Read A Valentine for Kayla for Free Online Page B

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    They stepped out into the clear evening. Kayla slipped her arm through his. “It’s gorgeous tonight.”
    â€œWant to walk a bit?” He wasn’t ready for the evening to end, and he liked the warmth of her arm pressed against his.
    â€œSure.”
    They meandered down the block and ended up at the park in the heart of downtown. Kayla pulled him toward the fountain. “This fountain is famous in Oak Knoll.”
    â€œWhy’s that?”
    â€œAll the money that people toss into the water goes to help local families in need.” She pulled a coin from her purse, turned around and tossed it over her shoulder, then handed him a quarter. “Your turn.”
    He copied her. The coin landed with a plop.
    She laughed and her eyes twinkled in the light of the streetlamps.
    He pushed a strand of hair away from her face and feathered his thumb across her cheek. “Everything about tonight has been incredible.” He lowered his lips to hers and hesitated only a moment before claiming her lips in a gentle kiss.

Chapter 5
    K ayla awoke to sunlight streaming into her bedroom. Her thoughts immediately went to Derek and a smile tugged at her lips.
    â€œGood morning, sleepyhead.”
    Kayla twisted to face her bedroom door. “Mom, you’re home. When did you get in?”
    â€œAn hour ago. I’m gone a month and suddenly you turn into a sloth. Don’t you need to get to the shop?”
    Kayla pushed up and settled her pillow behind her back. “What time is it?”
    â€œNine.”
    Kayla’s heart rate accelerated as she tossed the covers to the side. “Will you call Jill and let her know I’m running late?”
    â€œSure thing, sweetie. We can talk when you get home. Based on that dreamy smile I spotted, I’d say you have a story to share.”
    Kayla paused at her closet. “How was your trip? I didn’t know you were coming home or I would have met your plane.” She grabbed a skirt and blouse from her closet, then rushed into the bathroom and closed the door. She flipped on the shower and willed it to warm fast while she pulled her hair into a ponytail.
    â€œNo worries. I took the red-eye and didn’t want to bother you. My trip was perfect.” Mom’s voice filtered through the door. “I may go back to Florida sooner rather than later. I met someone.”
    Kayla’s hands froze in midair. “Really? Maybe you should stop by at lunch today. We could grab a bite, and you can tell me all about him.” She set the brush on the counter.
    â€œI’d like that. And you can tell me about that smile.”
    Kayla ignored her mom’s suggestion and hopped into the shower. She hurried through her morning routine and sat down to apply a light coat of makeup. She hadn’t gone to bed until one, and it had taken forever for her to fall asleep. Her mind would not shut down after Derek’s kiss. And, oh, what a kiss that was. Perfect in every sense of the word. It was as though he’d read her mind.
    A glance at the clock told her she would make it before the store opened, but just barely. Too bad she’d forgotten to set the alarm. Now she’d have to wait until lunch to hear about the man in her mom’s life. She hadn’t so much as looked at another man since Dad died four years ago, and the curiosity was almost too much to handle.
    Undoubtedly Mom had turned more than a few heads with her model good looks and sweet spirit. Trim body, chin-length dark hair, high cheekbones, long legs and large eyes—and Mom always dressed to impress. It was a wonder a man hadn’t snatched her up sooner.
    Kayla flung the door open and rushed into the kitchen, where her mom sat at the counter holding a mug. “Oh, good, you made coffee.” She pulled a travel mug from the cupboard and filled it.
    â€œYes, and there’s a muffin in the bag. I bought an extra one at the