Surviving Valentine, page 1
Surviving
Valentine
By
Jessica Florence
This is a work of fiction. Names, Places, Characters, and Events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events, and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of those terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.
Surviving Valentine
Copyright © 2013 Jessica Florence
ISBN-13:
978-0615884622
ISBN-10:
0615884628
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21 Epilogue
Surviving Valentine
Chapter 1
Scarlet
“Right hook. Left hook. Now press your thumbs into your attacker’s eyes! Great job everyone!” Watching these women successfully practice gouging their attacker’s eyes was the highlight of my day. Being a teacher of self defense has its moments. But when the women that come in finally feel confident that they can actually defend themselves is the best feeling in the world. Nothing like being able to stick it to the man!
The time has come when this class will soon be ending, and a new group of insecure and lacking confidence women start their journey towards a new life. The ending of a class is always fun though because we get to put all of our training to work. Our “attackers” get dressed up in protection gear from head to toe. We do real kicks to the groin, and real head butts to disorient our attacker. I must admit I find it a little amusing that most of our “attackers”, the big, buff men of Norfolk Virginia are being taken down by us little old females. Though it’s not hard to find willing volunteers to help out with my classes. Norfolk Virginia is a huge hot spot for military personnel, men who are always looking for ways to help civilians. Well it also helps that at the end of the week I buy all of my guys a round at the best sports bar in the area, Parkers. Luckily I have the hook up at Parkers since the owner also happens to be my best friend Candace Parker. We met three years ago at a self defense class, and have been kick ass friends since then.
“Alright everyone, you did great today! I look around this class and I see strong, confident women! I am so proud of you guys! Now next week we will be practicing thrusting the heel of our hands into our assailant’s nose thus causing it to break. Practice your upward thrusts. Please not on another person yet! Have a great weekend everyone!” All of the women gather their things and headed out. Our lovely gentlemen started taking off their protective gear. While I clean up trying to get things so I’ll be ready to leave, I hear “So Scarlet, when are you finally going to give into your carnal feelings and go out with me?”
Sigh, I turn around to see Jimmy, a regular volunteer. Tall, blonde, surfer type of guy . “Oh Jimmy, baby I don’t think you would be able to handle these carnal feelings.”
The sounds of “ooh burns” fill the room. “Nice work douche canoe” Said a tall man. I mean like gosh he had
to be like 6’3. With blonde hair cut short and gorgeous brown eyes.
Now that all that gear is off, WOW! Holy arms Batman! I think his name is Ross. He signed up last minute to help with today’s class. I get hit on a lot by the men that help out with class. Maybe it’s the whole women in charge thing, but I feel safe around this guy. “Now boys, boys. You guys kicked ass today. I am just going to clean up and meet you guys at Parkers, say around six?” They all said “sounds good” in unison. That should give me time to shower and get decent.
As the boys leave, I swear his name is Ross approaches me. Although he is one nice male specimen, I have been trying to staying away from male attention lately. “Hey Scarlet, I just wanted to officially introduce myself. I know I kinda dropped in short notice today. But I really love what you are doing here, and wanted to help in some way.” Hm that’s nice.
“My name is Ross Olsen, I am a captain down at station 8 in Chesapeake. “ Oh a firefighter, I should introduce him to Candace. She is obsessed with firefighters. “My sister was attacked when she was in high school, and thanks to the self defense class she took she got out of it without a scratch. So I really like helping out with these sorts of things you know?” Wow, this guy is an open book, huh?
“It’s nice to officially meet you; I am Scarlet Barnette, Owner here at Scars. Thanks for letting us kick you around a bit” I smile a huge cheesy smile. “Haha no problem Scarlet.” I get back to my cleaning up so I can get out of here.
