Give Me a Reason (In the Heart of a Valentine #3)

by Stephanie Nicole Norris

“Never give up on your dreams,” he said. “If at first you don’t succeed, try again.” His lips dropped a lingering grin. “Besides, I love your jokes. I just can’t hear them for the seriousness of this conversation.

Besides, I’m not interested in a seasonal type of love.” He reached back to connect his fingers with the hand she’d pulled away from him. “I’m in need of an eternal one.”

I’d like you to show me the way to your heart before I take your essence, and make no mistake about it, if I stay, I will take…” his words dissipated, and a new layer of heat wafted around Allison’s skin.

“I need you to love me first.”

“Have you ever loved someone, Allison?” His fingers rode the skin over her collarbone, dancing alongside her neck. “I mean unequivocally revered a person. Someone who shared your beliefs and spoke to your soul in a way that stirred a supernatural love even when you didn’t know them wholly? Someone you’d trust with your life without worrying about the sacrifice it would take to give yourself one hundred percent?”

Their fingers linked as he led them in prayer. Allison loved when he did that. There was something about a man who spoke to the Lord on your behalf.

“I’m attracted to women, period. Doesn’t matter if they have a little something extra, or don’t.” He smirked. “Size is not a determining factor. Connection, intelligence, the attraction is, in that order.” He peered at her. “What kind of man do you take me for, beauty?”

“What were you saying?” “He’s back from the store.” “I don’t know what else he could possibly need. Dinner is done, the table is set, and one of us would’ve borne the cold for him.” “Why?” Bridgette frowned. “If you treat him like an old man, he’ll put you in a headlock and challenge you to a game of arm wrestling. Trust me, I know.” Lance side-eyed his mom. “Let me find out Dad is over here putting you in headlocks.” His scowl deepened. Bridgette chuckled. “Don’t worry, I have a code word.” Aghast, Lance pulled back from her. “Mother!” “Well, you were concerned,” she said with a shrug. “Come on, let’s head back into the dining hall. And get that scowl off your face. How do you think you got here?” “Okay, that’s enough.”