Her Valentine Hero

by Gail Gaymer Martin

  “She admitted that, too.” He pulled out a hanky and blew his nose.

  Jon wasn’t sure if it was emotion or the fresh air.

  “That girl is quite a woman, don’t you think?”

  Jon flinched, then realized Fred has his eyes glued to his expression. What could he say? “No denying it. You have an amazing daughter.”

  “Too bad some good man doesn’t snatch her up. Ever think of marrying, Jon?”

  His heart dipped to his toes, and shot back up to his throat. He swallowed to keep from choking. “One day I will.”

  “Then it has crossed your mind.”

  Jon couldn’t help but chuckle. “The idea’s made a few trips across my cranium, but it never stopped. It just kept going.”

  Fred gave him a coy look. “One day the idea will get lodged in your chest. Then you’re a goner.”

  “You’re probably right.” He managed to keep his voice steady. “Let’s pick up the pace a little.” Hopefully Fred’s air would be used for breathing and not talking.

  He did stay silent, and they made their way around the park and then headed down the sidewalk toward his house. As they approached, he saw Neely’s car in the driveway. His pulse sparked, and took away the little breath he had.

  “You coming in? You’d probably like something to drink, right?”

  He analyzed the expression on Fred’s face and knew what he wanted him to do. “Sure. But just for a couple of minutes.”

  Fred grinned and opened the front door. When they stepped inside, Jon heard Neely, and from the sound of the oven door closing, he knew she’d been working in the kitchen. Before he could get there, she’d stepped into the dining room and spotted him. “Jon.” She motioned behind him. “I see you and Dad went for a walk.”

  “And a good one, too. Nice and brisk.” Fred gave him a wink.

  Neely eyed Jon, and he hoped she saw from his face to let it drop.

  A faint grin slid to her mouth. “Glad you had some good exercise.”

  He grunted as if disappointed that she hadn’t taken the bait. “I’m heading upstairs for a few minutes. You two go ahead and talk. I’m sure you can manage that.” He started up the stairs as his chuckle greeted them.

  “Your dad’s quite a character.” He wondered what she would say if she knew about her father’s matchmaking attempts. Not even subtle. He’d been blatant. But Jon didn’t mind. He liked having someone significant on his side.

  She nodded but no smile. “I’m glad you came.”

  That comment wasn’t what he’d expected. He tilted his head, waiting for her to tell him why.

  “Dad probably told you I decided to get off his back about the downstairs bedroom.”

  She arched a brow.

  Jon couldn’t stop his smile. “Yes, but here’s something you might not know.” As he spoke, he wondered if that’s something he shouldn’t mention, but it was too late. “I think being in that room reminds him of your mom. That might have been a place he felt close to her.”

  Her face flickered with surprise. “I’ve never thought of that. I suppose it was one place that she showed her softer side.” She looked away and then returned her gaze. “That’s nice to know.”

  “I thought it might be meaningful. He loved her despite her controlling nature.”

  “He did. Ashley said the same thing to me.” She lowered her head as if in thought. “Maybe realizing that will help me get over some of the frustration I’ve hung on to even after Mom’s death.”

  He drew closer and touched her shoulder. “We may learn lessons late, but learning the lesson is the important thing. You’ve done that.”

  She nodded and tilted her chin. “Thanks.” She gazed away a moment. “I’ve learned something else today.”

  His pulse revved. “What?”

  She blew out a stream of air. “It’s what I expected...we expected. Erik called Ashley, and he’s seeing her tonight. Reason? He wants to meet Joey.” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “In a pig’s eye.”

  “Why not? Meeting Joey is way to get to know Ashley.”

  Her head bobbed upward, sadness on her face. “If I thought that were the truth. If I thought he had changed. I’d be all for it. He has money and prestige. He could give her a good life, but I think he has another motive.”

  He could guess, but he wanted to hear it from her. “What’s the other reason?”