As I’m cleaning I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and gosh I am always such a frizzy mess after my classes. My chestnut, curly, brown hair in piled on top of my head in with flyaway’s always going every different direction. I still have a faint pink blush on my cheeks from the work out. But I will say my full lips always look good after a workout, my green eyes look tired though. Well when you have lived twenty four years like I have you would have a little depth in yours too. Any who, I need to stop thinking and head home. I finished closing up shop and I see that Ross waited for me to finish so he could make sure I got to my car ok. Very gentleman like of him. I turn to him and say. “Well I guess I will see you in a few for a round on me.”
“Heck yeah, I have never been there before but I hear it’s awesome.”
“Yea it is pretty awesome; a lot of firemen, police officers, and military people hang out there. My friend who owns it does a lot of nice discounts for them, her brothers are in the navy and her dad who started the place was in the air force.
So she really goes above and beyond for her people in uniform.” “Sweet deal! Alright, see you later!”
I make my way to my beautiful 2009 Toyota 4Runner. I love my car. She rides so smoothly, and she can haul anything you throw at her. Plus she looks pretty fierce if I do say so myself. Thankfully it’s not a far drive to my house so it takes me no time at all. As I pull up I glance to the house to the left of mine. Sigh. My one and only neighbor, Aunt Tara as she made everyone call her passed away 2 weeks ago. She was a firecracker that old lady. At 61 you would think she would be sitting back knitting while hanging out with ten cats. Nope , not that old broad. She was widowed many years before. Since then she has been doing every extreme thing possible. I mean routine sky diving trips, bungee jumping, clubbing, avid surfer, anything you can think of. That old bat did it! Did she have ten cats? Nope, she had an eighty five pound, all black German shepherd named Roxy. Aunt Tara was one of the most important people in my life, and now she is gone. She died on one of her routine sky diving trips. She had a heart attack. At least she died doing what she loved, right?
Still looking at her house, which is identical to mine. A two story ranch style home with a wraparound porch with red shutters. But the best part you ask? Oh I guess it’s not that big of a deal but our houses are on the beach! Yep, growing up in Asheville North Carolina, mountains are your daily view. I have always wanted to live on the beach. One day my dream came true, and I love it! I wonder what will happen to good ole Aunt Tara’s house. She has a sister I am pretty sure lives somewhere in Virginia. Who knows I guess? Hopefully I won’t have some creepy, fat, perv guy that likes to tan naked on the beach while listening to salsa music. Ew! I need a shower after that thought.
I walk and open my door only to be jumped on by that eighty five pound German shepherd I was talking about. Aunt Tara left me Roxy, the most awesome dog ever! She loves to give me hugs hello, and always tries to lick my face. But just the nose and mouth, nowhere else, it’s so weird! “Down foxy Roxy!” My little nickname for her, because she is so foxy. She automatically sits and looks at me. Dinner time! I fix Roxy‘s bowl with the goods and head towards my long awaited shower. I swear a nice hot shower can turn any day into a good day. It just washes away all the bad; it unties knots in your shoulders from a stressful day. Oh and the smells! I love good smells! Like my coconut and orchid shampoo.
After 15 minutes in the shower, I know it’s time to head towards Parkers. I dress in my normal attire of hiking boots, jeans, and a nerdy long sleeve shirt. Not too snug. But with a set of 34DD boobs like mine everything is always a little snug. As I do a once over in the mirror I see a more put together me. My long hair is hanging down to the middle of my back in nice, long curls. After putting on a little make up, my green eyes pop like it’s Saint Patty’s day. My favorite necklace that hangs just above my breasts has its eye of Horus charm bright and shiny. My dad gave it to me when I was thirteen. It’s supposed to give me good health and protection. Thanks to all the self defense and kick boxing classes I teach. My body is toned but yet I still have ginormis boobs, and feminine curves. Thank god! OK! I am feeling as good as I think I will be this week. Now it’s time to head over to the bar.
