Chosen Heart (The Hart Series) Read online

  CHOSEN HEART

  by

  Ann Stewart and Stephanie Nash

  Copyright © 2013 Ann Stewart and Stephanie Nash

  All Rights Reserved

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any place, events, or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination or are used factiously. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes. If you are reading this book and you have not purchased it or won it in an author/publisher contest, this book has been pirated. Please delete and support the author by purchasing the e-book from one of its many distributors.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19:

  CHAPTER 20

  CHAPTER 21

  CHAPTER 22

  CHAPTER 23

  CHAPTER 24

  EPILOGUE

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR’S

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  PROLOGUE

  Thursday, October 18, 2012

  Looking past my bleak reflection, a neon sign hangs in the window of the bar. The word “OPEN” appearing garish in bright neon red, that four letter word describes exactly how I’m feeling; open…exposed…vulnerable. With a sigh, my eyes turn back towards my unrecognizable reflection. Dark circles encompass my bloodshot eyes. My usual vivacity is nowhere to be seen. Instead, the puffiness of my eyelids show the hours of tears I’ve shed.

  “Coward!” I silently mouth to my reflection. Unable to move from the car, I cower in the darkness avoiding confrontation. I know what’s about to occur. A battle of the heart is not something that comes easily, not something that one can be prepared for.

  Gripping the steering wheel, I close my eyes momentarily. Breathe Ely! Just breathe! I steady myself as I slowly lift the handle. “I guess what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I repeat the words attempting to calm my erratic breathing. Reaching behind, I pull my tussled ponytail tighter and finally exit the car and make my way towards the front door.

  A man wearing tight jeans and a sweat stained t-shirt walks towards me making no attempts at subtlety as his eyes take me in, setting squarely on my behind. I roll my eyes and quicken my step to avoid his unwanted attention. Pig! I practically have “fuck off” tattooed on my forehead and it still doesn’t stop him from making a comment about my ass. He snorts and lets out a loud belch. In that instant I’m reminded of why I’ve stayed away from dives like this. Ignoring my growing irritation, I take another deep breath and enter the bar.

  The smoke filled room is overwhelming as I take a few steps beyond the front door. I scan the seats as “Red Light” by David Nail plays on the speakers. What an appropriate song to set the mood. Swallowing the lump growing in my throat, I fight back tears as my eyes continue their search. Reaching the far corner past the row of pool tables, my eyes finally rest on him. He looks disgustingly attractive with his unshaven face and brown disheveled hair, as he sits by himself with a small glass filled with an auburn liquid. He lacks his normal wardrobe of a suit and matching tie. Instead, he’s wearing a black button-up with dark blue jeans; his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

  His unnerving blue eyes follow me as I walk towards him, and as I approach him the all too familiar pull of anticipation sweeps over me. Standing, he pulls out a chair. I’ve always loved his level of mannerism, even under circumstances like these. Purposely, I walk past him and sit at the chair on the opposite side. I can’t be near him right now. Being in such close proximity might bring me to my knees, somewhere I’m already too close to being. He sighs heavily, pushing the chair back in and returns to his seat across from me.

  Staring blankly at his drink, his fingers run over the scratches on the tarnished table. His eyes look heavy as if he hasn’t slept for days, but even with our matching dark circles he is painfully beautiful. Knowing how far we’ve come, to take such a leap backwards, has gutted us both, and it’s evident with each dark shadow.

  “Why did you want to meet me here, Alex?” I question as I glance down at my knotted fingers. Neither one of us are making eye contact, we stare at everything except each other.

  “We needed to talk,” he mumbles still toying with the grooves in the table.

  “I really don’t know what else there is to say,” I respond, solemnly. “Let’s not do this to each other…”

  “Elyssa…” Alex interrupts me. “Just let me get this out.” Closing his eyes momentarily, he pauses while searching for the words that he wants to say. “You are perfect,” he declares. “Sitting here looking at you makes me forget the past two days of utter hell I’ve had to deal with.” His words make me melt. A knot begins to build in my throat. He can’t do this to me. To us.

  “This,” Alex gestures between the two of us, “This isn’t us. We are sitting here not looking at one another, not saying the words that need to be said. Don’t you think I deserve something? Some semblance of an answer? Can you give me that at least?” He stares at me, searching for a glimmer of hope that his words have not fallen on deaf ears. “The last time I saw you…I’m just at a loss for words. I don’t understand.”

  For a moment my defenses drop and with soft eyes I lift my head, finally making eye contact; willing myself not to cry. No Ely, you have to bring yourself to the sobering reality that you have been placed in. Letting him get under your skin will only bring more pain.

  “What do you want from me, Alex? What do you want me to say?”

  “What happened to us? How did we get here?” The expression on his face darkens, his eyes searching my face.

