Mended Hearts (Lost Memories Book 1) Read online

  Dr. Anders checks her eyes and looks at her chart. "Well, Mrs. Grant, there’s nothing concerning overall in your results. Your x-rays and head scan all came back normal, aside from a concussion. Your memory loss is probably temporary. I’m releasing you, but your husband will need to monitor you carefully, and I want to see you again in two weeks. If you still have memory loss, we’ll discuss our options then. " I see Gracie looking a little shell-shocked with all the information.

  "Thanks, Doc,." I stand, giving him a handshake before he leaves.

  "You're my husband?" She sounds surprised.

  I turn and move back to her bedside. I have all intentions to tell her the truth, not wanting to mess with her in a weakened state, but only one word comes out. "Yes." Her eyes brighten when I confirm it and fuck me if that look didn't make me want to be her husband for real.

  "You were in an accident. According to the doctor, you just need some rest." I stroke Gracie's face. She gives me a big smile.

  "I feel ridiculous saying this, but I don't remember your name," she says while giving me an embarrassed look.

  I chuckle "Grant."

  "Isn't our last name Grant?" she asks.

  "It's also my first. Long story."

  "Something I'm sure you'll have to retell me along with others," she nervously tucks some hair behind her ear.

  I lean down and gently kiss her forehead. Pulling back, so we’re only a hair’s breath away from each other, I say with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, Gracie. I'll have no problem telling you all about me."

  She smiles back, and my heart kicks into higher gear. She brings her hand to my face and runs it over my scruffy cheek "How'd I end up with such a beautiful husband?”

  Can your heart burst from being too full? It doesn't matter; I'm sure she'd bring the pieces together again. I've never felt like this before, but I'm sure its love, and goddamn if it doesn't feel amazing. I lean in and gently kiss her lips.

  “That’s my line.”

  Chapter 3

  Grace

  Husband. It feels so foreign, yet perfect. My husband, Grant, is a very handsome man. Heavy scruff on his square jaw, black like his hair. It's long enough to run my hands through it. He's big all over, but it's his eyes that I love the most. They’re a deep navy blue. I want to lose myself in them. I don't think I've stopped staring at him since we got into his truck. Every chance I get I look at him. He glances at me occasionally with concern.

  I know he must be worried. It must be hard to know your wife was in an accident. I unbuckle my belt and slide across the bench seat to get closer to him. I don't remember anything. Him, how old I am, my parents, favourite food, nothing. But god, how I want to know him. I feel so connected to him, which makes sense, since we’re married. I touch Grant’s thigh, and feel him tense up. I lean my head on his shoulder, rubbing his leg soothingly.

  "I'm sorry I worried you so much," I say gently.

  "I was so scared," he growls in a whisper. I feel it rumble in his chest. He sounds scared. I lift my head and lean up to kiss him on his scruffy cheek, feeling his breath hitch.

  We pull up in front of a building with a large sign that reads "Grant's Garage." I chuckle and look at his hands; their grease stained just like his jeans. Grabbing his hand, I lace my fingers with his and smile. "Should have known you work with cars," I say, then kiss our clasped hands.

  He looks down like he's ashamed and reaches out and grabs a somewhat clean rag from his pocket, then takes my hand and starts to wipe it off.

  "Sorry." He seems upset.

  I pull away and cup his cheeks, "Hun, don't worry about it, I know this properly isn't the first or last time I'll have dirty hands." Then I lean in and kiss him square on the mouth. He seems stunned at first, then aggressively devours me, running his tongue seductively on my lips. He brings his hand to my hair and grabs a large handful, tugging me closer. I moan and run my fingers down his massive arms.

  He abruptly pulls back, "What's wrong, Grant?" He just stares at me, breathing heavily.

  He reaches up and rubs my cheek, seeming to calm down a bit.

  "Sorry, Gracie. It's just been a chaotic day. You've been through so much. Let's get you inside and settled for the night." His voice is soft and calm.

  I smile at the nickname. Gracie. I’m sure he always calls me that, and it feels right, natural.

  "Ok, hun."

