A Valentine's Wish by Betsy St. Amant Read Free Book Online Page B

experience, wasn’t fun for anyone. She would have to be gentle.
    Lori’s stomach fluttered in anticipation as she slid the bowoff the package and ripped open the cardboard flaps. She rummaged through the piles of packing paper, fingers eagerly searching. Just because she might have to return the gifts after Monny confessed his love didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy the process. Her hand hit something soft. With an expectant grin, Lori tugged the item free of the gift wrap.
    A stuffed Hershey’s Kiss.
    A quick look inside the box confirmed there were a handful of the real chocolate pieces nestled in among the colored tissue—nothing more. A confused frown nestled between Lori’s brows. They worked in an upscale chocolate boutique in the French Quarter, and Manny had sent candy she could have gotten from Wal-Mart? Granted, it was her favorite, but she expected more from someone who made exquisite chocolate every day.
    Clutching the little stuffed toy in both hands, Lori turned with determination toward the kitchen. She’d have to help Monny out. Even if she wasn’t interested in dating the handsome Italian, she could at least help him with a few pointers for his next love interest.
    It was the least she could do after breaking his heart.
     
    Andy strolled toward the Chocolate Gator, anticipation building in his stomach—and it wasn’t about the chocolates he’d soon be consuming. No, in just a few minutes, he’d see Lori face-to-face, and she’d thank him for the gift he’d sent.
    He picked up his step and whistled a little tune. A street artist nodded in greeting as he passed, and Andy paused long enough to toss a quarter into the open guitar case of a performing musician. He couldn’t be happier—his idea was genius. After seeing the Hershey’s Kisses, Lori would have to put two and two together and realize he was her admirer. After all, he was the one who kept the bowl of Kisses on his desk at work, the bowl she visited frequently. Who else supplied her with aconstant stream of chocolate at the church? Plus, the gift was cute—borderline corny. Subtle, and yet obvious at the same time. In other words, perfect.
    His breath tightened as he walked. Only two more store-fronts and he’d be under the Chocolate Gator’s pink-and-black-striped awning. Andy’s stomach swished with nerves, and he paused to check his hair in the reflection of a store window. He really should get it cut, but he looked so young with his forehead showing. He swiped at a stubborn cowlick with his fingers.
    Andy’s cell rang, and his heart jumped like an old man caught dozing during church. Maybe it was Lori, calling to tell him she’d figured out his secret identity. With a smile, he flipped open the cell. “I was just heading to see you—”
    “You’ll have an awfully long swim if you do.” The familiar deep voice of his friend Carter chuckled through the line.
    “Carter!” Andy dropped onto a nearby bench. Andy’s musician best friend had recently married Lori’s friend Gracie. Andy liked to think he had a little something to do with the perfect match. After all, he and Carter were college roommates and Gracie had been a part of Andy’s church long before Carter showed back up in her life. Andy grinned. “How’s the sun and sand?”
    “Both are pretty hot.” A female voice chimed in on Carter’s end of the line, and he laughed. “And so is my new wife, of course.”
    Andy snorted. “Don’t make me hang up on you. Haven’t ya’ll had enough alone time yet?”
    “Never. Marriage is the best, man. I highly recommend it.”
    “So does Pastor Mike.” Andy quickly filled Carter in on what had transpired over the last week.
    “Wow, no pressure, huh?” Carter clucked his tongue. “So who’s the unlucky girl?”
    “Funny.”
    “You know I’ve got to give you a hard time. You gave me enough flak about Gracie.”
    “How about some helpful advice? You can tease me after the wedding.”
    “Deal.” Carter