Valentine Pets & Kisses: Fourteen All-New, Sweet Valentine Romances Read online

  Valentine Pets & Kisses

  Fourteen All-New, Sweet Valentine Romances

  Contributors:

  Rachelle Ayala

  DelSheree Gladden

  J.L. Campbell

  Karla L Brady

  Jade Kerrion

  Hope Welsh

  Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

  Caroline Bell Foster

  Suzette Riddick

  Tina D. C. Hayes

  Jeanne Bannon

  Susan Oloier

  Aubrey Wynne

  Cindy Flores Martinez

  Copyright © 2015 by:

  Rachelle Ayala

  DelSheree Gladden

  J.L. Campbell

  K.L. Brady

  Jade Kerrion

  Hope Welsh

  Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

  Caroline Bell Foster

  Suzette Riddick

  Tina D.C. Hayes

  Jeanne Bannon

  Susan Oloier

  Aubrey Wynne

  Cindy Flores Martinez

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  This book was built at IndieWrites.com. Visit us on Facebook.

  160112.180155

  Introduction

  Valentine Hound Dog - Rachelle Ayala

  A fashion designer and her basset hound puppy convince a burned ex-firefighter that beauty is never skin deep and neither is love.

  The Crazy Girl’s Handbook - DelSheree Gladden

  Watching her nephews was supposed to be fun and a relaxing weekend for Greenly, not a never-ending disaster all witnessed by the best blind date she ever stood up.

  The Vet's Valentine Gift - J.L. Campbell

  A veterinarian is caught between his job, an ex, a menagerie and love. Can a little Cupid fix things by Valentine’s Day?

  Her Perfect Catch - K.L. Brady

  Years of faithful dog-sitting pays sweet dividends when a struggling sports writer scores tickets to the Super Bowl and encounters her favorite football player.

  Inflamed - Jade Kerrion

  A firefighter running from his past convinces a hard-luck single mother to believe in happy endings.

  Remember When - Hope Welsh

  A couple headed for divorce discovers common ground for joint custody of their Akita.

  Your Biggest Fan? - Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

  Snowed in with the man of her dreams, a football fan and her dog find love.

  The Feline Fix - Caroline Bell Foster

  A scientist questions her cat’s loyalty when it comes to love and a hunky policeman.

  Trembling Hearts - Suzette Riddick

  A daring young woman crashes into the life of a disfigured recluse and his pooch. Can love be far behind?

  Valentino, Be Mine - Tina D.C. Hayes

  Sparks fly when two people who can't stand each other wind up dog-sitting a rambunctious little Yorkie that needs a new home.

  Lost and Found - Jeanne Bannon

  Stuck with her ex’s puppy, a young teacher meets a new man after a series of unfortunate events.

  Surviving San Francisco - Susan Oloier

  A small town girl survives San Francisco after she hits a cat and falls for a handsome veterinarian.

  19 Ivy Lane - Aubrey Wynne

  A mysterious woman and her cat befriend a postman and set tongues wagging on Ivy Lane. But when he delivers a long-awaited letter, will his heart be “returned to sender?”

  Three Plus Three - Cindy Flores Martinez

  A grieving widow and her beloved doggie meet a handsome widower the day before Valentine’s Day.

  Valentine Hound Dog

  Have a Hart Romance - The Hart Family

  Rachelle Ayala

  Copyright © 2015 by:

  Rachelle Ayala

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  Contact Rachelle at:

  http://rachelleayala.me/author-bio/contact/

  Amiga Books

  This book was built at IndieWrites.com. Visit us on Facebook.

  160112.180128

  A story of beauty that pierces right to your heart and soul. –

  Evelyn Nathalia

  Praise for Valentine Hound Dog

  Beauty is only skin deep, what matters most is the pureness of your heart. – Jessica Cassidy

  The sweetest Harley story I have read that brings two lost hearts together in the most unsuspected way possible. – Angelica Berglund

  This is a sweet love story that will have your heart melting and falling for the fireman. – Keli Morgan

  A fun read of high fashion and sweet romance with a beast worthy of love. – Chantel Rhondeau

  Sweet Romance, who needs candy for Valentines when you have love and a Hart. – Terri Merkel

  A modern day beauty and the beast story that will leave you howling for love to win! – Corissa Palfrey

  Valentine Hound Dog is an extraordinarily beautiful and tremendously poignant story that serves as a gentle reminder that no one should settle for less than who they are and what they want. – Amber McCallister

  A story of beauty that pierces right to your heart and soul. – Evelyn Nathalia

  Tender Valentine's story that will surely touch your heart and make you believe that true love conquers it all. - Yomari Suarez-Rivera

  This is a wonderful modern day Beauty and the Beast story about a true hero. - Dana Anderson

  A beautiful heartwarming modern Beauty and the Beast love story. - reggaewoman

  Dedication

  To my youngest son, Joe, just because.

