Claiming His Valentine Read online

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Author's Note

  Claiming His Valentine

  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

  Thank You!

  His Prize (Preview)

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2019 by Lulu Pratt

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Author’s Note

  Claiming His Valentine is a 22,000+ word novella. Please note it ends at 90%.

  Thank you for reading this. I hope you enjoy Claiming His Valentine.

  I’ve also included a preview of my book, His Prize from my Quickies collection, for your enjoyment.

  Happy reading,

  Lulu xoxo

  Claiming His Valentine

  Surprised by the CEO on Valentine’s

  First a box of chocolates mysteriously appears at my door, followed by a bottle of perfume and a beautiful necklace.

  Then some expensive lingerie comes wrapped with a big pink bow.

  Finally, a card arrives which simply said ‘be mine and be ready at seven pm.’

  I don’t know what makes me do it but I’m ready and waiting at 6:55.

  There’s a knock at my door, three short raps that mean business.

  My hand trembling, I open the door and my jaw drops.

  It’s my filthy rich boss and he’s serious.

  *** A steamy STANDALONE contemporary romance with a smoking hot hero. No cliffhanger, no cheating and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.***

  CHAPTER 1

  Callum

  CALLUM BLACK stood at the head of the table in the restaurant.

  “I want to thank everyone for their dedication and hard work. We just got our financials back, and we have more than doubled our commissions over last year. We have you to thank for that. I want to let you all know our success at Black and Associates will be reflected in your reviews and your salary increases over the next few months.”

  The group of people gathered around the table applauded.

  “Here’s to another successful year.”

  He held up his glass and watched his employees congratulate each other and enjoy the celebration. Callum’s eyes rested on Sarah-Jane Phillips, who was at the far end of the table. She had only been with the company for a few months but showed great promise. Young, smart, and a fresh college graduate, she dressed conservatively, which told him she wasn’t the type to try to sleep her way to the top. Her long hair was piled carelessly on top of her head, yet she wore small gold jewelry that gave her an air of femininity.

  Callum knew his way around women – how to treat them, how to finesse them, and how to land them in his bed. He was no stranger to the dating world, but something about Sarah-Jane struck him.

  “You seem a little more eager and joyous than usual this evening,” Joshua said quietly.

  Callum dragged his attention away from the young woman to his head of accounting. “I have good reason to be. I have an amazing staff, and our success is a direct result of their hard work.”

  “This is the same speech you give every year. Spare me the hype.”

  “That’s because every year we seem to outdo ourselves.”

  “We both know you get more with honey than you do with shit. We’ve always been successful. It’s not a surprise.”

  “It is to them. Look at them.”

  Joshua didn’t bother looking at the others. He cocked his head and raised his eyebrow. “You know you can’t pull that shit on me. What gives?”

  He was smart. It was one of the reasons Callum had him right by his side. Joshua had been with the company almost as long as him, and he knew him inside and out.

  “Well, as you know, Valentine’s Day is coming up, and I’ve been looking for that special gift.”

  “Who’s the lucky lady?”

  “If all goes well…”

  Joshua followed Callum’s stare and smiled when he saw Sarah-Jane.

  “You always have liked the young and naïve.”

  “Young, yes. But she’s very smart, and I find that attractive.”

  “I bet you do,” he chuckled. “So, what is the special gift you’ll be giving her? Or should I even ask.”

  “The gift isn’t for her. It is for me. And the gift is her.”

  “You sly dog.”

  Callum glanced at Joshua, wondering if he should have kept what he’d just said to himself. The others began to mingle, telling stories about the recent holidays, while a few excused themselves. Sarah-Jane wedged her way into a group of top salespeople. He watched her as she laughed at their jokes and tales.

  He locked his eyes on her until she noticed. She blushed and glanced away for a moment. She then looked back at him, straight in the eyes. Flashing his brilliant smile, he nudged his head to the side, indicating for her to join him in a private huddle. Moving to an empty corner, he leaned against it, his arms crossed and his thumb on his lips.

  Callum looked up at her without raising his head when Sarah-Jane approached him.

  “Mr. Black,” she said in a demure tone. “I want to thank you for inviting me tonight. This was very nice.”

  “I trust you are having a good time, Ms. Phillips?”

  “I am, yes. Thank you. Please call me Sarah-Jane. It’s thrilling to be part of a company like Black and Associates. The energy is truly amazing.”

  “You seem to fit in well here.”

  “I look forward to learning more and moving forward. I know I only started a few months ago, and I don’t expect a salary increase, but I would love a review at some point on how I’m doing so far.”

  “I can give that to you right now if you’d like.”

  “Right now?”

  “Yes. I have been keeping an eye on you. It is something I often do with young blood. I usually lose interest, but in your case, I became intrigued.”

