Hart’S on Fire

By Jennifer L. Ruble

Grace Hart finally has it all. She has found the love of her life and has a successful career. So why is she worried?
In the past when Grace has been happy, fate usually decides to reek havoc with her.
She loves Gabriel unconditionally and she knows he loves her, but something keeps telling her bad things are headed her way.
Gabriel has been spending a lot of late nights at work and sometimes he doesnt come home at all.
They use to go on business trips together, but now she is left at home alone more times than not.
Grace has been getting a lot of hang up phone calls late at night and is starting to worry about strange unsigned deliveries.
So what happens when the world you have come to love and need crumbles in front of your very eyes, do you stay and fight or do you run?
Grace has to make that decision. Everything she has come to depend on crumbles to nothing. So Grace does the only thing she knows how to do, she runs.

Gabriel doesnt have an idea what has happened. Everything was perfect, so he thought, but Grace is gone. She has left no trace of where she was going.
He and Adrian start an all out nationwide search. After months, there is still no Grace, will they find her or has he lost the love of his life.

This story is about two people who have it all and lose it in the blink of an eye. Will they find their way back together or will the spend the rest of their lives wondering what happened to the other? If they find their way back together, will fate let them finally be happy or will it have more in store to throw their way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781496950796

Jennifer 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

PROLOGUE

It had been almost six months, but he trial was finally over. It had been weeks of testifying, answering questions, and being raked over the coals by Daniel’s attorney. Grace couldn’t believe they had found him guilty in the end. She would have never made it through the trial without Gabriel. He had been a godsend. He had never once left her side. He never once swayed in his support of her. Daniel’s attorney dredged up all kinds of dirt on Gabriel. He had done his best to make it look like Gabriel had set Daniel up, but in the end, she knew none of that mattered anymore. The man beside her was her Gabriel, not the old Gabriel.

Gabriel had all but moved her into his condo. She liked it there. She missed her old apartment, but she had never been able to return again for any length of time without feeling anxious or remembering the horrific events of that night. She knew she had to leave it behind to move on. She was trying to make a new life. A life that included her and Gabriel.

He had threatened to fire her if work came between them, but she knew in the end he was just joking. He was trying to put her mind at ease the only way he knew how, which was to joke. She had ever imagined a man like Gabriel could be that way, but he was. When they were alone, he showed her a side of him no one else knew. She loved that side. The side that laughed, tickled, and ran through the house like a little kid chasing someone with his favorite toy. She never knew she could be so happy.

Things weren’t always perfect. Work at times was a very difficult and hours were long. There were nights she came home alone. However, Gabriel never gave her any reason to doubt his love or commitment. The ways in which he held her and touched her only affirmed her beliefs, they were both helplessly in love.

She still couldn’t explain why she had doubts at times. Gabriel had never given her a reason, but the late night hang up phone calls when he was gone and the rose that was delivered to office every now and then without a note made her wonder if something was going on.

Gabriel had never tried to hide his sorted affairs before she had come into his life. She knew he had been with and dated a lot of women. He was a fine specimen. Any woman would kill to have one night with him, but now, he was hers. She tried not to fixate on his past and her insecurities, but it left questions in her mind sometimes. She did her best to push them aside, but sometimes those thoughts still crept in.

CHAPTER ONE

Six Months Later

Work was busy for Gabriel and Grace. They had so many new accounts that Gabriel had hired an assistant to help Grace. The company was growing by leaps and bounds, but this also meant that they less time together. There were many nights Gabriel didn’t make it home and Grace found him still working in the office the next morning. She appreciated his drive and need to exceed, but she missed their time together.

Gabriel had to do more traveling now. Since there were so many new accounts Grace couldn’t always go with him. Actually to be truthful, she was left behind more often than not. Gabriel never made Grace feel slighted in anyway, she just had a feeling she hadn’t had in a long time and that was lonliness.

She never told Gabriel about her insecurities. She wouldn’t complain. He had done so much for her and had been so good to her. She wouldn’t disappoint him with trivial insecurities. She loved him when she could and tried not to cry when she was lonely.