  >>><<<

  Description:

  Former fireman Larry Davison covers his burn scars well, by working at an elementary school as a custodian where he finds a lost hound dog behind the dumpster.

  Fashion designer Jenna Hart is in town to do a charity fashion show when she loses her top model, Little Treat. When Larry turns up with the puppy, she asks him to be in the show and bachelor auction.

  Larry’s not sure he belongs in a fashion show and balks at being her good deed. Can Jenna convince Larry beauty is never skin deep and love's arrow strikes not only the beautiful, but the bold?

  Chapter 1

  Jenna Hart was a fretter and a perfectionist. She had to be. At twenty-seven, she was a junior fashion designer for Moonique Designs, one of the couture houses in New York City, and it was her turn to run the annual Valentine’s Benefit Fashion Show. In return, she got to choose the location, design all the gowns, and pick the charity. It would be a giant boon to her career to pull off a major runway show in her hometown of San Francisco and at the same time, benefit their fabulous and overworked Fire Department.

  Only one small, or rather large problem. Beefcake, or rather lack of it.

  She called her brother, Connor, the newly installed fire chief. There had to be something he wanted that only she could provide, and she did know a lot of hot models on a first name basis.

  “Hello.” Connor’s deep voice drawled over the line. “The answer is still ‘no.’”

  “Even if I set you up on a date with that swimsuit model your entire squad’s been drooling over?”

  “That’s an even easier answer. No.�
� Connor practically bellowed over the phone. “Last thing I want is a woman all my buddies take to the bathroom.”

  “Ugh, don’t want to know.” Jenna blew out a sigh. “This show is to benefit the firefighters, you know, the widow and orphan fund—it’s near and dear to your heart.”

  “Yes, and I truly appreciate that,” Connor said. “Is there a point to this call?”

  “Are you always so rude to a benefactor?”

  “Only if she’s my sister. Look, Jenna, me and the guys, we’re all over this runway show. We’ll post guards, we’ll escort the models, but we’re not going to be doing those exotic dancer poses. You want an orderly show or a bunch of screaming women?”

  “Screaming women donate more money,” Jenna said, twisting her champagne-colored blond hair around her finger. Besides, the presence of firefighters, buff, half-naked men in nothing but boots and bunker pants held by red suspenders would definitely open more than a few purses. “My performance review as well as the success of this show is contingent on how much money I raise. It’s good for my exposure as a fashion designer.”

  “True, but you’re not exposing my guys. We’re real firemen, not models,” Connor grunted. “We’re hairy, dirty, smoky, and sweaty. The answer is still ‘no.’”

  “How about an underwear model?”

  “No.”

  “Sports model? That surfing girl who’s been tearing up the circuits and modeling wetsuits.”

  “No.”

  “When’s the last time you’ve been on a date?”

  “No.”

  “A designer wardrobe!”

  “No.”

  “New car?” Not that she had the cash for it.

  “No.”

  “You’re a lonely guy. I know you’re still stuck on that ex-girlfriend who dumped you what, ten years ago?”

  “No.”

  “Everyone has a price.”

  “No.”

  “I’ll find yours. Mark my word.”

  “No.”

  “Okay, and a wonderful day to you too, my brother.”

  “You too, and the answer is still ‘no.’”

  “Did anyone tell you you’re stubborn? Bye.” Jenna tapped the end-call button on her phone.

  Why was she stuck with the only fire department run by a stick in the mud? Everyone thought her life was glamorous, surrounded by hot, hunky men. Her father and brothers were all firefighters, and she knew every guy at the station. When she let her boss, Monique, know about her connections, the older fashionista had been all over it, drooling over the prospect of a photo shoot with a backdrop of beefy men. It wasn’t as if she wanted them to drop their pants. They’d be shirtless, sure, wearing pants, helmet, and carrying an axe or rolls of hoses.

  Her brother was taking this way too far. Perhaps she could try her father. He was the former chief before retiring a year ago from active duty.

  Jenna propped her booted feet on her desk and called dear old Dad who was out on the golf course with his retired buddies. Out of her three sisters, she was Dad’s favorite. Older sister Cait was Mom’s buddy, and baby sister Melisa was everyone’s baby, but Dad had a certain respect for her and her coolheadedness, yes, and attention to detail, following instructions and bravery.

  “Yep, Jenna?” Dad’s voice boomed over the phone. “What’s up?”

  “It’s Connor. He’s so bullheaded.”

  “Tell me something I don’t know. Bet it’s about the fashion show.”

  “Yes, and I need your help.” That was all she’d been talking about since Christmas when she found out she was chosen to do the benefit.

  “And if you’re asking me to overrule Connor, the answer is ‘no.’”

  “Sure, I get it,” Jenna said. “Connor’s the chief now. But you were the one who set the old-fashioned direction. Every other firehouse in the country lets their guys pose with models, do calendars, and bachelor auctions.”

