Hart’S Awakening

By J.L. Ruble

What do you do when you are so lonely you can barely breathe? What do you do when you are so lonely all you can do is cry?
That is Grace Harts life. She hasnt been on a date or been with a man in over five years. Suddenly, a handsome man walks unexpectedly into her life and threatens to change all that.
As usual fate likes to dabble in Graces life. Just as her personal life seems to be heading in a positive direction, her career is thrown into a tail spin. Her old boss is replaced with a demanding and overbearing new boss, who just happens to be devastating gorgeous.
Grace is trying desperately to sort out her personal and professional lives when she thinks someone is watching her. She cant decide if its real or if its all in her mind. Will things work out for Grace or will she be taken by a stalker shes not even sure really exists?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491841143

J.L. Ruble

J. L. Ruble is a practicing veterinarian in a rural area in Ohio. She enjoys reading in her spare time when she’s not working on the farm, taking kids to soccer, or showing cattle with her two children.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

It had been another long day just like all the others. She had performed the same routine as she had everyday for the last five years. Get up, get ready, go to work and come home… alone… again. She was so depressed, so lonely, and hopelessly lost.

Grace could have taken the bus home or even a cab, but since it was a short walk and even though it was raining, she thought it would drown out the tears she would shed again as she walked home. She loved her warehouse loft apartment. It was open and had very little privacy, but since it had been just her for the last five years she really didn’t mind.

She loved her job as an executive assistant to the CEO of Hamilton Enterprises. She was not just a simple secretary, but was literally John’s right arm. He was an amazing boss and she had learned so much over the years from him. He had taught her about advertising and how to help create a great slogan or campaign for a new product. However, John was getting older and would one day, maybe soon, be thinking of retirement and enjoying his grandchildren. Grace was not sure what would happen to her and her career if someone new came in or the company actually closed. Over the years Hamiltons had slowly lost some of its larger clients, and while it was in no way losing money, it was also no where near the powerhouse ad agency it had once been.

Grace, however, couldn’t worry about the companies future tonight. It had been a very long day at work. Her best friend Sue had called to tell her about the great guy she had met on her trip overseas and her friend Sandy at work had announced her engagement. Grace felt so helplessly lost and couldn’t remember what it was like to have a man hold her, kiss her, make love to her, and she couldn’t remember the last time she had even noticed a man look at her. She was by no means homely. Grace was only 5 ft 5, had long brown hair, brown eyes, and had a modest build. Grace was not thin or heavy, but had just the right curves in just the right places. However when she looked in the mirror, she saw anything but Grace. She had always thought her mother should have named her Plain Jane instead of Grace.

So today was nothing special, she walked home alone in the rain so no one could notice the occasional tear falling.

When she arrived home, she couldn’t decided what to do—cook a meal, microwave something quick, or just settle for a bowl of cereal. She never quite seemed to think it was worth dirtying the kitchen to just cook for one. She had always loved to cook growing up and even in college for her roommate, but her parents had moved east to Florida and since she lived alone, she felt isolated and abandoned in Seattle.

Grace dried herself, slipped into a pair of comfy pajamas, fixed a bowl of cereal and settled in for a long night of watching Law & Order reruns. Suddenly something startled Grace and she shot up off the couch like a rocket. The room was dark. She hadn’t remembered falling asleep and she realized quickly that she had spilled her milk from the cereal, but something had startled her. Had she been dreaming? Had she heard a noise? Was someone watching her? She couldn’t be sure, but suddenly she felt uneasy about something or someone. Suddenly there was a scream from the television and she almost jumped out of her skin again.

After cleaning up the milk and checking the time, it was only 1 am. How could she go back to sleep. She had goose bumps, was restless and couldn’t shake the strange feeling something was about to change. The next thing she knew the alarm was going off and she jumped out of bed again. She couldn’t remember what had woken her or kept her awake. Why had she been so restless? Why all of a sudden did she not feel quite so lonely.

Grace quickly got ready and made her way to work. Today was one of the few days when the sun was actually shining in Seattle and she enjoyed the early morning sun on her face. She actually looked forward to work today for some reason… it certainly wasn’t from a good nights sleep.

