Predestined Hearts

by Kelly Elliott

  At last. We were alone.

  Danny placed both hands on the sides of my face. “Do you know how beautiful you are, Sophia? I had to get you out of there. I wanted to beat my fists on almost every man’s face who dared to stare at you and your bare porcelain skin.”

  Giggling, I looked down. Placing his finger on my chin and lifting it, Danny stared into my eyes. “Will you do something with me before we go into the house?”

  I nodded my head. “Of course, I will.”

  Taking my hand in his, we walked along a path. “Are you concerned for your gown, my darling?”

  I shook my head. “No, not at all.”

  We walked along the path in silence before Danny stopped in front of a Magnolia tree. Danny reached into his trouser pocket and pulled out a pocketknife. Smiling, I tilted my head and gazed upon him as he began carving into the bark of the tree.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, as I began to make out the D. Placing my hand on his arm, I felt his muscles flex beneath his tailcoat with each movement. My body trembled with thoughts of him holding me in his strong arms as he made love to me.

  “I’m carving our initials in the tree.” He looked at me and smiled the sweetest smile. I smiled back and knew in that very moment I would love him until I took my last breath. Slowly, I turned back to watch him work. It didn’t take him long to carve D + S encased in a heart. Danny shut the knife and placed it back into his pocket. “The first moment I saw you sitting on the bench, I felt my heart drop.” Danny smiled and shook his head as he took both my hands in his. “I knew you were the one. Then you flirted with me and something happened. I had to make you mine before some other chap came along and stole you from me.”

  Smiling, I whispered, “Never.”

  Danny placed his hand softly on the side of my face. “I love you, Sophia.” His thumb moved gently across my cheek, leaving a fiery path in its wake. “I promise to give my heart to only you. I love only you, and I shall dream only of you.”

  A tear moved slowly down my face as I looked into Danny’s eyes. It did not take much for me to be utterly lost in his eyes. His smile. His love.

  Placing my hand on his chest, I attempted to speak. “I … love you.” Wiping a tear away, I cleared my throat. “I love you so much, Daniel Stowe, it frightens me. I shall only love you, for my entire life. Until I breathe my last breath—I shall love only you. My heart is yours—forever yours.”

  A soft sob escaped my lips before Danny pressed his lips against mine. He tongue moved along my lower lip before he began a beautiful dance with my tongue. We kissed until we could no longer breathe. When Danny pulled away, my fingers touched my lips and I smiled. “My lips tingle,” I said with a nervous chuckle.

  Danny winked. “It’s from my love that I’m pouring into your body.”

  I wanted more. I needed more. Moving my head up, Danny leaned down and brought his lips to mine. “I’m going to make love to you, Sophia.

  I licked my lips as Danny’s words filled my body with a desire I’d never experienced before. Opening my mouth, all that would slip from my lips was a breathy, “Yes—”

  Danny dropped his hands and took my elbow in his hand, leading me back down the path. I turned to see a white clapboard house with a large front porch. Smiling, I dreamed of sitting on the porch rocking Danny’s child in my arms.

  “It’s beautiful,” I whispered. Walking up the steps, Danny opened the screen door, then pushed the large wooded door open. I stepped in and stairs were immediately in front of me. I glanced to my right and saw a giant bed with a beautiful blue and white wedding ring quilt draped over it. My heart dropped at the thought of lying on the bed with Danny above me, naked. What would his body look like? Would I know what to do?

  Danny cupped his hands on my face and whispered, “Your face is flush, darling.”

  Placing my hand over his, I smiled. “It is only because I am thinking of you bedding me.”

  Danny’s brow lifted and the corner of his mouth rose into a sly smile. “Not in my parents’ room.”

  Giggling, I hit him in the stomach as I bit down on my lip. “Danny, I can no longer wait. I need to feel you inside me.”

  Danny’s lips parted as he slowly licked them. His hands moved down my neck and to my bare shoulders. “So beautifully perfect.” His finger tips moved lightly across my cleavage, causing me to let out a soft, low moan. I placed my hand on his and lowered it to my breast. I felt so brave, and I wondered how long I would last with this wanton behavior.

