Granted Wishes (The Granted Series Book 1)

by Tanya Vought

  “No, no, this can’t be. That can’t be real,” he mumbles over and over again.

  Gracelynn doesn’t know what to do since he doesn’t realize she’s in the room. She steps next to the bed, touches his arm in comfort and tells him she’s here for him. When she lets go of his arm, his hands fly off his head and he hugs her tightly to his sweaty body, gripping her like a vice.

  He pulls her body to a lie down position and holds her, covers them up and kisses her forehead repeatedly.

  Gracelynn’s heart is racing. She doesn’t know what’s going on. She lies still and listens to his heart calm down.

  When his breath regulates, he finally speaks. “Gracelynn, are you awake?”

  She nods.

  “I dreamt you were dead. I dreamt you died.”

  She tries to turn her body next to him, but he doesn’t let her go. He’s holding her so tight that a piece of paper couldn’t fit between them.

  “Gio, I’m real. You’re starting to hurt me. Please don’t hold me so tight,” she says as she tries to turn and see his handsome tear streaked face.

  “Oh my God. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I completely forgot you had bruised ribs, which I’m sure are probably still a bit tender. I can’t believe I was that careless.” His eyes close as if he’s truly in pain.

  She touches his beard and runs her fingers through it. It’s coarse but soft and has just enough stubble that it isn’t prickly. She loves the feel of it in her fingers. He finally relaxes as she runs her fingers through his beard, mustache and hair.

  She tells him she is getting up for a drink and asks if he would like something. He shakes his head no.

  She decides to make it quick since she can feel he’s not in a good place at the moment. As she grabs a cup from the kitchen cabinet, the voice appears again.

  ”I told you he’d need you. He can love you so much. He can make your life shine. Open your heart to the possibility of love again.”

  She turns around and again no one is there. Why does this voice have to keep coming around? She grips her necklace and immediately feels better. She knows she needs to start living and hopes Gio will want that with her too. But can he want something with her when they’re both broken?

  Chapter 37

  GIO GETS UP TO USE the bathroom while Gracelynn gets a drink. He stares at his reflection and is worried about the man in the mirror. He’s turning into a sobbing baby around this fabulous woman. He’s devastated he dreamt she died. He knows it was only a dream; but it seemed so real, as if it was playing out in real life. He tries to get himself under control and when he opens the bedroom door he gulps.

  The lovely Gracelynn lies on top of his mattress smirking at him. She wears pajama bottoms and a lovely white nightie top that shows off all her wonderful curves. He shakes his head to clear those dirty thoughts away.

  “Please come and sit with me. I need to talk with you.” She holds out her hand to him, not realizing the show of the gals she’s giving him.

  “If you keep looking at me like that, I will need you to leave because I seem to have no self-control when I’m around you.” He stares into her eyes, begging her to understand how hard this is for him. It’s scary in a sense that in four weeks he’s come to truly care so much about this woman. The woman who unexpectedly appeared will be leaving later this morning.

  “Sorry, Gio. You’re… you’re…never mind.” She bites her lip.

  “Could you please put a shirt on?”

  He chuckles and grabs a white undershirt and notices Gracelynn ogling him.

  “Again, keep thinking those dirty thoughts and see what happens, doll,” he says in a husky voice.

  “How do you know what I’m thinking?” She tries to play his game back at him.

  “I believe I’ve told you before that you bite your lip and look dreamy at me, like I’m something you could eat. Believe me. That’s exactly how I look at you.”

  She gasps. “You what?”

  “You heard me. You know how I feel about you. I’ve told you I want to take this slow considering everything we’ve both been through. I’m a hard-headed person, with a temper, sometimes jealous, demanding and I’m such a people/life hater but you brought joy back into my world,” he says softly as he sits next to her, reaching for her hand.

  He pulls her up to the headboard and puts his head on her shoulder, keeping his hand still in hers. “I hated the idea that you had died. I hated that it felt real. More real than I’ve ever felt.”