Grace quickly made her way to her desk, checked messages, and started organizing the days files and schedules for John. She was by no means skipping but she had a good feeling today and felt better than she had in awhile. The rest of the day played out uneventfully as did the rest of the week.

On Friday it was typical that a small group go across the street for a beer or three. This week was no exception as there was an engagement to celebrate, but even that didn’t depress Grace. She sat and visited longer than usual and drank a little more than usual. She for once was actually the last one to leave. The sunny morning had carried over to a beautiful day and even more pleasant evening. Against her better judgment, Grace decided to walk home. It was a lovely evening, not too cool, but cool enough to be refreshing. She knew the streets were not always safe this time of night, but she couldn’t help herself. The apartment wasn’t far and today had been such a refreshing change. As she started into the night, she realized she was a little more tipsy than she expected. She could feel the slight sway and swirl of the sidewalk under her feet and the occasional blur to the street lights overhead, but the night air was so refreshing and clean she couldn’t help but take her time. She was very close to home when she felt as if someone had touched the back of her neck. She froze. She could feel the small hairs on the back of her neck stand and a chill ran down her spine. She stood very still appraising the situation in her mind. She slowly turned and studied the doorways, shadows, and empty alleys around her. While she couldn’t see or hear anything, she couldn’t quite shake the feeling that someone or something was there. After convincing herself it was merely her dizzy slightly intoxicated state that was playing tricks on her so she hurried home. Relieved to be home and exhausted from the previous night she collapsed and went to sleep in just her shirt and panties without even changing.

Saturday she awoke refreshed. She felt like she had slept for days. Of course she had a slight headache from the beverages from the evening before, but she couldn’t believe it was almost 10am when she rolled over. She decided today was the day she was going to change her life, no more pity parties and no more depression. She was going to make things happen. She didn’t expect to meet a knight in shining armor or become a model, just a few subtle changes to make her feel better and brighter.

Grace went off to the mall. She bought herself a new outfit, got her hair done, and got a manicure and pedicure. She felt great. She was no where near ready for a walk down the red carpet, but she felt better than she had in months. She treated herself to dinner at a small Italian restaurant down the street from her apartment. They made the best lasagna and she couldn’t wait to dig in when she got the feeling someone was watching. She didn’t feel upset or nervous, just watched. As she scanned the room she noticed the blonde at the bar. His back was to her. She couldn’t see his face, yet something seemed familiar. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it. She went ahead and started her meal. The lasagna had the same great flavor she remembered. She couldn’t remember why she hadn’t come back in so long. As she looked up to find the waitress to ask for a refill on her wine, there he stood not 5 feet from her. She was so startled she lost her breath and couldn’t focus. She was taken by his strong large frame. He stood almost 6 feet tall, had gorgeous blonde hair in a short style, blue eyes and broad shoulders. She was sure his shirt had to conceal a perfect wash board abdomen and a waist she could imagine wrapping her legs around until she… . Oh my what was she thinking. Suddenly a spark of familiarity crossed her as he smiled at her. She knew him. She couldn’t place from where, then it hit her like a ton of bricks. It was Zach. She had met him in high school. He had been a junior when she was a freshman. They’d never dated, but she had always had a crush on him. She had worked in the office at school where she had met him. He had, of course, been the quarter back and had been the most popular guy in school. Needless to say he never knew she existed socially except to say hi in passing.

Zach had gone off to college to play football. She had ended up at the same college where they met again at a party. They had danced and seen each other a few times before he was injured and dropped out of school. An ACL tear had ended his football career.

Suddenly, reality kicked in and she could hardly form a sentence. He was standing here, the one she had always had a crush on, the one she thought was the cutest boy and now the most handsome man she had ever seen.

Don’t I know you? he said with a sly devilish smile.

Grace finally regained control. I believe so she said. My name is Grace Hart. She extended her hand in a friendly gesture. As he shook it she enjoyed the warmth of his touch.

Oh yeah. I knew you looked familiar. It’s me Zach Masterson. We saw each other in college a few times before…. he didn’t finish the sentence.

