Chosen Heart (The Hart Series)

by Stewart, Ann

  “Please don’t leave?!” she pleads.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” I hum softly as she closes her eyes and her face softens. While sitting on her bed, I glance around her room and admire the years of memories she’s surrounded herself with. Her room is filled with pictures of herself, Alex growing up, and a woman who I’m going to assume is Katherine, Alex’s mother. He looks like her.

  There’s one that stands out amongst all the others; Alex and Nana at his college graduation. She is beaming up at him, and he looks just as handsome then as he does now. Actually, Alex hasn’t aged a day since that picture was taken. He never ceases to amaze me. He’s accomplished so much in such a small amount of time, which is somewhat intimidating, when I compare my life and career to his. But, his determination is something to admire and work towards.

  Nana begins to snore faintly as she falls into a deep sleep. I smile as I look over at this beautiful woman and I’m thankful for her presence in Alex’s life. Studying her face, I see so many similarities between my heart and his grandmother. From her soft eyes to her barely noticeable dimples, they both look like sleeping angels while they rest. She’s been a guiding light in his turbulent past, and I know no matter how much guilt she has in her heart, Alex would never give up his time with her.

  I continue to hum, closing my eyes as I rest against the headboard, lovingly running my fingers through her hair. I imagine this is similar to caring for a child. Alex has done this for years; he would be an amazing father. Falling into a light sleep myself, I’m brought back into the moment by a comforting voice.

  “Elyssa?” Alex’s soft whisper summons my eyes open. Adjusting to the dim light coming from the open door, I peek up at Alex. “What’s going on?” I bring my finger to my mouth in hopes he doesn’t wake her. Walking into the room, Alex quickly assesses the situation as I continue to run my fingers through Nana’s hair.

  “I was hot and when I went to get a drink of water, she was in the kitchen. She probably had a nightmare or something. So I brought her back in here, and she asked me to stay.” Alex slinks over to my side, kissing my forehead. “What was that for?” I ask quizzically.

  “That was for being you, and for taking care of her.” Bending over, Alex swiftly kisses his grandmothers forehead as he smoothes back the loose strand of hair. “She’s asleep; let’s get you back to bed.” Taking me by the hand, he closes Nana’s door.

  Standing in front of his room, he stops, resting his back against the wall. Alex kisses me again, this time with more passion. “Thank you for not seeing this as a reason to run.”

  “This?” I’m confused, what would make me run? My heart feels full and complete; how could I ever run from this. I want this feeling to last forever.

  “My grandmother…my obligation to take care of her. I’m sure many women, especially your age, would see it as a burden and run for the hills. You’re kindhearted and see me differently…more than I could have ever imagined.”

  “I know how important family is.” Bringing Alex into an embrace, I nuzzle against his chest, finding my own solace. “Your grandmother is more coherent than you think, Alex. She worries about you.”

  “How do you know?” he asks, resting his forehead against mine.

  “She told me. She worries about the future and you being alone.”

  “Well, I don’t feel alone anymore.”

  Lovingly, I look up at Alex as I hold him in a close embrace. “I feel the exact same way.” Wishing for Alex to say those words again, I wait. Instead, I’m met with a swift, sweet kiss. I know it took a lot for him to declare his love for me and I’m not so greedy that I can’t wait for him to say it again. His affirmation of love means more to me that I ever thought possible. After my past, and his, we are finally home.

