Page 6 of Angels & Whiskey

“I know.” I sighed, leaning on the kitchen counter, my chin resting in the palm of my hand as I also stared at Rich from the open kitchen into the living room where he and Dad watched football.

“Better hang onto that one. A man who takes care of you like he does is worth keeping.”

Still staring at Rich, I responded, “I plan on it.”

As I drove to work, I remembered the last six months. I couldn’t believe how happy I was. I never thought I’d find the perfect guy. Most of the guys I dated only wanted me because I had a pretty face. They’d stop at nothing until they got me into bed. Most of the time they’d fail because I wasn’t that type of girl, so they’d move on, looking for the next piece of ass.

No one saw me for who I was on the inside until Rich. He made me feel like a lady. On our fifth date, he told me he was in love with me and had continued to tell me every day since.

“Someone’s a lucky girl,” my co-worker and best friend, Brandi greeted as I walked through the lobby toward my desk.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

She gestured to my desk that held a vase with two dozen red roses. I smiled instantly.

“Why couldn’t I have been the one working that day instead of you?” she pouted.

“You’re married, silly.”

“I know, butdamn …”

“Hey, it’s not my fault your hubby doesn’t wine and dine you anymore,” I joked, picking up the card that sat between two rose buds.

“Like he ever did that. Once he got me in bed on our third date, he stopped all the romance.”

“And you still married the guy.”

“True. What does the card say?”

She stepped closer, trying to read the card. I held it to my chest and grinned. “Why are you so nosey?”

“I’m living vicariously through you. Let me pretend the major is my lover.”

“Let’s not and say we did.” I shook my head, laughing as I pulled the tiny two by two card from the envelope.

Princess,

I hope you’re ready to never spend Valentine’s Day alone again. I love you.

-Rich

XOXO

I smiled again as I read his words and held the card to my chest, looking at Brandi with love in my eyes.

“Well?” she prompted.

“It just says that he loves me and we’ll always be together.”

“I hate you.” She snickered and walked off.

I sat at my desk staring at the roses. Ten hours and counting until my first Valentine’s Day date.

My little black dress was paired with my black Louboutins with the red sole. I saved up for a year to buy them. They were my go-to heels and perfect for Valentine’s Day.

When I got off work at five thirty, I rushed home to get ready for my hot date. It was by no means my first date with Rich, but the butterflies in my stomach thought it was. I was nervous and I had no idea why.

I put a fresh coat of makeup on my face, gave my hair a few curls to highlight my face and slathered my whole body with vanilla lotion. At seven o’clock sharp, Rich knocked on my apartment door. I opened it with a smile.