The Valentine Quest (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 5) Read online

  Still, she shrugged. “A little over the top for me.”

  “Too much pink and red?”

  And everything else. She nodded.

  A tall, middle-aged man with a warm smile greeted them. “Welcome, I’m Tim. I own the Paradise Valley Feed Store, and I am one of the quest’s sponsors. You’re the first contestants to arrive.”

  “Good,” Dustin said. “I dropped off a few people at Grey’s and thought I might be late.”

  Grey’s was the saloon Dakota had mentioned. Nevada wondered if Dustin went there to meet women. A guy as good-looking as he was must not have to look hard for dates.

  Must be nice.

  That was, if Nevada wanted to date.

  “Have a seat.” Tim motioned toward the empty tables and chairs. “We’ll be passing out hot chocolate soon.”

  “Thanks.” Nevada walked to a table off to the side that would give her a good spot to observe others, removed her hat and gloves, and shoved them in a coat pocket.

  “Mind if I join you?” Dustin asked.

  Nevada forced herself not to shrug or say no. Chances were, she knew no one else competing. Sitting with Dustin was better than sitting alone, right? Though she had no idea why he would want to sit with her.

  “Go ahead,” she said finally.

  He sat. Not across from her, but next to her.

  Her throat tightened.

  He scooted his chair closer to hers.

  Nevada would have shifted to the far side of the chair, but she was afraid she might fall off. Landing on her butt in front of him once was enough, so she leaned away from him.

  But nerves threatened to get the best of her.

  She didn’t understand why.

  Yes, Dustin was attractive. On a scale of one to ten, he was off-the-chart handsome. A Western hero come to life, but she didn’t know why he made her feel so insecure.

  Forget being able to lecture in a large hall and receive rave reviews. Sitting here with him, she felt like a teenager again. One who couldn’t think of an intelligent word to say. Very unlike her.

  His knee hit her leg. “Sorry.”

  If he’d stayed on his side, he wouldn’t have to apologize, but there was room enough at the table for her, him, and his inflated ego. Probably best if she didn’t say that.

  Or anything.

  He unwrapped one of the heart-shaped candies. “I didn’t think you were entering the quest.”

  His words stirred the doubts inside her. She raised her chin. “I wasn’t, but I changed my mind.”

  “Why?”

  “I kept thinking about the grand prize.”

  He grinned. “That makes two of us.”

  Except Nevada was doubting her decision to enter. If Dustin hadn’t showed up when he did, she might be at her sister’s house right now.

  Portia Bishop, one of Dakota’s coworkers, carried cups of hot chocolate on a tray. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and a smile lit up the young woman’s glowing face despite the dark circles under her eyes. “Would you like one?”

  “Please,” Nevada said.

  Dustin nodded. “Me, too.”

  Portia set the cups on the table while somehow managing to keep the tray in front of her without a wobble or a spill from the other mugs.

  This must be a special event for the chocolate shop because the young woman wasn’t wearing the indigo shirt and copper-colored apron the staff normally wore. Instead, she had on a baggy, long-sleeved red T-shirt, a loosely tied pink apron covered with red hearts, black leggings, and a stylish pair of red boots. The outfit should have been over-the-top kitschy, but on her, it looked cute.

  “Are you excited for the Valentine Quest to begin?” Portia asked.

  Dustin picked up his cup. “Can’t wait.”

  At least he didn’t say can’t wait to win. Progress? Or did he just want his hot cocoa?

  “Should be fun.” Nevada wrapped her hands around the warm mug. Emphasis on should be.

  Her emotions bounced from anticipation to disbelief. She hadn’t told her brother what she was doing, but her parents couldn’t believe she’d entered. Her mom, however, thought the quest might be a good way to meet a nice man. Mom couldn’t seem to understand that Nevada wasn’t doing this for herself or to find a date.

  This was for York.

  And that was keeping her bottom in the chair. Well, her brother and Dustin. Where he sat blocked her way to the door.

