Be My Valentine (4 page)

“D
on't you think you're overdoing it a bit?” Dianne demanded as Steve eased the big tow truck out of her driveway. She was belted into the seat next to him, feeling trapped—not to mention betrayed by her own family. They had insisted Steve take her out for a spin so the two of them could have some time alone. Steve didn't want to be alone with her, but her family didn't know that.

“Maybe I did come on a little strong,” Steve agreed, dazzling her with his smile.

It was better for her equilibrium if she didn't glance his way, Dianne decided. Her eyes would innocently meet his and he'd give her one of those heart-stopping, lopsided smiles, and something inside her would melt. If this continued much longer, she'd be nothing more than a puddle by the end of the evening.

“The flowers and the stuffed animal I can understand,” she said stiffly, willing to grant him that much. “You wanted to make a good impression, and that's fine, but the comment about being partial to summer weddings was going too far. It's just the kind of thing my mother was hoping to hear from you.”

“You're right.”

The fact that he was being so agreeable should have forewarned Dianne that something was amiss. She'd sensed it from the first moment she'd climbed into the truck. He'd closed the door and almost immediately something pulled wire-taut within her. The sensation was peculiar, even wistful—a melancholy pining she'd never felt before.

She squared her shoulders and stared straight ahead, determined not to fall under his spell the way her children and her mother so obviously had.

“As it is, I suspect Mom's been faithfully lighting votive candles every afternoon, asking God to send me a husband. She thinks God needs her help—that's why she goes around arranging dates for me.”

“You're right, of course. I should never have made that comment about summer weddings,” Steve said, “but I assumed that's just the sort of thing a
besotted
man would say.”

Dianne sighed, realizing once again that she didn't have much of an argument. But he was doing everything in his power to make her regret that silly request.

“Hey, where are you taking me?” she asked when he turned off her street onto a main thoroughfare.

Steve turned his smile on her full force and twitched his thick eyebrows a couple of times for effect. “For a short drive. It wouldn't look good if we were to return five minutes after we left the house. Your family—”

“—will be waiting at the front door. They expect me back any minute.”

“No, they don't.”

“And why don't they?” she asked, growing uneasy. This wasn't supposed to be anything more than a ride around the block, and she'd had to be coerced into even that.

“Because I told your mother we'd be gone for an hour.”

“An hour?” Dianne cried, as though he'd just announced he was kidnapping her. “But you can't do that! I mean, what about your time? Surely it's valuable.”

“I assumed you'd want to pay me a few extra dollars—after all, I'm doing this to create the right impression. It's what—”

“I know, I know,” she interrupted. “You're just acting smitten.” The truth of the matter was that Dianne was making a fuss over something that was actually causing her heart to pound hard and fast. The whole idea of being alone with Steve appealed to her too much.
That
was the reason she fought it so hard. Without even trying, he'd managed to cast a spell on her family, and although she hated to admit it, he'd cast one on her, too. Steve Creighton was laughter and magic. Instinctively she knew he wasn't another Jack. Not the type of man who would walk away from his family.

Dianne frowned as the thought crossed her mind. It would be much easier to deal with the hand life had dealt her if she wasn't forced to associate with men as seemingly wonderful as Steve. It was easier to view all men as insensitive and inconsiderate.

Dianne didn't like that Steve was proving to be otherwise. He was apparently determined to crack the hard shell around her heart, no matter how hard she tried to reinforce it.

“Another thing,” she said stiffly, crossing her arms with resolve, but refusing to glance in his direction. “You've got to stop being so free with my money.”

“I never expected you to reimburse me for those gifts,” he explained quietly.

“I insist on it.”

“My, my, aren't we prickly. I bought the flowers and the toy for Jill of my own accord. I don't expect you to pick up the tab,” he said again.

Dianne didn't know if she should argue with him or not. Although his tone was soft, a thread of steel ran through his words, just enough to let her know nothing she said was going to change his mind.

“That's not all,” she said, deciding to drop that argument for a more urgent one. She probably did sound a bit shrewish, but if he wasn't going to be practical about this,
she'd
have to be.

“You mean there's more?” he cried, pretending to be distressed.

“Steve, please,” she said, shocked at how feeble she sounded. She scarcely recognized the voice as her own. “You've got to stop being so…so wonderful,” she finally said.

He came to a stop at a red light and turned to her, draping his arm over the back of the seat. “I don't think I heard you right. Would you mind repeating that?”

“You can't continue to be so—” she paused, searching for another word “—charming.”

