Chosen Heart (19 page)

Stepping out of my bedroom, I see
the back of the delivery guy, as he walks out the front door.  Green
pants?  Really?  Rachel has the biggest grin on her face, shaking the
expansive box.  I scowl at her and grab the package, just as anxious to
see what’s inside, and even more, who it’s from.

Trying to figure out the mystery,
I turn the box over, searching for the non-existent card.  In my hands is
a simple white box covered with a red velvet ribbon and bow.  Even the
ribbon looks expensive.  Setting the gift on the table, I gently rip open
the tissue paper, and pause when I see what looks like a dress. 

Carefully pulling it out with
both hands, my mouth drops open as I open up a gorgeous, long sleeve navy
sequin mini dress.  The tag says the designer is Emilio Pucci.  Never
heard of him, but then again, I only shop at stores I know I can afford, and
this dress is definitely not in any of them.  It has to be from
Alex.  I can’t decide whether it’s rude, or thoughtful.  Giving him
the benefit of the doubt, I stick with thoughtful. 

“Oh my gosh, El, who is that
from?” Rachel stammers, wide-eyed.  I flush.

What do I say?  I know I’m
allowed to give her details, but I’m at a loss for words.  This gorgeous
and mystifying man wants to take me out and get to know me better.  I
digress, “I’m sure it’s from Alex.  There isn’t a card, but we’re going
out tonight, so I’m going to assume it’s from him.  It’s definitely not
from Cole.”  I roll my eyes; what more can I say.  I frown, but hope
that Rachel doesn’t see.  I shouldn’t feel this way.  I should be
happy.  I am happy. 
Act like it, damn it!

I excuse myself to finish getting
ready as Rachel makes herself comfortable, flopping down on the couch. 
After applying moisturizer, brushing my hair and teeth, I rejoin her in the
living room, just as she turns off the television.  “After breakfast, can
we stop and get a mani-pedi? “

“Sure, it’s your day, El!” 
Rachel smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.  She’s worried about me and
I’m sure she’s going to ask twenty questions when we get to breakfast. 
Hopefully I can keep the topic on her, so I don’t have to talk about myself too
much.  Alex did say that it’s okay to tell my sister, but I wouldn’t even
know where to begin.  She worried enough about me when I was a rebellious
teenager, I don’t want her thinking I’m diving head first, being careless and
impulsive. 
Wait…I’m pretty sure that is what I’m doing.

On our way out to the car, Rachel
gets a call, giving me a chance to text Alex and thank him.  I really hope
I don’t put my foot in my mouth assuming it’s from him. 
Who else could
it be? 

**Thank you for
the gorgeous dress. I can’t wait for you to see me in it**

What I really want to say is that
I can’t wait until he’s taking it off of me.  I blush and smile
inwardly.  Oh what this man does to me.  Reaching her Prius, I peek
over to make sure Rachel’s attention is still on her phone, and not spying on
me.  She returns the look, mouthing “Bryan.”  I mouth back to her,
“Tell him hi for me.” 

I hear a ding from my phone, look
down and almost die.

*You’re welcome.
And Elyssa, as much as I want to see it on you, I can’t wait to see it on the
floor!*

I’m caught.  I must have
made a noise, because now she’s trying desperately to pry my phone out of my
fingers.  “Obviously you aren’t going to tell me what’s going on, so I
have to take matters into my own hands.”  Accidently releasing her grip, I
quickly push my phone into my purse. 

“Rach!  Nothing is going
on.  It’s just a text from Alex.  I was thanking him for the dress.”

“So, the dress
was
from
this mysterious, Mr. X?”

“Yes,” is all I can manage. 
Even when he isn’t around me, I can’t think straight.  “Can we go to
breakfast now, I’m starving.”

Rachel looks over at me through
her squinted eyes, starting the all too quiet car.  Determined, Rachel
mutters under her breath, “I will find out what’s going on with you.”

