by Dara Girard
“That’s good,” Anna Marie said, a little unsure.
“I’d like to take you to dinner. Or if dinner is too much of a commitment, it could be lunch or coffee. But I’d really like to see you again.”
“This is my last night.”
“I know. I’m asking you out. Not as a dancer, as yourself.”
Anna Marie laughed. “That’s impossible. Don’t ruin this night by confusing fantasy with reality.”
Desmond grabbed her arms and pulled her to him.
Anna Marie stared up at him, alarmed but not afraid. She was used to being accosted by some of their customers, but by now they usually had either offered her a large sum of money for her company or were too drunk to be taken seriously. Desmond was neither and she had to be careful. “Let me go.”
“I’ll let you go on one condition.”
“What?”
“One kiss.”
She glanced behind him wondering if she should scream. “No.”
“Look, we’ll never see each other again. And I want to finish this evening having kissed a beautiful woman who’s made me feel more real than I have in a long time.”
Her alarm slowly grew into panic. “But you hardly know me.”
“Somehow I feel I do.” He lowered his voice. “Please.”
She should say no and run, but she wasn’t going to. One kiss. She’d never see him again and she didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
Anna Marie seized his hand. “No one can see us.” She led him to a small storage closet and closed the door behind them. She turned to him. “Okay, now—”
His mouth was on hers before she could finish. She didn’t remember him removing the veil, she just remembered his warm, wet mouth covering hers, his hands encircling her waist and drawing her close to his hard, solid form. When he pulled away, the only sound was their breathing. He reached and turned on the light.
Anna Marie quickly turned it off and replaced her veil. “Someone might see it and come in.”
He turned the light on again. “I don’t care. I want to see who I’m kissing.”
She turned it off and the moonlight from a small window cast a shadow over his face, leaving his eyes visible. “You said one kiss.”
He leaned in close. “I lied.”
Anna Marie put out her hand, resting it on his chest, but the gesture was as ineffective as using a feather to hold back a boulder. “Well, I’m going to make you keep your promise.”
Desmond rested his hands on the wall behind her and smiled, his teeth glinting in the darkness. “I was afraid of that.” His gaze dropped to her veil. “So I can’t persuade you for another one?”
Anna Marie swallowed, her voice unsteady. “No.”
“You’re sure?”
No. “Yes.”
He straightened. “Fair enough.” He opened the door and motioned that she was free to leave.
Anna Marie wanted to run, but she calmly walked ahead of him.
He grabbed her hand. “Wait a second. I want to give you my number,” he said and handed her a folded napkin.
“How classy,” she teased.
“I didn’t bring any business cards. These are my home and cell numbers. I don’t give them out a lot, so that should mean something.”
Anna Marie hid a smile. He wasn’t original. She was used to getting phone numbers and all of them went into the trash, but she would treasure this one.
She tucked the napkin in her bra. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
His gaze dropped to her breasts. “You do that.”
She lifted his chin then touched his lips with her fingers. “Have a great evening, Desmond,” she said then turned away.
He jumped in front of her. “Say my name again.”
“Why?”
“Just say it.”
“Desmond. Isn’t that your name?” she said, looking at the napkin.
“Yes.”
“Did I say it wrong somehow?”
He searched her face in wonder. “No, it’s just the way you say it reminds me of something. Or someone. I’m not sure.” He placed a hand against his forehead. “God, I’m not even drunk. I know I’m not making sense, but there’s just something about you that’s so familiar.” He reached for her veil. “I need to see your face.”
Anna Marie stepped back. “I’m sorry, but we have a no-touch policy. The kiss was a favor, but that’s all. And now I need to go and don’t get in my way.”
“What happens if I do?”
She rested her hands on her hips. “Fred warned me about you. He said you were trouble. Do you want me to slap you?”
He stepped closer. “I want you to spend the night with me.”
“You’re not alone.” Except I’d love to spend the night with you, too.
Desmond lightly caressed her arm. “You danced for me.”
Anna Marie stepped back, each stroke of his fingers making her tremble inside. He threatened to crumble her resolve to resist him. “You’re breaking the rules.”
“I like breaking rules.”
“Somehow I’m not surprised.”
“Malika!” Belinda said in the distance. “Do you need me to call security?”
“Give me a minute.” She met his gaze. “Do I?”
