Chosen Heart (The Hart Series)

by Stewart, Ann

  She went on to praise Rachel and her efforts at nurturing me. Although it’s a double edged sword considering Arianna has a way of never letting me forget that she offered to raise me. I used to wonder how different my life would have been, wanting for nothing, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Rachel was what I needed, and although Arianna runs a successful corporation, I’m not sure her mothering skills would have kicked in. And, despite the fact Rachel took on so much responsibility at such a young age, she was extremely determined to do it all on her own. She used to tell me it’s what my parents would have wanted and I tended to agree.

  Finishing our talk on the way back to work, I realize it’s nice to be able to have a conversation with someone who I want to emulate. She is such a strong woman, and anything I can do to make myself as well known as she is, good or bad, will help my career. Noticing the inviting hints of strawberry and grapefruit, I can’t help but comment on how much I like her perfume. But, she can only smile, because just as we enter the lobby, she received a phone call she had to take.

  Rushing in from lunch, I’m out of breath and in a panic. I was out way too long, and don’t want to give Maggie, or any members of management, a bad impression. Even though I know I shouldn’t worry, considering who I was with, I don’t want to give anyone a false impression. I dive back into my spreadsheets for the rest of the day, but can’t help but steal small glances at the arrangement of flowers on my desk and think about the man who sent them to me.

  Contemplating bringing my flowers home, I decide to do the smart thing and leave them at work. They’re too beautiful to bring to my apartment, to only be seen by me, and besides, knowing the heels I wore today, I would probably trip and fall. Not gonna happen!

  Walking through the parking garage, I discern how different the day has ended, compared to yesterday. It’s hard to keep up, not knowing what kind of mood I’m going to encounter, so when I notice Alex has parked three stalls away from me, I consider leaving. But, the need to know why he sent me flowers outweighs my self preservation, and mental well being.

  Thankfully, I don’t have enough time to consider another plan, because less than five minutes later, he comes striding from the elevator. The object of my new-found obsession looks perfectly put together, even after a day full of business and stress. Except that he has a look of reverence on his face that I can’t quite place. It would be unnerving, if I didn’t have that same look on my own.

  Suddenly feeling shy, I wave at him as he approaches. What if he’s not the one that sent them to me? I’m going to look like an idiot. No, Ely! He is the one that sent them. Don’t’ back down. He has to be the one.

  “Is there something I can help you with, Ms. Hart?” His smoldering blue eyes survey me, head to toe, stopping to stare at my empty hands. “Where are your flowers?” He looks hurt.

  “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Fidgeting with my keys, I try to focus on something other than what I want his response to be. Keeping my eyes fixated on the concrete below my heels, I can’t bear to look at him. “Did you send them to me?”

  Walking closer I feel the pad of his finger underneath my chin, softly raising my face so our eyes meet. “Of course I did, do you have more admirers I have to contend with?” I shake my head slowly, the feeling of his fingers against my neck practically bringing me to my knees. The breath that escapes his lips brushes against my skin, sending shivers all the way down between my thighs. Too quickly, his hand retreats from my throat, placing it back in his pockets. I sigh, disappointed at our lost connection.

  “Why did you send them, Alex?” Finally a resemblance of my tenacity comes through the moment he breaks contact. Coincidence? I think not.

  “I know how badly I treated you yesterday and it wasn’t by any fault of yours. And, even if I was the reason you were upset, I guess I wanted to be the one to make you smile again.”

  I’m floored. For someone who doesn’t communicate well, his declaration is surprising. And, I know what he means. When he smiles, I feel as if I’m the only one in the room and the thought of his joy being shared with anyone else, makes me sick with envy.

  “But I’m glad you waited after. I’m going out of town tomorrow, and I want to take you out to dinner tonight to make up for my behavior. Consider it a peace offering.” Even though I’m pretty sure that was a demand, he appears to be nervous, waiting for my response.

  “What behavior are you referring to? You’re fit of jealousy or talking to me like an errant child during the meeting?”

