Her Valentine Hero

Ashley smiled. “He takes after Adam.”

Neely’s purpose for stopping by became trivial in the midst of their conversation. She longed to say so many things that were brilliant and helpful, but she was lost. At this point in her life, she had no husband, no children, no way to deeply relate to her sister’s sorrow.

Ashley’s grieved expression smoothed away. “Let’s talk about you. I haven’t heard from you for a few days.”

The reference to her absence made her feel enveloped in failure. She’d come home to spend time with her father and sister, but for the past few days her mind had been on running into Jonny and jolted by his reference to Erik. “I’ve been trying to get Dad settled. He needs to accept his condition and take better care of himself.” Her excuse sounded feeble. A phone call took minutes.

“If anyone can do it, you can.” Ashley nudged her. “Determination.”

Neely grinned but didn’t bother to respond since she had no rebuttal. Ashley’s point was too true. “Another thing I’ve done is started to exercise, and I’ve joined a gym.” She gave her rounded hip a couple of pats. “I need to get back in shape.” She gazed at her slender sister, aware that grief had taken off her pounds. “You remember my friend Lorraine Turner. Her brother Jonny told me about a new place called Tone and Trim Fitness Center. Remember him? He was such a pest?”

Ashley’s chuckle lifted her spirit. “Not anymore, I bet. That was thirteen or fourteen years ago. Boys grow into men.”

Jonny’s image bolted into her mind, and warmth rolled up her neck. “Right. He’s not a boy anymore. You should see him. If he weren’t so young, and if I could forget the past, I’d be batting my eyes at him.” A wince of reality shivered down her back. She probably had battered her eyes at him without wanting to.

“How much younger is he?”

“Four years.” She shrugged, ignoring her escalating pulse. “He was such a—”

“Four years. That’s nothing. The older you get age issues fade away. The guy’s twenty-eight. If that’s not a man, I don’t know what is.”

His tapered frame, broad shoulders trimming to a tight waist and long legs filled her mind. And those eyes.

Ashley shook her head as if Neely were an idiot. “I’m sure he’s changed...besides looks, I mean?”

“Obviously. He’s older. He makes me laugh. He’s thoughtful. He showed concern about Dad and you, Ash. Very sincere. It touched me.” The conversation hedged on danger. Ashley’s expression already hinted at a comment brewing in her mind. “One thing for sure, I was impressed he doesn’t hate me.” She managed a grin. “You know he could with the way I treated him.”

“So what’s the downside of this guy?”

The question hung on the air. Downside? Her memory replayed their recent conversation, and she came up empty.

Ashley released a puff of air. “No downside?”

“I’m sure he has some.” Age, but Ashley already pooh-poohed that one. “I just can’t come up with any right now.” The reality of her answer threw her. “He’d be a catch for anyone.” Anyone but her. She couldn’t get past their previous relationship. But she couldn’t say it. Ashley had already negated that.

A fresh idea popped into her head. If Ashley were ready for a relationship, she would be blessed with Jonny as a husband. “Are you getting out at all, Ash?”

Her sister gave her a blank look.

“You need to socialize. How about a different job?” She loved the turn of the conversation. It got her sister off her back. “Maybe I should take care of Joey, and let you have a chance to meet some—”

“Stop.” Ashley’s hand flexed upward. “I’m working. I’m typing letters, addressing envelopes and creating some promotional materials for a few small businesses, and I can do that at home. Joey needs a parent, and I’m it.” She arched a brow. “And I suspect you have more on you mind than my socializing with women. Men? I don’t know, Neely. I’m waiting for that special someone.” Her gaze drifted out the window and the same gloom filled her face. “Adam and I had an amazing relationship. I won’t settle for anything less.”

“You’ll never know until you give someone a chance, Ash. You’re pushing me to find a relationship, and yet you’re—”

“It’ll happen.” Ashley’s gaze penetrated hers. “But it has to be natural. It’s something that can’t be planned.” She shook her head, the hint of a grin on her lips. “No blind dates.”

With her matchmaking efforts thwarted, Neely dropped the subject. “Speaking of men. I didn’t tell you everything.”

“Everything about Jonny?

“No, Erik.”

Ashley drew back. “Erik. You mean ‘the’ Erik. I thought that ended long ago.”

“It did, and that’s how I want it.”

Ashley’s expression fell askew. “Is there a problem? Why is he an issue now?”

“Jonny told me he would be at Rainie’s engagement party. I didn’t realize Erik was still in town.” Her skin prickled with memories. “I want to steer clear of him. How can I do that now?”

Ashley’s brow arched. “Say hi and walk away. It’s no big deal, Neely. Find a date. Do you know anyone who would—”

“Jonny told me he’d be happy to drive me there.” She brightened as a new idea struck her. “Maybe he can pretend that I’m his date.” The possibility dampened, and she faltered. “But I’m not sure that would make a difference with Erik. He knows how to add pressure.”

Memories spewed in her mind. His persistence to prove her love had been unending until she’d given in, and he didn’t stop there. When he managed to get her somewhere alone, he’d laugh if she said no. “What difference does it make now,” he’d ask, and he’d knock down every reason she named. Giving in had been a horrible mistake. After that experience she felt as if the men she’d dated had the same motive in mind, and that’s why she’d decided sticking to God’s will was her answer.

Instead of smiling, Ashley sat in silence, a frown growing on her face. “Did I hear you right? You want to use Jonny?”

“It’s not exactly using him.” Her pulse kicked. “He offered to pick me up and—”

“He offered a ride.” Ash shook her head. “You treated him awfully when he was a kid, and now you plan to use him for your purpose again. You’re using him as a battering ram.”

She winced at her sister’s comment. Though Ashley didn’t know about her intimacy with Erik, she’d expected her to understand why she wanted to hide behind Jonny’s presence.

“How does Jonny feel about this?” Ashley’s thoughtful look unsettled her.

Neely swallowed, already knowing what her sister would say. “I didn’t explain it to him yet.”

“You think he’ll want to be your pawn. You think he’s not good enough for a real date.” Ashley drew in a lengthy breath while Neely waited for her to continue. “I see.”

She didn’t, and she never would understand until Neely told her the truth about letting Erik take advantage of her, and her pride wouldn’t do that.

“He’s four years younger than me. He poured sand in my hair when he was a kid. I’m not going to date him for real. And I’m not playing a game with him.” Neely held her breath.

“You don’t think so?” A grim look slipped over her face. “It’s more than that, Neely. It’s something I’ve noticed and—”

“More than what? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ashley’s expression made her uneasy.

“You remind me of Mother.”

Neely’s head jerked back. “Mother? Never.” Ice ran through her veins. “Why would you say that?”

“Do you recall problems you had with Mom?” She gave her head a sharp shake. “That we had?”

“She was self-focused.” But that wasn’t all, and Ashley knew it.

“And critical. No matter how hard Daddy tried to please her, he didn’t do it the right way. He didn’t say the right thing. He didn’t wear the right tie. He didn’t drive slow enough or fast enough.”