  “I’ve never done a race like this,” Nevada admitted.

  “Then you’re in good company,” Portia said. “We’ve never sponsored something this big, but it’s time. We started doing special monthly events in October. When the Valentine Quest was suggested, we thought it would be perfect for February.”

  Nevada hadn’t known the shop was doing events each month, but maybe she’d been too focused on the animals and the chocolate Dakota brought home instead of the actual work her sister did.

  “Great event and good cause,” Dustin said.

  “Yes,” Nevada added. “I saw the entry fees go to local nonprofits.”

  Portia nodded. “Do you want me to let Dakota know you’re here? She’s working in the back.”

  “Let her work. I’ll catch up with her later.”

  “Tell Dakota not to worry.” Dustin placed his arm around the back of Nevada’s chair. “I’ll keep an eye on her sister.”

  “I’m not sure that will put her at ease.” Portia half-laughed and then walked away.

  Leaning forward to avoid contact with Dustin’s hand or arm, Nevada sipped the hot chocolate. The perfect mixture of flavors exploded in her mouth. Just what she needed to rein in her anxiety.

  “Nice music,” Dustin said.

  Romantic instrumental music filled the shop.

  Nevada shrugged.

  As Dustin studied her, his gaze narrowed. “Let me guess. You prefer Top Forty… no, classical music.”

  “Classical and movie soundtracks.” Nevada listened to the music playing. The popular love song had been overplayed for months last year. Thank goodness that she didn’t have to listen to the sappy lyrics. “You’d think they’d be playing pulse-pounding, get-the-race-won tunes to set the atmosphere.”

  “Maybe they will once the quest begins, but this is a Valentine’s event. The couples participating might be looking for a little romance.”

  “If a man considers a race like this romantic, he needs a lesson in romance.”

  Dustin laughed. “You have a point. Though this could be a fun date night.”

  Not by her definition. She took another sip of her hot chocolate. “If couples signed up.”

  The bell on the door kept jingling. As more people entered the shop, the noise level increased. The conversations and laughter drowned out the music.

  Dustin tilted his head toward the door. “Looks like couples did.”

  He was motioning at the people arriving. Two by two. Smiling couples. Hand-holding couples. Old and young couples. The ages varied from early twenties to sixties.

  Nevada felt like the odd woman out among the twosomes. “Lots of pairs.”

  “The brochure said teams of two or individuals.”

  “Yes…” But she and Dustin seemed to be the only solo competitors. Unless others were running late. Or just being chummy with total strangers.

  She tapped her toe. That only increased her agitation level. The couples weren’t the only thing bothering her. “I wasn’t expecting this many contestants.”

  Dustin leaned back in his chair. He was the portrait of being carefree. No worry or stress on his face whatsoever when her palms were sweating.

  “Everyone wants to win the vacation.” His tone was casual. No hint of concern. “But I doubt everyone here will make it to the end.”

  Would she?

  An answer didn’t come immediately like she wished it had. But she had to remember she wasn’t doing the Valentine Quest for herself.

  For York. For York. For York.

  That would be he
r mantra when she thought about quitting.

  Nevada unwrapped one of the red, foil-covered hearts. Chocolate contained tryptophan, an amino acid used by the brain to release serotonin, which helped people relax or feel in a better mood. Maybe that would help her. She took a bite.

  Dustin glanced around.

  “Sizing up the competition?” she asked.

  “Nice spot for doing that.” His gaze sharpened with what looked like respect. “But you already knew that.”

  She shrugged, even though he was correct about why she’d picked this table. Although she preferred the term observing—a more pleasant word to her.

  He scanned the crowd again. “These couples and pairs put individual competitors at a disadvantage.”

  “Having a teammate isn’t against the rules.”

  “No,” he said. “But we need to level the playing field.”

  “How?”

  “By helping each other out.”

  It was her turn to stare at him. “I thought you had this won.”

