Her Valentine Hero. Gail Gaymer Martin

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      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?”

      Rainie pressed her hand to her heart. “It’s gorgeous, and you look amazing.” She motioned for her to twirl around.

      Neely did as she asked, feeling the soft fabric brush against her legs. She hadn’t been in a gown since the senior prom when Erik was at her side. The breakup occurred during the summer before college. She hadn’t planned it. It just happened despite her guilt. The image that clung in her mind was his persistence for getting her in his bed. Prove your love. His words still rang in her head. She’d been strong until her senior year when they were preparing for college. He would head for an Ivy League university and she, to a nearby community college for two years. She’d thought giving in would keep him faithful, but she’d been wrong. He’d cheated on her anyway.

      Coming home and hearing Erik’s name had dredged up the bad feelings and her guilt. Now she had to work at disposing of them and forgiving herself for her pitiful decision. One thing she’d learned about maturing. Strength and wisdom came with age and experience. At least it had for her, all except one thing. Though she knew the Lord forgave her for her mistake, she hadn’t forgiven herself. But that was years ago, and now she’d learned even more about herself and about men in general. She had her fill of them. Nothing would make her change her—

      “Hell-o.”

      The singsong greeting jarred her thoughts. She gave Rainie a guilty smile. “I was on a little time travel.”

      Rainie tilted her head. СКАЧАТЬ