I don’t know if I was supposed to
hear her ramblings, but I did.  “Rach, there isn’t anything to figure
out.  Not right now anyways.  It’s all too soon and I don’t want to
jinx it by talking about him, or our relationship.  You know I’ve only
been involved with Cole, and trust me when I say, he is
definitely
not
Cole.  I don’t know where this is going yet, but when I do, I promise I
will let you know.  Can you drop it for now?” I ask, playfully punching
her arm.  I know she’s only being my sister, my slightly overbearing
sister.

She seems to understand, giving
me a warm smile as she turns on the radio.  Rihanna’s
Where Have You
Been
, is now blaring through her car speakers and I can’t help but smile
back at my sister.  I don’t know what I would do without her.  We
both sing loudly, as I ponder the words to the song.  Why couldn’t he have
come at a different time, a different place; somewhere less…thorny.

Regardless, I’m excited to see
him tonight, and it seems he is as well. 

**You made me
blush. I can’t wait to see you.**

~~~~~

Leaving the restaurant, we take
the short drive to the nail shop and are lucky they have time for both of
us.  As we relax and soak our feet in side-by-side chairs, I can’t shake
my worry for Rachel and Bryan’s relationship.  At breakfast, she had
mentioned she barely sees him.  With her work schedule and his night
school and odd hours with Real Estate, they are rarely home at the same
time.  Of course, she assured me everything was okay, but she wasn’t very
convincing.  I could tell something was bothering her, so I was relieved
when she decided to bring it up again.

On the verge of pouting, Rachel
answers my unspoken words from breakfast.  “I really want Bryan to ask me
to marry him.” 

“Have you guys talked about
it?  I mean, you both love each other and he’s perfect for you.  I
don’t see why you wouldn’t get married,” I respond, truthfully.

“We have and I know it’ll happen
someday, but how long do I have to wait?  I’ve always known he was the
one.”  Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she continues, “I guess I
shouldn’t try to fix something that’s not broken, but I want to marry him;
sooner, rather than later.  I just don’t know how to approach the subject
without seeming like I’m nagging him.”

“Rachel, you’ve been with him for
over four years, it wouldn’t be nagging.  I understand the pushing part,
but I’m sure it’s something he’s been thinking about, too.  You guys are
busy; maybe he doesn’t think it’s the right time.  Bryan’s with you for
the long haul.  Trust in that.  He’ll ask you.”

“Okay, okay.  You’re
right.  Enough with the heavy.  Let’s get out of here.”

Dropping me off at home, I
promise to see her tomorrow night for dinner.  Supposedly, Bryan
really
wants to see me.  Probably just wants to tease me; about what, I don’t
know.  But that’s what Bryan does.  And that’s what I love about him;
so easy and fun to be around.  Besides, it would be nice to spend some
more quality time with sister, and my hopefully soon to be brother-in-law.

~~~~~

Stepping out of the shower, I
peer over at the intimidating blue sequin dress draped against my bathroom
door.  I’m not worried that I won’t look good in it; but, it doesn’t
matter what I think.  I’m worried about what Alex will think? 
Stop
it, Ely!  You will look gorgeous, and you know it.

An hour later, with my skin
moisturizing, all I have to do is apply a little bit of blush and lipstick, and
I’ll be ready to go.  Staring back at my reflection, thinking about what
tonight may bring, I suddenly feel anxious.  He never did say where he was
taking me, and that makes me nervous.  He’s so confusing, one minute
saying no one can see us together, and now he’s taking me out for the world to
see.  And, unless he’s planning on putting a bag over my head, I don’t see
how he plans on keeping me a secret, especially with his last minute addition
to the night.  I’m sure my stunning, extremely short dress, will get
noticed.   But, that’s on him.

Dressed and overwhelmingly
satisfied with my reflection, I make my way to the kitchen to pour myself a
glass of Sangria to calm my nerves.  I don’t normally drink alone, but
I’ve been on pins and needles since five, waiting for our night to begin. 

Reading his text from earlier,
I’m startled as the doorbell rings. 
I guess the Sangria didn’t work,
after all.
  I blush again, really hoping he fulfills his
promise.  Placing my hand on the doorknob, I peek through the peephole,
and I’m floored.  Dressed in a dark grey blazer, light blue button up shirt,
and dark grey slacks, he stands casually with his hands in his pockets
.  Taking a moment, I rest my forehead against
the door. 
You will be okay, Elyssa.  You deserve some fun in your
life.
  I take a deep breath and open the door.  His insatiable smile
breaks all of the tension I’ve had for the past few hours. 