  “Being a firefighter is serious business. We don’t build muscles for women to drool over. We need to be in tip-top shape to save lives. People count on us to have outstanding integrity, honesty, and bravery.”

  Yadda, yadda, yadda. Jenna made flapping motions with her fingers. “I get all that. Okay, I agree. But don’t you think Connor’s lonely? He doesn’t go out partying with the rest of the guys. Every since he became Chief, he’s more isolated than ever.”

  “Now, you leave your brother alone. He’s fine.”

  “But it must be so lonely sleeping in the firehouse and not coming home, even on his days off.”

  “That’s because he has meddling sisters like you and Cait angling to set him up on dates all the time.”

  “Why’s he still stuck on that Elaine?”

  “He says he’s over her. Just hasn’t found the ‘One.’ Now, you leave well enough alone.”

  “Is it my imagination or is he depressed?”

  “Don’t you go spreading tales.” Dad huffed. “Connor is an introvert. Unlike you and Grady.”

  Grady was Jenna’s hell-raising twin who, like her, had left home—only he’d joined the US Forest Service as a smoke jumper, while she’d gone to New York to become a fashion designer.

  “Yeah, which means he doesn’t socialize. That’s why he doesn’t understand marketing and exposure, and all the things he needs to do in addition to fighting fires. He needs publicity, name recognition, all that good stuff.”

  “All he needs is another firehouse dog,” Dad all but growled.

  “Why? What happened to Bear?”

  Bear was the firehouse’s mascot St. Bernard.

  “Had to be put down. He was in constant pain from an inoperable tumor.”

  “Oh, no! When did this happen?”

  “A week ago. Connor took it hard. Now you understand why he’s not up to gallivanting around with your parade of models?”

  “It would do him good. A lot of good,” Jenna said. “A young man like him. Most eligible bachelor in the city shouldn’t be alone.”

  “I agree. Find him another dog. He says he can’t replace Bear, but I’m betting a spry puppy will bring him to his knees.”

  “Oh, Dad! You’re great! Thanks!” Jenna couldn’t help her voice getting more and more high-pitched. So much so that her mother peeked into the home office right when she hung up.

  “Is everything okay?” Mom furrowed her brow. “Were you talking about Connor?”

  “Yes, Mom. And I’m not setting him up on a date.” At least not yet.

  “You should try harder. I don’t want my boy pining over Dr. Elaine Woo one second longer.”

  “What happened to Sheila? The one he took to the Christmas Ball?”

  “Don’t know, but I didn’t like her either. She looked too much like Elaine.”

  “Oh, come on, Mom, all Chinese don’t look alike. Anyway, I’m going to find him a puppy. Dad says he’s lonely since Bear died.”

  “Ah, yes.” Mom wiped her hands on her apron. “Bear. He’d been on his last legs for years, but the last diagnosis of bone cancer did him in. It would have been too painful to watch him suffer.”

  Jenna bit her knuckle and groaned. “Poor Connor.”

  “Yes, but then again, I might know of some puppies needing rescue. I hadn’t thought of foisting one on Connor since he’s been so down.”

  “A puppy will do the trick.” It had to, and if Mom knew of some, Jenna was all for it. “Where do I go to rescue one?”

  Besides, she could use one as a model for her show. Every designer had a signature final walk down the runway, some did cartwheels and others wore a big hat. She’d make her signature one of carrying a sweet little rescue pet to be adopted by someone attending the show.

  In this case, Connor, and for that, he and his men owed her muscles, sweat, and lots of skin. Yep. That would work.

  # # #

  Most days, Larry Davison didn’t mind being the custodian at Gold Hill Elementary School. He was his own boss and managed a staff of two housekeepers. Best of all, he still go
t to be the big man on campus.

  Sure, it wasn’t anything like his glory days as his high school’s top defensive linebacker, but without him and his mechanical prowess, Herculean strength, and endurance, Gold Hill would simply not function.

  Or so he told himself while he repaired a pump on the boiler that kept the school warm. Late January in the Sunset District of San Francisco could be brutally cold with an occasional dip to frost zone, and with cold and flu season in full swing, getting the heat turned back on was even more important.

  He wiped his hands with a rag and stood when he heard his name.

  “Big D, there you are.” It was the vice principal, Mrs. Crowley. “Have you fixed the boiler yet? The teachers are complaining that it’s like the arctic zone here. If one of the children tell their parents they had to play Eskimo and wear their outdoor coats indoors …”

  “Got the seals put in place. Just have to tighten everything and fire her right up.” Larry always put on a cheerful attitude. He was a big guy, over six-foot-four and with the mean-looking scars on one side of his face, he’d be Freddy Krueger scary if he wasn’t both gentle and friendly.

  “Good. After you get that done, you’d better get to the cafeteria. There’s been an outbreak of stomach virus and we need the cafeteria cleaned and disinfected.”