Chosen Heart (The Hart Series)

by Stewart, Ann

  Tears brim my eyes just thinking about Alex as a small boy. The woman lying in the next room, with vanishing memories, was his savior. Now I fully understand why he feels he owes her so much. Why Alex goes to extremes to make sure she is comfortable and cared for. He’s just paying her back for the love and care she gave him. But, Alex deserves to be cared for and taken care of, as well. I want to do that for him, to show him that there’s more to life than the pain of his past. Slowly reaching up, I grasp the back of his neck, bringing his lips down to reach mine.

  Our kiss deepens and for a moment I forget that we are in his grandmother’s living room, and lose myself in the moment. Unfortunately, my stomach doesn’t care about the aching between my legs, deciding to speak up, and loudly at that. The grumbling from my belly causes Alex to break our kiss. Pausing he glances down at my navel and breaks into laughter.

  “Hungry?” Although slightly embarrassing, I’m glad that his jovial mood has returned.

  “I haven’t exactly had an appetite for the past four days.” Alex looks pained, guilty, at my confession.

  “Well I guess I need to fix that, don’t I?” Standing, Alex grabs my hand and leads me towards the kitchen. Bringing me to the breakfast bar, Alex lifts me, placing me on a barstool. With a brief kiss, he heads around the counter in search of food. “So do you want me to cook something or would you prefer to order in?

  “You cook?” I don’t know why anything he does surprises me anymore. He nods as he leans against the island. “I’d love for you to cook me something.”

  His face brightens. Clasping his hands, he rubs them together as he bites his lower lip. “So….do you have any cravings?” My brows raise; his question seems partially laced with a sexual innuendo. Well, this is Alex we are talking about. Shaking his head, he smirks. “Food…do you have any preference in food.” I giggle hiding my face in embarrassment. He knew exactly where my mind was headed, but of course for me, these thoughts are new and seem to only appear when he’s around.

  “Surprise me.”

  Alex gets to work, grabbing chicken, cilantro, green onions, and an array of other items from the fridge. Dashing around the kitchen, Alex seems to be in a dozen places all at the same time. Pulling pans from the upper rack and grabbing cooking tongs from the drawer inside the island, bending and stretching his body, he is giving me images to fantasize about later. I’m practically salivating before he even begins to make the food. My eyes are completely fixated on the way he moves and how his forearms flex as he cuts the vegetables with pure precision. I could watch him for hours. “Is there anything I can do to help?” Besides sit here and feel like a complete stalker.

  He looks up without breaking his concentration, grabbing an onion he begins to chop. “No, just sit there and look beautiful.”

  I blush, “Well, I feel like I’m not bringing anything to the table. You’re making dinner. How am I to repay you?” I bite my lip as I tease him, trying to break his concentration.

  “Oh, I can think of a few ways you can repay me.” He’s easily distracted as his mind is always focused on one thing. I grin and shake my head.

  “So, who taught you to cook anyways? Some ex-girlfriend of yours?” Of course I’m curious to know any little detail about him, but really hope this skill was self taught rather than acquired from a woman he’s been intimate with. Irritated with myself for asking, I’m not sure where this obsessive need to compete with the unknown came from, but it’s kind of annoying.

  “My grandmother.” Still chopping he glances up checking for my reaction. I smile, reassuring him that I think it’s adorable that he’s learned so much from her. And, relieved my inner turmoil has been put to bay. I’m starting to have a deeper understanding of the profound affect she’s had on him. I like imagining Alex as a boy with his unruly hair, standing in the kitchen with his grandmother, using a step stool, chopping vegetables and learning how to scramble his first egg.

  Alex divvies out the food on two elegant, square white plates and carries them around, placing them on the counter as he sits next to me. Grabbing his fork, Alex readies a small bite and brings it up to my mouth, urging me to try. My eyes flutter as I savor each morsel and moan with appreciation. “Oh my God, Alex…” As my eyes open, Alex’s face is frozen with a look of shock. “What?” My face flushes.

