His Tasty Cherry Pie: A Double Virgin Valentine

“Tomorrow, I’ll teach you some more things.”

I gulp as I look at him, wondering what those things could possibly be and really wanting to find out.

“I’ll teach you how to make a perfect cannoli.”

Oh. That’s not the kind of cannoli I had in mind.

“Great,” I say as I start sweeping under the tables that have their chairs on top of them.

“So, what do you do for fun?” he asks as he continues with the chairs.

“Fun?” I don’t even know how to answer that. In my old life, fun was shopping at designer stores, traveling around the world in private jets, partying with celebrities in the best clubs in New York. That’s what I used to do for fun, but none of those activities are options anymore. I have no idea what I’m going to do for fun.

“Yeah, fun,” he says with a grin. “What makes you smile?”

You.

“Not much anymore,” I say sadly. “I used to have fun in New York, going out at night, but that doesn’t seem possible here. There isn’t exactly a hot club scene in Bridgeworth Pines. What do you do for fun?”

“Oh, tipping cows,” he says with a playful sparkle in his eyes. “Dances in ole Cornelius’ barn.”

My mouth drops until I realize he’s messing with me. “Okay,” I say with a laugh. “Have fun at the city girl’s expense.”

“It’s not so bad here. You might even learn to like it.”

“I doubt that,” I say even though I’m smiling. This place is already feeling different.

I never thought I’d like it here, but I never thought I’d meet someone like Malcolm either. It’s only been one day together and I already have a massive crush on him.

He’s sweet and caring and as unbelievable as it is, he seems to like me too. Maybe…

“You might be surprised,” he says as he puts the last chair up. “I’ll show you some things that will blow your mind.”

I’m sure you will.

The song ends and the DJ comes on. “It’s almost Valentine’s Day,” she says through the speakers, “and I’m already feeling the love in the air!”

You’re not the only one…

“This one is for all of the lovers out there,” she continues as we fall silent. “Grab your one true love and dance in the kitchen, dance in the street, dance wherever you are, and tell your special someone how you feel.”

My damn cheeks are blushing again as I cling onto the broom and glance over at Malcolm. He’s leaning on a table with his arms crossed over his massive chest, looking back at me. I can see the perfect roundness of his shoulders, his tattooed arms, his eyes shining with something magical.

I want him to come over here and take me in those big arms. I want him to kiss me. I want him to say he loves me and that he’s never going to let me go.

“Cheesy song,” I say instead when the slow song begins to play.

“The worst,” he says with a playful roll of his eyes.

But our eyes linger on one another’s and then he pushes off the table and comes over.

My heart pounds as I watch him approach. He gently takes the broom from my hands and I let him have it.

I’m breathless and tingling all over as he rests the broom on the wall and then takes me in his arms. I watch my hand sliding down the warm inked skin of his left arm as his hand flattens on my lower back. It feels like I’ve left my body and am watching it from above. This can’t be happening.

I melt against him as he holds me tightly and begins to sway to the music.

This song may be cheesy, but I’ve always loved it, and I know that I’ll love it even more now. Every time I hear it for the rest of my life, I’ll think of this amazing moment—dancing around the closed bakery, chairs on the tables, heart hammering in my chest as I slow dance with this amazing guy.

I breathe in the moment, inhaling his manly scent. He smells so good. It’s a wondrous mix of his natural scent, a small touch of cologne, and a day of being surrounded by baked goods. He smells like a dream. One that I don’t want to wake up from.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he whispers as he looks down at me.

My mouth waters as I gaze into his stunning green eyes. “Me too.”

I never thought I’d say that, but here we are and it’s the truth. There’s no place on the planet I’d rather be than right here being swallowed in this man’s strong arms.

We just hold onto each other, enjoying the moment as the music plays. My eyes drift down to his lips and before I know it, I’m rising onto my toes and tilting my chin up. He has a hungry look in his eyes as he gazes at my mouth.