Surviving Valentine (6 page)

I tried to play it off like I didn’t care either way. “Closet romantic are we? I just might be able to get you to watch the notebook with me huh?”  He laughed. “No matter how much I love a woman, I will never watch that movie.”  The mood got a lot lighter after that. He brought our food over to the couch while we settled in to watch a movie. I put in the first Harry Potter. He didn’t seem to care or he seemed open to it at least.  His food was delicious, definitely famous worthy. I kept moaning and complementing him over how good it was, he kept shifting the way he was sitting a lot. It was weird. The couch wasn’t as big as mine. Aunt Tara never really sat done much. After the movie was over, he told me he liked it and to go ahead and put the next one in. I did so then came back to the couch to find him sprawled out more. “I needed to stretch out a bit. But if you want I have a very comfy nook here for you.”  He pointed to the nook right where his shoulder and chest met. Tempting. Why not?  I shrugged and went to lie down in the nook. “This is a mighty comfy nook sir.” He smiled and chuckled. “You’re welcome to use it anytime.”  We both fell silent, just enjoying being with each other. It felt very natural.   The way we have been around each other all day had turned into a comfortable flirting. Not going far but not totally innocent either.  I was ok with that. We clearly wanted to tear each other’s clothes off but neither one of us was pushing it, just kind of letting things progress as they were. I smiled at the thought as I snuggled into his nook more and ended up drifting off to sleep.

Chapter 8

Darien

Sometime during the movie, Scarlet fell asleep in my nook. The movie was long done now but I just couldn’t bring myself to wake her. I just laid there for a while looking at her. She looked so calm and comfortable. Her rosy pink lips were parted slightly; her nose was cute as it came it a little point. She had a very light dusting of freckles on her nose. I noticed a little scar laced in her left eyebrow. I wondered if it was from that dick she dated. I lightly ran my thumb over the scar. I wish I could take away all of the painful memories she had. She felt so warm in my arms, so natural, so right. I felt myself wanting to be like this all the time. That feeling brought me back to an earlier conversation with her. She mentioned fucking a lot and falling in love are things she likes in books. Those things would both be so easy with her. Of course the first thing isn’t a problem for me. I already have imagined all the ways I want Scarlet. As for falling in love? My dad always said he knew right away my mom was different. It took her a little longer to come to terms with being in love with him, but he always knew. I think I am falling in love with this brave, beautiful woman. She is clumsy, she makes me laugh like no one else, and everything just feels the way it’s supposed to. I know we haven’t known each other long, but it just feels right with her. Now I just have to show Scarlet that she is in love with me too.  She moaned then rolled into me, her legs tangled with mine, her hand rested on my chest. Her upper body was pressed into mine. I felt a little daring and hugged her slightly and kissed her forehead. She stirred. Crap. I woke her, so much for being a stealthy seal huh Valentine?  Her eyes slowly opened and settled on my face. She didn’t move away from me, that’s a good sign. “Hi” her voice was rough with sleep, but super sexy. “Hi” I smiled at her. “Sorry I fell asleep on you, I guess I am just tired from my classes today.” She still wasn’t trying to get up. I like this. “It’s ok, why don’t go back to sleep, I don’t mind.” She looked at me searching for something, I guess she found what she was looking for; she nodded and closed her eyes. She snuggled even closer, which I wouldn’t have thought possible. Her body fits with mine like it was made for me.  “You smell really good.” She said quietly, I smiled and tried not to laugh out loud. I eventually fell asleep, thinking about the girl in my arms.

A noise woke me from my very nice dream. Scarlet and I were together playing spy on the beach, except unlike our real life version yesterday, she didn’t trip, I caught her then stripped her down looking for weapons. That same noise rang in my ears again. I slowly open my eyes and take in the morning. I am immediately startled by a big dog head that is staring at me. Roxy must need something, I feel a little different than when I went to sleep. That’s when I realize Scarlet is no longer in my nook but lying on top of me. I mean I know the couch was a little snug for both of us laying on it but I guess she preferred me as her pillow instead.

Don’t get me wrong I like the way we are, but how to wake her up without her freaking out that she was laying on me with morning wood. What? It happens.  Roxy was getting impatient with me that I wasn’t getting up fast enough for her. She whined a little more. “Roxy I’m coming, shhh.” I spoke as quietly as I could. I swear the dog knew she had me in a position, if a dog could do the creepy evil grin she would be doing it now. She barked. Scarlet’s eyes flew open wide; she looked over at the dog. “Good morning baby, how did you sleep?” she clearly wasn’t talking to me. She had to of noticed what she was sleeping on. Right?