Parkers was a sports bar owned by Ray Parker, and his daughter Candace. It was a 2400 Squ are foot building set right in the middle of Norfolk. Great location. It happens to be in the middle between, army, naval, and air force bases. While parking, I noticed Candace finally talked her dad into updating the sign out front.She can be such a mouthy little devil to get what she wants. Ever since that one fateful day in self defense where she punch me (the assailant) in the gut and screamed “You’re not getting a piece of my snatch, bitch!” She somehow convinced me we needed to be best friends after that. Maybe it was the carrot cake she made me; I love carrot cake more than any other food in the world! I take a look around as I open the door, and no new surprise there, it is super slammed. People are hanging out at tables eating wings and French fries. People are lining the bar, and watching the games. But something hanging from the ceiling catches my eye. Red hearts? Cupid? Oh shit Valentine’s day! I forgot Valentine’s day is this month. Could it really be February already? Maybe I can just tell the guys I owe them one.
Ever year around Valentines, Candace tries to set me up with some hot guy in uniform, some sweet, muscular man that promises to make my valentines one to remember. So far none have prevailed. There was Todd, sweet Todd from Kentucky that joined the army after high school. Not very bright, but very sweet. He had good old fashion southern manners. I decided I would give it a shot. I mean a gentleman always thinks of others before himself right? Nope, he got the name 3 minute Todd after that performance. Then there was body building Cade from the air force. One of those guys who you knew could just grab you by the butt, pick you up and impale you against the wall. Man I was excited about that one. Turns out he was a sensitive one. While we were getting hot and heavy he starts crying because it was so beautiful, all the emotion. We spent the rest of the night watching Charlie St. Cloud. I love that movie.
But before I could continue my thoughts on the last one a high pitch scream demands my attention. “Ah there’s my little slut!” Candace Parker ladies and gentleman! “I hardly think I qualify as a slut ms. Candy wet t-shirt champion.” She smirks. “Well all have to be good at something Xena.” Xena, the warrior princess. She calls me that sometimes because of all the martial arts I do. “I love the new sign, very bright.” Her smirk turns into the cutest smile she’s got. “I know!” She squeals. “Finally he gave in; I told him what was the point of me going to college for a business degree if I couldn’t put to use what I learned. That old sign was probably going to fall on someone and we would get sued” I take a look around, I see my guys sitting at a table near the bar.
We make our way to the table. Once we arrive we get a loud cheer for a welcoming. I guess a few of them have already gotten the party started. “Candy my love; will you get my boys here a round on me please?” The boys all hoot and yelled. I look at them. “Thank you guys for helping out today at class, it wouldn’t be the same without you. Truly from the bottom of my heart, thank you!” More cheers erupt from their mouths. Candace comes back with the drinks. I grab a shot and down the burning liquid quick. I grab another and hold it up for a toast. Everyone follows for a toast. I hold my drink high and yell “To upward thrusts!” Everyone yells the same, and downs their drinks.
Chapter 2
Darien
Nine weeks. What the hell am I going to do for nine weeks? I am fine; the damn navy believes I am depressed. I am going to be depressed if I have to stay a civilian’s life for nine weeks! Christ! Being a navy seal is my life. The life of being a soldier, a leader. We kick ass and well we kick some more ass. I take a swing of my beer from the bar. Parkers , the local sports bar. Sitting next to me at said bar is my best friend since elementary school when we had a fight about your momma jokes, Captain Ross Olsen. He talked me into coming to this place to cheer up as he said and I quote “Get your vagina off the couch, time to nut up or shut up dickweed.” A charmer that one. He has been going on and on about a class where he got kicked in the nuts repeatedly today. He said the owner of Scars was going to be here and buy a round of shots for the guys who willingly got their asses handed to them. Who names a place Scars anyway, sounds like a douche if you ask me. “Dude get your head out of your ass, you have a nine week vacation. We should head up to the family cabin in West Virginia and go snowboarding.” He says. I think for a minute. “Let’s do it!” I raise my bottle and clink it with his.