  “Intrigued?” she said, her eyes widening. “I didn’t think I would have caught the attention of someone of your stature.”

  “My stature?”

  “You’re the CEO. I’m on the ground level in marketing. A few months into it. I didn’t expect a lot.”

  “Why not?” he asked.

  “You get out what you put in. I like to give my ideas, but I’m still learning the ropes.”

  “But you’re ambitious. I like that. I can see great things happening for you at Black and Associates. I look forward to hearing your ideas.”

  “Thank you. I do love it, but I don’t want to overstep my boundaries. I’m new.”

  “I hope they are treating you well.”

  “They are. Everyone has been great,” she replied.

  “You’ll move up quickly, I assure you. Your family must be proud of you.”

  “They are,” she said with a slight sadness.

  “You miss them, don’t you?”

  “It has been a while since I’ve seen them.”

  “So, you aren’t from around here?”


  “No. I moved out here after I graduated.”

  “What brought you out to this neck of the woods? A partner, I presume?”

  Sarah-Jane shook her head as she blushed. “No. I came out here on my own. My boyfriend and I… we broke up after graduation.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “It’s okay. It was mutual, sort of. We wanted different things. His degree sent him to a job on the east coast.”

  “And yours brought you here?”

  She nodded. “Long distance doesn’t work, I don’t care how hard you try.”

  “I’m sort of in the same boat,” Callum said, looking into her eyes.

  “You are? A man like you? How so?”

  “A man like me?”

  “Look at you. You could have anyone you wanted.”

  “As true as that might be, I’m not with anyone.”

  “Why not?” she asked before she could check herself.

  “You are single by choice, even though that choice was someone else’s. I am single by choice, my choice,” Callum said.

  She pursed her lips, but he continued.

  “My career, my position at the company… it puts me in a place where there is no room for a serious commitment or a relationship.”

  “So you focus on your career?”

  “I choose to. I don’t have to answer to anyone but my investors. I like it that way. It leaves out complication and drama.”

  “But what about love? Fate? Don’t you believe in either of them?”

  “Fate exists only in fairy tales and dreams. Love is chosen. You can choose to love someone, or you can choose to keep them at a distance.”

  “I don’t believe that. You can’t choose who you fall in love with.”

  “It takes some time and practice, but I assure you, you can.”

  Callum wanted to get into that pretty little head of hers to see what made her tick.

  “Sounds like a cold and lonely world to me,” she said. She wasn’t intimidated. A hint of her truth bit at him.

  “Quite the opposite. I love my job. I love the people I work with. My sex life is by no means dull and boring, and I can hook up with the friends who matter to me when I need an ear to bend.”

  “So, you have every piece of a perfect relationship, just scattered throughout the various people in your life.”

  “Yeah,” he said, nodding. “Nicely put.”

  “I don’t know if I could do that.”

  “As I said, it takes practice. For instance, one of the most romantic days is coming up, and I have never liked to spend it alone.”

  Sarah-Jane lowered her eyes. “Valentine’s Day. Seems like we just got through the holidays.”

  “The holidays were rough on you this year?”

  “They were. I was alone for the first time.” She shrugged and took a big breath. “But what is Valentine’s Day? It’s just another overpriced holiday, right?”

  “Au contraire, it is only as special as you want it to be. You see, people drag themselves down thinking they are alone, that they don’t have that special someone to spend it with. I say spend it with whomever you choose and bring the special yourself.”

  Callum watched her reaction, and when she didn’t offer anything, he bent down and looked at her.

  “You don’t have to spend it alone. I’d love it if you spent it with me, Sarah-Jane.”

  “With you? You don’t have to do that. It’s fine.”

  “I’m not being charitable. I’m asking you if you would like to not be alone with me on Valentine’s Day. Nothing serious. No commitment. You don’t even have to buy me chocolates.” He smiled when she giggled. “Let’s say dinner. We can take it from there.”

  “I don’t know, Mr. Black. You’re my boss, and doesn’t the company frown on stuff like that?”

  Leaning in, he whispered, “I promise not to tell.”

  She hesitated. “Can I think about it?”

  “Absolutely. Like I said, no commitment. If you don’t want to be alone, you don’t have to be. We could even accidentally meet up at the same place, and then maybe see what the evening brings.”

  “Thank you for the offer, Mr. Black.”

  “Please, call me Callum. I don’t like formalities at things like this.”

  “Thank you, Callum. I will let you know.”

  “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  She nodded and smiled, then excused herself from the party.

  CHAPTER 2

  Sarah-Jane

  “CALLUM BLACK wants to spend Valentine’s Day with me! Is that even possible? Am I dreaming?”