The company had recently aquired a new sporting goods account that could definitely put Hamilton’s on top. Grace knew Gabriel was working hard on making things happen with this account. He had deligated almost all the other accounts to others for the next few weeks while the ad campaign was getting rolling. Grace knew this meant long hours for Gabriel, but she knew the potential for the company. She could set her needs aside for him and for the company.

Grace, could you come in to the office please, Gabriel woke Grace from her day dreaming. She grabbed pen and paper and headed in.

As she walked in she heard him talking on the phone, Great… the arrangements have been made then… and the reservations….

Grace knew what this meant, a trip. She was hoping to get to go, they could use sometime away together.

Great… yes I look forward to seeing you tomorrow too… I believe we can get everything settled also.

Grace knew what this meant, tomorrow, she wouldn’t be going.

Thanks Grace. I need you to make some arrangement for me. I will be heading to California to meet with the sporting goods company to finalize the campaign. I won’t be back until it’s done. It could take awhile… maybe a week or two.

Grace couldn’t look at him. She was doodling on her paper like she was taking notes. She knew if he said a week or two, it could mean three or four. Yeah, she definitely wouldn’t be going.

What arrangements do you need me to make? Will anyone be going with you? Grace still couldn’t meet his gaze.

I need you to gather the files for me and to make some appointments with some potential clients while I’m there. I have emailed you a list of those clients and their contact numbers. And no, I will be going alone.

Grace could feel him getting up to approach her. She didn’t want this confrontation here. She didn’t want him to see how upset she was. Very well, I will get right on this. Grace said as she quickly got up from her chair and made her way to the door without looking at Gabriel. Just as she reached for the door knob, she heard his hand slap on the door next to head to prevent her from opening it. Even though she knew he was behind her, it startled her and made her jump all the same.

Grace, what is going on? You know I would take you if I could. I need you here. You are the only one I can trust do run things right while I am gone.

Grace rested her forehead on the door as she rolled her eyes. She would not cry. She would not tell him how hurt she was or how lonely she was. She just stood there.

Grace please talk to me I know something is wrong. Gabriel leaned in and pressed her to the door his head pressed into the back of her neck as he smelled her hair. Please Gracie.

There is nothing wrong she lied, I’ll just miss you while you’re gone. And while you are still here working all the time, she thought to herself. She chose not to address that feeling at this time though.

Gabriel spun her around and pinned her to the door with his body. Grace could feel his erection pressing into her, but somehow his want did not make her feel more secure about this trip. She had a bad feeling.

I’ll miss you too. I’m going to be very lonely away from you. Grace looked at the floor. Gabriel caught her chin and brought her gaze up to meet his.

I may not say it enough Grace, but I do love you and I will miss you. Gabriel kissed her gently with a kind of loving tenderness she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Now she just felt stupid and childish. Grace tried to shake off her insecurity and bad feelings. I love you too. When will you be leaving?

Unfortunately, tonight. We have a meeting set up for first thing in the morning. Gabriel glanced down at the floor as he said it.

Grace knew she had a bad feeling for a reason. He just confirmed it when he didn’t look her in the eye. Well I guess I have a lot of work to do. Grace spun so fast for the door she almost got dizzy and fell. She could feel him start to say something, but she didn’t give him a chance she threw the door open, pushed backwards, and made her escape. She dropped her paperwork at her desk and headed straight for the bathroom where she finally broke down.

A few minutes later, Grace managed to pull herself together, wash her face, and return to work to tackle the task at hand.

The day sped by and she avoided Gabriel for the rest of the day. She knew eventually she would have to face the fact he was leaving again, but now avoiding it seemed easier.

Finally around six she was done for the day. She had not choice, but to go see Gabriel now. She had all his files and had set up his itinerary as he had requested.

She knocked softly on the door and peeked in. She watched him spin to meet her gaze and he motioned her in. He watched her the entire way in without taking his eyes from hers as he continued his conversation. Finally, he ended his phone call.

Grace sat across from his desk in a chair and fidgeted with her hands afraid to start any kind of conversation. She knew he was leaving. She didn’t want to start an argument when he would be gone for so long, but she was having a hard time hiding her feelings.