  Bringing me closer to him, I let him pick me up, carrying me over to lay me down on his bed. Spooning me from behind, we are the closest our bodies can be without being inside one another. The last thought before my mind has been cleared of all thoughts and worries, is the growing attachment I feel for Alex. He truly is my heart, pumping blood through my body, feeding life into my once vacant soul.

  ~~~~~

  I wake naked and alone, reaching out searching the sheets for Alex’s svelte body. All I feel is cotton and air. I stretch and open my eyes slightly, inhaling the scent of maple and bacon. My stomach grumbles, my mouth salivates, as I realize that I am famished. Jumping out of bed, I quickly dress in the t-shirt I borrowed from Alex, and my jeans I found on the floor. Walking slowly towards the kitchen, I can hear muffled sounds of talking and giggling. Alex and his grandmother appear to be in full discussion as I appear in the doorway of the dining area.

  “Good morning, sleepy head.” Alex is setting the table with breakfast and immediately shuffles over to me. Placing a sweet kiss on my lips, he leads me to the table where Nana is sitting, smiling, sipping her orange juice. The table is dressed with scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, and toast.

  “Everything looks amazing Alex and it smells delicious. My stomach woke me up.” He laughs as he serves me a large portion of eggs, a few pieces of bacon, and two pancakes. Grabbing a piece of bacon, I notice Alex cutting Nana’s pancakes into small pieces before drizzling syrup. I’m touched by the sweet and innocent gesture he has probably done a thousand times. I’ve never seen anything quite so intimidating, yet so pure, as the way Alex treats his grandmother. I’m sure many people do this for their elders, but as I’ve never experienced this kind of love, it’s overwhelming. His mother would be proud of him, and so am I.

  “So Nana, what type of plans do you have today?” She glances from Alex and then to me, shrugs her shoulders and continues to devour her breakfast. I giggle softly as I take my first bite. “I guess I should have asked what you would like to do today.”

  Nana announces with excitement that she would like to go to the movies. Alex and I finish breakfast in silence, holding hands, as Nana rambles on about which movie she wants to see and the large amounts of popcorn she plans on consuming. The excitement in her voice makes me look forward to the rest of the day.

  ~~~~~

  Exhausted, I slump down on my couch resting my feet on the coffee table. I would have stayed at Alex’s again, but I didn’t have anything to wear to work. Besides isn’t absence supposed to make the heart grow fonder? The possibility of my heart feeling anything more for him is impossible. I love him so much more than I ever expected. Recalling the day, I feel giddy thinking about how much closer I feel to Alex and his adorable grandmother.

  We took Nana to the movies. So small in stature, Nana’s legs barely touched the floor in the theater seats. Her eyes wide in amazement as the movie started and during several moments, tiny tears would well up in her eyes. Sitting between us, there were times she grasped both of our hands, expanding my heart even more. Even though we were separated, Alex rested his hand on my shoulder. Stealing sweet glances at one another, I could feel the adoration between us even with very little contact.

  After the movie Alex took us to lunch at Bachi Burger, which had the most amazing pork belly steamed buns; something exotic I’ve never tasted before. Apparently, this is one of his favorite restaurants. He kept going on and on about everything on the menu. To shut him up, I had to give in and tell him he could bring me here anytime he wanted. Nana was just excited to be out of the house and spending time with her beloved grandson, and didn’t care where we ate.

  Alex begged for me to stay the night with him. But, I reminded him I didn’t have clothes and needed to tend to chores at my apartment before the start of the week. Besides, by the time he finally let me leave it was already late. Now that I’m finally home, the housework is looking a little less appealing. I decide on a shower instead. Tired I stand, dragging my feet towards the bedroom, tossing my clothes into my hamper.

  Monday, October 15, 2012

  Arriving at work, I notice there’s energy in the air that I can’t place. Dropping my belongings in my desk, I log into my com
puter and sift through my inbox. Wishing I had another two days off, I scan my e-mails and find a meeting request from Arianna’s secretary. Luckily, the request was sent to the entire sales staff, and not just to me. Whew! No more dealing with Arianna and her interrogations. At least not today.

  The morning went by at a snail’s pace. Janice asked me to have lunch with her, which was kind of odd, because pretty much every day I have lunch with her. But instead of going down to the cafeteria, Janice said she wanted to go out for lunch. Of course I agreed, so at noon, we walked across the street to a little hole in the wall that serves sandwiches and soup.

  Glad to spend some time with her, we catch up on all things men. She just got back from a trip to California with her boyfriend and found it made them closer. Going away on a trip together can make or break a relationship, so I’m glad to hear they are going strong. I know firsthand how a trip can affect a relationship, and am satisfied in knowing my San Diego trip was just as rewarding. I only wish I could share my happiness with her, but I can’t risk her knowing anything about me and Alex.

  Janice insists on paying for lunch, saying something about thanking me for helping her nab her man.

