Be My Valentine Read Free

Steve, was embroidered in red across the top of his vest pocket. His hair, which was neatly styled, appeared to have been recently cut. His eyes were a warm shade of brown and—she searched for the right word—gentle, she decided.
    After ensuring that she was comfortable in his truck, Steve walked around to the driver’s side of her compact car and used his flashlight to determine the type of lock.
    Dianne lowered the window. “I don’t usually do things like this. I’ve never locked the keys in my car before—I don’t know why I did tonight. Stupid.”
    He returned to the tow truck and opened the passenger door. “No one can be smart all the time,” he said cheerfully. “Don’t be so hard on yourself.” He moved the seat forward a little and reached for a toolbox in the space behind her.
    â€œI’ve had a lot on my mind lately,” she said.
    Straightening, he looked at her and nodded sympathetically. He had a nice face too, she noted, easy on the eyes. In fact, he was downright attractive. The coveralls didn’t detract from his appeal, but actually suggested a certain ruggedness. He was thoughtful and friendly just when Dianne was beginning to think there wasn’t anyone in the world who was. But then, standing in the dark and the rain might make anyone feel friendless, even though Port Blossom was a rural community with a warm, small-town atmosphere.
    Steve went back to her car and began to fiddle with the lock. Unable to sit still, Dianne opened the truck door and climbed out. “It’s the dinner that’s got me so upset.”
    â€œThe dinner?” Steve glanced up from his work.
    â€œThe Valentine’s dinner the community center’s sponsoring this Saturday night. My children are forcing me to go. I don’t know for sure, but I think they’ve got money riding on it, because they’re making it sound like a matter of national importance.”
    â€œI see. Why doesn’t your husband take you?”
    â€œI’m divorced,” she said bluntly. “I suppose no one expects it to happen to them. I assumed after twelve years my marriage was solid, but it wasn’t. Jack’s remarried now, living in Boston.” Dianne had no idea why she was rambling on like this, but once she’d opened her mouth, she couldn’t seem to stop. She didn’t usually relate the intimate details of her life to a perfect stranger.
    â€œAren’t you cold?”
    â€œI’m fine, thanks.” That wasn’t entirely true—she was a little chilled—but she was more worried about not having a date for the stupid Valentine’s dinner than freezing to death. Briefly she wondered if Jason, Jill and her mother would accept pneumonia as a reasonable excuse for not attending.
    â€œYou’re sure? You look like you’re shivering.”
    She rubbed her palms together and ignored his question. “That’s when my mother suggested Jerome.”
    â€œJerome?”
    â€œShe seems to think I need help getting my feet wet.”
    Steve glanced up at her again, clearly puzzled.
    â€œIn the dating world,” Dianne explained. “But I’ve had it with the dates she’s arranged.”
    â€œDisasters?”
    â€œEncounters of the worst kind. On one of them, the guy set his napkin on fire.”
    Steve laughed outright at that.
    â€œHey, it wasn’t funny, trust me. I was mortified. He panicked and started waving it around in the air until the maitre d’ arrived with a fire extinguisher and chaos broke loose.”
    Dianne found herself smiling at the memory of the unhappy episode. “Now that I look back on it, it was rather amusing.”
    Steve’s gaze held hers. “I take it there were other disasters?”
    â€œNone I’d care to repeat.”
    â€œSo your mother’s up to her tricks again?”
    Dianne nodded. “Only this time my kids are involved.