The Valentine Quest (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 5) by McClone Melissa

Author:McClone, Melissa [McClone, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Tags: Romance, Fiction
ISBN: 9781945879661
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Published: 2017-02-01T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Nevada walked at a quick pace. She kept glancing at Dustin to see if she needed to slow down, but he was a step ahead of her. He wasn’t limping as badly as before, but he was favoring his left leg as they headed north on Main Street. “Isn’t Bramble Lane to our left?”

“Yes, but if we start at Bramble House and work our way south, we won’t miss any of the houses.”

“Good plan.”

“Common sense,” he said. “I’m not much of a planner.”

“I am.”

“I can see that. Me? I’m lucky if I have clean clothes to wear the next day. But if not, you can turn things inside out.”

Ick. Nevada stopped walking. She’d been as close as she could get to him clothed these past two days, and he didn’t smell dirty. “You’re kidding, right?”

A mischievous grin spread across his face. “What do you think?”

Dustin continued walking.

She, however, remained where she was. He had to be joking. No person who cared about cleanliness or hygiene would do that, would they?

“Wait up,” she called.

He didn’t stop or slow down.

Nevada quickened her pace to catch up with him.

“You’re not sure whether to believe me or not.” His grin crinkled the corners of his eyes and made her take a second look. “Don’t deny it.”

“I could go either way, but I hope you’re joking.”

A beat passed. And another. “I am, but the expression on your face was and still is priceless.”

“Ha-ha.”

Laughter lit his eyes. “The fact you had to think about whether I was serious or not is even better. I’m going to have to call you ivory-tower princess. The name fits.”

“Okay, you got me. I give up.” She raised her hands. “But we are supposed to be an alliance, not acting like middle schoolers.”

“Some of the best things in my life happened between the ages of twelve and fourteen.”

“Bet you were one of the popular kids.”

He shrugged. “I wouldn’t say popular, but I had a few close friends.”

“I didn’t,” she said. “I was younger than everyone else due to having a late birthday and skipping a grade. All I wanted was to fit in, but I didn’t. I like to pretend those years disappeared into a black hole to be forgotten forever.”

“I’m sorry.” He put his arm around her and squeezed. Not quite a one-arm hug, but it felt good. “Just playing around and having a little fun.”

When he dropped his arm to his side, a chill ran through her. She needed to regroup and get her game face back on.

“Fun?” she asked. “I thought the Valentine Quest was supposed to be serious business. No distractions.”

“That’s true, but I’ve still been having fun.” He sounded surprised.

It was her turn to admit the same thing. “Me, too.”

They turned left on Court Street. Bramble House was up ahead. The lovely three-story home was now a bed and breakfast. Portia, who worked at the chocolate shop with Dakota, lived in the apartment above the garage.

When they reached the house, Dustin raised his phone and took a picture.

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