  “I never said I was jealous…but, I guess for both. I didn’t mean to belittle you in the meeting. I wasn’t in my right mind.” I don’t know how to respond, and instead I stay silent. “Don’t over think it, Elyssa, because I promise you, I won’t take no for an answer.” He says my name like a whisper to the winds.

  His previous indiscretions are in the past and I can no longer feel anything but the fluttering of my heart, which wants him more than anything. “I’ll go to dinner with you, but on one condition.”

  “What’s that?” he smiles at my acceptance, waiting for my demand.

  “I drive myself.”

  CHAPTER 6

  “Hungry?” he asks, placing his hand under my chin until our eyes meet. I’m flushed against him with no room to move. I know I’ve wanted to be this close all week, but now that I’m here, my nerves are in knots and my mind is blank.

  I swallow past the lump growing in my throat and try desperately to speak. Umm…yeah…I want to devour your body. Even though I’m pretty sure that’s not what he was asking, I silently wonder if it really was. Nodding yes, the rational side of my brain answers; the irrational side continues to melt at his touch. I’m putty in his hand. I can only hope that I have the same affect on him. With a wink and a smile, he takes my hand as we head towards the restaurant.

  Nestled quietly away in Desert Shores, Marche Bacchus lays perched on the coast of a man-made lake. The city lights seem so far away as we are engulfed in a dense forested area. Who knew this place even existed in the middle of the desert? Even more surprising is the entrance, a small charming gift shop with rows and rows of layered crated wines. Making our way through the maze of Merlot’s, Chardonnay’s, and Shiraz’s, I look up just in time to notice the hostess eyeing Alex head to toe with a desirous look, as if they know each other…intimately.

  Ms. Light Bright doesn’t hesitate and walks directly up to Alex, “Mr. James, welcome back,” she announces, seductively. Her tight pencil skirt and tucked in white button-up shirt reveals a little more than I’m comfortable with, especially with her swallowing him whole with her greedy little eyes.

  Staking claim, Alex wraps his arm around my waist. Her eyes follow his movement and instantly her mood changes. She takes a step back and glares through her squinted beady eyes, “Your table’s right this way.” How many other women have you brought here Alex? Or, do all hostesses greet you this way? Ugh…Do I even want to know? I banish the thought, but not before he sees my bitter frown, giving me one back, insisting I talk.

  Following her, I look over at him and instead of asking what I really want to, I stick with subtlety. “Do you come here often?”

  “I didn’t want to wait, so I called on the way.” Oh, simple answer; but I can tell, it’s conveniently not the whole truth.

  Maneuvering us through the crowd of tables, we walk towards our seats, hand in hand. Oddly, I’m unable to shake the feeling that Alex has been down this road before, and not with just one woman; possibly, even with the hostess guiding us to our quaint table on the outside patio. Regardless, when I’m with him, I feel at ease, even with our intrusive, yet delightful hostess. Something I’ve never felt with anyone, besides Rachel, which troubles me. Lust might be clouding my judgment, but for the time being, I don’t care.

  Outside, the patio is romantic with cooling misters and trellises gently shielding us from the sun. Magnificent pinks, purples and oranges fleet across the man-made lake and the cream colored
stucco houses resting upon the shore, are a subtle backdrop to an impressive view. As we reach our table, Alex pulls out a chair for me as Ms. Light Bright takes her exit, but not before standing and idly taking him in. Uh…hello? How brazen can one woman be?

  Staring at the reflection on the water almost makes me forget our momentary third wheel. Are these the type of women that Alex usually dates? Glancing down at my modest attire, I suddenly feel self conscious. With my mouth pulled to the side, I sit, biting the side of my cheek. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. My moment of doubt is interrupted by the inpatient waiter.

  “Trust me?” Alex’s eyes search my face for an ounce of doubt.

  “Depends…” Unable to meet his gaze, my eyes glance over the menu. I can feel the prying eyes of the waiter as he waits for our order.