“Charming,” he echoed. “Charming?”

“To my children and my mother,” she elaborated. “The gifts were one thing. Giving Jason a ride in the tow truck was fine, too, but agreeing with my mother about summer weddings and then playing basketball with Jason—none of that was necessary.”

“Personally, I would've thought your mother measuring my chest and arm length so she could knit me a sweater would bother you the most.”

“That, too!”

“Could you explain why this is such a problem?”

“Isn't it obvious? If you keep doing that sort of thing, they'll expect me to continue dating you after the Valentine's dinner, and, frankly, I can't afford it.”

He chuckled at that as if she was making some kind of joke. Only it wasn't funny. “I happen to live on a budget—”

“I don't think we should concern ourselves with that,” he broke in.

“Well, I
am
concerned.” She expelled her breath sharply. “One date! That's all I can afford and that's all I'm interested in. If you continue to be so…so…”

“Wonderful?” he supplied.

“Charming,” she corrected, “then I'll have a whole lot to answer for when I don't see you again after Saturday.”

“So you want me to limit the charm?”

“Please.”

“I'll do my best,” he said, and his eyes sparked with laughter, which they seemed to do a good deal of the time. If she hadn't been so flustered, she might have been pleased that he found her so amusing.

“Thank you.” She glanced pointedly at her watch. “Shouldn't we head back to the house?”

“No.”

“No? I realize you told my mother we'd be gone an hour, but that really is too long and—”

“I'm taking you to Jackson Point.”

Dianne's heart reacted instantly, zooming into her throat and then righting itself. Jackson Point overlooked a narrow water passage between the Kitsap Peninsula and Vashon Island. The view, either at night or during the day, was spectacular, but those who came to appreciate it at night were generally more interested in each other than the glittering lights of the island and Seattle farther beyond.

“I'll take the fact that you're not arguing with me as a positive sign,” he said.

“I think we should go back to the house,” she stated with as much resolve as she could muster. Unfortunately it didn't come out sounding very firm. The last time she'd been to Jackson Point had been a lifetime ago. She'd been a high-school junior and madly in love for the first time. The last time.

“We'll go back in a little while.”

“Steve,” she cried, fighting the urge to cry, “why are you doing this?”

“Isn't it obvious? I want to kiss you again.”

Dianne pushed her hair away from her face with both hands. “I don't think that's such a good idea.” Her voice wavered, just like her teenage son's.

Before she could come up with an argument, Steve pulled off the highway and down the narrow road that led to the popular lookout. She hadn't wanted to think about that kiss they'd shared. It had been a mistake. Dianne knew she'd disappointed Steve—not because of the kiss itself, but her reaction to it. He seemed to be waiting for her to admit how deeply it had affected her, but she hadn't given him the satisfaction.

Now, she told herself, he wanted revenge.

Her heart was still hammering when Steve stopped the truck and turned off the engine. The lights across the water sparkled in welcome. The closest lights were from Vashon Island, a sparsely populated place accessible only by ferry. The more distant ones came from West Seattle.

“It's really beautiful,” she whispered. Some of the tension eased from her shoulders and she felt herself begin to relax.

“Yes,” Steve agreed. He moved closer and placed his arm around her shoulder.

Dianne closed her eyes, knowing she didn't have the power to resist him. He'd been so wonderful with her children and her mother—more than wonderful. Now it seemed to be her turn, and try as she might to avoid it, she found herself a willing victim to his special brand of magic.

“You
are
going to let me kiss you, aren't you?” he whispered close to her ear.

She nodded.

His hands were in her hair as he directed his mouth to hers. The kiss was slow, as though he was afraid of frightening her. His mouth was warm and moist over her own, gentle and persuasive. Dianne could feel her bones start to dissolve and knew that if she was going to walk away from this experience unscathed, she needed to think fast. Unfortunately, her mind was already overloaded.

When at last they drew apart, he dragged in a deep breath. Dianne sank back against the seat and noted that his eyes were still closed. Taking this moment to gather her composure, she scooted as far away from him as she could, pressing the small of her back against the door handle.

“You're very good at this,” she said, striving to sound unaffected, and knowing she hadn't succeeded.

He opened his eyes and frowned. “I'll assume that's a compliment.”

“Yes. I think you should.” Steve was the kind of man who'd attract attention from women no matter where he went. He wouldn't be interested in a divorcée and a ready-made family, and there was no use trying to convince herself otherwise. The only reason he'd agreed to take her to the Valentine's dinner was because she'd offered to pay him. This was strictly a business arrangement.