My thoughts afterwards were put on hold when a female voice yelled “To upward thrusts!” Well now that’s not something you hear often. I had to turn to see who this ballsy chick was. I turn towards the noise and suddenly gasp for air.
Holy shit! Long, brown curls that reached her mid back. Creamy skin like French vanilla, a classic flavor you just want to taste over and over. Looking down and Fuck! Those damn pants hug every curve of her like it was poured onto her. The type of body that is a sculptor’s wet dream. Suddenly while staring at this goddess, a pair of shocking green eyes returns my stare. I think I forgot how to breathe. Something in those eyes holds me. Sadness? Curiosity? Desire? Then suddenly the goddess looks next to me and smiles. That smile could bring any man to his knees. The best smile I have ever seen in my life. She starts walking this way.
Wait. She is walking this way. Breathe fucker breathe. She stops dead in front of us and speaks to Ross. “Glad you made it! Thanks again for today.” She hands him a shot which he happily takes and downs. What the fuck? How does the goddess know Ross? “It was no problem, as I told you I want to be a part of what you do.” Ok what the hell is going on? Ross turns to me and says “ Scarlet I’d like you to meet my friend Darien Valentine.” She turns those gorgeous green eyes on me and I see something there. Amusement? “ Darien Valentine” My name coming off those lips automatically makes me want to go caveman on this goddess and take her back to my place and hear that name on her lips over and over.
Ross smacks my shoulder taking me out of my fantasy. “And this is Scarlet Barnette, She owns Scars, and teaches the self defense class I am volunteering at.” Well fuck me sideways. I shake out of my temporary paralysis and raise my hand. “Pleased to meet you Scarlet.” She grasps my hand and I feel a shock ecstasy run through me and by the looks in her eyes, she felt something too. She pulls her hand away but before she lets go I let my finger graze her hand a in a long stroke. The air feels thicker, more tense. She speaks “So, Darien, do you work with Ross at the station?” Trying to bring innocence back into the air are we? “Nope, just currently on a little R & R from the navy. “
“Navy huh? My friend Candace’s brothers are in the navy. Oh Shit! Speaking of Candace I will be right back!” She runs off, man she has got a really fine ass. A smack on the shoulder breaks me out of my staring. “So, I think we found what you are going do to for your leave.”
“That obvious?” I answer. “Man she would eat you up and spit you out. Then kick your ass for fun.” Hm I wouldn’t mind that mouth on me. “I got a lot of shit on my plate right now.”I counter, He smirks. “I think you would be willing to make a little time out of your schedule out for her. But dude, I’m going to be the big brother here. I like her, she seems nice. If you do make time for her don’t be a dick.” Like that would happen. Funny hearing that from Mr. one nightstand himself.
Scarlet starts heading our way again, towing a short pixie behind her. “Hey guys I would like you to meet Candace Parker. She owns the bar.” Candace is a short chick with black hair and brown eyes. She looks like a man eater and by the way she is looking at the dumb ass to my right it looks like she has chosen her next meal. I elbow Ross in the side. “Hey, I’m Ross. This is my friend Darien. This is a nice place here. Everyone has been very accommodating”
“Well we aim to please here at Parkers.” Oh man I think Mr. One nightstand has met his match. This is going to be fun to watch. I sneak a peek at the Goddess. She is looking at them like she could bust out laughing at any moment. She looks at her friend “Ross here volunteered at my class this morning. He is a captain at a station 8 in Chesapeake.”
“Oh that’s so sweet of you to join Scarlet’s cause to help women be able to kick some guys asses, and also a firefighter.” She licks her lips. “How courageous of you.” Oh shit! This is hilarious. I look at Scarlet. It seems she has a sense of humor in trying to set them up. She looks at me and winks. I think I died and went to heaven. This girl is amazing. Wait… What is happening to me? Candace’s voice takes me out of my self-observations. “Oh! We should go out tonight!”