Well no time like now to tell her. “Good morning to you too.” Her hand started moving around my body. Not in a sexual way but a before-I-look-into-the-eyes-of-my-pillow-I-want-to-make-sure-it-really-did-talk, type of feel around. But I will say her feeling me up did push a little more blood down below causing my pants to get a little tighter. Which she obviously felt.  “OH MY GOD! I AM SOOO SORRY!” she tried to get off me as fast as possible, but in the process she tripped and kicked me in the nuts as she went down to the floor. “FUCK!” I yelled.  I immediately grab my boys and tried not to vomit. My whole body was breaking out into sweats. I would take getting shot any day compared to the feeling of getting kicked in the nuts.  I was too focused on the pain to hear her get up but as soon as my eyes opened I saw she was talking to me. “I don’t know what’s happened to me, I swear I am never this clumsy! Oh my god, are you ok?  I am so sorry again! First I slept on you all night, then this.” I shh’d her again. “ SHH, it’s ok I just need a minute.” She ran into the kitchen and got me some water. I took the cup and took a sip, it helped a little. I sat up; she was looking at me, obvious concern in her expression. Her hair had that just woken up shape to it. He lips were a little pinker.  Her skin had the barest blush to it. She was breathtaking. “You look beautiful in the morning.” She blushed more; I couldn’t stop staring at her. “Thanks, I bet I have bad breath though. Do you want some coffee?”  She said my magic words. Coffee. “Yeah I’d like that. Help yourself to some tea since I know you don’t like coffee.” She smiled at me; I will forever keep tea in my house for her. “Thanks. I’m going to go let Roxy out real quick.”

She got up and let the dog out. Even though the morning had an interesting start to it, everything still felt natural.  We flew into effortless conversation over coffee and tea in the morning, just like the other day. Talking about everything, she really enjoyed photography, I told her about some stories with the Seals. Then I told her about Summers. She reached over and placed her hand over mine. She was comforting me. It really seemed like it was helping, just knowing she was there for me. “I’m sorry, that must be very hard for you.”  It was hard. “Summers was a kick ass kid, I think he even had a girlfriend back home, I bet she is in a lot worse shape than I am in. I know he wouldn’t want me to beat myself up over everything that happened. But as their leader I can’t help but feel responsible for what happens to them. Even if it’s out of my control.”  I looked out the window and thought about that day. “It will be hard, but you will be ok. You are a strong man, you can move forward. You should embrace life and enjoy it. Try not to dwell on things you can’t change.” I looked at her. That sounded a lot like something Aunt Tara would say. The more I was around Scarlet, the more I saw a lot of Aunt Tara too. It was comforting.

“Yeah you’re right. So what are you up to today?” I asked, trying to move on from that subject. “I have a few classes then I have some paperwork I have to work on at home for a while. Probably won’t go out tonight, You?”

  “I’m thinking about going and visiting my family today. I haven’t seen them since I got in.” I should have called to let them know I was in town, but I know my mom is having a really hard time with my aunt’s death. I haven’t wanted to be around more people who are sad and who will make me feel even more like shit about death.  Only person who I haven’t had to walk on egg shells around is Scarlet. Even though she has lost one of her best friends she keeps on going, not looking back. LIGHTBULB!! “Do you have any classes tomorrow?” I blurt out. “Yes, I have 2 in the morning.” Perfect!  “I know this is a little out there, but would you like to come with me to my parent’s house tomorrow. Not as a date or anything. I think with everyone being sad about Aunt Tara’s death, you might liven up the place a bit.” Not to mention how much more comfortable I will feel with her there, but she didn’t need to know that right now. “Hm, I’m not sure. I wouldn’t want to impose.”  Not a no.. “It would be no problem at all! Come on. Please?” I put on my best begging face. She caved. “OH alright put those puppy eyes away. God, you shouldn’t use those things on people. It’s hardly fair.” Puppy eyes? I guess my begging face is very convincing. To play or not to play? “So what you’re saying is that all I have to do is give you puppy eyes and you will do anything I want?” I gave her a very wolfish grin.  Her eyes narrowed at me. “Don’t abuse your power Mr. Valentine.”  I chuckled. “I wouldn’t dream of it Ms. Barnette.”

“ Well on that note, I better get a move on before you use your Jedi mind tricks to make me do something dirty.” She scrunched her face up and stuck out her tongue at me. I wanted to bite it. She took her cup to the sink and then headed towards the door. “Wait I know we live next to each other but I don’t even have you number. You know for tomorrow.”I pointed out. “Oh yeah, right, my number.” she walked over to the counter, grabbed a pen and paper, and wrote her number down. “Alright Darien, I will see you tomorrow. Let’s go Roxy!” the dog looked pretty comfy but she got up and ran out the door. “Bye Scarlet.” I said.

