Blissful Valentine: A Novella by Amy L. Gale Read Free Book Online Page A

either of those movies on the big screen. Too bad I spent the last three and a half hours sitting in a dark theatre, replaying the words Dean said, over and over in my head. What was he talking about? We’re just friends, sharing is required.
    I blink repeatedly, finally regaining focus. Ushers and employees sweep the floor and shut down the snack bar as we make our way out of the theatre.
    Dean turns toward me. “Still hungry?”
    I toss my empty containers in the trash and walk toward the door. “Hell, yeah.”
    Dean holds open the door. “Time for part two of the celebration.”
    I pull my coat tight around myself and step into the frigid night. Millions of stars shine through the dark abyss of the clear sky. I breathe slowly, trying to prevent the cool air from burning my nose. I gaze around at the tranquil empty streets covered in a fresh blanket of snow, sparkling like tiny diamonds against the cool moonlight.
    Dean holds out his arm. “Gerardo’s is right down the block. In the mood for pizza?”
    I nod and take his arm, nuzzling against him. The closer we are the more heat we generate. My heart races and blood rushes through my body. Newton seemed to miss this concept in his laws of attraction.
    I walk forward, breathing deep and taking in the aroma of fresh fallen snow and Dean. Perfect combination.
    I stomp my feet against the freshly shoveled concrete sidewalk in front of Gerardo’s, trying to knock off the excess snow clinging to my boots. Dean eases his arm from mine and pulls open the door. I walk inside, greeted by the aroma of fresh baked bread and garlic. I inhale deeply, taking in the fresh flavors. Dean feathers his hand along the small of my back. Butterflies flutter in my stomach. He guides me to a table in the back.
    I take off my coat and slide into the green leather booth. He follows suit and grabs a menu from the table.
    “What’s your poison?” He peruses the menu.
    “Nothing sweet or cute, or called virgins.” I smirk.
    He glides his finger down the menu. “They’ve got hellfire scorchers. Right up your alley.”
    I kick him under the table and muffle a smile.
    “What can I get you?” A dark haired girl with the body of a porn star, wearing a shirt two sizes too small, smiles. She stares at Dean tapping a pen against a notepad.
    Um, hello, I’m right here. I toss my menu on the table. “We’ll have a large pizza pie and two large colas.”
    Dean sets down the menu. “Sounds good.”
    Her eyes shift from Dean’s fitted, gray, long-sleeved T-shirt to his deep blue eyes. “Coming right up.” She takes a step back and turns away.
    I look toward her, then shift my focus to Dean. “Looks like you made a new friend.”
    He sets his elbows on the table and leans forward. “I’ve got enough friends, no room for any more.”
    I tip my chin. “Please, anyone at your frat house would make room for her.”
    He shrugs . “Not interested.”
    “In girls.” I fidget with my fingers.
    “What?... No. I mean, yes. I’m interested in girls. Just not her.”
    My god, the guys at the frat house would line up for her. Who knows? She might even be into that kind of kinky stuff. Maybe Dean is just being polite, which would definitely not be one of the rules of the Brotherhood. How did he end up in a frat house?
    “So when did you pledge Beta Omega, anyway?”
    The waitress comes back with our drinks, bending over the table way further than necessary to hand Dean his. She moves slowly back, flaunting her cleavage as she turns away. “The rest will be right out.”
    Dean sips his drink. “Last semester.”
    I take a slug of my soda. “Maybe you’re still transitioning into a frat boy.”
    He rubs his chin. “Ah, close to a compliment. I actually pledged because I plan on working for CIVAT Inc. once I get my degree. Everyone on the board is a Beta Omega Alumni. It looks good on the resume.”
    “Really? A whole company of fraternity brothers?” I lower my eyebrows. “Interesting,