  “To make me jealous. Erik doesn’t like to lose something he thinks he should have. I’m guessing it’s me.”

  His chest tightened, but he asked anyway. “Would that be possible?”

  “Never. Even if he’s made a hundred-and-eighty-degree turn, and I doubt if that would happen. He’s divorced and that happened for a reason. I’d love to know what that reason was.”

  Jon kept his mouth closed. Though her answer to his question gave him assurance, he couldn’t be positive. Her preoccupation with Erik bothered him. He didn’t know why but it did.

  “Maybe that’s something you can let go in time, Neely. Pray that Ashley doesn’t get hurt in the situation. Erik’s motive is his problem, but your sister’s well-being is what we’ll pray for.”

  She reached up and pressed her hand to his, still resting on her shoulder. “I will pray for her, Jonny. You’re right.”

  She lifted her gaze and his focus drifted to her lips. His heart tripped and his knees nearly gave way. The longing threw him. She looked more fragile than he’d ever seen her, and he sensed her concern was real. Erik had hurt her, but according to her, she’d been the one to break off the relationship. He’d thought about it, but it never made sense.

  Her eyes met his, and his hand drifted down her arm and slipped around her back. He drew her closer, and she leaned her head against his chest. He feared she might hear the thrumming of his heart like a long-forgotten love song.

  As she tilted her head upward, his gaze slipped to her lips, slightly parted, almost in waiting. He grasped for courage, then he lowered his mouth to hers.

  “What’s for dinner?”

  Jon yanked away from her lips nearly giving himself a whiplash. Neely slipped from his grasp as her father entered the kitchen.

  “Baked pork chops, Daddy. I’ll make a salad, and we can put potatoes in the microwave.” She began to bustle as domestic duties took over, but Jon knew the real reason. “Remember, the internet said you need to eat healthy. Five fruits and vegetables a day.”

  The color on Neely’s cheeks told him she was ruffled by her father’s sudden appearance. He would have laughed at her reaction if her father’s “what’s for dinner” hadn’t stopped him cold from kissing her the way he’d been wanting to for weeks.

  He shifted toward the door, knowing the situation was going nowhere but down. “I need to get going.” He lifted his hand in a wave. “Thanks for the walk, Fred, and see you again sometime, Neely.”

  He scooted through the doorway before he had to respond to another comment or question. His disappointment consumed him. In his mind, he’d tasted her lips and felt their soft touch. Imagination wasn’t enough anymore. He wanted the real thing, and if he couldn’t make it work, then he needed to get out from under her spell.

  But how? He’d tried for years.

  Chapter Nine

  Neely stared at the computer screen in the attendance area of the office, her mind sailing between the multiple attendance forms she’d had to fill out for sick kids and a variety of other excuses to the near kiss that left her reeling. If her father hadn’t broken the trance, the kiss would have happened, and she would have melted into it. She knew that as sure as she knew her name.

  The common-sense side of her thanked her father for breaking the spell. Her emotional side hadn’t wanted it to end. With her brain and heart in constant battle, she wavered between tossing cautio
n to the wind or barricading herself against the unexpected longing she’d felt since getting to know Jonny again. If he were only the boy she once knew, her distance would be easy. Jonny the man—Jon—she couldn’t fight his charm. She needed to cling to the Jonny she’d known.

  “How’s your first day?”

  Her hand jerked against the keys, and the letter K scooted across the page. When she looked at him, she hoped her thoughts weren’t engraved on her expression. “Okay, I think.” She focused on the monitor and used the backspace key to delete the row and a half of Ks.

  “Sorry.” Jonny chuckled, gazing at her deletion. “I guess I scared you.”

  “I was engrossed.” But not in her typing. She’d been engrossed in him. In her feelings. In the kiss that still hung in her memory. “What’s up?”

  “It’s my prep hour. No practice tonight so I wondered if you’d like to get together?”

