“I’d really like to have more people notice my work. Morefamouspeople. Is that silly for me to want that?”
“It’s not silly at all. You’re shooting for the stars.”
She chuckled. “Yes, for thestars... like the ones in Hollywood.”
He stroked her hand lying flat on the counter. Thankfully, she didn’t pull away. “Everyone needs a dream. It gives us something to live for – something to fantasize about every day. So, don’t ever let anyone take yours away because if you do, you’re letting them control your mind, and believe me, that’s not a good way to live.”
“Thanks, Calvin. I’ll remember that.”
He could stare at her eyes all night. Well, maybe notallnight. Sometime during that time, he’d want to take her in his arms and kiss her. He couldn’t stop thinking about their first kiss as man and wife. In the back of his mind, he tried to convince himself she was just playacting like she’d been doing on the elevator where they’d met, but part of his heart wanted her to feel the same passion he’d felt.
Calvin really needed to stop thinking this way. He’d only set himself up for a heartbreak. After twelve months, he knew what was going to happen.
“I was thinking,” he pulled away and took hold of the coffee cups. “Would you like to have some hot cocoa with me? I figured you probably wouldn’t want any more alcohol tonight.”
“You’re right. I think I drank too much as it was.” She rubbed her forehead. “I think some hot cocoa would be nice.”
“Great.”
He filled the cups with water and placed them in the microwave. Next, he took out the drink mix and marshmallows. When he showed her the bag, her eyes widened, and she nodded vigorously. He laughed and prepared everything for when the water was hot.
When their cups of hot cocoa were ready, he carefully slid hers along the counter in front of her. He stayed standing across from her. It was easier to look at her this way.
He held his cup up. “I’d like to toast to the strangest – yet very surprising – Valentine’s Day I’ve ever had.”
She laughed and held up her cup. “I’ll agree to that.”
They gently clinked their cups together and she lifted it to her mouth and drank.
“Hmm...” She closed her eyes and smiled.
His heart did a happy flip, knowing he’d brought her some happiness.
“This is really good.” She looked at him. “I don’t think I’ve ever tasted this brand before.”
“It’s the best.” He raised his cup in a silent cheer before taking another sip.
She flipped her hair over her shoulders before taking another sip. He could now see more of her white dress, and the irresistible heart-shaped bodice – and especially how well it fitted her. She was slender, but not so skinny that it looked like she had starved herself. From the shape of her arms, he could see that she liked to work out. He’d have to invite her to go running with him the next time he went.
“Calvin?” she asked but kept her stare on her cup. “Why did you go all out for our ceremony when you told me we would have a small gathering?” Hesitantly, she peeked at him from under her long eyelashes.
Confusion filled him, and he shook his head. “I didn’t go all out.”
She smirked and cocked her head. “Calvin, there were ribbons and flowers all over the deck. Oh, and let’s not forget it was on ayacht.”
He nodded. “Exactly. It was a small gathering, just as I promised.”
Slowly, her smile stretched across her face. “Am I to understand that you’ve never been to a wedding?”
He rolled his eyes. “Of course, I’ve been to weddings. My brothers and sisters are married, and I can assure you, our wedding was nothing like theirs.” He shook his head. “They had thousands of people, and although they were married in a church, their reception was held at my father’s mansion. They had servants serving their guests, and they even arrived – and left – in a horse and carriage, which looked like freakin’ Cinderella’s coach, if you can believe that. I swear, my sisters were probably trying to outdo the Prince of Wales’ wedding.”
Her laughter started out as a small chuckle and then grew. Color bloomed brightly in her cheeks.
“Oh, Calvin. No wonder.” She nodded. “Now I understand why you thought our wedding was small.”
“It was small.”
She touched his hand and immediately he twined his fingers with hers. He liked that she didn’t try to pull away.
