Chosen Heart (11 page)

Even when Autumn approaches, I’m
unable to hide my excitement as I beam at her. 

“Who are the flowers from,
Elyssa?”

“There’s a note, but no one
signed it.  Guess I have a secret admirer.”  I am giddy as Autumn
pouts as she walks away muttering something about never getting
flowers.  

~~~~~

Arianna treated me to lunch
today, and our silly banter didn’t last long, as memories of my childhood crept
into our discussion.  I sometimes forget how long she’s been in my life,
and how long she knew my mother.  It was nice hearing her acknowledge my
accomplishments, but, when she reminded me that my parent’s would have shared
in her pride, my heart clenched.  It’s always hard thinking about them,
comprehending they will never get to be there for any my achievements.

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.”

“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.