  “Yes, but it’s called hedging one’s bets.” The way his gaze hardened told her how serious he was. “We stand a better chance if we work together against the other pairs.”

  She considered his words. “You mean form an alliance like they do on those reality TV shows?”

  “You watch those?” He sounded surprised.

  “I have. On occasion,” she clarified.

  Shows like that were a guilty pleasure. One few knew about, not even Dakota or York.

  “A strategic alliance is exactly what I’m talking about,” he said. “We bring different strengths to the quest.”

  That was true. Physical versus cerebral. “There’s only one prize.”

  “We work together until we near the finish line, and it’s down to you and me. Then we’re on our own.”

  His plan had merit. She might do better with a partner. Especially one who was physically stronger than her.

  The corners of his mouth curved upward in a charming—dare she say alluring?—grin.

  Her heart thudded.

  Not the reaction she expected, nor wanted, to have.

  “What do you say?” he asked.

  No! Her gut instinct wanted her to scream that. If for no other reason than the way his smile made her feel warm all over. Except…

  For York. For York. For York.

  Her original goal was to win for her brother. Competing on her own would be harder, and maybe, a little of Dustin’s confidence would rub off on her. She could use some.

  Amusement filled his gaze. “You want to say yes.”

  The man was so darn cocky, but a part of her did want to say that. Which made the other part of her want to say no.

  Think.

  She had to be logical about this, which was all Dustin was being, and not let emotion get the best of her.

  One deep breath followed another. “Okay.”

  His smile spread. “Great.”

  She hoped she didn’t regret this.

  Sage Carrigan O’Dell, the owner of the chocolate shop, and three men—Tim and two who were older—stood in the front of the standing-room only crowd. More people had arrived, and the shop was jam-packed. Still, Nevada had trouble concentrating on anyone except Dustin.

  Forming an alliance meant they were using each other to win the quest.

  Nothing more.

  All she had to do was ignore the way her gaze kept being drawn to his face. How hard could that be?

  The crowd quieted.

  Nevada forced her attention on the four sponsors standing in front.

  “Welcome to the Valentine Quest.” Sage had long, red hair and a welcoming smile. Dakota spoke highly of working for the lovely woman. “The race will begin after this kickoff meeting and continues through this Saturday and Sunday, and next Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The final event will be held in the afternoon on Valentine’s Day, so you’ll have plenty of time for romance afterward.”

  Competitors laughed, but not Nevada. That Tuesday would be just another day.

  “On each of the seven days, you’ll perform tasks that earn you points,” Sage continued. “Those points will be tallied on Valentine’s Day to determine who wins the grand prize—a luxury, all-inclusive vacation package to Fiji.”

  The participants clapped and cheered.

  Nevada sipped her hot cocoa. This wasn’t a summer camp activity. She wanted that vacation, but she also didn’t want to embarrass herself.

  “Good move not to get caught up in the rah-rah atmosphere,” Dustin said in a quiet voice. “We can’t allow ourselves to be distracted.”

  Then she’d better not stare into his blue eyes. Those distracted her, but he was correct.

  Someone here—hopefully her, not him—would walk away with the prize. Everyone else would end up with nothing.

  “The quest will be full of different kinds of challenges,” Sage said. “The most important thing is to have fun.”

  “No,” Dustin whispered. “The most important thing is to win.”

  Nevada found herself nodding. Teaming with him would be good for her.

  Anticipation over the start of the race set her nerve endings dancing.

  “One more thing,” Sage said. “To record your participation in the various tasks, you’ll need to take selfies and post them on the Valentine Quest’s page to show you finished and met the requirements.”

  Nevada nearly groaned. Six-year-old children could take better selfies than her.

  “What’s wrong?” Dustin asked.

  “I’m not a fan of selfies.”

  “I thought women liked that kind of thing.”

  Nevada stiffened. She shouldn’t feel offended, but she did. “Do I look like someone who would make a duck face or do a fish gape?”

  “No.” He studied her. “I can’t imagine you doing that.”

