My Virgin Valentine: A Valentine's Day Novella Read online

  My Virgin Valentine

  A Valentine’s Day Novella

  Genevieve Matthews

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Epilogue

  Afterword

  A Cautious Heart

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  About the Author

  Also by Genevieve Matthews

  Copyright © 2017 by Genevieve Matthews

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Chapter 1

  Breathe.

  For God’s sake, Leah, just breathe.

  I immediately feel the blush start to rise up from my V-neck sweater and my cheeks are on fire before I even have a chance to say hello.

  “Hi, welcome to The Flower Room,” I say, tearing off the most recent order and setting it aside.

  “Hi.” He’s giving me the most ridiculously perfect dimpled smile that I have ever seen. I’d sell my soul for something clever to say. But I just stand there, phone cradled against my shoulder with a pencil tucked in my ponytail.

  “I’m Nate Housman, I work next door.” He doesn’t reach for my hand, which I’m thankful for; I broke out in a cold sweat from the moment I saw him walk through the door.

  I’ve been hypnotized by his deep brown eyes. So brown they’re almost black. And the dark beard, neatly trimmed, that frames his strong jaw. I can’t stop staring. My eyes follow his jaw to his neck where I see the traces of tattoos curling up from his black T-shirt. What I wouldn’t give to trace my tongue along those curves—

  “You’re Leah, right?” he says.

  The loud beeping on the other end of the phone reminds me to put the phone back on the receiver. I clunk it down and brush the loose tendrils of hair off of my face.

  “Yes,” I say. It sounds much quieter than I anticipated so I clear my throat and say, “Leah, yes.” Subconsciously I put my hand to my chest. My finger brushes over my nametag and then rests there. I’m not sure why, if only to keep my heart from leaping free. “How can I help you out today?”

  “I want to order some flowers,” he says.

  My stomach drops at his words. I was lost in my crush for only a moment before his words bring me back to reality. Of course he’s here buying someone flowers for Valentine’s Day. A man as sexy as he is must have the choice of any woman he wants.

  I drop my face to hide the disappointment I feel. I always figured he had a girlfriend, but it was nice not knowing and being able to fantasize about him being mine. I drop down under the counter and pretend that I’m looking for something. I just need a second to compose myself.

  “You okay down there?” he asks, peeking over the counter.

  I knock my head on the edge of the wood when I stand up. It hurts like hell but I pretend I’m fine, sweeping my hair behind my ear instead of shouting curse words and rubbing the spot that’s currently pounding.

  “Sorry about that,” I say. “We’re just really busy today. Valentine’s Day tomorrow and all.”

  “Is it? I didn’t realize.”

  I look up and see a smirk on his face. His hands are pressed down on the counter and he’s leaning toward me. He smells amazing. I don’t think it’s cologne or anything, if I had to guess it’s just the smell of his soap or deodorant. He doesn’t seem like the cologne type of guy.

  I smile back shyly, enjoying the feeling that we’re the only two people in the room right now. His playfulness has caught me off guard. He’s probably used to charming the ladies like this, but it’s new to me and I could get drunk on this feeling.

  “So what would you like to order?” I ask.

  “I was actually hoping you could give me some suggestions. What type of flowers would you like to get from someone?”

  “Well, it’s Valentine’s Day. Our most popular arrangement is the Heart’s True Love. It’s beautiful. This is it right here, actually.” I grab the vase of flowers sitting on the edge of the counter and pull it down in front of him. The red roses sit right under his nose, but his eyes don’t leave mine.

  “Beautiful,” he says. Again, he doesn’t look at the flowers and the way he says beautiful while looking into my eyes makes my panties wet. “But if you were getting flowers, what kind would you want?”

  “Orchids,” I say, without hesitation.

  He smiles, his eyes lighting up.

  “Why orchids?” he asks.

  Instead of feeling self-conscious and stumbling over my words, my excitement and knowledge for all things flowers flows from me effortlessly. “All flowers have a meaning behind them. They represent a feeling or emotion. Red roses mean love and romance, which is nice, but orchids send a message of exotic seduction. To me, they represent wild, raw passion.”

  He licks his lips and instead of smiling he’s looking at me with an incredibly intense look. Under his stare I feel like he can read my mind. It’s like he can see all of the nights I’ve slipped my fingers between my legs, rubbing my slick clit in circles until I come moaning his name.

  He clears his throat and stands back from the counter. Pushing his hands through his dark hair he crosses his arms in front of his chest and asks, “And what color orchid would you recommend?”

  I don’t even hesitate.

  “Red. For passion and desire.” I can feel the blush rise up in my cheeks, embarrassed because I feel like I’m revealing too much about myself. “I mean, if that’s the message you’re trying to send. If they’re for you mom or something you’ll probably want to choose a different color.”

  His face lights up as he laughs and my heart feels like snow melting in spring.

  “I’ll go with red,” he says. My hopes die with his words. I resign myself to knowing he’ll always be my crush from afar.

