maybe when you’re older, you can be in the Valentine Quest.”

  The little girl clapped. “Yes.”

  The teen shook his head. “No way.”

  Their reactions brought a needed smile to Nevada’s face. She moved around the family to get a better look at the snow sculptures.

  A few were nothing more than snowmen or forts, but others stood out—a cupid complete with a bow and a quiver full of arrows, a diamond ring, a large Valentine’s Day card, a heart-shaped box of chocolates, and a three-dimensional heart like the puzzle task only vertical.

  She didn’t know which one was Dustin’s since all the competitors were standing on one end of the stage.

  Sage stood in front of a microphone. Tim was at her side.

  “Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone,” Sage said. “We hope you’re having a great time.”

  The crowd cheered.

  Nevada kept her gloved hands in her coat pockets. She was here. That was good enough. Dakota never said she had to participate.

  Tim stepped up to the microphone. “Today is the final day of the first annual Valentine Quest sponsored by Copper Mountain Chocolates, Paradise Valley Feed Store, and Two Old Goats wine store.”

  Clifford and Emerson stepped forward to join Sage and Tim.

  Clifford took the microphone. “We’d like to announce the winner of the snow-sculpture task. First place and sixteen points goes to Team Cupid.”

  That was Carly and Dan. The middle-aged couple who had dogged her and Dustin during the entire quest stepped forward to receive a heart-shaped ribbon.