Becca,

I’ll pick you up at 4. Be ready to take that robe off.

We’re going skinny-dipping. See ya later, firecracker.

Be prepared for MY fireworks!

Don’t forget to pack as we’ve discussed.

Matthew

I swallowed and looked at Jenna who was smiling from ear to ear. “What does your card say?”

Jenna handed her card to me as she continued to smile. Walking to her room like she was floating on air, I wondered if I did the same. Her card read:

Jenna,

Be my Valentine tonight.

I’ll pick you up at 4, as per our conversation.

I can’t wait to TKLS. Bring a sweater.

Don’t forget to pack as we’ve discussed.

Love,

Max

“What do the initials stand for?” I asked out loud.

“Touch…kiss...lick…and suck,” Jenna yelled back from her bedroom.

“Oh.” It was all I could say, taken by surprise at her words.

WHEN THE DOORBELL RANG, Jenna opened the door. Not knowing who would come first, I peeked out of my bedroom door. When I saw that it was Matthew, my heart fluttered. Feeling nervous and giddy at the same time, the butterflies in my stomach would not rest. Looking absolutely edible, Matthew wore dark slacks, a pin striped shirt, and a dark brown, suede jacket.

I had no idea where we were going for dinner as I glanced at what I was wearing. Jenna and I each wore a form-fitting black dress, but not too casual looking. We were a perfect match.

After Matthew gave Jenna a hug, he spotted me. Grinning, he came for me. “Becca,” he whispered in my ear, squeezing me tightly. “I’ve missed you.” Matthew exhaled a deep breath, then took a whiff of my perfume. Just his simple touch electrified me.

Matthew had been out of town on a business trip for the last few days. He had just come home last night, but we exchanged some hot texts while he was gone. “Hi,” I said, releasing from his hold.

“Wow. Both of you look so beautiful. I think I’ll take the both of you out tonight. Max can go on a date by himself.”

Jenna giggled and blushed. “Thanks, Matthew. Maybe next time.”

“I don’t think so,” Max said as he walked in, twirling the apartment key on his finger. Max had his own set of keys to our place. Embracing Jenna and giving her a kiss, he said, “This one is mine and I won’t share her even with my own brother. But Matthew is right. Both of you look absolutely gorgeous. You’ll be turning heads and Matthew and I will enjoy making all the guys jealous.”

“Let’s go,” Jenna said while batting her innocent eyes. I could tell Max was totally taken with her. She could tell him to drop his pants right then and there and he would for her.

I’ve been seeing a whole new side of Jenna lately. She was taking charge instead of living her life like a back seat driver. I loved that she was. She was not afraid to express her thoughts and feelings anymore, becoming the woman she was always meant to be.

Life experiences mold us into who we are today. Sometimes it’s not in a positive way, like when those experiences make us fear, lose hope, or crush our dreams. Jenna’s ex-boyfriend might have crippled her. What he pulled could have made her lose faith in real love and trust, but Max has helped her heal. He chipped those broken layers off, in more ways than she’ll ever realize, and for that, I was grateful. I couldn’t be happier for my friend.

40

LISTENING TO SOFT MUSIC in the car, Max drove with one hand, while the other hand held mine. Whistling along to the song, his shoulders were relaxed and he looked happy. Wearing a dark suit and tie, looking oh-so handsome, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. All the time thinking, this amazing man is mine.

Max still held my hand while he helped me out of the car. I took a whiff of the ocean breeze, but I was unsure how close we were. After grabbing our overnight bags, I walked beside him towards the most amazing house. It looked like one of those homes you’d find in a magazine and I was completely in awe.

The pristine white mansion was two stories high, with tall windows. Various roses aligned the path leading to the front of the house, making it smell heavenly. “What are we doing here?” I asked, thinking how ridiculous my question was. Reading the note, I assumed we were staying at a hotel.

“It’s my surprise. I’m not about to share you with strangers at some restaurant. This is our place for the night. Happy Valentine’s Day, babe.” After a soft, long kiss, he opened the front door with the key, gesturing for me to walk in first.

Stepping on the white marble floor, I gazed up at the huge, crystal chandelier, watching as each teardrop shape sparkled like a diamond in the sunlight that poured in through the long windows. To my left and right were stairs, curving to meet at the center of the second floor. Directly under the chandelier, right in front of my view, was a large table with a colorful arrangement of flowers that added the perfect touch.

A man walked in, dressed in a simple black suit, and took the bags from Max. “Good evening, Mr. Knight,”

“Hello, Brandon. This is Jenna.”

“Brandon, hello,” I smiled.

“Hello, Ms. Jenna. I will be at your service today. We will be out of your way this evening.” With a quick nod, he headed upstairs with our bags.

“We? Are they staying till dinner?” I asked. Not that we needed anyone else to be here. Max was all I needed and I was beyond capable of taking care of things. I wasn’t used to having someone at my beck and call.