  “And what do you want for Valentine’s Day this year, Leah?” he asks. His voice sounds raspy and coarse. His bedroom voice. It makes my pussy throb and my nipples so hard they ache as they rub against the material of my bra. His eyes drop for just a split second and then he meets my eyes again.

  I almost let myself tell him exactly what I want for Valentine’s Day this year. Him. Naked. On any surface, finally popping my cherry and giving me the passion that I desperately crave. Instead I smile and force my attention back to his order.

  “A day off,” I say with a forced smile. The urge to finish his order and go into the bathroom and hide is just as strong as not wanting him to leave.

  “So is the lucky lady going to receive roses or orchids this year?” I ask, doing my best to shield my emotions and keep my face neutral. Obviously he has a girlfriend so I need to pull myself together and stop drooling all over the counter.

  “Orchids. Red,” he says. His voice pulls me right back in and I can’t help imagining what his full lips would feel like on my skin. The stubble on his face would add a delicious sensation.

  I silently scold my lady parts for betraying me in front of him like this while I scribble down his order.

  “Delivery?” I ask.

  “No, I’ll just pick them up tomorrow. You’ll be working?”

  “Yes, all
day. Our busiest day of the year and all.” He just smiles and continues to study me. Even though I told myself that if I ever had the opportunity, I’d be confident and look him in the eyes, his look is too sexy, too intense. And it isn’t for me. I look down at the paper on the desk and scribble another note.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, Leah,” he says. He turns to walk away and as an unnecessary punishment, I admire his beautiful ass all the way to the door. He’s so large he fills the entire doorway as he leaves, but before he steps back out into the cold, blustery February day, he turns around and gives me his bad boy, panty-melting smile.

  Damn it. Caught in the act of ogling. For the tenth time since Nate walked into the store today, my face flames red.

  “Don’t miss a glimpse, girl.” My friend and boss, Kristi, grabs me around the waist and whispers right into my ear. I jump and squeal, not realizing that anyone was behind me.

  She throws her head back and laughs at the same time that I whip around and smack her on the arm.

  “Don’t sneak up on me like that!” I say.

  “I’m sorry,” she says while still laughing hysterically. “It’s just so exciting! He finally came into the store.”

  “I know! Trust me, I’m still recovering.” I put my hands up to my face and cover my cheeks. They’re still warm when I press my palms to them. Breathing in and out I play back our interaction in my mind.

  “Oh God, Kristi! I was a blubbering mess!” My eyes grow huge while I shake my head. “He’s probably going back to his shop to tell the guys all about the socially awkward girl behind the counter.”

  “He is not! He probably thought you were adorable and quirky.”

  “I don’t want him to think I’m adorable and quirky! I want him to think I’m sexy and irresistible. And I want him to fantasize about doing X-rated things to me.”

  Kristi laughs again. “I think guys in general are always thinking about X-rated things. He’s a fun fantasy for you, honey, but he’s not really the kind of guy I see you with. He seems hard and dangerous. And today is literally the first time I’ve seen him smile. Usually he walks around looking like a badass with a scowl. He’s probably excited knowing he’s going to get some for Valentine’s Day.”

  Somehow she’s oblivious to how her comments affect me. Kristi is a good friend, but ultimately she’s my boss, and older and wiser than me as well. She’s had her fair share of experience in the world and I know I’m lacking. And because of this, she throws her advice out there for me more often than I’d like.

  I might not look like the type of girl he would fall for, but I have a lot going for me. I like to think I’d be quite the catch for a guy some day.

  “Yeah, you’re right, Kristi. It’s just fun to look. I’m going to head in the back and work on some things to try to get ahead for tomorrow.”

  I try my best to smile but it feels like it comes off as half-hearted. Kristi and I were fast friends when she hired me four years ago. I was new to town and in desperate need of a job so I could make ends meet. We aren’t best friends or anything, but we do hang out sometimes and she can be a lot of fun to talk to. She does have a way of making sure I know my place in the world, though.

  “Leah,” she says. I turn when I reach the door to the back room. “He’s a fun crush for sure. I just meant that reality doesn’t usually match the fantasy. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

  She gives me a genuine smile and I feel guilty for judging her so harshly. Her heart is in the right place, she just needs to work on her bedside manner.

  “I understand,” I say. But I don’t know that I really do. I have lived my life making responsible choices. Most college kids are out living their lives and school is more of an afterthought. I’m in my final semester, I’m rocking straight A’s in my classes and I’m working part time here to make sure I can afford my rent. I’ve rarely dated, never gone home with a guy from a bar and never chose to do anything that pushed me out of my comfort zone.

  For the first time in my life, I want something even though I know it isn’t the safe choice. And if the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to count to three and jump. Damn the consequences.

  Chapter 2

  We all work late frantically getting orders ready to start going out first thing in the morning. One by one, everyone finishes up and starts to leave for the night.