  "Wait here." It’s barely a grunt, then he gets out of the truck, and comes to help me like I'm a China doll.

  We walk around the side of the large garage shop, and upstairs to a small apartment. It’s open with one stool at the small kitchen counter. There’s also a couch, TV, bedroom, and small bathroom. No pictures or decoration, absolutely nothing. Bare.

  "Did we just move here?" I turn to look at Grant and find him deep in thought, but watching me intently.

  "We’re just staying here till the house is done," he says seeming ashamed again, though I’m not sure why.

  I feel sorry that I asked, but I don’t remember anything. I take a heavy breath. “I’m sorry, hun. I’ve forgotten all of it." I look down, starting to feel a little overwhelmed.

  Suddenly, I feel Grant’s body in front of me, and he lifts my chin. “No, I'm sorry, Gracie. I just wanted you to come home to something you deserve," he says with a kiss to my cheek.

  I look at him, trying to hold back my sudden excitement. "We're building a house?" I try not to jump up and down. I'm not sure why I'm so ecstatic over the thought, but I am.

  A smile stretches across his face. "It’s built actually, just up the road. It has a view of the lake. Just waiting for you to decorate and move in." I give a smile that matches his and hug him tightly. He hesitates, almost like he's not used to being hugged, but then he squeezes me back.

  I take a step and walk into the small bedroom; I don't see any of my things, in fact, it's like a woman has never set foot in this place. I turn around and see Grant watching from the doorframe.

  "Where's all my stuff?" I ask curiously; Grant seems uncomfortable again, like he doesn't know what to say next.

  "We had a long-distance relationship. You're a lawyer from New York, but was coming here so we could be together. Your trip was sudden, said you wanted to buy what you needed here." He rambles off quickly, though he seems uneasy.

  "How long have we been married?"

  "Not long," he says as he walks up to me, running his hands through my hair.

  I open my mouth to ask another question, but he covers it with his own. The kiss is gentle and sweet, lasting for what seems like forever, and when he pulls back, I whimper at the loss.

  "The doctor said not to push it, all that matters is your home and safe, with me" he looks at me with a determined stare.

  I smile and kiss him lightly on the lips. "Us together." I pause before asking "Can we see the new house tomorrow? I'm sure I already must have seen it…" I trail off.

  He strokes my hair from my face before answering. "Only if you're feeling better, I don't want you to push yourself."

  I smile and hug him around the waist, and this time he returns it right away. It's almost crushing, like he’s afraid I’ll disappear.

  When we finally pull away, we go on with our night. There wasn’t a lot of food choices, so we ended making Kraft dinner. We talked and laughed, he even told me again about his past. Foster care, living on the streets, and that he's an ex-con. I'm sure it was hard for him to share this again, so I tried to lighten the mood by joking that it makes sense he’d own a garage because he likes cars so much. He seemed to breathe easier once he heard my response. We ended up falling asleep on the couch until he gathered me up, taking me to the bedroom and letting me shower before we laid down. He let me borrow one of his t-shirts, and we snuggled under the covers together. He hugged me tighter and made sure I was covered. All I could think about is how right this felt, how perfect we fit together. With a deep breath, I breathed him in and drifted off to sleep effortlessly.

  Chapter 4<
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  Grant

  I'm standing in the house I've spent the last five years building, the one I never moved into because it was so empty. Looking at Grace and her huge smile as she’s oohing and aahing over every little detail makes my chest puff in pride. I follow her around like a lost puppy.

  I think about our morning. Waking with her in my arms was the best damn feeling ever. Her smile when she saw me was memorizing and she seemed to be feeling better. After breakfast, I took her shopping for clothes since she didn’t have any. Over the many years of stealing cars, I'd saved up a nest egg that I never touched. I should probably feel guilty lying to her, telling her that her wallet was lost at the accident site, but my protectiveness overweighs it.

