A valentine romance

"Ava, you need to get your behind off of that thing and start exploring the world. How do you expect things to get better for you when you can't even get out of here?"

I'm sprawled on my beanbag, enjoying my serenity when I hear Diana barge in and start chastising me.

It's that time of the year again. When stupid people look for that stupid thing called 'love', and all you can see when you go out is that same old bland color known as 'red'. I'm at a point in my life where I wish I was colorblind. I mean, just imagine how great it would be to enjoy February without getting to see red all over the place.

"Are you even listening to me? Okay that's it. We're going out tonight."

I groan when she pushes me and I fall on the floor, "You know me so well and yet you wish me dead in that pool of red? Go ask Garry, he'll be more than happy to join you."

"Garry already has a date. All you've got is a stinky breath and a messy apartment. Now GET UP!"

"Fine!!"

I mumble as I take a 'forced' shower. If you're wondering why I hate this day so much, it's because I've been dumped on this day twice, and that too by the men I loved. And don't even get me started on the one's that left me for other women.

After fighting and whining for almost five hours, Diana finally manages to put me in a presentable state. Curling my hair and doing my makeup, she goes on to grab a dress, which is guess what, RED.

"N-n-no, NEVER!"

We squabble for forty minutes and it's totally worth it. Now I'm wearing my favorite nude shimmery evening gown.

*******

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see."

"I don't like that smile."

"We'll see about that."

My creepy ass rich friend has me sitting in her limousine, giving me looks that's making me even more nervous.

Finally, the ride halts and we head out to the most exquisite hotel.

********

"You brought me to one of your father's balls? Are you serious?" I whisperyell in her ear. The ballroom is entirely set in gold and red, with people swarming the place in equally red, expensive drapes for a dress.

"Relax will ya? I needed a double date." She smiles vibrantly and calls out to someone, "Hey Ash, how are you?" Kissing each other's cheeks, she says, "This is my friend I was telling you about."

"Ah, my boring cousin's date. Ethan, say hi to your date, buddy."

Turning around, I see the most handsome guy I've probably seen in a while. Green eyes and black hair? Who doesn't love that combo. But as sexy as this sounds, I'm equally aware how dangerous he can be.

"Let's get seated, dinner's about to start. You're late."

He announces and leaves.

*********

Dinner's almost over and we haven't even talked. Ash and Diana make the most of their date, while I'm just sitting across from a hot mannequin.

The dessert finally arrives and I eagerly sit straighter, smiling widely at the waiter as he places my plate infront of me. But my smile falters as soon as my eyes land on it's contents. I make a disgusted face, not so excited anymore.

"Hate red?"

"Only stupid people like red."

Ethan scrutinizes me for a while and then offers me his hand, "Care for a dance?"

"Only if it's just that."

His deep eyes bore into mine as he mumbles, "Of course."

Grabbing his hand, we head towards the dancefloor and start dancing to slow music.

"So why are you allergic? To red I mean."

"I just think it's stupid. People pretend how happy and in love they are until one day they wake up and realize, they don't even know you. Where was all this confession on valentines when you were pretending to be in love?"

"Have you been dumped like that?"

"What? Of course not."

"That's very rude to just assume then, don't you think?"

I look at his chiseled square face intently and at that moment I just want to tell him all my secrets and despair. For some reason, I trust him.

"You're right. What's your story?"

"The same reason. Just a bit different. I don't like people faking love."

"How's that different?"

He looks deep into my eyes as he starts whispering, "You don't believe love exists. I believe that with the right person, it does. And it can take you places, only if it's real and not just something one would do on a specific day. With the right person, every day is valentine's day."

I blush profusely as I ask, "That must then mean you've already found the love of your life?"

"Yes. I have."

I bow my head disappointedly when his strong hands softly tilt my chin up make me look into his eyes, "And she's right in my arms."

The world around me comes to a stop and I stop breathing when I hear those words. I should probably just run away when I have the chance.

"Before you even think about running away, give me a chance. Don't be my Valentine, but be my love. With me you won't get red roses or red heart or balloons, but you'll get a life time of happiness. And I'm glad to make that promise because spending just a few hours near you has made me realize you're the kind of a girl I want to be with."

I gape at him, as words stop making sense to me. And just like that he presses me against his chest as if afraid to let me go. And before I know it, his soft lips touch mine in the most exotic way possible.

In that moment sparks fly and my heart flutters. I melt into his arms gradually as I give into his promising words and compelling kiss....