Yes, Grace lied, like she had just remembered who he was. They stood gazing into each others eyes not letting go until she realized it felt like an eternity had passed even though she knew it had only been a few seconds. Suddenly she jerked and cleared her throat with a gracious blushing I’m sorry as she released his hand. She just then noticed she had been the first to let go. He shot her a quick smile as he then released her now warm moist palm.

No problem, he said with a smile. I’m glad to see a friendly face, especially such a pretty one. She blushed again.

How long have you lived in Seattle? Zach asked.

Just over 5 years, and you? Grace replied.

They continued to talk for hours, reliving old times, gossip from home and college. They discussed Zach’s injury, how it had affected him, and what it had done to pull himself back together after watching his dreams get crushed.

Grace could not remember when she had such a nice evening. It had been ages since she had felt this way. Finally they realized the restaurant was closing. She could not believe how long their evening had lasted. Suddenly Grace was worried. She did not want the evening to end, but she also did not want to seem desperate.

Well I guess it’s time to go, she said without making eye contact. She was afraid her expression would give her longing away.

Come, I’ll walk you home. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I kept you out so long and something happened to you walking home this time of night Zach said.

Actually I only live a few doors down, Grace couldn’t believe the words came out of her mouth even as she said them. The last thing she wanted was for this evening to be over.

Well I guess it will be a short walk then, Zach said with a gorgeous smile.

He helped her with her packages and they quietly walked the short distance to her warehouse apartment. She so wanted to invite him up, but she was sure he would notice her desperation and she didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. As they quietly stood at the door step, neither knew what to say and neither wanted the night to end.

Well this is it Grace finally said with a regretful tone she meant to hide.

Would you like some help getting your packages in? Zach said with an anxious tone that he had meant to hide.

Thank you, but I can manage, Grace said. She didn’t want to, but she needed to take a stand even though her weak shaky legs and her need not to be alone said something different in her tone.

Well I really enjoyed tonight, Zach said. Actually my schedule is pretty crazy, but I would love to get together again for dinner or a lunch one day next week, whatever would work best for you.

That would be great, Grace said.

They exchanged phone numbers. As Grace took her packages, Zach drug his fingers across the back of her hand as he handed her his bag. She froze. She was unsure of the connection, if there was a connection, but something deep inside her stirred. Unsure if it was his touch or the longing of any mans touch at this point. It had been so long since she was touched, held, or had awoke next to a man. She could not remember when, but she longed for it now. Longed to be wanted, held, loved.

Suddenly she snapped back to reality again, blushed, and excused herself.

As she went up the elevator to her apartment, she felt lonely, but also rejuvenated. There was a hope, a longing, a wanting stirring deep inside her. A want that would need to be filled. Not tonight and probably not tomorrow night, but soon this need was going to boil to the surface and would have to be dealt with.

CHAPTER TWO

The next work week rolled around sooner than she had hoped. She had not called Zach. She did not want to seem desperate or too anxious. She was dying to though. She had lost count of how many times she had picked up the phone to call. How many times she had even almost finished dialing the number before she hung the phone up. She couldn’t be the first one to call. She just thought it would make her seem too available, too desperate, which of course was true.

So the work week began and went as usual. Again on Friday everyone was planning their weekly trip to the bar. Graces good mood had slightly faded as the week went on. She was no where back to her previous state of depression and misery, but she felt as if some of the air was leaking out of her happy state since last weekend. She was so disappointed she had not heard from Zach all week. She must have picked up her phone a hundred times this week. She just couldn’t get up the courage to call. By this point, she was pretty sure he had changed his mind about going out with her.

As she exited the building lagging behind the group headed across the street, she had an unexpected visitor waiting leaning against his patrol car. Grace almost ran into the back of the group of ladies in front of her that had stopped to drool at the gorgeous blonde.

Zach smiled and looked past the group straight at Grace. He walked right past them and planted a big bear hug on Grace as he picked her feet off the ground like she weighted no more than a feather. Only then could she appreciate how strong and firm his chest and biceps were. She almost forgot the group of coworkers with their mouths hung open until he set her down and she realized everyone was watching them like they were stripped naked and running through the street with their hair on fire.

