Page 2 of Valentine's Kisses
I close my eyes, reveling in the feeling of that deep voice washing over me again.
When my eyes open again, I’m suddenly aware of the large muscular thigh pressed against my own jean clad one. His legs are encased in khakis, and I follow the sight of those khakis up to a broad chest wearing a white button-down shirt. Finally, my gaze travels up to a soft, concerned smile and a dimpled chin. By the time I’m finally looking into his sky-blue eyes, I’m mesmerized. This man is a certified hottie. Suddenly, my heart is beating faster for another reason. My face flushes as I realize this man just saw me act like a complete idiot.
“I…I’m sorry. Th…thank you for re…rescuing me there. J…just got dizzy for a second.” As usual, my nervousness translates to my stuttering returning and I close my eyes in embarrassment.God, why can’t I just be normal?
A strong hand cups my chin. “Hey there, no need to be embarrassed. Just happy I was here to help. You looked ready to fall down. Do you have a class in the art building?”
I open my eyes and meet his kind blue-eyed gaze. “Yep, my first class ever here.” I feel so awkwardly out of place. Everyone else has been here for at least a semester, but here I am starting in January. As usual, I can’t do things the normal way.
He squeezes my chin lightly. “Kinda scary, huh? It’s my first day here too. I’m nervous as hell.”
I look him over again, from head to toe. This man is well over six feet and makes me look and feel like a small girl, which is not easy. I’ve always been a comfortable size eighteen. This guy is massive, all muscle and strength. But his touch on my chin is gentle.
“Y…you’re scared? H…how?”
He releases my chin and I miss the contact instantly. He runs his hand through his thick, brown hair and sighs. “It’s scary for anyone starting something new, isn’t it? It’s always hard to take that first step, no matter how tough you think you are. No matter how old you are.”
I realize now, looking up at him, that he’s probably in his mid-thirties. His face is beautifully etched in rugged angles. My fingers suddenly itch to draw his face. To run my hands over it and memorize it, and then draw all those planes and angles.
“It is scary,” I murmur. “So scary.”
He takes a deep breath and stands. “You’re going to do great, though. Just like me. You got this, beautiful. I can feel it. You’re going to find great success at this school.”
I look up at him. Somehow, his positivity feels contagious. “Maybe you’re right. I got this. I can do this.”
I stand on wobbly legs, but quickly lock myself in.I have been through hell. I can get through anything.
He takes my hand and brings it to his lips. I shiver as he places a small kiss on the back of it. “You ready to take on this place, beautiful girl? Ready to take that next step?”
I nod and smile broadly. “Now, I am. I’m going to be fine.”
“Exactly,” he says and beams at me.
He looks down at his watch and then back up at me with a perplexed frown. “I should really get to class. I’ll see you around,right?” He sounds genuinely worried that he might not, but he hasn’t asked for my number or information so what do I know?
“Of course.” I reach out and trail my finger lightly over the cuff of his sleeve. For some reason I need the contact. Even if it’s the last time I get to touch this beautiful man. “I’ll be okay now,” I say softly. “Thank you for being my hero.”
He frowns and glances down at his watch again. “I really do have to go,” he says regretfully. “I wish I could stay, but…”
I wave him away and try to send him a genuine smile. “I’m sure we’ll see each other soon. You go ahead. Have a wonderful day!” I end on a chirpy note and hope he doesn’t hear the fakeness in my voice.
He finally turns to walk up the massive staircase of the art building. He glances back and says, “You hang in there, princess. Good days are ahead.”
I watch him go, taking in the sight of his very fine ass encased in pleated khakis. I sigh, but still smile. Maybe hero hottie is right. Good days are ahead. They have to be. And with that thought, I’m finally ready to take on my first class at Crestwood University.
Chapter Two
The Woman of My Dreams
Meeting her changes everything. -Flynn
Flynn
My hands are shaking. I grip them together. I can’t believe my fucking hands are shaking. And I could try to kid myself and say they’re shaking because I’m nervous about teaching my first class, but I know that’s not true. My hands are shaking because I just mether.The woman of my dreams. The woman I plan to marry one day.
I’m a cynical bastard. A ten-year veteran of the NHL with too many aches and pains to count and a history of sleeping with puck bunnies. I’m not a romantic by any means. But that blonde outside with the emerald eyes is meant to be mine.And I didn’t even get her name.
I’m such a fucking idiot. I was just so mesmerized by her that my usual charisma flew right out the window. My stomach jitters at the thought of not seeing her again. I straighten a set of papers on my desk out of pure nervousness. That can’t happen. That won’t. I’ll search this whole campus until I find her again.