  Leaning over he whispers, “Keep making noises like that and you’ll continue to go hungry.” His hand traveling up my thigh as he places a sweet kiss against the nape of my neck which brings my other cravings to the forefront of my mind. Alex must see the desirous look in my eyes, kissing my lips he adds, “Now eat up. You’re going to need your stamina.”

  Diving in, I can see many more meals in our future. Although simple, the chicken stir fry is addicting and I can’t get enough. He’s talented in so many ways. Practically licking my plate clean, I’m done in record time with Alex finishing shortly after me. He eyes my plate before clearing them, placing them in the dish washer.

  “Thank you for dinner, Alex,” I say adoringly, resting my head in my hands.

  “You’re welcome.” Sauntering over, he stalks me like I’m his prey; his gaze intense, lips perking up in a slight smirk. Swiveling the seat to face him as he approaches, Alex places his hands on my knees, guiding my legs apart. Placing a soft kiss on my lips, he wraps his arms around me. “I like having you here.” Nuzzling into my neck, Alex breaths me in and holds me.

  “I like being here. I’d be happy anywhere as long as I’m with you.” Wrapping my arms around his neck, we remain entwined with one another, enjoying the moment. “You asked me earlier if I was craving anything...” Looking up biting my lip, a devilish smile spreads across his face as he registers what I’m asking for.

  “You can’t say it, can you?” Rubbing his fingers over my lips gently, I pout, kissing the pads of his fingers. “Tell me Elyssa, what are you craving?”

  Looking towards the ceiling I exaggerate being deep in thought, raising my finger to my lip. “Well he’s about six foot two, eyes as blue as the heavens he fell from, with a body that makes me forget my name.” He chuckles as he brings me in closer, nuzzling into my neck. As I wrap my arms around him, Alex lifts me and carries me down the hall. Pushing the door open with his foot, he carries me over the threshold, into his bedroom.

  Placing me on the edge of his bed, Alex goes back to lock the door. Lying against the black silk of his comforter I stretch my body, running my fingers over the smooth material. I can feel Alex’s eyes on me as I prop myself up on my elbows, taking him in as he saunters back towards me. Giving me a show, he starts to unbutton his shirt, his fingers moving too slow for my liking. Abs flexing, he drops his shirt to the floor the moment he reaches the edge of the bed. With a devilish grin, he grabs my thighs, pulling me towards him. I giggle as my body slides across the top of his bed with ease.

  Pulling me into a sitting position, he grabs the hem of my shirt, lifting the material above my head, discarding it to the floor. His fire blue eyes examine my body, raking over my face, my breasts, my navel, right down to my toes. Reaching down, he caresses my breasts through the silky material of my bra, pausing to lean down and kiss me feverishly before pushing me back towards the bed. Climbing on top, he blankets my body with soft kisses starting at my navel, working his way up towards my breasts, stopping to tease my nipples. His tongue feels like silk, slowly licking and teasing each inch of me. I want him! I want to feel every inch of him.

  Continuing his torturous pace, he places delicate kisses on my clavicle and grazes my jaw lightly with his lips. “Do you want me, Elyssa?” he whispers in my ear; the words speaking directly to the ache between my thighs. I nod, words fail me.

  “I need you to say it.” His voice is calm as his hands continue to explore my body. “Say it…say you want me.” His eyes meeting mine for a moment before he continues to run his tongue against the nape of my neck.

  “You know I do Alex…” I practically moan the words.

  “That’s not goo
d enough.” Sitting up, Alex kneels between my legs, no longer touching or kissing me. “You’re gonna have to tell me what you want.”

  With a pout I once again prop myself up on my elbows. “That’s not fair.” Time to take matters into my own hands. Reaching forward, I run my fingers over the zipper of his pants, rubbing against his growing erection. Grabbing my wrist, Alex stops me before I’m able to unbuckle his belt. “Alex, please….I need you.” I blush at thought of having to shout off sexual orders to him. He has to know how much I want him and only him.

  With my words Alex reaches down to unbutton his fly and discards his pants and boxer briefs in one swift movement. Kneeling between my legs, I take in his image. My breath hitches. He’s exposed and although we’ve been intimate before, this is the first time I’ve seen him completely naked. My eyes travel from his chest, past his abs, to his very prominent sex lines.