Hum, Zach these are my friends from work, Grace said as she introduced him to everyone and explained that they were heading across the street for the usual Friday refreshments after a long week.

Would you like to join us?, Peggy the all too eager beaver in the office asked.

Grace knew what Peggy was trying. Anytime she saw a man with another woman it was always like a challenge or a gauntlet that someone had thrown at her.

Sure Zach answered, before Grace had a chance to say anything.

They all crossed the street together without a word spoken. Grace still couldn’t believe how Zach had swept her up and in front of everyone like that. She was embarrassed and yet excited at the same time.

As soon as they found a table, Zach held a chair out for Grace and pulled one next to her for himself. No sooner than they had gotten comfortable Peggy had her head in her hands blinking her eyelashes like she had a pound of dust in them and asked Zach, So how long have you two been dating?

Oh, Grace said quickly, we know each other from years ago, we’re not dating.

Oh really Peggy said as she shot a I will take you home tonight and tie you to my bed look at Zach.

Zach was quick on the draw though. Before Grace even had a chance to think about being jealous or how she felt about Peggy’s comment, Zach added Well at least not yet. We’re still working out some details. He followed with a quick shoulder bump and a wink to Grace. She could barely make eye contact. Her face flushed a bright pink. So pink she thought she may have to shed her suit jacket because she felt like she was going to break out in a sweat.

With that Zach’s beer arrived. He leaned back like a big comfy teddy bear, took a long swig, and put an arm around Grace.

She was so stunned she almost spilled her drink. She didn’t know what to do. She could feel all eyes gleaming with envy as this gorgeous man was claiming her to be his, at least that’s what it felt like. She didn’t know how to act. Her life had turned 180 degrees in the opposite direction from where she was this morning. She couldn’t believe how her luck was changing. She was almost afraid she would wake up from a dream. If this was a dream, she didn’t want to wake up, not ever. She may finally have a chance of not waking up alone.

The evening went as normal except for the gorgeous man sitting next to her. She had a good time, but not too good this week. She didn’t want the alcohol to get the best of her senses. If something was to happen, she wanted to be sure she could remember and be in control of her actions.

Finally people started leaving, but they continued to talk until after midnight. It was like no one else was around.

Well as much as I hate to leave, I really should go. It’s been a long week, Grace said. Although the tone she said it with screamed please don’t go.

Come on, Zach said. He stood, pulled back her chair, and helped her with her jacket. They walked out without a word. He walked her home. Again quietly without much of a word said, but this time he was so close she could feel, hear and smell his breath. Oh and whatever that cologne was smelled so sweet. She wanted to bury her nose in his neck and run her hands through that beautiful blonde hair as she smelled him… all of him.

As they reached her doorstep, she was at a loss. She hated to seem him go, she hated to ask him up, but she knew they couldn’t stand there forever. She wanted this night to last. She couldn’t just let him go. He stood and stared at her for what seemed like an eternity. Neither saying anything.

So you’re a cop, Grace stated and asked in an unsure manner trying to keep the evening going.

Yeah, Zach said. Actually, I’m a detective. He said with a sly proud smile. He leaned in closer and proceeded to carry on the conversation telling her about his career, but all she could do was stare at his gorgeous face. Breathe in his essence. Stare into those beautiful eyes.

Suddenly without warning, he leaned in and gave her a kiss. Not a long kiss but a soft sweet delicious kiss. She couldn’t breathe. While it lasted for only a few seconds, she felt like it lasted forever. A sweet red tinge showed in her cheeks even though the light in the doorway was not bright, she was sure he could tell how much she had enjoyed it.

She couldn’t look him in the eye. She could only look down, afraid he would see the loneliness and desperation in her face. Her longing for a mans touch.