His finger lightly grazed the side of her face. His eyes were tender as he studied her, but he said nothing.

“It would probably be a good idea if we talked about Saturday night,” she said, doing her best to keep her gaze trained away from him. “There's a lot to discuss and…there isn't much time left.”

“All right.” His wayward grin told her she hadn't fooled him. He knew exactly what she was up to.

“Since the dinner starts at seven, I suggest you arrive at my house at quarter to.”

“Fine.”

“We don't need to go to the trouble or the expense of a corsage.”

“What are you wearing?”

Dianne hadn't given the matter a second's thought. “Since it's a Valentine's dinner, something red, I suppose. I have a red-and-white striped dress that will do.” It was a couple of years old, but this dinner wasn't exactly the fashion event of the year, and she didn't have the money for a new outfit, anyway.

She looked at her watch, although she couldn't possibly read it in the darkness.

“Is that a hint you want to get back to the house?”

“Yes,” she said.

Her honesty seemed to amuse him. “That's what I thought.” Without argument, he started the engine and put the truck in reverse.

The minute they turned onto her street, Jason and Jill came vaulting out the front door. Dianne guessed they'd both been staring out the upstairs window, eagerly awaiting her return.

She was wrong. It was Steve they were eager to see.

“Hey, what took you so long?” Jason demanded as Steve climbed out of the truck.

“Grandma's got the apple pie all dished up. Are you ready?” Jill hugged Steve's arm, gazing anxiously up at him.

Dianne watched the unfolding scene with dismay. Steve walked into her house with one arm around Jason and Jill clinging to the other.

It was as if she were invisible. Neither of her children had said a single word to her!

To his credit, Jason paused at the front door. “Mom, you coming?”

“Just bringing up the rear,” she muttered.

Jill shook her head, her shoulders lifting, then falling, in a deep sigh. “You'll have to forgive my mother,” she told Steve confidingly. “She can be a real slowpoke sometimes.”

“O
h, Mom,” Jill said softly. “You look so beautiful.”

Dianne examined her reflection in the full-length mirror. At the last moment, she'd been gripped by another bout of insanity. She'd gone out and purchased a new dress.

She couldn't afford it. She couldn't rationalize that expense on top of everything else, but the instant she'd seen the flowered pink creation in the shop window, she'd decided to try it on. That was her first mistake. Correction: that was just one mistake in a long list of recent mistakes where Steve Creighton was concerned.

The dress was probably the most flattering thing she'd ever owned. The price tag had practically caused her to clutch her chest and stagger backward. She hadn't purchased it impulsively. No, she was too smart for that. The fact that she was nearly penniless and it was only the middle of the month didn't help matters. She'd sat down in the coffee shop next door and juggled figures for ten or fifteen minutes before crumpling up the paper and deciding to buy the dress, anyway. It was her birthday, Mother's Day and Christmas gifts to herself all rolled into one.

“I brought my pearls,” Martha announced as she bolted breathlessly into Dianne's bedroom. She was late, which wasn't like Martha, but Dianne hadn't been worried. She knew her mother would be there before she had to leave for the dinner.

Martha stopped abruptly, folding her hands prayerfully and nodding with approval. “Oh, Dianne. You look…”

“Beautiful,” Jill finished for her grandmother.

“Beautiful,” Martha echoed. “I thought you were going to wear the red dress.”

“I just happened to be at the mall and stumbled across this.” She didn't mention that she'd made the trip into Tacoma for the express purpose of looking for something new to wear.

“Steve's here,” Jason yelled from the bottom of the stairs.

“Here are my pearls,” Martha said, reverently handing them to her daughter. The pearls were a family heirloom and worn only on the most special occasions.

“Mom, I don't know…”

“Your first official date with Steve,” she said as though that event was on a level with God giving Moses the Ten Commandments. Without further ado, Martha draped the necklace around her daughter's neck. “I insist. Your father insists.”

“Mom?” Dianne asked, turning around to search her mother's face. “Have you been talking to Dad again?” Dianne's father had been gone for more than ten years. However, for several years following his death, Martha Janes claimed they carried on regular conversations.

“Not exactly, but I know your father would have insisted, had he been here. Now off with you. It's rude to keep a date waiting.”

Preparing to leave her bedroom, Dianne closed her eyes. She was nervous. Which was silly, she told herself. This wasn't a
real
date, since she was paying Steve for the honor of escorting her. She'd reminded herself of that the entire time she was dressing. The only reason they were even attending this Valentine's dinner was because she'd asked him. Not only asked, but offered to pay for everything.