  My eyes linger on his fully erect member. The words escape my mouth before I can even comprehend what I’m saying. “I want you….so much, Alex. Please…” I beg, before biting my lips, squeezing my legs together to suppress the urge to satisfy my own aching need

  I sit up reaching as I greedily wrap both of my hands around his shaft. His eyes close as I slowly start to massage him. Shortly after, his hips begin to move in unison with my hands. “Fuck, Elyssa…” a growl escapes his lips before he pushes me back down to the mattress, breaking my grip. Reaching down, he rips off my pants, along with my panties, discarding them to the side of the bed. Lifting me, Alex reaches behind, unclasping my bra to expose my swollen breasts. “You are so perfect…”

  Reaching between my legs, I position him for entry. With one thrust, Alex is inside me; where he belongs. Continuing his slow and steady movement, he penetrates me over and over again, as his tongue tortures each nipple. With my hands gripping his tousled hair, I moan with pleasure.

  “Harder…please,” I breathe, feeling his smile as his tongue continues to explore my body.

  The pounding quickens at my request, feeling him push against me harder and harder. Lifting my left leg, Alex places it on his shoulder as he pushes deeper into me. Oh my God! The pressure builds inside as I open my eyes to look into his, wanting to see and feel his passion.

  “Don’t stop,” I yell out, as I reach up holding onto the comforter for dear life.

  “Elyssa…” Alex screams as we both climax together. His grinding slowly comes to a halt as he lowers my leg, not letting go of our connection. I wince as he pulls out of me and rolls over onto his back, both of our breathing erratic as we bask in post-coital bliss. I’ve never been able to climax the way I have with Alex. He appears to be my exception. Sex with him is other worldly; I’m officially addicted. I continue to lie still as small aftershocks continue to riddle my body.

  Turning on his side, Alex props himself playfully onto his elbow, resting his hand on my belly. “Are you ok?”

  Fully satisfied, my eyes remain closed as he gently caresses my skin. “I’m more than okay.” His hand continues to lazily graze over my navel as we lay side by side, not saying a word. It’s such a comfortable feeling, knowing we’re blissfully sated. I don’t think anyone or anything could bring me down from this high.

  “Can I ask you something?” Okay, he’s stealing my lines now? This can’t be good.

  “Of course, anything.” Although there are things in my past I don’t want to talk about, with Alex I’m an open book and he’s free to peruse.

  “When was the last time you slept with Cole?” I guess I was wrong about nothing being able to bring me down from my high. Why, why, why does he have to bring up Cole? Especially after the past few hours?

  I open my eyes in shock, glancing in his direction. “You really want to have this conversation now?”

  “Yes, I need to know. The things he was saying at your doorstep…I just…I need to know.”

  I turn on my side to face him. “Alex, it’s been years.” Playfully poking him in the nose, I try to lighten the mood. I can’t imagine Alex feeling self conscious or ever feeling that Cole is anything close to competition. “But, if you must know, being with Cole was nothing like this.”

  He contemplates what I’ve said, letting the reality set in. “I just need to know that you prefer me over him.”

  “I’d prefer you over anyone.” I reach over to caress his face and place an indulgent kiss on his chest.

  He wraps his arm around me pulling me closer, exhaling with relief. “Being with you makes me forget everything and I guess that’s what scares me. I forget about all the bullshit at work, I forget who we are outside of these four walls. My priorities have shifted and now, you are becoming one of them.” I’m his own personal Red Rock.

  “We’ll figure it out…”

  “I can’t lose you. Not now…”

  “I’m here.” I nuzzle into his chest as exhaustion takes over, bringing slumber to the both of us.

  Saturday, October 6, 2012

  It’s hard to tell if I’m still dreaming as I wake next to the man I’m close to falling in love with. He’s stretched out on his stomach, his arm slung over my breasts, his breath blowing lightly on the nape of my neck. My body aches and I desperately need to stretch, but I don’t want to wake him. Instead, I lay and stare at him, breathing in this beautiful disaster of a man that is now officially mine. His disheveled hair is the only remnants from our night together; he looks flawless. His full lips are in a perfect pout, ready for a morning kiss. I can’t resist and lean over and brush my lips against his.