He took her chin and tipped it up to where he could see her. Truly see her. She finally met his gaze and again flushed a pink. He stared at her for a long time, a very long time. Then he leaned down for another long kiss, this time a little harder, and this time he let his tongue slip through her ever so willing lips to explore the inside of her delicious mouth. She met him stride for stride with the kiss and eventually lifting her hand to run it through his silky soft hair. He suddenly pulled her close, so close she wasn’t sure she could breathe. He lifted her from the ground and pressed her to the doorway. While the kiss lasted only a minute, Grace was dizzy. Her head was spinning and her legs shaking she didn’t know where the night was going, but she knew it was no where near over.

Grace had missed this, the contact of a man, and the feeling of being held. She finally managed to catch her breath and regain her footing. As he looked at her, she knew she needed more.

Would you like to come up for a few minutes, or do you have to go?, Grace asked not sure if she really should be doing this or if she should just go upstairs alone. Alone was not what she wanted or needed, but alone was safe. She wasn’t sure she was ready for this. She thought maybe she should just let things ride. When she left for work this morning, she was alone as she had been for the last five years, but now she had just made an offer that could change things for her… change things big.

Zach looked at her with a want and a need that she had not seen in a man’s eyes since she couldn’t remember when. And she could feel with the brush of his hand down her cheek and his thumb across her lower lip that he too wanted more. The question was how much more… one night stand, a few dates, or more, but she had put the offer out there. She couldn’t take it back. He had a large sly grin come across his lips.

You have no idea little lady how much I would like to take you up on that offer. You are all I’ve thought about this week. I couldn’t get up the nerve to call you, but I had to see you. When you came out of that building tonight, I could think of nothing but taking you into may arms, holding you, kissing you, and more. Unfortunately, I have an early shift tomorrow.

That’s ok, Grace quickly blurted out as she looked away trying not to show her disappointment as she fumbled for her keys looking for a retreat. Looking for a way to take his eyes away from her embarrassment to shift the focus anywhere but on the rejection.

Zach immediately sensed Graces turn in attitude and that she was trying to escape. As she quickly tried to unlock the door, she dropped her keys. She was so close to tears, so close to having what she had longed for, so close to this gorgeous man, yet all she could do was think about escape.

Zach slowly bent down and picked up her keys. As he stood slowly he looked up and caught her eyes. He could see the hurt and disappointment. As he stood he took her yet again with a longer, deeper, more passionate kiss which almost took him off his feet this time.

If you had given me a minute to finish, I was going to tell you I would like to take a rain check for tomorrow night. I get off work early and would like to come by for dinner. A quiet private dinner for two. I will be more than happy to bring take out or a pizza. I didn’t mean you have to cook. That is if you don’t have any plans.

Grace regained her composure. Suddenly feeling foolish and embarrassed, I’d love it if you came tomorrow and yes I can cook. I’ve been looking for a reason to use the kitchen. Any particular likes or dislikes?

As long as you’re there, that’s all I need. With that Zach gave her the keys, kissed her on the forehead, and retreated down the street towards his cruiser. Of course, he looked back to be sure she made it in the door safely and to give a quick wave.

Grace could not believe the turn of events in her life in such a short period. Two weeks ago she could have sat in a corner and cried for hours. Now she would probably not be able to sleep in anticipation of tomorrows events. She could not let herself read too much into this though. If she allowed herself to get in too deep too fast, she wasn’t sure she would be able to recover if things didn’t work out. She just didn’t know the answer to that question. Was she really ready for this? Maybe she had misunderstood. Maybe he just wanted to spend some time with an old friend. Her swollen throbbing lips told her otherwise from the kisses from the evening’s good-bye. But still she had to be careful. She had to be sure this was not just a one night stand, although she was pretty sure if that is what he wanted he would have come up to the apartment and she was sure she would have obliged in that request. She knew she didn’t have it in her to turn him down. Yet she wasn’t sure she would be able to recover from being used as a one night stand.

Well, she would just have to wait and see. She would have to try to be strong and try to resist, if that was even possible. How was she ever going to get to sleep.

The next thing Grace knew, the sun was up and it was nine. She had no idea how she had slept so sound. She barely remembered going to bed. She had so much to do. She needed to go grocery shopping, straighten up the apartment and most of all get herself ready. She had to look her best and be prepared. She didn’t want to seem too eager, but