  “You sure you don’t want me to wait for you?” Kristi asks.

  “No, I’m good. I’m just going to finish this last arrangement and then I’ll lock up and head home.”

  “Okay. See you when you get here after your class tomorrow then!”

  The impending doom of a ridiculously busy day dominates our thoughts as we finish what we can before the procrastinators call in their orders tomorrow. I feel an extra stab of guilt that I have class in the morning so I won’t be in until the afternoon.

  Kristi leaves through the door in the back of the shop, leaving me with blissful peace and quiet. I’m finally alone with my thoughts, surrounded by beautiful flowers. If I’m really lucky, there are some nights where I can see straight through into the motorcycle shop next door.

  Every now and again, Nate is working at his desk behind his computer. His computer is on the right side of his desk so he’s facing away from the window and I’m free to sneak peeks at him, admiring him through our neighboring windows.

  His office is dark tonight but I can see a glow coming from the interior of his shop. Someone is probably working on actual repairs in an area that I can’t see.

  I take my time and finish a few things before I decide to head home. The front door is already locked, sign flipped to closed. There’s a wind chill advisory tonight, temperatures dropping as low as thirty below zero. So I pull on my down jacket, zip it all the way to the top, pull my faux-fur-lined hood up and walk out into the quiet night.

  There are plenty of street lamps to make the parking lot in the back of the store feel safe, but I still feel uneasy when it’s late and my car is the only one in the lot. The wind is frigid so I drop my head and jog across the lot to my car.

  I slip in and before I even pull my hood down, I push the key in the ignition and turn.

  Nothing.

  “Oh, no, no, no,” I say to myself.

  I take the key out completely and decide to start over. Pushing the key in one more time I close my eyes and beg to the heavens before turning the key.

  A few sputters and then nothing.

  “Shit!” I say as I slam my fists down on the steering wheel.

  I try not to panic while sitting in my car with my hood still pulled over my head. My breath is coming out in puffy white clouds and I’m positive that I’ll freeze to death if I don’t figure out what to do soon.

  My bank account isn’t empty, but my funds are too tight to be able to afford calling a tow truck. I don’t have AAA so that isn’t an option unless, again, I want to pay with money that I don’t have. Of course everyone else has gone home so there’s no one to give me a ride home tonight so I don’t freeze!

  I’m almost to the point of allowing myself to have a good cry when I remember the dim light I saw in the motorcycle shop next door. It could be possible that someone’s still there working late tonight. Maybe someone who could jump my car for me.

  But, oh man. The thought of walking over to Nate’s shop is so intimidating that I pull out my cell phone and search through to find Kristi’s number. If I can get ahold of her I’m sure she’d come back and give me a ride.

  Her phone rings and rings until it finally goes to voicemail. I decide to leave a message just in case she sees I called within the next ten minutes and can get right back to me. I hold my phone in my hand, staring at the screen, willing her to call me back.

  In the end, the cold wins out. Even though I’m so nervous I feel like I might pass out, I get out of my car and walk to the front door of the motorcycle shop.

  The front of the shop is dark but I still see a glow of light coming from the back. I pu
ll my hands down off of the glass and test the door. It’s unlocked and as I pull it open the wind catches hold and throws it open.

  There’s a ding to announce my arrival and in my opinion it sounds way too loud. I jump inside and then reach out to grab ahold of the door before it blows off of its hinges. Pulling it shut I rest my forehead against the cool glass and exhale a long breath.

  “Hi,” a man’s voice says behind me. I whirl around and gasp, taken by complete surprise. I wasn’t sure if anyone was even here.

  My eyes immediately find Nate. He’s standing in the back of the shop wiping grease off of his hands on a towel. I’m frozen in place as he starts to stalk toward me, slowly, like a predator.

  “You okay?” he asks when he’s close enough.

  “I’m okay,” I say as I pull down my hood, “but my car won’t start. I saw a light on so I stopped over. Everyone is already gone next door.”

  He just stares at me before tucking the towel in his back pocket. Under the intensity of his gaze I twist my fingers together, forcing myself to look back.

  “It’s probably the cold. I’ll help you jump it.”

  “Thanks, I really appreciate it.”

  He stands in front of me for a moment while I smile and push my hair off of my face.

  “I’ll grab my coat.” He disappears into the back of the shop, my eyes locked on him the entire way. Just watching the way he moves makes my heart beat so loudly I’m sure he can hear it all the way in his office.

  I wish he didn’t have this effect on me. I turn into a big pile of goop at his feet and I’m sure he doesn’t find that attractive.

  He’s back a minute later looking like my knight in shining armor wearing his black leather jacket and winter hat, carrying jumper cables.

  “Come on back, I’ll drive us to your car in my truck.”

  I immediately move forward, not wanting to keep waiting the man who’s volunteering his time so I can get home tonight. He doesn’t move until I’m next to him and then I feel his hand rest gently on my lower back to lead me in the right direction.