  “On?” Tilting his head, he smirks waiting for my response, ignoring the gentleman standing at the edge of our table.

  “What we’re talking about.” I’d trust him with my career and with my safety, but I can’t ignore his mischievous grin. “So, what are we talking about, Alex?” I push the ball back into his court, looking up at our waiter, giving him an apologetic smile.

  With his gaze fixed on me, Alex orders two glasses of chilled port wine and two orders of the Crispy Maple Leaf Duck Breast. I’m surprised that he orders for both of us, but I’m excited he took charge of the moment. The waiter briskly walks away, leaving us alone to finish our conversation.

  “So, where were we?” Strumming his fingers against his bottom lip, Alex sits back in his seat, staring out at the adjacent water. “Oh yah, you were interrogating me. Well, you have me all to yourself,” with his hands extended at his sides Alex challenges me, “Do your worst.”

  “Do I have you all to myself?” My eyes slowly point towards the hostess station. Ms. Light Bright is making no effort at subtly as she stares in our direction, talking to her co-worker. Her cackle can be heard above the quiet chatter of the restaurant. Obviously trying to get his attention, she’s being loud and obnoxious, flipping her hair, and even adjusting her breasts.

  “I never took you for the jealous type, Elyssa.” Resting his hands behind his neck, he ignores the loud laugh meant to pull his attention.

  Although he’s smug and arrogant, sitting here staring into his eyes, I almost forget why I’m irritated in the first place. Almost. I refuse to give into the situation and show my insecurities, especially while she is so close. Instead, I decide on continuing with my questions. “So, why did you send me flowers?” Blunt is definitely the approach I’m going for. Why dance around the subject, right?

  Shrugging his shoulders, he answers nonchalantly, “You didn’t deserve the way I treated you yesterday. So, I figured I needed to make it up to you.” That’s all you got? That’s the big reveal?

  “Okay, I’ll buy that. It explains the reason why you sent the flowers, but not about what was written on the card.” He obviously doesn’t know me well enough; I can’t, and won’t, drop it. “What about your cryptic message?”

  Finally seeming slightly uncomfortable under his hard façade, he shifts ever so slightly in his seat. Of course, like in any situation, his composure returns before speaking. “What do you want me to say? I’m a man of action, not words, Elyssa.”

  “Well, just to be clear, your actions are confusing. What you say and what you do, are a complete contradiction.” He smirks, making me blush as hot as the sun. Is this just a game to him? I don’t know whether to get mad that he’s making light of the situation, or get even more wanton, knowing what I want him to mean. My once sound tenacity has me looking down at my fingers, toying with my napkin. After a moment of absolute silence, I peek up at him and find him staring. My stomach is in knots as I feel the intense energy flowing. It takes another moment before either one of us can speak again.

  “I don’t do this. I guess what I’m saying is that I’m not really good at it,” he explains, sitting deep in thought, staring out at the water.

  Looking at him sideways, I still can’t figure out his puzzling explanation. I want him to spell it out for me. “I can’t imagine there are many things you aren’t good at.” My eyes look over at Ms. Light Bright who’s making a fool out of herself, again. With her hand on the bicep of a busboy, she throws her head back in laughter before throwing her arm around his waist, traipsing by our table.

  Momentarily, his eyes follow her movement before returning to my gaze. “Trust me, there is plenty. But, what I was referring to was this…” Brushing his finger through the air, pointing between the two of us he continues, “I’ve never had to pursue a woman before.” The taste of blood drips in my mouth as I bite down on my lip, trying hard to hide my eager smile. Though, I can’t help the blush blossoming over the apples of my cheeks.

  “So the women in your life, they’ve always just given in to you?” As I utter the words, I realize it doesn’t seem so inconceivable, considering I’ve pretty much given in to him since the moment we met. The childlike behavior of our hostess is also proof that his appeal is addictive, worthy of making any woman act compulsively just to vie for his attention.