Jill rushed out of the bedroom door and down the stairs. “She's coming and she looks beautiful.”

“Your mother always looks beautiful,” Dianne heard Steve say matter-of-factly as she descended the steps. Her eyes were on him, standing in the entryway dressed in a dark gray suit, looking tall and debonair.

He glanced up and his gaze found hers. She was gratified to see that his eyes widened briefly.

“I was wrong, she's extra-beautiful tonight,” he whispered, but if he was speaking to her children, he wasn't looking at them. In fact, his eyes were riveted on her, which only served to make Dianne more uneasy.

They stood staring at each other like star-crossed lovers until Jill tugged at Steve's arm. “Aren't you going to give my mom the corsage?”

“Oh, yes, here,” he said. Apparently he'd forgotten he was holding an octagon-shaped plastic box.

Dianne frowned. They'd agreed earlier that he wasn't going to do this. She was already over her budget, and flowers were a low-priority item, as far as Dianne was concerned.

“It's for the wrist,” he explained, opening the box for her. “I thought you said the dress was red, so I'm afraid this might not go with it very well.” The corsage was fashioned of three white rosebuds between a froth of red-and-white silk ribbons. Although her dress was several shades of pink, there was a smattering of red in the center of the flowers that matched the color in the ribbon perfectly. It was as if Steve had seen the dress and chosen the flowers to complement it. “It's…”

“Beautiful,” Jill supplied once more, smugly pleased with herself.

“Are you ready?” Steve asked.

Jason stepped forward with her wool coat as though he couldn't wait to be rid of her. Steve took the coat from her son's hands and helped Dianne into it, while her son and daughter stood back looking as proud as if they'd arranged the entire affair themselves.

Before she left the house, Dianne gave her children their instructions and kissed them each on the cheek. Jason wasn't much in favor of letting his mother kiss him, but he tolerated it.

Martha continued to stand at the top of the stairs, dabbing her eyes with a tissue and looking down as if the four of them together were the most romantic sight she'd ever witnessed. Dianne sincerely prayed that Steve wouldn't notice.

“I won't be late,” Dianne said as Steve opened the front door.

“Don't worry about it,” Jason said pointedly. “There's no need to rush home.”

“Have a wonderful time,” Jill called after them.

The first thing Dianne realized once they were out the door was that Steve's tow truck was missing from her driveway. She looked around, half expecting to find the red monstrosity parked on the street.

With his hand cupping her elbow, he led her instead to a luxury car. “What's this?” she asked, thinking he might have rented it. If he had, she wanted it understood this minute that she had no intention of paying the fee.

“My car.”

“Your car?” she asked. He opened the door for her and Dianne slid onto the supple white leather. Tow-truck operators obviously made better money than she'd assumed. If she'd known that, she would've offered him seventy-five dollars for this evening instead of a hundred.

Steve walked around the front of the sedan and got into the driver's seat. They chatted on the short ride to the community center, with Dianne making small talk in an effort to cover her nervousness.

The parking lot was nearly full, but Steve found a spot on the side lot next to the sprawling brick building.

“You want to go in?” he asked.

She nodded. Over the years, Dianne had attended a dozen of these affairs. There was no reason to feel nervous. Her friends and neighbors would be there. Naturally there'd be questions about her and Steve, but this time she was prepared.

Steve came around the car, opened her door and helped her out. She saw that he was frowning.

“Is something wrong?” she asked anxiously.

“You look pale.”

She was about to reply that it was probably nerves when he said, “Not to worry, I have a cure for that.” Before she'd guessed his intention, he leaned forward and brushed his mouth over hers.

He was right. The instant his lips touched hers, hot color exploded in her cheeks. She felt herself swaying toward him, and Steve caught her gently by the shoulders.

“That was a mistake,” he whispered once they'd moved apart. “Now the only thing I'm hungry for is you. Forget the dinner.”

“I…think we should go inside now,” she said, glancing around the parking lot, praying no one had witnessed the kiss.

Light and laughter spilled out from the wide double doors of the Port Blossom Community Center. The soft strains of a romantic ballad beckoned them in.

Steve took her coat and hung it on the rack in the entry. She waited for him, feeling more jittery than ever. When he'd finished, Steve slipped his arm about her waist and led her into the main room.

“Steve Creighton!” They had scarcely stepped into the room when Steve was greeted by a robust man with a salt-and-pepper beard. Glancing curiously at Dianne, the stranger slapped Steve on the back and said, “It's about time you attended one of our functions.”