Grace, are you sure everything is ok? Gabriel asked as he got up and made his way around the desk. He came over, took her hand, and led her over to the couch in his office. He sat down and pulled her down next to him.

There is nothing wrong Gabriel. As I said before, I am just going to miss you and I am not looking forward to a long separation.

I know. I am not looking forward to being away from you either Grace, but I have no choice. Hopefully, after this trip things will settle down. I have some plans for the future, but this account has to be settled first. Please, be patient with me.

Now she felt bad. He had been so patient and supportive for her, she needed to do the same for him.

Gabriel, I will wait. I love you and support you. I just miss our time together, alone sometimes.

I know I do to Gracie. I promise after this trip I will make it up to you.

They held hands and talked for awhile before Gabriel’s phone rang. He got up and went to check who the caller was.

Without saying anything he picked up the phone and said, Hold on one minute. Then placed the phone on hold. He walked over to Grace, helped her up and led her to the door.

I have to get going soon and I don’t want you here too late. I will be taking Adrian with me, but James will be staying here with you.

I will be fine Gabriel. I don’t need a babysitter.

I know you will be fine, because James will be with you. I won’t risk your safety again Grace. This is not up for debate.

With that he kissed her, I will miss you Grace. I will keep in contact.

As she turned, James was already waiting at her desk for her. She didn’t look back but walked slowly towards her desk. As she reached her desk, she realized James already had her coat and purse in hand. Grace felt like she was being escorted away like an unwanted visitor.

Just one second James, I need to ask Gabriel something.

Take your time Grace, I am in no hurry. James said with a sly smile.

Grace made her way back to Gabriel’s office feeling uneasy. She glanced back at James who was still watching and smiling. He had always been professional and had worked for Gabriel for a few years, but Grace was never at ease with him like Adrian.

Just as she reached for Gabriel’s office door, she heard him on the phone.

No, Grace won’t be coming with me. She will be staying here to run the office it will just be me… Yes I will be staying at the usual hotel… Yes I would love to see you while I’m there… It has been a long time, a very long time… No, she has absolutely no idea… I don’t want her to know… Yes I will tell her eventually, just not yet… She has been through so much this year. She just isn’t ready yet. I can’t risk this causing her more discomfort.

Grace felt James touch her shoulder and she almost jumped out of her skin. She turned to look at him, her face white as a sheet.

Everything alright Miss Hart?

Ahh… yes, everything is fine. Grace immediately looked at the floor so she didn’t give away that she had overheard his conversation. Mr. Michaels is still on the phone. I don’t want to interrupt him. I’ll touch base with him later.

Grace took her things from James and almost bolted to the elevator. She didn’t turn to look at him, but she could feel him watching her.

Who had Gabriel been talking to? And did she really hear what she thought she heard? He was meeting someone in California and it didn’t sound like it was related to business. This person seemed to know Gabriel well and know things about Grace, so why didn’t she know who they were? Thoughts were racing through her mind at a million miles an hour. She was trying to forget everything she heard, but she couldn’t. His conversation confirmed she had reason to worry.

Everything around Grace fell away, until the elevator door opened. As she went to step in the elevator, she felt a hand in the small of her back. She realized it was James. While the gesture was sweet, it was far too intimate. It would not have bothered her if it had been Adrian, but she didn’t know James. She couldn’t remember when Gabriel had ever left James to watch her, so why now?

The ride down to the car seem to take forever and the elevator seemed way too small. James presence seemed to surround her in the elevator.

He escorted her home and clear to the door of Gabriel’s apartment. She never gave him to opportunity to get close enough to touch her again, but she could feel him watching her. It made her uncomfortable.

Goodnight James. Grace said as she quickly opened the door and tried to shut it. Just as she was about to close the door, a foot stuck in the jam.

Grace, I will be staying just down the hall in Adrian’s apartment if you should need me… for anything. James had that same eerie smile.

Thank you, James. I’ll see you this morning.

Grace was numb. She closed the door, leaned against it, and then sank to the floor. She had no idea how long she sat there. She considered all of the events of the day. How could she survive the next few weeks? Gabriel was gone and James was to be her shadow.

