Her Valentine Hero

“No. I’m happy at home.”

That was his problem. Since her mother died, he had lost motivation to live. He ate wrong, got no exercise, and stared at the TV. But his determination was stronger than hers and getting him to make changes seemed hopeless. She needed someone to prompt him to alter his choices, but it had to be someone he’d listen to. Apparently that person wasn’t her.

“Would you like to take a ride to Ash’s to see Joey? He’s getting cuter every day.”

He took a bite of his sandwich, and didn’t respond.

She guessed his answer. No. Not even Joey excited him. Though she didn’t want to stir up trouble, she knew she had to do something. “Dad.”

The telephone’s ring stopped her. Maybe it was for the best. She crossed the room and grabbed the receiver. Jonny’s voice caught her by surprise.

“How about running at the park today? You can’t count on another September day being so warm.”

Neely glanced at her father and figured he’d be glad to get rid of her for a couple of hours.

“What time?”

“I’ll pick you up at four.

“That works. I’ll be ready.” But she detested the excitement she felt.

“How about dinner afterward?”

Her pulse did a double flip, and then she remembered. “I made plans to eat out with Ashley, but you’d be welcome. She’d love to see you.” And maybe this could be the beginning of something wonderful for her sister, and that way, her pulse would tick at a normal rate. She’d never mess around with her sister’s boyfriend.

“Are you positive?”

She chuckled. “Yes, and you could meet Joey, too. He’s a charmer.”

“If you’re sure.”

She assured him, and then hung up. “I’m going for a run at Wilson Park, Dad, but I’ll be home to change before dinner. Think about it, please. Dinner with Ash and Joey would get you out of this house.”

He shook his head, and brushed her words away. “Stop worrying about me. You’re worse than your mother.” He grinned. “Besides, I already had dinner, remember?”

* * *

Neely braced her hands on her knees and caught her breath. Her legs burned from running, but the fresh air and sunshine made it worthwhile. She tilted her head upward and looked at Jonny who didn’t seem to be winded at all. “How many times did we run around the in-line skating track?”

“Too many.” He motioned toward the car. “We can walk to the car from here—no more running.

She chuckled at his playful comment, still rattled by her good feeling with him. “I had a great time today.”

“So did I. We can do this anytime.” He rested his hand on her shoulder. “You’re glowing, you know.”

“Do you mean sweat or a red face?”

He leaned back and laughed. “A real glow, healthy pink cheeks.”

The way he looked at her sent her pulse charging up her arm, and she cautioned her wayward thoughts. Ogling Rainie’s younger brother made no sense. She would be a cradle snatcher. And worse yet, how could she tell him the truth about her relationship with Erik? She couldn’t get involved with that mistake between them. He deserved a pure, wholesome wife. Jonny would always be...Jonny.

Though she told herself it was for the best, part of her fought the reality. She jerked her mind back to her resent plan. Jonny and Ashley. “What did you have in mind for dinner? I like to get my thoughts primed.”

He chucked and shrugged. “It’s your pick. Howe’s Bayou has a mean po’boy.”

“Crispy French bread filled with meat or fish.” She shook her head and grinned. “Fatten me up, will you?”

He slipped his arm around her shoulder, and squeezed. “Okay no po’boy. They have salads.”

“Is it quiet there? Good for talking?”

He drew back and eyed her. “I thought we were eating.”

She’d bungled. He and Ashley needed time to get to know each other if anything might happen, but playing matchmaker was against Ashley’s wishes and probably not on Jonny’s agenda, either. She faced it. The matchmaking idea had become her own self-defense against her crazy emotions. “I suppose you’re right.” She managed a playful expression. “Can we stop by and pick up Ashley on the way back to my house?” Then he could drop her off home after dinner. Her plan had taken a turn, but a good one.

He nodded, his mind seemingly focused on something else.

She pulled out her cell phone to warn Ashley of the new plan and to her surprise, Jonny headed in the right direction, as if he knew where Ashley lived. When he turned down the street, she pointed, but he’d already aimed the nose the car into the driveway. A frown tugged at her forehead but she managed to grin it away. Why he knew where Ashley lived was none of her business, and except for the tug of her heart, it didn’t matter.