Author's Note: Apologies for incorrectly updating this with the chapter from my other story. Here is the proper update.
No characters belong to me, just a few little ideas from my imagination. Characters property of Disney & Meg Cabot.
Valentine
Clarisse's eyes flickered open on that sunny February fourteenth, but as she sat up and properly came to, she gasped; her whole bedroom was covered in roses and she smiled as she spotted a small envelope and opened it to see a simple love heart upon a card.
As she went through her morning routine, she could not help but smile at her little surprise and even requested her ladies maids remain out of the bedroom; she did not want anyone to disturb her beautiful gift.
Clarisse was restless for the entire day and unable to concentrate. Joseph had not been to see her and when she questioned her, Charlotte informed her that Joseph was busy with security detailing for the Valentine Gala that evening.
Clarisse was soon being dressed, primed and perfected for the Gala. She was dressed in a beautiful burgundy evening gown with her usual long white silk gloves and sparkling jewellery and tiara. She sighed as she made her way to the limo with no sign of her Joseph and his confidence-inducing compliments.
Once inside the limo she could not stop her sadness from clouding her eyes. She had been so overwhelmed when she had awoken that morning to his gift and had expected his constant presence throughout the day, but she had not seen him once and her heart was breaking. The limo pulled away from the palace as she breathed deeply to steady her racing heart and clear her shimmering eyes.
When she saw that the limo was not heading towards town, but into the mountains, she started to panic. Then she spotted a small envelope on the bar and upon opening it she saw another small card with a love heart upon it. She turned it over to see two words had been printed; "Trust Me".
The limo pulled up outside the Royal Cabin and Clarisse waited. The door opened and she saw Joseph there, his hand held out for her. She smiled as she took his hand and allowed him to help her from the vehicle. She was alight with happiness as Joseph closed the door and she looked around the snow covered grounds of the royal cabin to see that they were alone. 'A couple of men at the gatehouse, but that's it.' Joseph said, reading her thoughts. She let out a shocked chuckle as he lifted her into his arms. 'What about the Gala?' she asked him.
'Merely a cover my dear.' he said as they entered the cabin and he lowered her to the floor. 'This is your Gala.' he said; and she looked around as Joseph closed the door on the frigid air, to see the many lit candles and roses, petals adorning the floor. 'Oh my...' she said; her eyes shimmering with happy tears. She turned to Joseph. 'It's beautiful.' she said. He moved close to her, looking down into her eyes. 'Not nearly as beautiful as you.' he said.
'I am dressed for a Gala.'
'Are you disappointed?' Joseph asked. She smiled softly, her hand reaching to cup his face.
'Not for a second. I am relieved and very happy to be here with you.' she said; and then both her arms were around his neck and they were soon kissing lovingly.
Joseph pulled back and ran his hand down her arm to her fingertips before leading her to a candlelit table. 'So you stayed away from me all day in order to arrange this?' Clarisse asked.
'It was torture to be parted from you, but I wanted this to be special.' he said. Clarisse was shocked at her feelings as Joseph began to slowly remove her gloves and kissed her hands in turn. 'That's better. I know propriety demands you wear them in public, but I want to feel your skin against mine.' he said. Clarisse's breath hitched, her chest rising and falling at a rapid rate following these words. 'Come my love.' he said; and pulled out one of the chairs for her to sit down. He poured the champagne for them both. 'I shall be right back.' Joseph said; and left the room briefly before returning with two plates of food. He placed them down before sitting in the chair next to Clarisse and raising a glass. 'To you, my darling.' he said. Clarisse smiled and raised her glass to his, touching the tip with hers. 'No. To us, my dear Joseph.' she said.
'To us.' he agreed. They sipped their champagne and replaced the glasses in front of them.
They ate as they talked and then Joseph surprised Clarisse with a chilli chocolate dessert. 'Oh my...Joseph, this is incredible...' Clarisse moaned as the heated chocolate sauce tantalised her tongue. 'Did you make this?' she asked.
'I'm a man of many hidden talents my dear.' Joseph said.
'I should know that by now.'
'I like to surprise you.'
'You do indeed. Joseph, what you did with the roses in my room...it was the most beautiful scene to wake up to.'
'I was so afraid of waking you when I was setting it up.'
'I doubt I would have minded. I would likely believe I was dreaming.'
'And you look like the loveliest of angels when you sleep my dear.' he said; causing her to blush. Then he stood and reached his hand out towards her. 'My darling, may I have this dance?' he asked; and she smiled sweetly before placing her hand in his and allowing him to pull her up and close to him. He held her closer than he would ever dare in public and she rested her head against his chest, the steady beat of his heart soothing and comforting her. 'Did you carefully read that Gala invite my love?' Joseph asked her; and she looked up at him, her brow creasing in question. 'It finishes so late that you are to stay at the Royal Cabin in the mountains as it is closer than the Palace.' he said; a sparkle in his eyes as Clarisse smiled her beautiful, angelic smile once more. 'We're alone?' she questioned.
'We are indeed.' he said. Clarisse's heart was racing at the many possibilities for the night that began dashing through her mind; and her eyes flashed briefly with her apprehension and fear of what Joseph may expect. Reading her thoughts correctly he kissed her brow and pulled back to look deeply into her eyes. 'I ask nothing of you Clarisse. All I wish for tonight is your company away from watchful eyes.' he said.
'Joseph, you are an extraordinary man.' she said; and reached her hand up to cup his cheek before placing her lips to his in a gentle kiss.
It was after eleven as Joseph tidied away the remnants of their meal whilst Clarisse had a bath in readiness for a relaxing night's sleep. He did not hear her enter the kitchen as he placed the last of the soapy dishes on the drainer; and was drying his hands as she approached him and wrapped her arms around him from behind, kissing between his shoulder blades. He turned in her embrace to see her wrapped in her white silk dressing gown, her cheeks flushed from her hot bath. He could smell the scents of her bath oils as he held her close and they kissed sensuously. Clarisse pulled back from him and held his hand, pulling him from the room.
'Clarisse?' Joseph questioned as she led him into her bedroom. He did not want her to feel pressured into anything; and she could see the worry in his eyes. 'Joseph, my Valentine's gift to you is a promise that one day we will be together in every way...' she said. '...I am not ready yet, but I ask you to stay with me tonight. I wish to spend the night in your arms.'
'You know I will grant all of your wishes that I have in my power to do so my love.' Joseph said; and he stepped forwards, his fingers lifting her jaw before he kissed her again.
So their first Valentine's together was ended with them sleeping side-by-side, Joseph's arm draped over her, and their hands entwined.
(If any readers have any "firsts" they would like to see for Joseph and Clarisse please don't hesitate to tell me and I'll see what I can come up with.)