Finally Grace got herself together and picked herself up. She didn’t eat dinner or shower. She made her way to the bedroom where she collapsed in bed by herself. She knew this was going to be one of many long, lonely nights in her near future.

CHAPTER TWO

The next week and a half went very slow for Grace. The office was chaotic. There were so many situations arise that had to be addressed, Grace had a new understanding of why Gabriel was so busy.

She had heard from Gabriel a few times since he had been gone. They hadn’t spoke long but at least he had called. She couldn’t bring herself to call him. She knew it was petty, but after the phone call she overheard she felt that he was up to something. She was letting him make all the moves now.

James had been very attentive, a little too attentive. He never did anything inappropriate, but he made her uncomfortable all the same.

It was Friday and Grace was thankful. She would be able to work from the condo if needed over the weekend. She would be alone, but she would be away from James.

Miss Hart, there is a delivery here for Mr. Michaels. Should I bring it in? The announcement from Sally her assistant caught her off guard and Grace almost jumped out of the chair.

Sure Sally. Go ahead and sign for it, then bring it in. Grace started to gather her things she would need for the weekend. She couldn’t wait to be alone.

Here Miss Hart. I don’t know what you want to do with this. It doesn’t look business related and it says open immediately, perishable on the box.

Just set it on the desk Sally and I will address it, thank you. Grace continued to busy herself around the office until Sally left.

Grace slowly made her way to the desk. She saw the narrow long white box. She had a suspicion she knew what is in the box. She knew it was a rose, but this time there was a card. Did she dare open it? As Grace got close, she noticed the card was not sealed. Should she, shouldn’t she?

Grace couldn’t resist. She opened the box and sure enough a single red rose. Finally with shaking hands, she opened the card.

Grace stared at the card. She almost couldn’t finish reading the card for her tears.

The card read: Can’t wait for our weekend together and a new beginning. Love, SB

Grace let the card fall. She fell the chair and put her head to the desk. She didn’t have to ask. She knew what the card meant and who it was from. She had seen Stephanie Bartone. She knew how beautiful she was. She knew she couldn’t compete. She knew Gabriel would get bored. Now the phone call made sense.

She replayed the phone call in her head. He told the person on the other line Grace wouldn’t be going, he would be staying at his usual place, he’d love to see her, and that he wouldn’t tell Grace something yet. It would be too painful for her. It would upset her. Grace couldn’t believe it but now she knew she had a bad feeling for a reason. Gabriel was going to break up with her. He was seeing someone else… Stephanie.

As Grace let the shock sink in, she couldn’t quite believe it. She couldn’t believe Gabriel would cheat on her, he just didn’t seem the type. He was always so direct. If he wasn’t interested, he would just have been honest, wouldn’t he?

Grace gathered her things and made her way to the elevator in a fog. She didn’t even notice James at her side. She was oblivious to his staring at her on the way down to the car.

The ride home was quiet. James continued to steal glances at Grace in the back of the SUV, but she never once looked at him.

They made their way upstairs. Grace finally snapped out of her trance and met James gaze straight on.

She put on her best game face and said, You’ve had a long week and a half James take the weekend off. I won’t be going out. I brought all my files with me and plan on working from here this weekend.

Why thank you Miss Hart, but I think Mr. Michaels wouldn’t be happy with me if I left you alone all weekend. He had that same eerie smile again.

Feel free to check in with me if you like, but I plan on sleeping in and working from here. If I don’t answer the door, don’t be surprised. I promise if I leave though I will call. Have a good weekend James.

Grace smiled and closed the door before she let her emotions take hold. She almost fell to the floor in despair. Grace gathered her courage. She would not do this yet, not until she knew the truth.

She formed a quick plan, made a few phone calls and scheduled a flight. The only flight she could get was in the middle of the night, which still wasn’t soon enough for her. She needed to get this settled. She needed to know the truth.

She packed a quick bag and snuck out of the condo. She made sure James wasn’t following her. If things didn’t go the way she hoped, she wasn’t sure what she would do. She needed to have space and privacy if things went sour.

She caught a taxi, made her way to the airport, and caught the flight that could change the rest of her life.