  “Is that hard to believe?” I shake my head, staring down at my napkin.

  Unable to ignore the annoying situation playing in the background, “I have to ask. What’s up with your stalker over there?” My head nods towards the back wall where the hostess is now standing.

  “Absolutely nothing!” his mouth turned up. His attempt at evasion is not working.

  “Doesn’t seem like nothing to me, considering her reaction in your presence. Is she a friend of yours?” I ask, still not knowing if I want to know the answers to my never ending questions.

  “I don’t have female friends; usually doesn’t end well. Women have a tendency to get…attached and with attachments come expectations.” That poor girl definitely had expectations; I could see it in her eyes. With a sigh of relief, Alex notices the waiter returning with our wine. But, just as fast as he came, the waiter retreats, and I’m free to continue my ‘interrogation’.

  “So, you don’t do friends with women, got it.” Yet you’re here with me?

  Thinking over my next line of questioning, I start thinking of Cole. “You can’t tell me that with the numerous women you’ve been with, that you’ve never had to deal with their ex-boyfriends. Ones they’ve remained friends with.”

  “Once you’ve had sex, there’s no going back. Are you telling me that your so called friend,” Alex’s raises his hands, making quotations with his fingers, “has never tried to blur the lines?” If I didn’t know better, I’d swear that he had personal insight into my relationship with Cole.

  “You’re the first man I’ve met who approaches dating as if he’s fishing in a catch-and-release pond.” I’m clearly irritated and this dinner is not going the way that I expected. My heart was fluttering when I got sent the flowers, but I can’t shake the feeling that he wants to add me to his long list of conquests.

  Alex sighs, taking a deep breath before explaining. “I think it’s obvious that I’m attracted to you. Let’s just put that out there now,” he admits, running his finger over the edges of his napkin. I flush at his words, but bite back the urge to profess my own attraction.

  “Like I said before, I’ve never had to pursue a woman. You may think my outlook on dating is troubling, but I’ve been released back into the pond a few times myself. But let’s make this clear, I’ve never made promises that I’ve never kept or led a woman on.” His brows furrow as he stares at his wine glass, and then at me. “God, it’s maddening not knowing where I stand with you.”

  My heart swells, but I also realize he didn’t deny the fact that he’s had numerous women. How am I supposed to compete with the unknown? Something in the back of my mind tells me that he’s not the gentlemen that I hoped he was, at least not one hundred percent of the time.

  “There are thousands of reasons why we should walk away from one another. But, I just can’t seem to…” he stops, sea
rching for the right words.

  “Seem to what?” I urge him to continue, leaning closer.

  Suddenly, the waiter returns with the food, effectively ending our little confession session, making me jolt upright in my seat. But, if he thinks this discussion is over, he’s sorely mistaken. Occasionally glancing at each other, we begin our meal and sit in silence.

  The food is delicious, and as I appreciate each bite, it gives me a chance to watch Alex. He takes pleasure in every bite, slowly savoring each morsel. The silence is surprisingly relaxing. And when we do speak, there’s something to be said about small talk, about the weather and our likes and dislikes. There are no worries about work, ex’s, or family members interrupting the night. It’s nothing but a pleasant conversation, without any ulterior motives. Just two people trying to get to know one another.

  Our time together is ticking away and I still haven’t had the chance to figure out what’s going on between us. I’m not the type of girl that has random sexual encounters, but Alex seems to have more than enough women opening their legs to him. I just need to know, for my own sanity.

  “So, when you say you’ve never pursued a woman before…what exactly do you mean? Are you…well, are you saying that you are pursuing me?" I want to look him in the eyes, but my confidence has waned with the setting sun. I play with the ring on my middle finger, hoping my silent prayers are not obvious to my dining companion.

  “What do you want it to mean?” There he goes again toying with me, being evasive. I’m starting to think he’s doing it on purpose.

  “I hope it means that you want to get to know me…” My eyes drop to my fingers, once again.