  The looming questions at hand linger in the smoke filled air as Alex stares at his empty shot glass. I look around the bar, searching for a sign on how to answer the prolonged questions. How did we get here? In every way possible, Alex and I are perfect for one another. If it wasn’t for my deal with the devil, then I would give into him. I would let him take me home and make love to me. We would forget our pasts and just lose ourselves in one another.

  How did we get here? I’m not so sure anymore. I tilt my head back thinking back to the past six weeks. Six weeks that have permanently changed my life. It’s when I first started with Salerno Health and also the first time I laid eyes on him.

  CHAPTER 1

  Monday September 17, 2012

  Escaping the cool breeze of the building, the sun blasts me with intense warmth that stills me right outside the door. The balmy summer air feels lovely against my skin as I take a moment to revel in the last days of summer. Las Vegas in the morning is possibly the only time during the summer that you can sit and enjoy the weather. By the end of the day, I’ll be thankful summer is almost over since it feels like living in the depths of hell. People say that dry heat is better than humidity, but let’s face it, hot is hot. These are probably the same people that think Las Vegas locals live on the strip and rent hotel rooms by the day. Little do they know that the life of
the city is outside of the hustle and bustle of the strip.

  Being known for attracting vagrants, chronic gamblers, and alcoholics, Las Vegas is more than the catch phrase “whatever happens here, stays here.” The beauty of the dessert surrounds the valley and the vast mountains cradle the city like a nurtured child. But just like any city, the metropolis is heavily regulated by our local police and I’m truly thankful, although there are areas that I don’t frequently visit, especially after dark.

  I’m feeling slightly nervous considering my choice of wardrobe this morning has already attracted the unwanted attention of the laborers loitering in the nearby parking lot. I ignored their whistles when I entered the gas station to pick up a pack of gum and some water, but I can’t help but fidget as I gracefully walk back towards my car.

  Resting just above my knee line, my dress flares flirtatiously yet is still professional enough for my first day of work. I decided to jump ship and start the next chapter of my life a month ago. Accepting the position as a Sales Executive at Salerno Health was a no brainer. The CEO, Arianna Salerno, is well known in the insurance community, and her reputation precedes her as very generous, yet extremely demanding.

  I, of course, know her on a completely different level. Arianna was my mother’s closest friend before she passed away. “Sorority sisters for life,” was their motto, which is why my mother always referred to her as my Aunt Arianna. If it wasn’t for my older sister Rachel stepping in, she would’ve been the mother figure in my life. As it was, Rachel would’ve never allowed anyone else to raise me. She felt it was her duty, and she did a remarkable job, if I do say so myself.

  When I applied for the position at SHI I thought my employment was a done deal, but when Arianna told me I had to interview, I almost lost it.

  “I can’t show favoritism,” she explained. I understood, but I desperately needed the position. I wasn’t just upset, I was terrified. My rent was far more than I could afford and my savings was running out due to my move. I didn’t dare ask Rachel for help, so I was depending on the position at SHI in order to cover my living expenses. If I hadn’t gotten the position, I don’t know what I would’ve done. Thank goodness it was just a formality.

  “Hi beautiful,” the raspy voice startles me, causing me to lose my train of thought and turn in surprise. His tousled appearance and soil reddened clothes give him away instantaneously. Matching the laborers nearby, I’m assuming he’s panhandling on the side while waiting for another job to drive up. That or he wanted to continue the sexual harassment they started on my way into the building.

  “Can I help you?” I question. But, just as I utter the words, my attention is drawn away from his response. I’m blinded by piercing blue eyes staring in my direction. Glancing over the laborer’s shoulder, my face feels flush as I look at the most stunning man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Exuding confidence, he leans against his sleek white BMW, hands in his pockets. Gloriously tall, his muscles are prominent in his stark black, three piece suit. His blue shirt accentuates his azure eyes, bringing more attention to his perfectly sculpted face. Catching me staring, I notice a small smirk developing on his flawless lips. Our eyes lock, and for a brief moment, all I can feel is the thumping in my chest. Flustered at my lack of subtlety, my attention is brought back to the gentleman standing in front of me.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t catch what you needed.”

  “Do you have a dollar to spare?” Looking closer, his appearance is more that of a beggar. His concaved cheeks show the lack of nutrition and my heart breaks. No one should go hungry, let alone a man that is willing to do manual labor to earn a few measly dollars. Unable to avoid looking over his shoulder, the object of my obsession is frowning in my direction and is now on alert. He appears to be attentively watching my interaction with the man in front of me, concern on his face.

  Reaching into my purse, I search for the change from my earlier purchase. Handing over a five dollar bill, I wish the gentleman a good day before I turn and head back towards my car, but not before noticing Mr. BMW shaking his head in disagreement before placing his hands back into his pockets, relaxing against his car once again.

  With a deep breath I shake my head and try to calm myself. Before getting back into the car, I can’t help but steal another glance. Looking over my shoulder at the mind-blowing man standing less than twenty feet away, he places the hose back in its harness. I can’t help but notice the view from behind is remarkable, with his broad shoulders and firm behind hiding under his tailored jacket. I hoped to have one more look into those beautiful blue eyes of his, but he never looks back as I watch him slink into his car. He knows he’s attractive and it shows in every movement of his body. I sigh as I retreat to the confines of my car.