  “I cannot wait another moment,” Danny said, as he quickly picked me up and began going up the stairs. He turned down a narrow hall and turned to the left into a room. There was a bed, a writing table, and small dresser. “If at any moment you wish to stop, you have to promise me that you’ll speak to me.”

  I nodded my head. My sex throbbed and I wanted nothing more than for Danny to touch me. I reached with my hand and began to loosen his cravat. “Have I mentioned, Mr. Stowe, how handsome you look this evening?”

  Danny slowly began to set me down. My feet barely hit the floor before he pulled me to him and I felt his desire for me pressing into my stomach. “Do I make you wet between your legs, Sophia?”

  My breathing increased and I could feel my chest heave up and down with each forced breath I took in and blew out.

  I decided the wanton side of me wanted to come out and play. “You’re going to have to touch me to find out.”

  “Bloody hell, Sophia,” Danny said as he took a step back, lust filling his eyes. When he smiled at me, I knew I had opened up a world to which I was both excited and scared to death to explore.

  “Is that a challenge, Miss Montgomery?”

  Biting my lip, I nodded my head.

  Danny’s eyes turned dark as he held his stare into my eyes. “Undress me, Sophia.”

  With trembling hands I took a step closer to him and whispered, “Finally …”

  “OKAY, I THINK that’s enough for today.”

  My face was warm, despite the slight chill in the air, as I closed the journal and tucked it away quickly. Reading Sophia’s sexual thoughts aloud was embarrassing to do in front of Gael. I wasn’t able to meet his eyes quite yet. His shoulder still brushed mine which had made it hard to focus while reading.

  Gael leaned forward and looked me in the eyes. “You’re stopping it there?”

  His teasing tone caused me to nod my head in embarrassment. “Umm—Yeah, I think that’s good.”

  “I think it was about to get better.”

  I looked at Gael. He tried to hold his amusement in and failed miserably. Fumbling over my words, I tried to respond. “It would appear that things were going to get a little more—umm—interesting.”

  Leaning back on the bench and throwing his arm along the back to where it lightly rested against my shoulders, Gael laughed. “How’d work go this morning?”

  Thank goodness for the change in subject.

  Turning slightly, my knee brushed Gael’s and instantly that spot tingled. My body was sensitive around Gael and aware of every point our bodies made contact. Work was going to be easier to discuss than Sophia and Daniel’s extracurricular athletic stunts. “It was productive. I’m still ahead of schedule on the three sites I’m designing. This afternoon I’m going to keep going through Aunt Leelyn’s things. I’m making good headway. It would be great if I could finish.”

  “Hey, Gael.” A woman with dark-brown hair approached, eyeing me suspiciously.

  Gael stayed in his current position next to me. “Hey, Kim. You look like you’re a woman on a mission.”

  I wasn’t sure who she was. My heart sped at the thought she could be a girlfriend. Should I move away to put a little distance between Gael and me? If I did, that might make me look guilty. Gael’s presence alone flustered my thinking. This was a new feeling for me.

  She smiled and I could tell she was attracted to Gael. I felt territorial and I fought to keep a pleasant expression on my face as Kim spoke. “Sin
ce I didn’t have your number, I called your restaurant and they said you were running at Oglethorpe Park. We’re doing the masquerade again this year before Christmas. Would you be the auctioneer again?” Before Gael had a chance to respond, she continued. “Please. It would mean the world to the children’s charity we are raising money for.”

  It was apparent she wasn’t a girlfriend or a love interest as she would have had his number. I sat back infinitesimally into Gael. I knew it was childish as my territorial actions emerged. Kim looked to me and I kept a sweet, innocent look to my face.

  “Let me check my schedule, but I think that should work.” I could feel the rumble of Gael’s voice through his body as he spoke.

  Kim clapped in that excited girly way. I felt Gael’s arm wrap slightly tighter around me. My breath stuttered.

