Blissful Valentine: A Novella by Amy L. Gale Page A

preoccupied with the shit storm happening in front of me that I didn’t notice the huge Lakeview U emblem on the police car. Thank god it wasn’t the actual police department. Tonight would be going a whole lot different. I nibble at my nails and stare at the large clock on the wall of the small room. The second hand ticks slowly, almost as if it’s going backward. I scan the bright white walls adorned with a poster of Stevie Wonder that reads “I’d rather drive than get in a car with someone who’s been drinking ” and a few pictures of the campus police officers. I set my feet flat on the tan tiles and gaze at the campus officer, sitting in a large mahogany desk in front of me, scribbling on some papers.
    I replay the scene in my mind over and over again. If Dean knew these were the campus police he would’ve never even stopped. There’s no way he knew or he would’ve let them just take Lexie home, or at least let her sober up in headquarters. No, he was willing to lay his whole scholarship on the line just to protect me and Lexie. What was he thinking? I’m torn between hugging and slapping him when I see him.
    The officer fits the paperwork into a manila folder and closes it. He glides his chair along the tiles and rises up like a mighty oak. “He’s on his way out.”
    I stand up and fidget with my fingers. “Thanks.”
    The officer shakes his head and sits back down, grabbing another paper from his desk.
    I stare at the door in front of me, willing it to open. Footsteps thump toward me, getting louder with each passing moment. The large gray door swings open and a jolt of electricity shoots through my body.
    Dean runs his hand through his hair, tousling it into that perfect mess. He drops his hands to his sides and walks forward. He’s never looked sexier than he does right at this moment.
    “I’m all yours.” He winks and flashes a sexy half-smile.
    My eyes well up with tears and I laugh at the same time, lunging forward and wrapping my arms around his neck. “What were you thinking, you goof? ” Probably not the best reaction. I step backward and raise my head, meeting his gaze.
    “That’s no way to thank your wingman.” He wraps his arm around me and walks forward. “I’ve had enough of the precinct.” He waves at the cops. “Later guys.”
    They nod. “Good luck this season,” the officer behind the desk says. He looks up for a split second, then returns to his paperwork.
    I hand Dean an oversized hoodie I won at my last dance team competition. One size fits all, plus it’s the only thing at my apartment that has a chance of fitting him. When he used his one phone call on me I had to get to him as fast as I could. Besides, if anyone can pull off hot pink, it’s him.
    He takes the hoodie and holds it up. “Just my color.” He slips it on and grazes his fingers over mine, gripping my hand. We huddle together and walk into the cold winter night. A gust of frigid air along with a few stray snowflakes caresses my skin, sending goose bumps throughout my body. Dean presses against me. My stomach drops to the ground.
    “At least my apartment’s only a block away.” I trudge forward leaning into Dean, trying to soak up the warmth from his hot body.
    “Guess I’m heading back with no cuffs, no girl, and a pink hoodie. Just how I imagined the night would go.” He squeezes me tighter.
    I look up at him and shake my head. My teeth chatter and white vapors escape from my mouth. “You’re staying with me.”
    He scrunches his eyebrows and slightly jerks his head back. “At your apartment?”
    I nod. “It’s a rule, I have to monitor anyone I bust out of jail.”
    A wide smile creeps across his face. “You’re the sheriff.”
    I smirk. Weaving my arm with his, we make our way back to my apartment.

    My hand trembles as I jiggle the key in the lock. With a soft click it gives, opening the door. My pulse skyrockets; no going back now.
    Dean smacks his feet against the doormat, shaking