  “It’s okay. I’m here.” She rubs her fingers along his hand which gives him chills.

  “Do you believe in miracles?” she whispers.

  He nods his head. “Yes, why?”

  “Well, what would you say if I was told to go to you and that you’d need me?” she asks, looking at him seriously.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I was asleep and woke up to a voice. It told me to go to you; that you’d need me and you did,” she says, still gripping his hand.

  Gio isn’t surprised. Yes, it’s shocking but since they’ve been thrown together, they both have been experiencing some crazy, yet amazing things.

  “What is it about you that makes me believe in something more about myself and my life? You make me want to be a happy person again,” he says, pulling them down from the headboard and into the sheets. “After Lizzie died I felt bitter. That’s why my grandma gave me the bracelet. Yet, I never fully understood why she wanted me to believe and accept that things happen for a reason until I heard the voice telling me to come home and get my present. That was the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he whispers.

  He keeps thinking about all the sadness he’s endured and how he never wanted to get closer to anyone again, not until he met this beautiful angel next to him.

  He runs his fingers through her soft hair, feeling at peace. He hasn’t felt like this in so long. Not even with Lizzie did he feel this at peace.

  * * *

  Gracelynn loves the feeling of his fingers in her hair. Never has she felt more relaxed and yet saddened about the events unfolding before her very eyes. She hasn’t felt this happy, sad and at peace in a long time. Being beside him makes her feel things she thought she would never feel again. The warmth of his body and the kindness he shows her over and over again is something she’s glad to have experienced, and which she’ll cherish forever.

  “Why don’t you have a girlfriend?” she asks, enjoying the feeling of his fingers running through her hair.

  “I thought I was sort of seeing someone,” he states seriously.

  “Oh, you are? Why didn’t you tell me?” she moves away from his body, feeling betrayed.

  “Don’t go. It’s you I was talking about. I thought we were starting something here.”

  She inhales. “You meant me?”

  “Yes, Doll, meant you. There isn’t anyone else I’d like to pursue a relationship with.” He leans down, gently kissing her nose. “Why don’t we try to get some sleep? It’s been a long, tiring, interesting day.”

  He leans forward, grabs the rest of the covers and covers them up. He falls fast asleep.

  She listens to his heart beat and asks herself how she got so lucky a second time.

  Chapter 38

  MORNING COMES AND BOTH Gio and Gracelynn are wrapped around one another. Gracelynn snuggles into Gio’s chest and loves that he grips her body in a protective embrace.

  “Good morning, doll,” he sweetly states, moving a strand of hair away from her forehead.

  “What’s wrong, Gio?” she asks, touching his beard and noticing he has worry written all across his beautiful face.

  “I just thought how amazing it feels waking up to you. I got caught up in enjoying the moment and then became furious because you won’t be here with me after today.”

  “I feel the same.”
She moves her body in front of his and wraps his hand around her body like it was before.

  Just as they get back into their position, Holly barks, letting him know she needs out.

  Gio sighs. ”Alright, girl. I’ll let you out; however, I think I need to make you a doggie door.” He winks at Gracie and then gets up from the bed wearing his delectable snug, form-fitting bed pants that hang low on his hips showcasing those chiseled abs again…which only leaves her lick her lips in delight of this delectable man.

  “Doll, I told you before what would happen if you did that.” He surprises her by jumping forward and landing on top of her on the bed. He locks her hands above her head and kisses her passionately. He moves and kisses her nose, cheeks, neck and follows down until he reaches the base of her neck.

  Holly now barks louder at them, distracting him from his moment with Gracelynn.

  He moans. “Okay, Holly, fine, I’m coming,” he says, getting off the bed. As he’s about to leave the room, he turns back to Gracelynn.

  “Told you I’d do something about it if you did that again. That’s just an appetizer. So if you don’t want the main course, I suggest your butt is out of bed by the time I come back.”

