Gail Martin - Her Valentine Hero

“I know. We broke up just before he left for college.”

Her comment seemed an afterthought, yet he struggled with her strained expression. “Sorry, Neely. I knew you weren’t together because I knew you hadn’t married him. But I didn’t know you had bad feelings.”

She shook her head. “I need to get over it.” She averted her eyes and kicked at a stone on the sidewalk. “Where is this restaurant, anyway?”

“Right up ahead.” He pointed to the purple-and-green-striped awning a block away. “It’s called Pronto.” He slipped his hand to her shoulder, wanting to ease her edginess. “Can we forget my earlier reference and cheer up?”

She tilted her head toward him. “I am cheery, but I’m not happy to hear Erik’s coming to the party. Why was he invited?”

“He’s a friend of Ty’s.”

She drew up her shoulders. “I’ll just steer clear of him. I’m not in the mood for auld lang syne.” Her lips curved to a faint grin. “You know what I mean?”

He agreed, but he really didn’t know what she meant unless her reference hinted at Erik’s problem. Cheating on his wife had ended Erik’s marriage. Maybe it ended Neely’s relationship with him, too.

They walked the rest of the way in silence, and he was grateful when they’d reached the restaurant. He opened the door, wishing he could start their visit again. “How about over there?” He motioned to the empty table.

She nodded and followed his direction without comment, and once seated, she studied the menu while he studied her. Being with Neely seemed like a dream. Years ago he’d been Rainie’s brother. Today he’d become an equal. At least an equal in his mind. “Does having dinner with me seem strange?” He lowered his menu to the table.

Her head jerked upward as color tinted her face. “You must have read my mind.”

He wished he could. “No, but I’m a good guesser.”

A grin flickered on her lips. “I’m trying to acclimate myself to the situation. If it weren’t for your gorgeous eyes, I’d think you were an imposter.”

Her resolute gaze nearly caused his undoing. “I hope that’s a compliment.”

“It is.” She turned her attention to the menu.

Aware that he’d reaped a compliment from Steely Neely sent his pulse racing. But then reality brought it to a halt. A compliment was only that. He wanted so much more. “Rainie said you’re home to stay.”

She inched her head upward as if in thought. “Not sure about the ‘to stay’ part, but right now I’m home without other plans. I was laid off from Zigman’s, and with the economy so bad, I read the writing on the wall. The layoff would be permanent.”

“You didn’t read the writing well enough, I’m afraid.” He hated being the bearer of bad news, but she needed to know.

She tilted her head as if puzzled.

“Michigan’s economy is rotten, too.”

“I know. It’s the pits.” Her face shadowed. “It doesn’t matter, I guess. I really came back for Dad and my sister. It’s been tough for Ashley.”

Those feelings were ones he understood. “Losing a husband with a newborn baby is something I can’t even wrap my mind around.” Neely’s expression deepened his sadness.

“Jonny.” She gave his arm a pat. “Thanks for caring.”

Her hand didn’t move, and the warmth radiated to his chest. He looked into her eyes, wishing he could resolve her problems for her.

Something seemed to distract her, and she sat a moment in silence. Finally her face brightened. “Enough about me. Tell me about you.”

“What do you want to know?”

“I don’t remember your being involved in sports. What made you go into coaching?”

He picked up on her evasion. Talking about him got her off the hook. “Remember what you said. You were older than I was so you probably wouldn’t have known what I enjoyed.” He twisted the knife a bit. He could play the age game, too.

“I’m not that old.” She arched a brow.

He arched his back. “And I’m not that young.”

Her face broke into a full smile. “You got me.” She rested her cheek on her fist and studied him.

“And I remember a lot of things about you...even at my very young age.” He gave the knife another playful thrust.

She didn’t flinch. “Go on. You’ve captured my interest. What do you remember?” She leaned closer and grasped his hand. “This is fun, Jonny.”

Fun for her, but serious for him. He wasn’t that boy any longer, not by a long shot. He was a man—a football coach with respect from his team and the community—not an irritating kid. And he wanted her to know it. “How about calling me Jon?”

She drew back, releasing his hand. “Jon? That sounds weird.” She shook her head. “I’ll work on it. That’s all I can promise.”

Wishing he hadn’t jumped at her, he managed a smile. “That’s good enough.” He grasped the menu, and raked his eyes over the choices, needing time to get his thoughts together.

The tension faded from her face. “No matter what I call you, you’ll always be Jonny to me.” She rested her hand on his again. “And no more digs.”

Relief. He nodded, but his attention had shot to the touch of her hand. Heat from her fingers swam up his arm and into his chest. “Sounds good to me.”

Her gaze drifted to the tabletop a moment as a fresh frown sneaked to her lips.

“Neely?”

Her head jerked up, and it took a minute for her eyes to clear. “One more question, and I even hate to ask it.”

His pulse skipped as he waited.

She looked away. “This is about Erik.”

He figured.

“I’d feel better knowing he’s married. He is, isn’t he?”

Jon’s chest constricted, but the truth needed to be heard. “He was married but not anymore. Erik’s divorced.”

Her frown deepened. “Divorced?”

He nodded, and slipped his hand from beneath hers to grasp the menu. “We’d better order. I have some errands to run tonight.” He could have told her the truth about Erik, but he avoided anything that reeked of gossip, and he saw in her eyes she wanted details.

Neely glanced at her watch before she perused the menu, though her questioning gaze flashed toward him more than once.

He didn’t bite. “I’m ready to order. Are you? They have a great Mediterranean platter—grilled chicken, peppers, hummus, orzo or how about Chicken Quesadillas?”

She lowered her eyes to the menu, then closed it, but he could see food wasn’t on her mind. Erik was, and she longed to dig deeper. If she learned any more, it wouldn’t be from him. He had no interest in discussing Erik’s dirty laundry. None at all. His attention remained on her—the girl he’d always sensed was his soul mate.

Chapter Two

Neely stood in the bridal salon dressing room, her gaze on the icy-green silk chiffon fabric shirred at the bodice and falling in soft draping to her feet. She craned over her shoulder to look in the mirror at the back of the gown. In the past week, she’d lost a couple pounds, but that didn’t make a dent in where she wanted to be. Running the track at the school had become a problem between the football team and the band. By the time football season was over, she’d have to run in snow.

She gave another glance at the gown from behind, pleased that her additional pounds didn’t show from that view. Jonny had mentioned the new fitness center, and if it weren’t for the money, she would rush over and sign up, but first she wanted to see what she could manage on her own. So far, she’d pretty much failed.

“Can I come in?” Rainie’s voice swept in from behind the curtain.

“Sure.” She turned to face the doorway. None of her friends in Indianapolis knew her as well as Rainie. “I love the dress. You made a great choice.” She raised her arms at her side, and swished the skirt with a sway. “What do you think?”