  I couldn't believe her reaction when I told her about my past; she was understanding. No pity, no discussion. She was impressed I owned my garage. I just hope when she remembers everything, and shit hits the fan, she'll fee the same way. So, last night I devised a plan that would keep her with me forever. I’ll make her fall so deeply in love with me that even if she does regain her memory she couldn't bear to leave me. It sounds so ridiculous, but I'm desperate. I have no other choice.

  That drunk idiot who hit her was arrested, and it's taking everything in me not to storm to the station and beat the shit out of him. Sheriff James said it’s not his first DUI, so he’ll be going away, especially since he hit Grace.

  "Oh god, look at this kitchen" I am thrown out of my memories by Grace's excited voice.

  The house is done and move in ready. Grace runs up to me, and I catch her in my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist and in an instant, I'm hard enough to cut a diamond.

  "Grant, this house is amazing! I can't believe you built it from scratch. You’re so incredible!" She kisses me.

  It's heated and passionate. I back us up until we’re at the kitchen counter and place her on it. Her arms snake up around my neck and dive into my hair, pulling me closer. I do the same, grabbing her beautiful red mane. I pull her head to the side and start kissing down her neck. She lets out a deep moan, and that only spurs me on, I start grinding my cock into her sweet spot.

  "Grant," she moans again. I pull back and look into her eyes. I see the green pool glazed over with lust and hunger and feel ashamed. She’s hurt and should be resting, not getting pawed by me. Regardless of how much I fucking love it.

  "Gracie," I breathe against her lips, then kiss her again. I want her now, and that's the fastest way to ensure I keep her, by putting a baby in her. But I can't, not yet. It's not just because of the unknown of whether she has a man in her life, which makes me want to murder someone, but it's her lack of memory. I need her to love me with her mind intact.

  I break the kiss, and smile at the pout that forms on her face. "Let me show you the upstairs."

  I pull her off the counter, and we head to the master bedroom. I open the double doors to the vast room, with more that lead to a patio outside. It has a sizeable en suite with a tub and waterfall shower.

  "Grant, this is incredible! I love the view." She's grinning from ear to ear. From the patio you can see the lake and trees lining the shore. Grace is leaning on the railing, and I come up behind her, pushing her locks to the side and kiss her neck. I feel her give a happy sigh.

  "I can't wait to decorate and move in." She’s about to burst with excitement.

  "We’ll start today, as long as you're feeling up to it. There are a few stores we could visit to get what we need." I feel her nod.

  "I want to paint this view."

  "You paint?" I ask in surprise.

  "I'm not sure, but it's a feeling I have. I guess I never mentioned it before?" She turns in my arms as she responds.

  I stall for a second but end up shaking my head.

  "Huh, well maybe it's a new talent," she jokes before leaning up and lightly kissing my lips. It takes all my strength not to push her to the closest wall and claim her, making her mine, forever. I keep it light, like a whisper. When we pull back, we both have big grins on our faces.

  I have no idea when she’ll get her memory back, so I'll try my best to make her fall in love with me as soon as possible.

  "How about I take you shopping now, Gracie, to fill the house?"

  "I love that idea," she says with a beaming smile.

  Every time I look at her, I wonder if this is the real her. When she gets her memory back will she be the same? Was she just having a bad day like I was when we met? Who is the man she's scared of? I have so many questions. Whatever the case, I know I'll learn to love her. So long as she's with me, that's all I care about. Even if I must chase her down and beg. I'll do anything in my power to keep her.

  Chapter 5

  Grace

  I finish putting the last of my clothes in my closet, and I let out a satisfied sigh. We spent the whole day shopping. We looked for the entire house, down to the forks in the kitchen drawer. Everything is finally done, thanks to the help of some of Grant’s employees, Miles, David, and Joe. They were so lovely to me; I was surprised when I was told I’d never met them. On the other hand, they seemed shocked Grant and I are married, but apparently Grant kept it quiet since we were long-distance.

  I found it adorable how possessive Grant was with me, practically telling the younger Miles and David to "keep their eyes to themselves and give me respect or he'll knock their faces in." Like I’d be remotely interested in them. They are all great men, especially Joe. He's old enough to be my father, and a real sweetheart. They already feel like family.