  Arriving back to work, that same energy hits me in the face when we walk onto our floor. The office is in full uproar, gossip spreading about a possible lay off. My stomach is in my throat. No, that couldn’t be it, Alex would have warned me. Shrugging off the banter, I continue to work and review the plan documents and quotes that I needed to follow up on. As the meeting time approaches, I hear Arianna’s laughter from down the hall. Thank God she’s in a good mood today! Definitely not a lay off!

  I can hear her more clearly the closer she gets, but what I wasn’t expecting to hear is the familiar sound of a man’s voice. No, it couldn’t be him. Pushing my chair out past my cubicle wall, I peek down the hallway towards the laughter. As the cluster of bodies part, I see Arianna and standing next to her is Mr. Big-Head himself, Oliver Prescott. What in the hell is he doing here?!

  My nerves are in knots as I comprehend that my eyes are not playing tricks on me. Quickly, I push my chair back towards my desk, hoping to hide for a moment while I regain my composure. Maybe he’s just here for a tour. Brokers tour all of the time. Shit! Alex is going to be pissed. Trying to calm myself, I start to develop a list of a thousand reasons as to why Oliver is down the hall, and not in sunny San Diego. The chime of my e-mail reminder shifts my attention to my computer screen. Time for our meeting. Grabbing my notebook, I head to the conference room in full on panic mode.

  ~~~~~

  The Sales Associates all flock to one side of the room as the majority of Sales Executives sit next to one another in the center of the conference table. Unfortunately, that means that Autumn is close by. Sitting two seats to my left she flips her hair and crosses her legs, seeking the attention of anyone who’s willing to give it to her. Looking around the room I notice Janice arriving, just as she walks towards the empty seat next to me. Autumn rolls her eyes at Janice’s seating choice, but I pay her no attention. Autumn and her holier-than-thou attitude can shove it where the sun don’t shine. Janice works hard and deserves to sit wherever she pleases.

  Alex finally arrives; our eyes meet for a brief moment before he takes a seat directly across from me. Thankfully, he isn’t sitting next to Autumn again. My body relaxes and relief rushes over me just knowing he’s in such close proximity. This meeting should go a lot smoother without Autumn’s whore hands all over my heart.

  Playfully, Alex smiles and taps his chest twice, directly over his heart. I swoon at the intimate personal gesture and repeat the same movement. Carefully, I glance around the room, ensuring I have no one’s attention before pretending to brush away a stray hair on my chest. Instead I tap twice over my heart and blush slightly looking into Alex’s deep blue eyes.

  The room’s attention turns to Arianna as she arrives in full banter. I recall her being overly excited earlier, and can’t imagine why she would be in such a good mood. Directly behind her is Oliver. Shit! A large toothy smile spreads across his face as our eyes meet. Arianna chooses the seat next to Alex, Oliver following in suit. Alex flexes his fingers, trying not to tense them into fists as he glares at the both of them. Grabbing my pen, I fidget with the cap to focus my attention on something other than Oliver’s seductive gaze.

  The room is silenced as Arianna addresses the room, heads turning to give her the full attention she demands. “I want to thank everyone for coming. I know this meeting was short notice, so I will get right to the point.” Her demeanor has returned to normal compared to the last time I saw her; flustered with a sloppy appearance. Instead, her hair is impeccably styled in soft tendrils that frame her face.

  “You may have noticed a stranger among us.” She smiles at Oliver and in unison the rooms’ attention is now on him. “This is Oliver Prescott. Some of you may know him, or his name. He has quite the reputation in our industry, and is currently the number one salesman over at Britt & Sterne. Well, I guess currently is a thing of the past, since I have decided to bring Mr. Prescott in as our new Sales Executive.”

  The room erupts in applause as relief floods over everyone’s faces. The thought of lay-offs has been pushed to the far corners of their minds. In that moment, I glance at Alex who is gripping the end of the table with white-knuckle force. He’s clearly upset over her decision.

