Read Online A Valentine for Kayla by Kimberly Rose Johnson - Free Book Online Page B

easily.”
    â€œHe should’ve told me he was DJ Parker.”
    â€œMaybe.” Mom placed her glass on the side table. “It must be difficult being famous. I imagine it’s tough to know who your real friends are.” She bit into a dinner roll.
    Mom made a good point, but that didn’t excuse the fact that Derek had kept his singing career quiet. She knew there were things he wasn’t sharing about himself, but he should have told her he was DJ Parker when they were listening to his album. Instead he’d stayed silent. In a way she understood his silence, but didn’t he see that since she liked him before she knew he was famous, it would have been safe to reveal his secret to her?
    Kayla stretched out her legs. “He said he’d help with the float for the flower shop. I doubt that will happen now, but I don’t see how we can pull it off without him.”
    â€œThis is news. What are you talking about?”
    Kayla explained about the parade and the mayor’s request, then sighed. “I have too much to do. I really don’t see how I will get everything done.”
    â€œYour family and friends will pitch in and together we all will make it happen.”
    Tears pricked Kayla’s eyes. “Thanks, Mom. You have no idea what a relief that is. I’m sure Jill’s family will pitch in, too.” A weight lifted and she grinned. “You have always been the voice of reason in my life. Thank you.”
    Mom held a hand across her heart and ducked her chin. “I’m always here for you. Now go make yourself a plate of food.”
    Kayla stood. “Yes, ma’am. What about your attorney friend? Will he be coming for the Spring Festival?”
    â€œStan is a very busy man, but I’ll invite him. I’d like the two of you to meet.”
    â€œGood.” As Kayla strolled into the kitchen, her cell phone rang. She touched the accept button. “Hello?”
    â€œI’m so glad you picked up. I was afraid after what happened earlier you wouldn’t.”
    The sound of Derek’s baritone voice made her stomach flip-flop. “What can I do for you?” Regardless of everything, she couldn’t bring herself to be rude to him.
    â€œI was hoping we could talk.”
    â€œWe’re talking now.”
    â€œRight. What I meant was I’d like to take you out to dinner and explain everything.”
    â€œNo explanation is necessary.”
    â€œI disagree.”
    Kayla huffed out a breath. “I suppose you’re used to people giving in to your whims, but I’m not one of those people.” That sounded harsher than she’d intended, but she wouldn’t take the words back, because they were true. She ripped a dinner roll from the bag and tossed it onto a plate, then flicked a spoonful of mashed potatoes beside it.
    â€œOkay. I get it.” His tone was dejected. “You’re angry and that’s justified, but I like you, Kayla, and I still want to help with the festival if you’ll allow me.”
    Kayla stilled. “Okay.”
    â€œOkay?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œGreat. I’ll draw up a few designs and bring them by your shop.”
    â€œNot that I don’t appreciate the help, but are you sure you have the time for this? I mean, with Estelle here and all.” She held her breath.
    â€œI want to do this. Besides, she won’t be taking up my time.”
    She let out her breath in a soft whoosh. “Okay. Thanks. But don’t go crazy. Whatever we do needs to be cheap and easy.”
    â€œGot it. See you soon.”
    It seemed Derek wasn’t out of her life as she’d presumed. But whatever romantic notions she’d had for him needed to be squelched. She refused to put her heart in the hands of a man who would eventually leave and take it with him.
    * * *
    Derek strode into the flower shop and spotted Kayla with a customer. No matter. That would give him time to