  “Thank you, Gael!” Kim was enthusiastic in her response.

  Focusing back on me, Kim pushed her hand out toward me. “I’m Kim Burns.”

  Shaking her hand, I responded, “I’m Ashlin Thomas. It’s nice to meet you, Kim.”

  She continued to look me over and I kept my friendly face in place. I’m sure she wanted to ask Gael who I was, but I didn’t elaborate and neither did the man sitting next to me. “Okay, well it was nice meeting you, Ashlin.” Kim turned to Gael. “Should I call the restaurant tomorrow to confirm everything, Gael? I could stop by. We could do lunch, maybe dinner.”

  “I’ll be working tomorrow morning. I have plans in the afternoon with someone. Calling will be best. Thanks for thinking of me.”

  Giving a brilliant smile, Kim enthusiastically responded, “Great. I’ll stop by.”

  The woman was exasperating. Kim turned and walked off. I turned my head toward Gael, smirking. “I’d say you have an admirer.”

  “Kim seemed more determined than normal.” He scratched his chin with his free hand and raised an eyebrow to me. I innocently shrugged. Gael continued. “It doesn’t matter though. There’s someone else I hope to start seeing.”

  Ugh. I wanted to curse myself for being so cavalier with my actions. Of course Gael had someone he was interested in. My patented unaffected look stayed in place. At least I had one thing to thank Harris for—the ability to remain outwardly unaffected in front of people when I focused. The amount of scoldings I received for not being a statue were too many to count. Why did I stay in that relationship for so long?

  Standing, I put distance between us and my body felt the loss of heat. “I better head back. Thanks for the company.”

  Gael’s brows scrunched for a second as he stood, too. “Thanks for the lunchtime story. What would you say to going on an adventure tomorrow?”

  “Adventure?” My damn voice betrayed me as excitement bubbled to the surface. I had never been asked to go on an adventure with someone. It was oddly romantic.

  Running his hands through his hair nervous-like, he responded, “Yeah, an adventure. I have something to show you. I think you’d enjoy it since it’s a bit of Savannah history.”

  A family rode by on their bicycles and said hi to Gael. He waved but never took his eyes off mine. The warm chocolate color had me melting on the spot, turning my insides to goo. “Umm—you had me at history. That sounds like fun.”

  “Good, I really think you’re going to enjoy it. What’s your number and I’ll text you with specifics. It’s about thirty to forty minutes away, but I promise, as your adventure tour guide, it will be worth it.”

  I took out my business card from my purse and handed it to Gael. “Here you go. What time are your plans over tomorrow so I have an idea on when we’ll go?”

  We walked. The wind had picked up. I tried not to watch the shorts sway on his hips. It was distracting how lean he looked, even under his sweatshirt.

  Good grief, stop looking at him.

  He looked confused as he glanced my way. “What plans?”

  “The plans you were talking to Kim about.” Had I heard him wrong? I know Gael distracted me on a molecular level it seemed, but I wasn’t incoherent. I was sure he had said there were plans with someone.

  A knowing smirk played across his lips. “You’re my plans, Ashlin. Kim had interrupted us before I had a chance to ask.”

  “Oh, okay. I’m glad.” Wait. What? I needed to regroup mentally before I embarrassed myself further. I’m glad. Did I really say that? My eyes darted to the sidewalk. That was a safe place and kept me from ogling.

  “Me, too.” Gael’s hand came to the small of my back as we continued walking. I enjoyed the possessive feeling it gave—more than I should. Eyes forward, Ashlin. Do not be tempted. As we reached the street, Gael pulled his keys out from his pocket, jingling them. “Can I give you a ride home?”

  There was no choice but to look at him. Gael ran his fingers through his hair. I needed to escape with a little dignity intact. “I appreciate it.” I raised my hand and pointed down the street. “Do you see that white house with the black wrought-iron railings?”

  The house was a few blocks away, but stood out against the darker buildings that surrounded it. “I do.”