  Stirring, he turns on his back and pulls me into a closer embrace, but remains sound asleep. With my head resting against his rising and falling chest, I’m finally able to take in his room. The room is, of course, neat and organized, but there is an unexpected serenity. The vibrant purple and red paintings that frame his walls contrast nicely with the different shades of white, grey, and black furnishings. Towards the far end of the room sits a modern white couch and a matching chair which faces four large windows, allowing a spectacular view of the mountains.

  Returning my focus back to Alex’s naked body, I fully imagine waking up like this every day. I can practically learn anatomy just from looking at the lines of his chest, shoulders, and his lat muscles. It’s definitely beneficial to fall asleep next to him after sex. My hungry eyes travel from his beautiful face, down his muscular physique, stopping as I focus on my hands lying over his heart. My heart.

  All this lingering has awaken my desire and I can’t resist testing if Alex is a morning person. My hand travels down his body to his happy trail, softly tracing his sex lines, holding back the temptation to explore his nether regions with my mouth. Responding to my touch, Alex stirs rubbing his growing erection against my hip. Looking up, I realize he’s awake, a smile spreading across his beautiful lips. I lean up and kiss his dimples, blushing at getting caught.

  “Morning, my Hart.” I love it when he calls me that. He makes me feel cherished. “What trouble are you getting yourself into?” he says coyly as he rubs his eyes.

  “Exploring a little bit,” I smile innocently at him.

  ”Did you find anything of interest?” he says, playfully rubbing his hips against me.

  “I found a small…little…something…of possible interest,” I tease, batting my eyes.

  “Little?” Pouting, pretending to have a wounded ego, he glances down at his full erection. “You’ve cut me to the core, Ms. Hart!”

  “Let me make it up to you, Mr. James.” I slide down, kissing every inch of his hard body, until I’m able to take him into my mouth. He barely fits, but I’m always up for a challenge. I hold onto his shaft, while gently sucking and stroking him.

  “Ahhh…Elyssa…slow down.” What he says and what he wants is evident, his hands are in my hair, gently guiding me at a steady pace. I look up his body, through my lashes, still sucking hard. His head is tilted back slightly, mouth parted. I remove him from my mouth and slowly lick his shaft, traveling all the way up to the tip
and back down. I peek up at him, this time his head is tilted forward, watching me. Taking him back into my mouth, I continue the torture of sucking and stroking. I never knew how much fun and hot this could be.

  “God Elyssa…” he groans. “Stop, I don’t want to come in your mouth.” He reaches down and gently lifts my body so I’m straddling him. I lean down to meet his awaiting mouth, sucking his bottom lip as he groans loudly. “I want you on top. I want to watch you.” I position him for entry and gradually ease myself down, my mouth parting as our bodies engage.

  My hips roll expeditiously, but Alex has another idea. “Slow, Elyssa. I don’t want to be the only one that comes.” Placing his hands on each side of my waist, we move slow and together.

  His gaze is hypnotizing and I grin salaciously at the thought of Alex coming undone between my thighs. I continue to rise and fall at an unhurried pace, enjoying each movement, taking in the sight of him underneath me. Reaching up, his hands slowly tease my nipples, tugging them ever so slightly, leaving me panting, wanting more. Without losing our connection, he sits up and takes one into his mouth while cupping the other with his hand.

  Tension develops as my climax slowly builds with each brush of his tongue. Wanting the feeling of him on my mouth, I move my hands from his hair and tug his relentless mouth from my breast, kissing him with force. Our tongues tangle as my body quickens, ready for release. Picking up my pace, I continue to roll back and forth as my fingers dig into the back of his shoulders.

  “I’m going to come,” he grumbles, filling my body with warmth we both climax as I scream out his name. My breathing is erratic as I slump down on top of him. Barely able to move, I pull him out of me, loving the soreness that his body brings. A constant reminder of where’s he’s been and what we’ve done together.