Read Online Chosen Heart by Ann Stewart, Stephanie Nash - Free Book Online Page A

and tattered surroundings,
I finally see her face and see her crystal blue eyes.  His eyes. 
This must be his grandmother.
    The elderly woman stares at her
grandson as she relinquishes the dark, letting the happiness return to her
face.  Her eyes no longer glossy and dazed are now fixed on the beautiful
man kneeling before her.  Lifting her hands, she cups both sides of his
face.  “Alexander, my boy!” she places a small kiss on his forehead. 
“Where have you been?  Are you hungry?  Do you want me to make you a
peanut butter and banana sandwich?”  Peanut butter and banana? 
Thanks Grandma!  You just gave me something new to ask him.
    “Hi Nana,” he smiles childlike at
her, placing his hand on hers.  She is so tiny and feeble compared to him,
making me yearn to help her.  He turns his face, kissing the palm of her
hand, before answering.  “No, you don’t have to make me anything. 
I’m fine.”
    “Why do you look sad?”  She
traces his frown lines with her index finger, barely able to hold up her hand.
    “I’ve just missed you,
Nana.  Now take your medicine, so I can help you to bed.”
    She hesitates, but after a few
moments she resigns to her fate.  Taking the pills from the woman
lingering nearby, he places them in his grandmother’s mouth.  Grabbing the
cup from the side table, he assists her with drinking two small gulps of water
and wipes away the escaped droplets from her chin with his thumb.  A small
smile appears on her lips and Alex doesn’t hesitate to return the reassuring
gesture before reaching down to help her stand.
    With a glance in my direction,
her face brightens before asking, “Who is this?”
    “This is Ms. Elyssa Hart.” 
Smiling, I raise my hand in a small waive.  Even with her age, her bright
blue eyes still glow with such life and vigor.  Gripping her arm tight, he
continues helping her to her feet.
    “She’s pretty, Alexander!” 
He smiles and nods.  “Is this your girlfriend?”
    “You’re right Nana, she is
beautiful.”  His eyes meet mine, but for just a moment, before returning
his attention to her.  “Now let’s get you to bed, okay?”  Growing
impatient, he lifts her into his arms and carries her into the adjoining room.
    My only companion smiles at his
gratifying gesture before retreating towards another bedroom down the
hallway.  “Goodnight, Ms. Hart,” she yawns, before reaching her door.
    “Night,” I whisper with a
wave.  Standing in utter amazement, I’m left alone.  I wanted to know
more about him and if only for one night, my wish has been granted. 
Meeting his grandmother is huge.  Not only has he given me a glimpse into
who he is but I also had the chance to observe him in one of the sweetest
moments ever.
    My earlier assumptions have
completely come full circle and now I’m even more fixated on him.  He’s
arrogant, impatient, and completely confusing, but he’s also protective, sweet,
and caring.  One moment he’s ready to throw down in a bar and then the
next he’s caring for his ailing grandmother.  Not to mention the fact he
called me beautiful.  He thinks I’m beautiful…
    Anxiously waiting for him to return,
I suddenly hear a guitar strumming and a muted voice on the other side of the
door.  The serenity I felt a moment ago has been washed away, making me
feel uncomfortable, like I’m witnessing something not meant for me. 
Having nowhere else to go, I listen in on his powerful voice bellowing from the
adjacent room, but can’t make out the song.  My knees begin to shake and
I’m thankful there’s a half step I can sit on, because I can almost feel myself
shatter.  He is better than my fantasy.
    Sitting on the half step, rocking
to and fro with my chin resting on my knees, he shuts the door quietly behind
him after ten minutes, startling me into a readied stance.  He must know I
heard him singing.  But, I would never bring up such an intimate moment,
not unless he spoke of it