  “That’s Aunt Leelyn’s place. Well, I mean, my place now.”

  He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek as he had last night. Despite the slight chill, my body warmed. I was defenseless against these types of touches. The heat of his breath tickled my ear as he spoke. My body responded with a familiar ache. “You’ve made my day. Thank you. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

  I turned my head slightly bringing our lips closer together. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Forcing myself to break the connection, I walked home versus leaning in and feeling what his lips would feel like on my skin. I bet they feel nice. Stop, Ashlin. Making my way home, I wanted to turn around to see if Gael was still watching me, but I stayed facing forward. It wasn’t until I reached my stairs that I allowed myself to look his way. In the distance, he waved and I did, too. My face broke out in an undeniable grin.

  Gael had stayed there and watched me walk home. Slipping my key in the door, I spared one more glance his direction. Even as a smaller fleck, he was gorgeous. I was thankful that from here, Gael wasn’t able to see my dopey expression.

  I felt giddy.

  As I closed the door, my phone vibrated. Taking it out, it was not the name I had expected. Seeing Harris’ name was an instant mood deflator.

  Harris: Did you get the clothes this morning?

  I felt bad for having negative thoughts after what he’d done to help me.

  Me: I did. Thank you. I appreciate you getting them to me. I’ll be in touch on how to get the rest of my stuff. Did the PR group decide how to announce the breakup?

  Harris: Of course I would get them to you. I take care of the things that belong to me.

  What an asshole! I closed out the text screen, refusing to get into it with Harris at the moment. He was not going to make those gooey feelings go away. Making my way to my room, I changed into yoga pants. While I tackled the next closet, I pushed the thoughts of Harris aside. He had already taken more time in my life than he deserved. Instead, I focused on the sweaty, hot restaurant owner that made me giddy with excitement.

  I was exhausted. Fresh from a shower, I crawled under the covers of my bed. At this point, I had gone through everything except the attic. That could wait until a later date. The front room was busting with donations. The local shelter was coming tomorrow morning to take everything.

  The house felt empty without Aunt Leelyn’s stuff. It was hard getting rid of a loved one’s things. Part of me wanted to keep everything, but I knew it needed to be done. I still wasn’t sure if I was going to stay here or go back to New York to start my new life. At some point, I’d have to return to the Big Apple to get my stuff. If Harris demanded it to be packed up before I could get there, I knew Amelia would help me out.

  I wasn’t ready to see Harris again yet. Thinking about his earlier text message made my blood boil. I reached for the lamp when a text message from an unfamiliar number flashed a
cross the screen.

  Opening the text, a bubbly excitement filled me seeing who it was from.

  Gael: Hey, there. It’s Gael. Sorry I didn’t text earlier. I got called back to the restaurant for a surprise health inspection this evening. How was your day?

  Me: I finished going through the house. All I lack is the attic. The shelter is coming by in the morning to take all the donations so far. There’s a lot. Sounds like you had a hectic day.

  I settled into my covers and watched the screen in anticipation. My phone vibrated and I let out a little squeal.

  Gael: It was, but I had the memory of the park this afternoon to make it better. Does 1pm work tomorrow?

  My heart skipped a beat with the reference to this afternoon. I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about our time together. With fingers hovering above the phone keys, I tried to decide how to respond. I would go for subtle, but let him know I agreed.

  Me: It was a great afternoon. One works perfectly. Do I get any hints on where we are going?

  Gael: Will you read the next part of the journal to me?

  My face instantly heated thinking about reading about Sophia and Daniel having sex aloud. There was no way I could do that. I wanted to know what he had planned—but not that bad.

  Me: I think I’ll wait for the surprise. Good things come to those who wait.

  Gael: That they do. Will you still bring the journal?

  Me: You’re not talking me into reading it to you.

  Gael: I promise you won’t have to read it.

  I didn’t know what the journal had to do with anything, but there was no harm in bringing it if I wasn’t going to have to read.

  Me: Sure. I can bring it. You’ve piqued my curiosity as to why you want me to, though.