  I look around the master bedroom with happiness. A huge bed, forest green walls to go with the fantastic wood that's all over the house. Navy blue sheets and bedspread that I got because it reminds me of Grant’s eyes.

  According to Grant, we spent a small amount of our savings, but he told me not to worry about it. I trust him, so I won’t. Today was perfection, and damn if Grant didn't like showing me off the all the townspeople. Everyone I talked to was incredibly sweet and welcomed me with open arms. Apparently, Grant’s a loner, but I hope I can bring him out of his shell a bit more now that I live here.

  Grant seemed to enjoy the shopping, sharing his opinions in what we picked, collaborating ideas, we even got a huge grill for the back porch. Pulling my new yellow sundress out of the closet, I slip it on before heading downstairs to make dinner, hoping I can remember one of his favourite meals.

  Grant

  “That’s about it, boss,” Miles says as he comes in from the deck, having just finished setting up some furniture.

  “Thanks, man,” I grunt out.

  Miles lets out a chuckle “Still pissed I hit on your wife?”

  “You’re lucky your nose is still straight.” I take his beer and go to the sink, emptying it.

  “Come on, man, I was drinking that,” he whines.

  “I don’t give a fuck. Thanks for your help, now get out,” I growl, but Miles just smiles at me.

  “Grant.” We turn to see Grace at the bottom of the stairs. None of us heard her come down. She’s a vision. Her sundress hugs her curves, her amazing hair is down and flowing. My cock swells at the sight. “Be nice to our guests; they helped us all day.” She glances around the room. “Where are David and Joe?”

  I look at Miles, and notice he has a dreamy glaze to his eyes. and I smack the back of his head. “They had to leave, Gracie” I walk up to her, blocking Miles’s view.

  “Oh, but I didn’t get a chance to say good-bye.” Her voice is filled with disappointment.

  “You’ll see them tomorrow at the garage.” I pull her into my arms and kiss her gently.

  I hear Miles cough behind me and glare at him over my shoulder.

  Grace skirts around me and goes to Miles, grabbing both hands. The action makes me growl loudly, but Grace just rolls her eyes. “Thank you again, Miles, for all your help,” she says with a smile. That pisses me off; those are only for me. “Please stay for dinner.”

  Yeah, not happening. I move toward Grace and pull he
r to my chest. “Miles has to go too. He won’t be staying,” I grunt out and send him a death stare.

  Miles gives me a teasing smile. He’s been doing it all day. He thinks it’s hilarious that the big, mean boss is sweet on his wife. I hope he understands how close I am to throwing him out. Thankfully, for his safety, he must pick up my vibe. “Thanks for the offer, Grace, maybe next time.”

  “Okay, but I’m holding you to that.”

  I walk Miles to the door. “See you tomorrow, boss,” he says as I shut it in his face. I’m tired of his relentless teasing and flirting with Grace. He’s been doing it all day. I know it’s harmless though, but he needs to get a woman and leave mine alone. He’s young, twenty-five, and currently unattached.

  I return to the kitchen and sit at the counter. I watch my beautiful Grace busy herself in the kitchen making dinner. She looks like an angel sent from heaven.

  “You should be nicer to your friends,” she says while giving me this cute little stink eye.

  “They aren’t my friends; they’re employees,” I grunt.

  “Employees wouldn’t take the whole day to help us move.”

  I know she's right, and the last thing I want is her upset with my behaviour. “Fine, I’ll be nicer.”

  She leans over and gives me a quick kiss. “Thanks, hun.” All I can do is smile at her.

  I’m content just looking at her while she cooks. Grace puts a plate of food in front of me, but I keep watching her.

  "Dig in." She smiles sweetly then joins me. I glance at my food. It looks and smells delicious.

  "Gracie, this looks amazing. I'm a lucky man" I lean over and kiss her cheek, lingering to smell her scent. She smells wonderful, like the floral soap, we bought today.

  "I think I'm the one who's lucky. I have a perfect husband that spoiled me all day and built this beautiful home for us," she says before laying her hand on my upper thigh.