Steve introduced Dianne to the man, whose name was Sam Horton. The name was vaguely familiar to her, but she couldn't quite place it.

Apparently reading her mind, Steve said, “Sam's the president of the Chamber of Commerce.”

“Ah, yes,” Dianne said, impressed to meet one of the community's more distinguished members.

“My wife, Renée,” Sam said, absently glancing around, “is somewhere in this mass of humanity.” Then he turned back to Steve. “Have you two found a table yet? We'd consider it a pleasure to have you join us.”

“Dianne?” Steve looked at her.

“That would be very nice, thank you.” Wait until her mother heard this. She and Steve dining with the Chamber of Commerce president! Dianne couldn't help smiling. No doubt her mother would attribute this piece of good luck to the pearls. Sam left to find his wife, in order to introduce her to Dianne.

“Dianne Williams! It's so good to see you.” The voice belonged to Beth Martin, who had crossed the room, dragging her husband, Ralph, along with her. Dianne knew Beth from the PTA. They'd worked together on the spring carnival the year before. Actually, Dianne had done most of the work while Beth had done the delegating. The experience had been enough to convince Dianne not to volunteer for this year's event.

Dianne introduced Steve to Beth and Ralph. Dianne felt a small sense of triumph as she noted the way Beth eyed Steve. This man was worth every single penny of the money he was costing her!

The two couples chatted for a few moments, then Steve excused himself. Dianne watched him as he walked through the room, observing how the eyes of several women followed him. He did make a compelling sight, especially in his well-cut suit.

“How long have you known Steve Creighton?” Beth asked the instant Steve was out of earshot. She moved closer to Dianne, as though she was about to hear some well-seasoned gossip.

“A few weeks now.” It was clear that Beth was hoping Dianne would elaborate, but Dianne had no intention of doing so.

“Dianne.” Shirley Simpson, another PTA friend, moved to her side. “Is that Steve Creighton you're with?”

“Yes.” She'd had no idea Steve was so well known.

“I swear he's the cutest man in town. One look at him and my toes start to curl.”

When she'd approached Steve with this proposal, Dianne hadn't a clue she would become the envy of her friends. She really
had
got a bargain.

“Are you sitting with anyone yet?” Shirley asked. Beth bristled as though offended she hadn't thought to ask first.

“Ah, yes. Sam Horton's already invited us, but thanks.”

“Sam Horton,” Beth repeated and she and Shirley shared a significant look. “My, my, you are traveling in elevated circles these days. Well, more power to you. And good luck with Steve Creighton. I've been saying for ages that it's time someone bagged him. I hope it's you.”

“Thanks,” Dianne said, feeling more than a little confused by this unexpected turn of events. Everyone knew Steve, right down to her PTA friends. It didn't make a lot of sense.

Steve returned a moment later, carrying two slender flutes of champagne. “I'd like you to meet some friends of mine,” he said, leading her across the room to where several couples were standing. The circle immediately opened to include them. Dianne recognized the mayor and a couple of others.

Dianne threw Steve a puzzled look. He certainly was a social animal, but the people he knew…Still, why should she be surprised? A tow-truck operator would have plenty of opportunity to meet community leaders. And Steve was such a likable man, who obviously made friends easily.

A four-piece band began playing forties' swing, and after the introductions, Dianne found her toe tapping to the music.

“Next year we should make this a dinner-dance,” Steve suggested, smiling down on Dianne. He casually put his hand on her shoulder as if he'd been doing that for months.

“Great idea,” Port Blossom's mayor said, nodding. “You might bring it up at the March committee meeting.”

Dianne frowned, not certain she understood. It was several minutes before she had a chance to ask Steve about the comment.

“I'm on the board of directors for the community center,” he explained briefly.

“You are?” Dianne took another sip of her champagne. Some of the details were beginning to get muddled in her mind, and she wasn't sure if it had anything to do with the champagne.

“Does that surprise you?”

“Yes. I thought you had to be, you know, a business owner to be on the board of directors.”

Now it was Steve's turn to frown. “I am.”

“You are?” Dianne asked. Her hand tightened around the long stem of her glass. “What business?”

“Port Blossom Towing.”

That did it. Dianne drank what remained of her champagne in a single gulp. “You mean to say you
own
the company?”

“Yes. Don't tell me you didn't know.”

She glared up at him, her eyes narrowed and distrusting. “I didn't.”