  Okay, he’d agreed with her. That was good, but he’d also made her feel like an outcast. Not an unusual feeling, but not how she’d wanted to feel with the quest starting.

  Was Dustin trying to psych her out?

  She wouldn’t put that past someone determined to win. But he couldn’t consider her his competition, could he?

  “Don’t worry about the selfies,” he added.

  “Why is that?”

  He reached across the table and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. The brush of his finger against her cheek sent a burst of tingles exploding.

  And heat.

  She felt like she was already on that tropical island under a blazing sun. Uh-oh.

  His smile widened. “Because I’m an expert at them.”

  Nevada had a feeling selfies weren’t his only expertise.

  She swallowed. Hard.

  What had she gotten herself into? And how fast could she get herself out of it?

  *

  Making a strategic pact with Nevada had never crossed Dustin’s mind until he’d seen all the couples and pairs of competitors. Sure, he’d considered a fling, but an alliance?

  He hoped he hadn’t made a mistake, but what choice did he have?

  Teams would hurt his chances as a solo competitor. That was something he hadn’t considered. He’d also misjudged who would be entering the Valentine Quest.

  Sure, there were dads with beer bellies who coached their kids’ teams, moms who wore leggings, and others looking for something fun to do. He watched them as they laughed and ate chocolate as if this were a date instead of serious business. They weren’t his competition.

  But the others wouldn’t be as easy to beat. These were the people he’d seen at the gym, running through town, or hanging out at Grey’s Saloon. Quiet people who were assessing the crowd and making a game plan as he was.

  Capable. Serious. Uninjured.

  They were the reason he’d rethought his strategy and asked Nevada to team up. He didn’t think he could win on his own. Was having a partner a brilliant idea or a huge mistake?

  Time would tell.

  Nevada
toyed with a foil candy wrapper.

  She had a gold-medal-worthy brain, but was she athletic? He hadn’t thought to ask, and he couldn’t tell based on her baggy clothes and padded jacket. Black. Everything she wore. Again.

  If tonight’s task was outside, no one would be able to see her. He would bring reflective tape tomorrow just in case. Because…

  What choice did he have?

  Two heads were better than one, and they didn’t let just anyone into an Ivy League university and give them a PhD.

  “Ready for our first task?” he asked.

  She nodded. “I want to get started.”

  That was the right attitude. “Shouldn’t be long.”

  The sponsors huddled together like football players. The group broke apart with a clap, and then Sage rang a bell. The ting-a-ling sound filled the shop.

  All gazes returned to the sponsors. The conversations stopped. Only music could be heard. Sappy music. The kind played at the dentist.

  Tension—or was that anticipation—filled the air.

  “It’s time for the Valentine Quest to begin!” Sage announced.

  “Tonight’s task is service oriented,” Tim from the feed store said. His bright red sweater matched the color on his cheeks.

  Nevada blew out a breath. She looked relieved, as did a few others, but Dustin saw disappointment on several faces. He memorized those people because they would be the ones to beat.

  Clifford Yerks, co-owner of the Two Old Goats wine store, stepped forward. The bigger man had a wide smile and a boisterous personality. “Doing good deeds is a way to spread love around the committee. You participants are Marietta’s flock of cupids.”

  “This is a quest, not a cotillion.” Emerson Moore, a thin man with a dry sense of humor and the other co-owner of the Two Old Goats wine store, shook his head. “The participants are an army. Cupids carry bows and arrows, not rose petals.”

  Sage stepped forward. “Whatever you call yourself, the task will be the same. Tonight, you’ll be making chocolate for residents at various retirement homes and care facilities in the surrounding areas. Four to five teams or individual contestants will be assigned to each place. Pick up an envelope on your way out so you know where to go.”

  “When you arrive at your location, you’ll find a box with what you need to complete the task,” Emerson said. “Be sure to bring the box and any remaining supplies back to the chocolate shop tonight. If you don’t, you’ll be penalized.”