  Sarah-Jane was in awe that Callum was asking her to be his valentine. She let herself into her apartment, shaking her head. Plopping down in her bean bag chair, she stared at the ceiling.

  A text came through her phone, and she scrambled to get it, imagining that Callum was thinking about her and perhaps wanted to have a cup of coffee or a nightcap. Her insides tingled as she fished her phone out of her purse.

  When Sarah-Jane saw her ex-boyfriend’s name on the caller id, she sighed. Disappointed her dream wasn’t reality, she still loved to hear from Joey when he got the chance to say hello.

  She opened the text and snuggled into the bean bag chair.

  I wanted to tell you good night. Just because I’m on the opposite side of the country doesn’t mean I don’t still love you. I miss you.

  Running her fingertip over the words, she started to text Joey back, but her phone went blank. Swearing, she set it on the floor with a promise to plug it in before she went to bed. She still loved him, but knew they needed to move on. Closing her eyes, she drifted off for a moment.

  Sunlight flooded the room. Opening her eyes, Sarah-Jane rolled over and picked up the cell phone to check the time. It was still dead. She crawled off the bean bag chair and went into the kitchen to make some coffee. She panicked when the microwave clock showed she had thirty minutes to make it to work. Flying around the apartment, Sarah-Jane threw on a fresh outfit. As she quickly washed her face and brushed her teeth, she grabbed her hairbrush and a hair Scrunchie before running out the door. Opting for a taxi cab since it was the fastest way of getting across the city, she used the time to polish her look.

  Running into the office with her hair in a satisfactory bun, Sarah-Jane was pleased that she was only five minutes late. When she reached for her phone, she realized it was still sitting on the floor at home. She silently cursed and made the best of the day.

  Sarah-Jane used every excuse to walk the halls in hopes of running into Callum. Ever since their little talk, she hadn’t been able to get him out of her head. Just as she rounded the corner to the mail room, she saw him at the end of the hallway talking to another suit. Her heart started beating harder, and she stood there hoping he would notice her. But he didn’t seem to and he disappeared around a corner. Sarah-Jane stayed against the wall until the other man got closer. He smiled, but his gaze was all over her and never let go until he passed. As conservatively as she dressed, she still got that reaction from the opposite sex. It never bothered her as much as it did being ignored.

  Several times during the day, Sarah-Jane tried to get Callum’s attention, but the times she was able to get close enough, he didn’t acknowledge her, even when she managed to say good morning to him just before lunch.

  Frustrated and confused, she left the office that evening with only a long hot shower on her mind. Sarah-Jane wondered if the proposition still stood. He didn’t appear to have been drunk or high at the time. Maybe he was playing coy, or maybe he had gotten a better offer. Smirking, she shrugged off her stupid thoughts.

  “I’ll just ask him tomorrow,” she said to herself, reaching her door.

  A note was taped to the door. She pulled it off and went inside, setting her things on the couch before looking at it. The note from the building’s mail room was notifying her that she had a package. Grabbing her keys, she ran to the first floor to retrieve it and waited at th
e window until an older gentleman appeared.

  “Hello,” she said, sliding the notice to him. “I live in apartment 405. You have a package for me?”

  The man took her notice and studied it.

  “It’s probably something from my dad,” she said when he didn’t go into the back right away.

  “Oh, yes. Let me get that.”

  In a few moments, he returned with a small box tightly wrapped in red paper with a white ribbon.

  She looked it over but saw no card or tag.

  “There’s no sender information. Do you know who sent it, or where it came from?”

  “No, I’m sorry. I don’t.”

  “Thanks.”

  Taking the package back up to her apartment, she set it on her table and stared at it for a long time. It didn’t look like something from her father. Picking it up, she smiled a little and pulled off the pretty red paper. The smell of chocolate hit her before she turned the package around to read, “Vosges Haut-Chocolat.” Tearing the plastic film and breaking the seals, she opened the box and marveled at the beautifully crafted chocolates inside.

  Sarah-Jane looked at the wrapping, but there was no sender and no card anywhere. Carefully selecting a dark piece of chocolate, she sunk her teeth into it, savoring the bittersweet flavor. Noticing her dead phone on the floor, she scooped it up. A few minutes after plugging it in, it came to life again. Two texts from Joey were waiting, and she smiled a little as she read them.

  I hope you’re okay. I was thinking about you all night.

  I hope we can be friends.

  Looking at the chocolates, she replied.

  I’m doing well. Things are hectic here with my new job, but I love it.

  She wanted to tell Joey she loved him too. She wanted to thank him for the chocolates, wanted to tell him how much she missed him, but it would do no good. The situation wasn’t going to change. They had been apart for almost three months, and she was finally getting used to being alone and moving on.