Chapter 9

Scarlet

Sigh, paperwork.  After my classes today, I grabbed a drink, my laptop, put in Mamma Mia, and started on my paperwork for the business. Typing reports of last month’s profits, and losses. Thankfully I don’t have to spend much. Also those drinks for the guys are a tax write off!  I love being a business owner. It’s so freeing to decide your own schedule. You can take off time when you want, Time like after class tomorrow. I still can’t believe Darien invited me to go to his parent’s house with him. I feel very comfortable around him, like we are friends, but I don’t want his parents to think we are together. I don’t think Darien is the type of guy to do relationships. Even though I am getting to know his character, he still looks dangerous to a woman’s heart. Especially since he is letting his scruff on his face grow, oh I love facial hair. It really completed the edgy appearance he has going on. I really am starting to like him. His nook was so comfortable; I hope I can sleep without it tonight. I threw my head into the pillow and screamed. “AHHH” I can’t believe this.  I can’t even say I am starting to like him. I really like him. He listens to me. He is funny, we just mesh well together. If only we were like Sophie and Sky in Mamma Mia singing lay all your love on me. I feel like a sitting duck when it comes to him. Maybe this good though. I mean he is pretty perfect. I guess we will see. Right now I need to focus on my work

Around 10 o’clock, I hear a knock at the door, and was secretly hoping it was Darien. That he was thinking about me today like I have been thinking about him. “Scarlet!!” nope it was my BFF Candace. I could use a girl’s night. “Hey babe!”  We hug and headed inside.  “So how have you been? You have to catch me up on the gossip.”  Candace spoke as she poured us each a glass of wine. “What makes you think I have any gossip?”  Trying to show the most secretive facial expression I could. “Oh come on Scar, A little birdie told me about the hot new neighbor, you have to have gossip!” I laughed. “This little birdie doesn’t happen to be your sex marathon partner does he?” She moaned.  “Oh God yes! So dish.” I told her about everything that has happened since we parted at the bar. “Wow! Scar that is so hot and you kissed him! How was it, he looks like he could just turn you into a puddle on the floor? Please tell me I am right?” I thought about that kiss the other night. My body turned warm, I could still feel his hands all over me. I pressed my knees together trying to release some of the pressure building in my core. “Mmm I.. it was amazing.  He totally melted me, and then I ended it. Ugh why did I do that.” She patted me on the back “Because of your whole friends before sex thing, I support you on whatever it is you want to do, but man you should be doing him! I don’t know if this thing with Ross will turn out to be something, and right now I am just enjoying him and his penis. It’s mutual. Maybe you should do him and get him out of your system you know?” I thought about it. “I don’t know Candy, I bet he would be amazing, I probably wouldn’t ever want it to end.” She laughed at me then spoke “OR he could be like those other guys where you thought it was going to be awesome, and it ended up being a disaster. Like Tiny Dick Dominic, sexiest man I have ever seen with a little thingy.” We both laughed for a while over that.

Then we heard a noise coming from outside. We both ran well practically tripping over each other to get to the window facing my sexy neighbor’s house. As we squished our faces up against the window, we both gasped. “OH.MY.GOD. SCAR.” Was all she could say. Darien was out in his back porch fighting a punching bag. I thought I heard tools going on this afternoon; he must have just put it up. He is a sight of pure masculinity. This was the first time I have seen him shirtless, and even in the dim porch light I decided he should do it more often. Who needed shirts anyways? I looked down. Well I do but that’s beside the point.  He punched that bag with precision hits. He was so beautiful the way he moved. It wasn’t choppy; it was almost like a dance. I could stare at him doing this all day. I sighed. Candace sighed along with me. “Scarlet, you need to tap that, like stat. I mean look at that body.” I was. He was so beautiful.  I could see the sweat glistening in the light, which made me think of how I wanted to get all sweaty with him in bed. I groaned then trudged back to the couch and sat my butt down. Sulking. “I am so screwed.” She came over and hugged me. “Not yet sweetie but if I were you I would be begging to get screwed by that.” I giggled, oh Candace. “Tell me about you and Ross, I feel like I’ve been rambling on about Darien, and you have actually been getting some, Details.” She filled me in on the details, how great he was, how sweet he was, how much he enjoyed sports like her. I was really happy for her that she has someone that is making her happy. Everyone deserves to be happy right? So maybe I shouldn’t fight whatever it was between Darien and I. She started tell me about how his family has a cabin in the mountains of West Virginia, and that we should all go out there together.  It sounded like fun; I haven’t been around the mountains in a while. About an hour later, we said our goodbyes and made a plan to go dancing tomorrow night after I got back from Darien’s parents house. After watching her leave I looked over next door. Sigh, I turned around and walked upstairs to get ready for bed. After taking a shower, I crawled into bed.