  As Arianna joins in the celebration, clapping in unison with the rest of the sales staff, tiny diamonds adorning her watch glimmer against the sun shining in from the windows behind me. The ornate band is something I will never forget, as I recall toying with the watch as I stood in Alex’s kitchen. The same watch I questioned Alex about is fastened to Arianna’s boney wrist. Her long fingers toy with the band, rolling the watch around and around, as my eyes stray from her wrist, finally meeting her eyes.

  A devious smirk develops on her lips as my eyes meet hers. She continues to play with the piece of jewelry clasped on her wrist as she remains in a deadlock staring contest with me. I look away, but not far. Shock has finally hit me as I gape at the beautiful time piece. Bile builds in my throat as I sit in distress, staring at her watch. THE watch; the watch that was sitting in his kitchen that supposedly belonged to Delores. The same watch, the same kitchen where Alex’s ex removed her clothing and tried to seduce him.

  Suddenly, everything has come into focus, the picture is clear and I see everything for what it is. Alex clears his throat, probably in an effort to get my attention, but I refuse to look. All I can do is stare at the shimmering diamonds. Tiny rainbows sparkle as Arianna continues to manipulate the band that is breaking my heart.

  The watch twirling bitch continues to address the room, discussing Oliver’s past experience, how they met, and his responsibilities at SHI starting Monday. I cannot move. I can barely breathe as a knot builds in my chest. I move my hand up, resting my palm over my heart in hopes to alleviate the building pressure. The bitch’s voice is a dull sound in the back of my head.

  I replay every conversation with Alex, searching and evaluating each one for the truth. Did he ever love me? How could he do this to me?

  “Thank you everyone for the warm welcome.” Oliver’s voice is muffled as he addresses the room. My face frozen, my eyes still fixed on Arianna’s wrist as she continues to break my heart into a million pieces with each twirl of the band. “I’ve been thinking about coming to Vegas for some time, but it wasn’t until recently that I got the push I needed to take the leap of faith.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Oliver’s head turn towards me. I know it’s rude not to give him my attention, but I’m frozen. Literally, frozen. “I really look forward to working with each one of you.” Oliver’s speech goes over well with the staff. As to be expected, Autumn is in heat, salivating over what could be. Doesn’t surprise me. She thinks she can get anyone she wants, and probably does.

  The twirling stops. I force myself to look Arianna in the eye, to let her know that in that
moment her point was made. She wanted me to see the watch, not only at Alex’s house, but today. We are playing a game of chess and she’s just made her move. Checkmate! My king is dead to me, my king who ruled my heart and gave me such pleasure. All of it was a lie! My mind is in a swirl of emotions. I can remember every sweet and meaningful moment with Alex. Now, each word, each emotion is contaminated. The evil disease of deceit has now soiled Alex’s charming words and honorable actions.

  The shock from earlier has now turned into rage. I ball my hands into fists as I stare at my knuckles, avoiding eye contact with Arianna and Alex.

  “Well, thank you all for coming. Oliver’s first day technically isn’t until next week, but I wanted to introduce him before he started. ”

  Turning to look at Alex, she asks if it’s okay if Janice shows him to his desk and make sure he has everything he needs. What else is Alex supposed to say? He stares at the bitch with unfathomable eyes, but remembers where he is and replies, “Whatever you want Mrs. Salerno.” Puzzled by his reaction, Janice looks at me concerned, but offers her assistance like the good employee she is.

  “Please make sure he feels welcome and include him on any e-mails, and have a great day everyone.” Arianna’s lively voice echoes throughout the room sending chills down my spine. I’m in utter disgust. I need to escape. As the crowd stands, several associates crowd Oliver, including Autumn. Figures she would already try and get her claws in him. Avoiding eye contact with anyone, I hurry towards the door.

  My exit strategy is foiled as I’m met with an impeccable black three-piece suit, just like the first day at work. Glancing up, my eyes meet his, saddened blue eyes to heated green. Alex looks distraught, putting together that he’s been caught. He whispers, “I need to talk to you.”

  Keeping my voice low, I cannot hide the disdain I feel at this moment. Speaking through gritted teeth, I can’t let anyone but him know the pain I’m feeling. “I want nothing to do with you and I have no intention of talking to you right now…or ever.” Steeling a look around the room, I plaster a fake smile on my face.