  If only I was more forward and more confident with men, then maybe I would’ve had the courage to talk to him. Then again, I was raised that men should do the approaching and make their intentions known. But I can’t help but wonder, could he have been something fun or even something amazing? My inability to approach him will possibly forever haunt me and I will never know the sound of his voice or the feel of his touch. What are you talking about? I haven’t been interested in a man in so long, these thoughts were starting to become foreign. Quickly, I swallow my regret and brush off the feeling as I start my engine.

  Focus Ely, you don’t need any distractions, and a man that looks like that would definitely be a series of delicious distractions.

  ~~~~~

  The expansive lobby at SHI is quite impressive, definitely larger than my last job at Banks & Stone. The pale blue walls are completely bare, except for the Salerno Health logo behind the security desk. In a muted yellow, the logo is bigger than the wall of my apartment and pops against the chocolate brown terrazzo flooring.

  My vanity shows slightly as I stare at my reflection in a nearby mirror. Even after an eventful morning, my appearance is still intact. My shiny auburn hair is pinned to one side, leaving curls to fall around my face as they touch the top of my breasts. No wonder why they were whistling! My bosom is accentuated by the fitted top of my dress; professional, with a dash of enticement. I’m thankful I chose to dress with a hint of sexiness. Mr. Tall Dark and Sexy seemed to appreciate my outfit. Not that it did me any good.

  I can’t believe my mind is still focused on a man that I only laid eyes on for a few moments. I feel like a boy-crazed school girl. Except in high school, I never thought twice about any of the boys. This feeling is so completely alien to me, but I can imagine this is how it would have felt: the need to see that person, if only to pass them in the hallway to give a coy smile and a sideways glance. My heart is aflutter just thinking about him. I don’t know his name, I don’t know if I’ll ever see him again, but his face will forever be engrained in my memory.

  Thankfully, my internal obsession is broken by the security guard sitting behind a brushed-metallic desk as he greets me. Unable to hide my surprise, my brows raise. The guard is older than I would have imagined, possibly old enough to be my grandfather. A smirk spreads across my lips as I imagine him chasing an assailant throughout the halls, tackling him to the ground, breaking a hip in the process. I definitely don’t feel a sense of security knowing that he would be rushing to my aid.

  “Can I help you, Miss?” the guard inquires.

  With the smirk fleeing my face I explain, “I believe Margaret Sanders is expecting me. My name is Elyssa Hart.”

  Asking for my driver’s license, he turns to his computer. His one finger typing is causing the task to take a little longer than I would like. But instead of getting frustrated, I take a moment to observe the ambiance. The revolving door is literally spinning out of control as crowds of employees move into the lobby; echoes of footsteps reverberate against the walls. Of course, with it being so close to 8:00 a.m., the traffic is expected to pick up.

  Handing back my license, along with a temporary badge, my only instructions are to take the elevator up to the eighteenth floor. “Good luck on your f
irst day, Ms. Hart. Please let me know if you need anything.” What a sweet old man, and I can’t help but wonder why he needs to work instead of staying at home, growing old with someone. Hopefully, I get to know him and answer my unspoken questions.

  Thanking him, I attach my temporary badge to the collar of my dress and walk towards the elevators. Entering the large metal casing, I turn around to press the button for the eighteenth floor, but am startled when I come face to face with my image of male perfection standing less than a foot away from me. What the…?! Wide-eyed I stand, shocked and confused.

  Gliding to the middle of the elevator, he examines my demeanor before pushing the button for the eighteenth floor. Cautiously, I stare at him, startled at his intended destination. With a smug smile, his pouty lips part as he addresses me. “You’re going to the eighteenth floor right, Ms. Hart?” His voice is silky, deep, and masculine. How did he know my name?

  I’m stunned in silence. He suppresses a smile, “Don’t worry, I’m not a stalker. I just overheard Mr. Hodges say your name in the lobby.” I can’t imagine him stalking anyone, not that he would need to. I’m sure women throw themselves at his feet. The image of kneeling before him causes me to flush with warmth. Good God, control yourself.

  “Mr. Hodges?” I question, trying to engage him in conversation.

  “The security guard you were just speaking with,” he answers, poignantly. Oh! Who else could it have been?

  Staring at the numbers above the elevator door, he’s calm, cool and collected, while I stand shaking with excitement. He makes me nervous and my pulse quickens at his closeness. For the first time in who knows how long, I’m speechless. He’s unnerved me in a way that I never thought imaginable; but then again, I’ve never felt such an attraction to anyone else before. As I glance around the elevator with a large, awkward smile, my fingers fidget with the strap of my purse. It doesn’t last long as I feel my eyes wander in his general direction.