  Gracelynn is speechless. She never dreamed that he’d actually do what he promised. Guess he means what he says. As he leaves the room, she’s breathless and longing for more but decides it’s best she does get up for the day.

  Sensible boots, a white sweater and dark jeans will work perfectly for her today. She puts her hair in a ponytail and applies minimal makeup.

  She starts gathering up her belongings so she doesn’t have to do that later and that reminds her she wants to place a gift on Gio’s bed before she leaves.

  She emerges from the room and goes into the kitchen to decide what they’ll have for breakfast. She glances around this spectacular place and smiles, imagining this being her daily life. That thought makes her feel guilty and suddenly she feels like she’s betraying her Angelo.

  All of a sudden warm hands are around her torso.

  “Don’t frown, doll. I’m sad and happy too. Were you thinking of Angelo?” Gio questions her.

  He brings his hands around her body and she can smell that heavenly scent that’s only his.

  “Yes,” she whispers, and allows herself to enjoy Gio’s familiar warmth.

  “It’s okay. I know he’ll always have a piece of your heart. Don’t feel bad for enjoying time with me. I’d never want to take Angelo’s place.” He grips her body tighter and points to her ring.

  She understands what he’s trying to convey and loves him all the more for what he just said.

  Just as they embrace again, there’s a knock at the door. Gracelynn opens the door to find Grandma Anne looking jubilant.

  “Hello, dear. Don’t you look amazing this morning? I love what you’ve done to your hair,” Anne tells her as she hugs her. “Don’t blush, dear. I know I came in at just the right time before anything more than hugging occurred.” She winks and lets go of Gracelynn before she can respond. “Gio, where are you?” Grandma yells.

  “Don’t mind Grandma, Grace.” Kat sighs and gives her a friendly hug.

  Kat and Gracelynn enter the kitchen after their hug to find Gio and Anne in a heated debate.

  “What are you going to do about it, Gio?” Anne speaks in a hushed tone. “I know you care about her… ask her if she’ll stay. She’s wonderful for you.” She tries to reach for Gio’s hand, but he won’t let her.

  “Grandma, I love you… I do. But what happens between Gracelynn and I is honestly none of your concern. Please drop it.”

  Gracelynn clears her throat and it gets both of them to stand up tall and put fake smiles on their faces.

  “Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m hungry. Can we start making something to eat?”

  Everyone agrees and they start their meal.

  Half an hour later, they’re having breakfast when Gio pops a question at her. “So Gracelynn, can you let Grandma know your decision regarding Xavier?”

  Gracelynn shrugs her shoulders. “Xavier needs some serious help. I think he should go to jail for six months or at least have six months of house arrest or community service at the Vet clinic due to cruelty to animals as well as anger management classes. ” She wraps her arms around her body as if protecting herself and continues. “I don’t think he’s a bad person, but I think he really needs help and should be on probation for at least one year, or something. I will call and speak with Officer Hughes before I leave town. I won’t drop the charges.”

  They all start discussing something else to move on from the horrible ordeal.

  The rest of the morning they talk about a variety of things, ranging from getting her phone number and address in Layton Hills to when she will be returning. She’s truly sad she’ll be leaving this magnificent town and the friends she’s made though.

  She hugs Anne and Kat as they leave and promises to call them once she’s settled in. Both Anne and Kat have come to be like true family to her; which leaves her saddened.

  It’s one pm by the time both ladies left. She had wanted to be out of New Hope by two… The next hour goes by fast and when she’s ready to leave, it feels like her heart is being ripped apart.

  She goes back into the bedroom to grab her items and sneaks into Gio’s room to place his present on his bed. She comes out holding her belongings, only to find Gio on the sofa. He looks sad, lonely and when he sees her that changes. He beams with happiness when looking at her. He looks exactly how she feels at this very moment.