  Her pulse skipped. “I don’t think so tonight.” She searched her mind for a plausible reason. She wanted to know what was happening between Ashley and Erik, but then she didn’t want to know. Another wavering situation but this one none of her business. When she looked up, Jonny had an expectant expression on his face, obviously wanting to know why. She didn’t know.

  “Anything wrong? How’s your dad?”

  “He’s fine. I’ve been trying to feed him well. He’d live on fast food if I let him.”

  He nodded, but the look hadn’t gone.

  Stymied, she segued to a new topic. “If you want to walk with Dad tonight that would be fine.”

  He stared at her monitor, now clear of her extended Ks. “That’s not quite what I had in mind.”

  She bit her lip, wishing she could release the qualms she clung to. Being with him in a crowd wasn’t the problem. Alone meant danger. Digging she found her answer. “Did you want to come for dinner? Dad enjoys talking with you.”

  Jonny studied her a moment. “Thanks but no. Another time.” He turned and strode from the office without looking back.

  A hollow feeling washed over her as if she’d ignored her heart.

  * * *

  “Jon. I haven’t seen you for a while.”

  Cindy batted her eyes from behind the counter, and Jon’s skin crawled. “I’ve been around, but with the school sports, I don’t always find time for myself.” Only when it came to Neely, but he couldn’t say that to Cindy. She’d come on to him often, and he’d tried to ignore it, but once in a while, he wondered if Cindy would be what he needed to make Neely jealous. Maybe. He needed something that would check whatever held her back.

  “I saw your last game. It was great, Jon. I’m sure you’re proud of the team.” She leaned on the counter, aiming for a provocative pose but he kept his gaze glued to her face.

  “Thanks.” He lifted his hand and scooted past as quickly as he could. The temptation to invite her out for a coffee had entered his mind, but he’d never used anyone for his purpose and never to get a date with someone else.

  He strode into the locker room, and stepped into his gym clothes, stored his possessions in a locker and headed toward a weight machine. He adjusted the weights and the pulley, then sat on the incline bench to work out his upper-chest muscles. Placing his hands on the bars, he kept his elbows in line with his hands and pulled. When the burn increased, he switched his grip to target his triceps.

  His concentration on Neely helped the time fly yet added tension to his workout. He had to do something to make her aware of his feelings and his determination. Neely wasn’t the only one who could persevere when the motivation was right.

  The conclusion that returned to him dealt with charities. Neely’s attitude mellowed when she helped others, and that was the idea he’d finally struck upon. His church had announced that Welcome Inn, a day shelter for the homeless, needed churches to help prepare meals. Neely cooked with confidence, and she loved to help charities. The situation opened a door for him, and now all he needed to do was introduce the opportunity.

  His arms and chest ready for a break, Jon rose and headed for the leg press. He settled onto the leg extension machine, adjusted the seat and put his feet low on the plate, and then began the donkey-kick motion. He buried his thoughts into the powerful movement, and when he drew his mind away from the hard work, his stomach flipped. Neely had entered the gym, and was heading across the room toward the stair climber. She hadn’t mentioned exercising as she often did and her appearance surprised him. She’d worn exercise shorts and a knit sleeveless top that showed the soft curve of her arm.

  His blood pumped like a geyser, and he looked away to control his emotions. No matter how he longed to get her out of his system, she remained. He drew in a breath, wishing away the constant memories of her, but his wishes failed. She’d returned to Ferndale, and he believed that God had a purpose for every event in the lives of His children, good or bad. As yet, Jon had no idea how his feelings for Neely would fall, but he had to trust and have faith.

  With his plan B sketched out, he let trust be his guide as he put his plan into action. Since Neely hadn’t noticed him, he continued to work out, not wanting to look too eager. Maybe she’d notice him first. He avoided a direct gaze, but an occasional subtle look provided him with her whereabouts, and when she moved to the treadmill, he shifted to the elliptical machine since it was closer to her. She still didn’t see him or if she had, she’d managed to fool him.

  When she climbed off and draped a towel around her neck, Jon did the same, stirred by her trim body, one that she’d honed since her arrival.

