Read A Valentine for Kayla for Free Online

to share that kind of thing. The talent shows on television were too terrifying to consider participating in, and all but one of the competitions she’d been in seemed insignificant by comparison. She shook her head at the direction of her thoughts. Here she was with a gorgeous, sweet man, and all she could think about was her list.
    Derek left her for a moment to give his name to the hostess and a few minutes later she called them and guided them through the dimly lit space. Every table sat in its own alcove, making the setting very romantic. A flickering fire in the oversize stone fireplace against the far wall created dancing shadows. Glass tinkled and soft music filtered through the speakers.
    â€œWill this work?” the hostess asked.
    â€œIt’s fine. Thanks,” Derek said as he sat and accepted the one-sided paper menus from the hostess before she walked away. “They don’t have much to choose from.”
    â€œThat means what they do have will be extra delicious since they aren’t trying to make too many things.”
    â€œThat’s a nice way to look at it.” He laid the paper on the table. “Tell me about yourself, Kayla. Every time I see you, you surprise me.”
    She blinked rapidly. “Really? How so?”
    â€œFor example, the first time we met, you seemed…frazzled and a little irritated.”
    Her cheeks heated. “Oh. You’re way more observant than I realized. I was frazzled and irritated. It was the day before my least favorite day of the year, and I was anxious for your delivery.”
    â€œLeast favorite day? You mean you don’t like Valentine’s Day? Why?”
    She rolled her eyes. “Where do I start?”
    * * *
    Derek sat back and crossed his legs at his ankles. He’d definitely touched on a hot topic with Kayla. He’d never seen her so animated.
    â€œI know it seems crazy for someone who owns a florist shop to hate one of our busiest holidays, but really, why do we have to have a special day to show someone we love them? Shouldn’t we be doing that all the time? And what about those people who don’t have a special someone? It’s depressing! On top of that, expectations are so high for a day like Valentine’s that we set ourselves up for disappointment.”
    â€œWait a minute. You keep saying we . Did you have a bad Valentine’s experience?”
    She reached for the water goblet the hostess had delivered during her tirade. “Let’s just say I’ve been disappointed.”
    â€œOkay. Why else don’t you like the day?” He couldn’t help asking. Her sparkling eyes as she spoke were fun to watch, as was the animation on her face.
    â€œIt’s a holiday designed to keep card stores, chocolate companies and florists in business. It’s consumerism at its finest.”
    â€œOkay, but it encourages people to be selfless and give to someone else. It’s not like they are going out and buying themselves things. People are trying to show love.”
    She bit her bottom lip, and stillness came over her as she rested her hands on the table. “Yes, but what about those men or women who don’t care about the day? Their spouse or significant other feels hurt every year when the holiday goes by unacknowledged. My dad never did anything for my mom on Valentine’s, and I felt horrible for her every year. Mom put on a brave front and said they didn’t ‘do’ the silly holiday, but I saw the hopeful look in her eyes every year. I know she was wishing for flowers just once. Even though they didn’t ‘celebrate’ Valentine’s, Mom always cooked an extra-special meal. My dad didn’t have a clue, and it really hurt to watch.”
    â€œWhere’s he now?”
    â€œHe died several years ago.”
    He reached across the table and rested his hand on hers and waited until she raised her gaze to meet his. “I’m sorry. What