enjoyebooks Book 7: Kara
Book 7: Kara
Valentine’s Day
The day of love. I’ve never celebrated it with anyone. Yes, I’ve watched a gazillion movies about what it’s supposed to be like, but I didn’t care about it until now. Chase has planned a special night, and I feel jittery as hell. In a good way, though. The anticipation is exciting.
“You look exquisite.” Evangeline sits on my bed and smiles. But, of course, it’s technically not my bedroom anymore now that I’ve taken up residence in Chase’s room.
I look at myself in the mirror, wearing the brand-new, red dress Chase left for me in the closet. In addition to the dress, I wasn’t surprised to see a pair of red high heels to go with it.
Turning away from the mirror, I smile at Evangeline. “Thanks, E. Do you not have any plans tonight?”
She shakes her head but waves me off as if it’s no big deal. “Nope. I’m spending my night eating an amazing pizza with pineapple and searching the internet for a house. I refuse to impose on you and Chase any longer than I have to.”
Sitting beside her, I wrap an arm over her shoulders. “You can stay as long as you like.”
Evangeline pats my arm. “And I appreciate that, but I need to do this for me.”
I understand completely. Evangeline glances down at her phone and jumps up. “You’re running late. Chase said to be downstairs at seven. It’s now five after.”
Pulse racing, I quickly check myself in the mirror, my stomach flip-flopping with the excitement inside of me. “All right, let’s go.”
A tingling sensation flutters through my head, and I can feel Chase. “I’m not butting in on you and Evangeline, but you need to get her down here.” He sends a vision through our bond, and it’s of Xavier, standing in our living room. He’s here. “He wants to surprise her.”
It takes all I have not to smile. Then, clearing my throat, I hold a hand out to Evangeline. “Will you come downstairs with me?”
Evangeline shakes her head and stands. “Oh no, you go. I’ll wait until you and Chase leave before I eat my dinner.”
I grab her hand. “Sorry, but you’re coming with me now.”
“Kara, what in the world are you doing?” she asks, laughing as I pull her down the stairs.
“You’ll see.” I can’t wait to see her face when she sees Xavier.
When we turn the corner into the living room, and Evangeline gets sight of Xavier, she slaps a hand over her mouth and squeals. “Oh my God, Xavier! What are you doing here?”
Xavier’s eyes twinkle happily, obviously loving her reaction. “I wanted to surprise you.”
She runs into his arms, and he scoops her up. Chase joins me and slides an arm around my waist. “Don’t get me wrong, you are sexy as hell right now, and I could stare at you all night, but seeing E and Xavier together is pretty epic.”
Tears burn my eyes as I watch them. They’re meant to be together. “It is,” I agree. “Now I don’t have to feel bad with her being alone on Valentine’s Day.”
Chase tickles the side of my waist. “Good. Because this is our first Valentine’s together, and I want it to be special.”
“I have no doubt it will be.”
We leave Xavier and Evangeline in the living room and head toward the winery in Chase’s car. The restaurant is slammed with young and old couples hoping to get a romantic Valentine’s Day meal. Chase made sure to close the winery early so we could have the place to ourselves.
“You weren’t supposed to know that, princess,” Chase says in my mind.
Sheepishly, I bite my lip. “Sorry. I think you forgot to shield your mind, and it slipped. I couldn’t help but hear it.”
Chase chuckles and opens his door. “This whole mind link thing is going to take some getting used to.”
That’s for sure.
I open my door, but Chase is there to take my hand. The second I step out, that’s when I notice the red, white, and pink rose petals on the ground, making a pathway to the door.
“Okay, so it may be over the top, but …”
I squeeze Chase’s hand. “It’s lovely. I can’t wait to see inside.”
We stop at the door, and I can already see the glow of candlelight inside. Chase opens the door, and I walk in to see more petals decorating the floor and a table for two in the middle of the room. Candles are everywhere, giving the room a sensual, romantic feel. The smell of food fills the air, but it’s the chocolate fountain in the corner that makes my stomach growl.
Eyes wide, I stare at it, my mouth watering so much I have to swallow. “You found my weakness.” Beside the chocolate fountain is a platter full of strawberries, Rice Krispy treats, marshmallows, apples, bananas, and brownie bites to dip on the warm goodness.
Chase steers me away from the treats. “Not yet, princess. You can’t have that until we eat dinner.”
“Says who?” I tease.
He pulls out my seat at the table, and Ayla saunters in with a bottle of wine. “Good evening, you two. I hope you enjoy your meal.”
Chase’s brows furrow. “What wine do you have there?”
Ayla winks at him. “The one you wanted me to order. It came in yesterday.”
Chase blocks his thoughts from my mind, and he smiles as she moves closer. I stare at them both, but mainly at the wine bottle. Ayla has it covered, so I can’t see the label.
“Okay, you two, what’s going on?” I ask, narrowing my gaze.
Ayla passes him the bottle along with a corkscrew. She grins at me and heads toward the exit. “Have fun.”
Chase still has his mind blocked, which has me even more curious. “What do you have there, Chase?” I wonder, crossing my arms over my chest.
His eyes glimmer mischievously as he unveils the bottle in his hands.
I see the Channon Vineyards logo first before I notice it’s my new merlot. “So, you heard about my new wine, eh?”
Chase twists the corkscrew into the top, and the cork pops out. “I ordered a case. I heard it’s all the rave right now. So I wanted to see what it’s all about.”
Eyes misting, I reach for the bottle, and Chase hands it to me. “I never thought it’d be such a hit. I’ve tried for years to beat you in a competition. I was hoping this would be the one.”
I don’t have the driving need to beat him anymore like I used to, but it would be nice to know my wines could compete with his.
Chase pours some into our glasses, and I watch him as he takes a sip. He closes his eyes and moans in delight. “I think you have a winner here, Kara.”
When he opens his eyes, I stare at him skeptically. “Are you being serious?”
All joking aside, he looks at me in all seriousness. “I am. This is the best wine I’ve ever tasted. I get a hint of blackberries with a touch of vanilla.”
My cheeks burn. “It was a fluke, actually. I never intended for the vanilla to be put in. But once the wine was ready, I fell in love with it.”
Chase finishes his glass and smirks. “You know, there’s a wine tasting competition in New York next week. I’m sure we can get on the list at the last minute.”
Exhilaration blossoms in my chest. “Will you be competing against me?” I ask, leaning forward to get closer to him.
He winks. “You know it.”
I pour him a little more wine and tap my glass to his. “You’re on. Happy Valentine’s Day, Chase. May the best wine win.”