  When her gaze shifted to him, a look of surprise heightened her skin tone. “Jonny.” She took a step closer. “You didn’t mention exercising.” Her expression etched with curiosity.

  “Neither did you.” He flashed a quick smile and didn’t move.

  She pulled the towel from her neck, dragged it across her face and stepped closer.

  His pulse revved as he organized plan B. When she stopped beside him, he grasped the opportunity. “I forgot to tell you my church is beginning its winter schedule for one of our charities.”

  She twirled the towel around her hand. “What’s the charity?”

  “Welcome Inn. It provides day care and other services to the homeless. They’re served breakfast, and we prepare hot lunches and freeze them so they always have meals ready to serve in the afternoon.”

  Interest flashed on her face.

  He waited, but she didn’t respond.

  “I know you like to cook, so if you’re interested, we’ll be starting in two weeks.”

  She bit the corner of her lip, her eyes shifting from him to her towel.

  He could almost hear the gears cranking in her head. He’d intentionally left it open ended. Now she could assume he hadn’t presented the invitation for her company but for her contribution to the charity. He had both in mind.

  “If you’re interested, let me know.” He turned and motioned toward the registration desk. “Cindy wants to see me so I’d better go.”

  A frown flickered across her brow, and her gaze shot upward toward the doorway.

  “See you at school.” He gave a casual wave, and strutted toward the locker room. When he’d vanished from her sight, he released a breath and asked himself why he’d brought up Cindy. He’d already decided that he didn’t use people, and now he’d done it. To make it right, he needed to talk with Cindy just to be nice, and he feared that could get him into trouble.

  * * *

  Neely walked in the door from another workday at the school. Though the job was fine, she realized it wasn’t what she wanted to do forever. Not knowing where her life was headed had become a struggle. The experience of being home with family and loving it lay on her heart in a new way. She wished she could have enjoyed time with her mother, but she’d harbored resentment for the way her mother had treate
d her dad and most of the family. Now she’d begun to realize her mother’s unhappiness reflected in her critical manner.

  Being unfulfilled could tangle a person’s secure life into resentment and create a love-hate relationship with life and those in it. She could see herself getting caught in that web. Her feelings about Jon snagged her every way she turned. It had become a contest between her determination to resist him or her option to take a chance and live with the results. The idea was a new one that scared her.

  And another situation, she’d talked for a short time with Ashley and learned that her evening with Erik had been wonderful, except he’d arrived too late to meet Joey. He’d already fallen asleep and her sister had put him in bed. Why didn’t that surprise her? Whatever Erik’s excuse, Ashley had accepted it with no question. Neely closed her eyes. Was this another example of her critical nature?

  Letting the question fade, she dropped her handbag in a chair and listened for her father. She heard nothing. The kitchen was empty, and the only other option was his room. She strode to the staircase. “Dad.” She waited. She bounded up the steps and halted halfway. “Dad?”

  A pain shot through her chest as her blood constricted. “No.” She darted to the top and shot to his closed bedroom door. “Dad?” Nothing. She burst inside and faltered. He wasn’t there. She looked around. The blankets had been pulled up and the pillow tossed on top. She rounded the bed, fearing what she’d find on the other side. Only his slippers sat together on the rug.

  She darted to the hallway but noticed the bathroom door was open. Air shot from her lungs as she scurried down the stairs and opened the hall closet. His lightweight jacket was missing. She dragged air through her lungs, shaking her head at her foolish fear. He’d gone for a walk or maybe... No. She spotted his car keys on the table near the foyer doorway. Walking. That was the answer.

  She sank into a chair and covered her face, sorting through the emotions she’d experienced. Love had power she didn’t understand, emotions she’d never experienced before. She straightened and leaned against the cushion while memories of what she’d thought was love flooded through her. Though her heart would patter when she first met Erik, she’d been more flattered by his attention than wrapped in love. She realized that now for the first time.