Be Mine… Or Else(13)

I’d hopped out of bed looking for her everywhere. When I couldn't find her I lost it. I knew my security wouldn't be on her. I told them we’d be fine and I’d call when we were leaving my home. She’d been out in the world all alone and I didn't have eyes on her.

My control snapped for a moment. The evidence of it is the shattered vase I launched across the room in my anger. My control was gone in that moment. I’ve never lost it like that before. I run my hands through my hair again.

I got dressed in record time. I didn't know why she left like that. I was worried I’d done something to hurt her. When she opened her apartment door and I pulled her into me, a calm fell over me. A need to feel her against me had my hands all over her. I bring my hand to my nose to see if I can still smell her orgasm, but it’s gone. I don’t know how I’m going to live like this. I hate being away from her even now. I’m going to have to quit my job or she's going to have to quit hers. This isn't going to work.

“Fuck,” I mumble.

I glance at my phone. Quinn has sent me an update. It’s a picture of my girl doing a flower arrangement. She’s holding a red rose to her nose and smelling it, reminding me today is Valentine's Day. I didn't even know. I’ve never paid attention to the holiday before.

One of the first things I did when I got to work was make sure I got something set up for her. My girl would be getting a romantic day just for her. She wasn't going to be doing other women’s flowers all day and not getting a thousand of her own. I don't care how much it costs me or what strings I have to pull to get what I want for her. It’s happening.

There is a knock at my door and I look up to see Katie pushing her way into my office. “Folders are all labeled for who gets the cases,” I tell her. She eyes me for a moment. “No, I’m not talking about it,” I say, and Katie huffs.

I know she wants to ask about Dove. She knows something has happened to progress us. She read it on my face this morning. Read even more into it when all I said to her was that Jim was to be fired. Then it was really given away when I needed her help with the Valentine’s stuff.

“Fine, but you should know your dad is on his way up.”

I close my eyes. I really don't want to deal with my father today. I’m a little surprised he’s coming to my office. Maybe it’s because I missed the dinner we had planned last night. I’m worried about what he wants to talk about. I pray it’s not about him needing another divorce or something along those lines.

“Send him in when he gets here,” I tell her. I stand for a moment, stretching my legs and looking out my office window down at the city below. I have a stack of work I need to do, but I have no desire to do it. Normally it’s so easy for me to get lost in my cases, but that drive has been slowly dwindling since the day I met Dove. I’m not sure if I should be worried about this or not.

“Son.” I turn to see my dad walking into my office. “I hear you got yourself a woman. It’s about time.”

Fuck. I want to know how he found out. I wanted to keep my Dove to myself a little bit longer. Looks like time is up.





Chapter Ten





Dove





I keep glancing at the clock. Even though we are super busy, the time is somehow dragging. Normally I love doing the flowers and being here, but today I’m not feeling it. I wonder if Beau has something set up for Valentine’s Day for us or if it's just a normal date. We haven't really been dating more than twenty-four hours, so I’m guessing he doesn't have anything planned. It doesn't matter though. This is going to be the best Valentine's Day ever just getting to be with him.

Sue keeps winking at me and I know she knows something happened with Beau last night, she’s just not saying it. I’d even gone into the bathroom to look at myself in the mirror to see if I looked different. I didn't notice anything but I feel different. Somehow I’m really aware of my body, like I’ve officially become a woman.

“I have a last-minute order that came in and they want it delivered ASAP. They paid extra.” I glance over at the flowers she sets down on the counter. “Luke already took off with a full truck. Think you can do this delivery? It’s not far and you could take a cab.”

“Sure,” I tell her.

“Plus, I want you to get a look at this Heart man,” she adds.

“The B. Heart that’s always sending flowers to a different woman?” I ask.

She nods. “Yep. Looks like some woman is sending him flowers this time.” I scrunch up my nose. I have no desire to see this man.

I glance down at the card and read the message.

Cum be my Valentine.

Miss Barton

The miss is underlined for some reason. Gross. I wonder if she’d want to be his Valentine if she knew how many women he went through.

Sue lays down a ten-dollar bill next to the flowers for the cab. “All the orders are out for delivery. After you drop those off go get ready for your own Valentine’s Day.” She gives me a knowing smile and I blush, trying not to give anything away.

“Are you sure?” I ask.

“Heck yes, I’m sure.”

I love how excited she is about me and Beau. My mind is already racing about what dress I should wear tonight. I wish I knew where he worked, I could surprise him with a visit.