  “Come sit with me for a few minutes before you leave,” he asks, holding his hand out to her.

  She doesn’t hesitate. She goes to him and accepts his warm embrace. “Promise me you’ll call me the minute you get home.”

  “I will. I think I can make it home in one piece.” She smiles, trying to lighten the last few minutes she has with him. “We’ll have to Skype, email and phone one another,” she says as she starts to feel tears begin in her eyes. She promised herself she wouldn’t cry in front of him.

  He grips her hand and pulls her next to him, and kisses her. When he breaks away from her, it’s with sadness.

  “You bet your ass I’ll be contacting you. I want to be a part of your life.”

  Holly jumps on the couch and gives them kisses. They laugh and enjoy their last moments together watching the fire crackle and sizzle like their beating hearts. The warmth of the fire is a perfect metaphor for their hearts. They were once cold, but when the fire started, it brought them back to life.

  She looks down at her watch and realizes it is two fifteen. “It’s time for me to go.”

  She gets up and moves to the living room, grabs her items, her coat and waits for Gio and Holly to come towards her.

  “I don’t want you to leave, Gracelynn. You have my heart,” Gio tells her genuinely.

  She looks up at him, surprised and amazed by his words as he reaches for her hand and places it on his heart like he did a few days prior. “Don’t look so surprised, doll. You’ve stolen my heart the moment I opened the door and saw you, even if you did call me the wrong name.”

  She doesn’t say a word as she puts on her coat. She opens the door and walks to her car. Gio leans towards her as she’s about to enter the car and stops her.

  “Goodbye, Gracelynn.” He tips her chin up to look into her eyes.

  She knows his eyes will haunt her until she gets to see him again. She pulls him in for a hug whispering goodbye. She feels the tears starting and she doesn’t want him to see. “You’ve stolen my heart as well.” She grips his body, feeling snow falling on them and starts laughing.

  “What’s so funny, sweetness?” He looks at her like she’s lost her head.

  Gracelynn doesn’t know why Gio always seems to make her laugh. He always seems to know what to do to make
her happy. He’s much like his brother in that regard, and yet they’re so different that it’s shocking. She feels she can open her heart again to the possibility of love but it makes her angry that they live four hours away from one another.

  She questions herself while in his warm embrace, wondering if that saying about falling in love at first sight is true. She thought Angelo was breathtaking too the moment she saw him; but she never had this magnetic pull she feels she has with Gio. He owns her heart now and it makes her hope he doesn’t break it because she’s not sure what would happen if it broke again.

  They let go of one another and Holly jumps on her leg. Gracelynn leans down and pets Holly goodbye. She leans in one more time and kisses Gio with a jaw-dropping kind of kiss that leaves them both breathless. She pulls away and sees lust and love sparkling in his eyes.

  “See you soon. Please call me when you get home,” he tells her again, grabbing Holly so she can get into her car.

  “See you soon, sexy.”

  He laughs. “And what else are you supposed to tell me?”

  She shrugs her shoulders and speaks in a monotone voice, “I’ll call you when I get home.” She laughs at herself thinking it would be funny, but when she looks at him, it’s obvious he didn’t find it amusing.

  “I mean it, Gracelynn. Please call me the minute you get home. I’ll be worried sick until I hear from you.”

  “I’ll be fine. I promise to call you the minute I pull up to my house.”

  She shuts the door and starts driving away in the snow. She glances in the rear view mirror as she drives away, noticing Gio and Holly standing in the exact same spot. Both look like they have lost their best friend, and while she drives away, she feels the exact same way.

  Chapter 39

  THE THREE AND A HALF HOUR drive has been the worst. Every song on the radio makes Gracelynn think of Gio or Angelo. She’s very happy that Ben and Cassie made her go on this so-called vacation though. She’s alive and open to the idea of falling in love again. She realizes she’s about fifteen minutes away from home and decides to call Gio. She puts it on hands free mode.