Gail Martin - Her Valentine Hero

She grinned at her dad, agreeing that Jonny had grown into a wonderful man. The more the truth hit her the worse she felt using him as protection. She hoped it didn’t come to that.

“Daddy, I want you to stay downstairs until I get back. You have everything you need down here, and when I get home, I’ll be with you when you walk upstairs.”

Her father shook his head as if she were a blithering idiot. “What can I do with this girl, Jon? She thinks I’m an invalid.”

“She loves you, Mr. Andrews.”

She grinned at Jonny who’d backed toward the door, grateful he hadn’t agreed that she’d been overreacting. She drew closer and kissed her father’s cheek. “Do as I say, Daddy, and I’ll be home no later than midnight—probably earlier.” She eyed Jonny for validation, but he only grinned.

“Good night, sir.” He turned the knob, and pulled the door open, then held it for her to step outside.

Neely gave a final wave at her dad standing in the doorway as he’d done when she was a teenager. She grinned, thinking about those years when she felt protected and supported. This time it was her turn to protect her father, a kind of reversal of roles she’d never anticipated but one she accepted.

Jonny opened the passenger door of his car, and she slipped inside, admiring his tall frame as he rounded the hood to the driver side. When he settled beside her, a woodsy scent enveloped her, and she drew it in, admiring the man who wore it.

“Your dad looks pretty good.” He started the car, and shifted into Reverse.

“You should have seen him a few weeks ago.” She shook her head with the memory. “I think it was the fear in his eyes that bothered me the most. I’ve never seen Daddy vulnerable, but that’s exactly what he was.”

“Severe illnesses remind us of our finite nature.” He guided the car onto the street and pulled away. “Heart attacks, accidents, diseases can attack us at any time. Even when we’re fit.”

She agreed, sorry that the topic came up. No one wanted to think of life ending so soon. But it did, and that meant each person had to be ready. She closed her eyes, wishing she didn’t feel the weight of her sins.

“Speaking of fit.”

Jonny’s voice drew her back. “You’re looking great, Neely. I’ve noticed the weight you lost although you’ve always looked good.”

She grinned, using his compliment to give a lift to her spirit. “Thanks, but that would be in the eye of the beholder, as they say. I behold pounds.”

“You’re too hard on yourself.”

Maybe she was.

“If the weather stays this nice, we should take advantage it and enjoy the outdoors. Wilson Park has an in-line skating rink. I use it sometimes for running.”

“Fresh air and sunshine. Sounds good.”

“Next week. I’ll call you.”

She nodded, asking herself why she had gotten herself so involved in Jonny. She needed motivation to exercise and doing it with someone added fun to the job, but Jonny? Sometimes she thought of herself as a fly caught in a spider web and tempting fate. She gazed at him again, and grinned. Jonny was the best-looking web weaver she’d ever run into.

When they reached the steak house, Jonny slipped from behind the wheel and was at her door before she could unhook her seat belt. When she stepped onto the asphalt, he closed and locked the door, and clasped her arm as they headed to the entrance. Though he had no idea that she’d considered asking him to pretend the outing was a date, he gave the illusion with his attentiveness. Grateful she hadn’t asked, she accepted the attention as they went inside.

The maître d’ guided them to the banquet room, and when they stepped inside, a good feeling washed over her. She and Rainie had dreamed of the day when they would walk down the aisle, each promising to ask the other to be their maid or matron of honor. In a few months, she would fulfill her part of the promise. Rainie’s part of the promise seemed like a faraway dream.

“Neely.” Rainie stood with a group of women and waved her over.

She slipped her arm from Jonny’s grasp. “Your sister calls.”

He gave a nod, and headed for Ty without looking back.

She stood a moment to watch him cross the room, part of her wondering how it might be to really be on a date with Jonny.

When she turned toward Rainie, someone caught her arm. Glancing over her shoulder, she cringed and then pulled herself together before facing him. “Erik, how are you?”

“Neely.” He stared at her, his jaw loose as if it had a broken hinge. “Wow! You’re the last person in the world I expected to run into.”

His gaze swept over her, and her discomfort increased. Words were lost in the jumble of thoughts running through her head. He’d grown more handsome. His boyish features had matured and strengthened. His sandy-colored hair had darkened to saddle brown, worn in a typical executive style with a fresh-cut look. He wore a sport coat with his shirt open at the neck and had the air of a man who’d just come from a business meeting.

Erik’s eyes searched hers. “You look healthy.”

Did he mean fat? Flushed? She probably was. Her face burned, as their past reeled into her mind. “Thanks. You look well, too, Erik.” Though her pulse raged, she managed to keep an even tone. Why did he have to approach her when she was alone?

A waitress shifted beside Erik with a tray. “Would you like a drink?”

Erik grasped a wineglass while she eyed the tray for a soft drink. “Is that cola?”

“It is.” The woman smiled and handed her the glass, then moved away to offer drinks to other guests.

Neely watched her go, wishing the woman would stay and chat. She scanned the guests hoping to catch Jonny’s attention but he’d vanished. She wished Erik would. She sipped her drink before focusing on him.

He swirled the red wine in the stemware, and sniffed the scent before he spoke. “Sorry about your dad. I heard he had quite a time.”

Surprised he’d mentioned her father, she took a second to respond. “Thanks. His health is one reason I came home. I knew he’d need watching, and Ashley has her hands full.”

“Yes, I heard about your sister’s loss, too.” He rested his hand on hers. “So you’re here to stay?”

“That depends.” She pressed her lips together and stepped back, hoping he’d withdraw his hand. He didn’t.

A grin stole to his mouth. “Depends on what?”

“On my dad’s health and the job market.”

His gaze slipped to her left hand. “You’re still single?”

Her chest constricted, and a response clung to her throat. Finally she found her words. “Yes, and very happy about that.”

“Really?” His head flew back so hard, she feared he gave himself a whiplash. “I always pictured you with the country-club crowd. Remember our plans.”

“Country club? I don’t think so. The lady said she’s happy.”

Jonny’s voice rolled through her, and she sent a thank-you to heaven. “Jonny, where have you been?”

“I was trapped by a football fan.” He shifted his attention to Erik. “How’s business?” Jonny’s question salved the uncomfortable situation, and she relaxed, grateful he’d come to her rescue.

She listened to them talk about their work while her mind weighed the burden of having Erik come back into her life. She’d hoped he’d moved away to a big city somewhere. At the moment, she wanted to move away from him. She scanned the room until she spotted Rainie, remembering she’d flagged her down minutes earlier. She had her excuse to say goodbye, and leave the men with their conversation.

While she waited for a break to cut in, Jonny slipped his arm around her waist, and gave her a gorgeous smile. Her heart flew to her throat. She hadn’t asked him to protect her, but that’s what he was doing.