A Valentine for Kayla by Kimberly Rose Johnson

not how a friend behaved. “Sure. I’m not in any hurry.”
    He pushed the door open. “After you.”
    â€œThanks.” They placed their orders, then found a table. “You said you followed both of your dreams.”
    â€œRight. When I was a young teen, I felt called to the ministry as a worship pastor, but then the chance of a lifetime was handed to me, and I went in a different direction.”
    â€œI had no idea. Then again, how would I? It’s not like I was a groupie.”
    He chuckled. “You are nothing like a groupie. Besides, that bit of information was between the Lord, me and my parents.”
    â€œAre you sure you’re up to being out of the spotlight for good?” Although he seemed sincere, she couldn’t help doubting he’d actually be content as a worship pastor. “You won’t be traveling or singing in a different venue every night.”
    â€œI’m thankful for the experience I had and that I was so successful, but I’m through with that life.” A thoughtful expression covered his face. “Tell me, what is it about me that makes it impossible to convince you that I’m not returning to my singing career?”
    Kayla blinked. “Uh—”
    Nick, the owner of the deli, placed two plastic baskets that held their meals on the table. “Bon appétit.”
    Kayla waited until Nick was out of hearing range, then cleared her throat. “I guess I’m questioning you because I would have a difficult time leaving fame and fortune behind, so I expect that you would, too.”
    He shrugged. “But I’m not you.” He bowed his head.
    Kayla followed his lead and prayed a silent blessing over her meal. They looked up at the same time. Her gaze rested on his kind eyes. Was she making a mistake shutting her heart to him? He was as close as any man had ever come to meeting all the requirements on her list. But the one thing he lacked was a big one—she couldn’t trust him. There were too many unknowns where he was concerned.
    â€œWhy do I have the feeling I’ve failed some kind of test?” Derek’s brows furrowed as he bit into his Reuben sandwich.
    Kayla shrugged. “Beats me. I’ve always wanted to travel. Someday I want to go to Venice and ride in a gondola.”
    He chuckled. “That was a rough transition. I take it you don’t care to answer my question.”
    Her cheeks burned. She’d hoped to change subjects without him noticing.
    â€œDon’t worry—I don’t mind. You’d love Venice. Would you believe I spent five months in Italy this past year?”
    Her eyes widened. “No way. I’m officially jealous. I have wanted to go there for as long as I can remember.”
    â€œDo you have a passport?”
    â€œYes.” She thought about the little blue book sitting in her dresser drawer that contained no stamps. She hadn’t even been to Canada, which was an easy drive. Maybe that was where she should take the vacation Jill encouraged her to go on.
    â€œThen why not go?”
    â€œVenice is meant to be enjoyed with someone else.” She bit into her ham and cheese on rye. She couldn’t tell Derek about her silly girlhood dream of visiting Venice on her honeymoon. Going there alone would spoil the dream.
    â€œI don’t agree. I went to Italy alone and enjoyed myself a lot. Granted, I was running from everything and everyone and all I wanted was peace and solitude.”
    â€œDid you find it there?”
    â€œFor the most part.” He took another huge bite and chewed slowly.
    Kayla wondered what it would be like to walk the cobbled streets of the ancient city and visit the famed Saint Mark’s Square. “What was your favorite part of Italy?”
    â€œThat’s easy—the food.” He grinned and tossed the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth.
    â€œYou were going to tell me about the details of your