Eyes
hungrily surveying every inch of my body, head to toe, his perfect dimpled
smile lets me know he approves.  Walking in, Alex takes my hand and raises
it, twirling me in the process to get a better look.  “God, that mannequin
didn’t do the dress justice.  If I knew you’d look this incredible, I may
have thought twice before buying it.” 

Confused,
I look over my dress, smoothing out the skirt.  Alex brings me into an
embrace as he continues to dote on me.  “There’s nothing wrong with the
dress.  It’s just that now, I’ll be aware of everyone else looking at you
all night.  It’s going to drive me crazy.  I think I may have set
myself up to get in at least three fights before we even get to the
club.”  Tucking a fallen hair behind my ear, every inch of my body must be
blushing. 

“Now
you know how I feel, how I always feel around you.”  Equally confused by
my comment, Alex continues to hold me tight against his chest, waiting for my
explanation.  “Come on, you know you have an equally magnetic affect on
all women.  I feel like I’m in constant competition for your attention.”

With
a smirk, Alex whispers in my ear, “There’s no competition, Elyssa.”  When
he whispers in my ear like that, he has a direct line to my sex drive and right
now, I’d be happy not leaving the house.  “Oh, I almost forgot.  I
got you something.”  He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a perfectly
wrapped pink and black gift box, placing it into my awaiting hands. 

“Alex,
you’ve already done so much…” Raising his finger to my mouth, Alex silences my
argument, brushing his finger over my lips.  I quiver at his touch, my
eyes flutter.

“Open
it,” his eyes push my attention towards the long, slim rectangular box. 
If it wasn’t for his bright smile and dimpled cheeks, I may have pushed my
argument more, but I can’t resist him.  I should have known by the size
and weight that he would give me perfume; especially after his distaste with
Arianna’s choice of fragrance.  He’s nothing, if not thorough. 

Without
hesitation, I spray a little on my wrists before applying it to the erogenous
zones on my neck and behind my ear.  The scent is familiar, with hints of
jasmine and honey.  It’s sweet and inviting, just like the man who gave it
to me. 

Coming
closer, Alex runs his nose from my clavicle to my ear and groans in
appreciation.  “Not only do you look stunning, that scent makes you
mouthwatering.  I want you, right now.”  I shudder, already giving in
to his touch.  “But, I promised you a night out.”  With a wink, Alex
grabs my hand, leading me out the door. 

~~~~~

The
parking lot of Roy’s is busy, which I’m guessing is normal for a Saturday
night.  I’ve always wanted to go here; I’ve just never had the extra money
to splurge on a nice dinner.  “Are you looking for an invitation from the
parking stall?” I wonder out loud, as we pass the third empty space, heading
for the exit.  How odd.  “What, is your ex here?” I giggle.

I
really wish I wouldn’t have said that, because the look on his face makes me
believe that I’ve hit the nail on the head.  But, before I can dwell too
long, he responds.  Placing his hand on my bare knee, Alex runs his hand
up and down the inside of my thigh, sending shivers to all of the right places. 
“No, I just thought of a different place.” 
Sure you did.
 
But, I can’t complain, or even worry, because I’m with him.  Whatever made
him change his mind is his problem.  I resolve not to bring it up. 

Soon enough, we pull into the
valet of the Caso Casino.  Alex eagerly exits the car and hands his keys
to the valet attendant.  Rushing over to open my door, the attendant
dutifully offers his hand to help me out of the car.  As I stand, I’m
taken aback by Alex glare towards the casino employee.  I idly wonder what
he could have possibly done in the past thirty seconds to upset him, but again
decide not to worry about it.  Instead, I carefully walk around the car,
as Alex takes the slip for the Valet.  “I told you, three fights even
before the club.”  Shaking his head, Alex smirks as he places his hand on
the small of my back, leading me towards the entrance.