For a moment he didn’t move, his intense gaze making her skin tingle, then he stepped aside and she walked by.
“Call me. I’ll give you a week.”
She continued walking without looking back. “Or else what?”
“I’ll find you.”
Chapter 4
“There you are, Rockwell,” Julius said when he saw Desmond slip from a backstage exit. “I’d wondered why you’d disappeared.” He looked in the direction of the door. “How did you manage that? Their security is tight.”
He’d dodged a guard then picked the lock, but Desmond didn’t plan on sharing that. “Don’t ask.”
Julius nodded in sympathy. “You struck out.”
Desmond sat on one of the tables. “No, I didn’t.”
“Did you get a phone number?”
“No.”
“Then you struck out, but I don’t blame you for trying.”
Desmond shook his head. “It wasn’t like that. She’s different. Someone special.”
“Heck, yeah. If she can move like that standing up imagine what she can do in bed.”
“I already have.”
“And she’s tiny, but she has a body on her. I mean her butt alone is worth extra attention. Don’t tell me you didn’t notice.”
Desmond lifted one of the candles. “I noticed that, but I noticed something more.”
Julius laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. “My friend, we all noticed it.”
Desmond sighed and set the candle down. He knew there was no use trying to explain how he felt. He could hardly understand it himself. Yes, she was sexy and he wanted to do a lot more than kiss her. But he also wanted to get to know her. He wanted to spend time with her and that was rare for him. He didn’t even know her and she’d probably danced like that for everyone, but somehow he couldn’t shake the sensation that she’d danced just for him.
Julius buttoned his jacket. “Just forget her. You’re never going to see her again. Give it up, Rockwell. She’s gone.”
Desmond glanced at the stage then nodded, resigned. “You’re probably right.”
Anna Marie sat in an all-night diner trying to come to terms with what had happened. The wig, outfit and makeup were gone so nobody paid attention to the pretty, but unremarkable, young woman in the corner eating a Danish roll and sipping a cup of herbal tea. Somehow, in one night, her life had changed. She had changed. She’d kissed Desmond Rockwell—the high-school loner, the delinquent, the boy she’d loved for a year.
He’d kissed her and she’d enjoyed every moment. But she was with Bruno. Desmond was only a dream; Bruno was a reality. Desmond had kissed Malika. What would he think if he saw her now? Anna Marie squeezed her eyes shut. She’d memorized his numbers,
but she’d never call him. She had to forget him. It was over. Malika was gone. She was no longer an exotic dancer, but plain old Anna Marie, and she knew he wouldn’t be interested in her. Beside, she had Bruno and was happy with her life.
Anna Marie finished her tea, unable to believe the lie. She didn’t love Bruno but he was who she had. She was the kind of woman who dated shiftless, lackluster consultants, not men with smiles that could make a woman want to strip naked and say “Take me.”
Back in high school, Desmond had barely noticed she was alive. Except for those two weeks, when a harmless crush blossomed into love, but that was a long time ago. She was a grown woman now. Besides, she’d never see him again. She took out her tip, then left the diner and headed for her car. Her cell phone rang as she turned the key in the ignition. She shut the car off and answered the call.
“Where the hell are you?” Bruno asked. “Your book club doesn’t usually last this long.”
She glanced at her watch. “We had an in-depth discussion.”
“You could have called and told me. I’ve been worried.”
Anna Marie sighed, feeling guilty. She knew he cared about her. “I’m sorry. I’m coming home now.”
“Great. Hey, babe, could you pick up some beer?”
“Yes.”
“Thanks. I love you.”
Anna Marie made a noncommittal sound then hung up. She stopped by a liquor store, picked up Bruno’s beer and a men’s magazine she knew he liked to read, then drove home. He thanked her with a grunt from his favorite position on the couch. Anna Marie went into her bedroom and changed into a pair of pajamas. She then looked under the bed and pulled out her high-school yearbook. It was one of the few items she’d kept. She opened it to a picture of Desmond and ran her fingers over his lips and eyes. He hadn’t changed much. Just older and tougher with a hint of devilment in his gaze. Anna Marie glanced up when she heard Bruno’s footsteps and quickly shoved the yearbook back in its hiding place.
Bruno entered the bedroom and pulled off his shirt. “I forgot to tell you before you left. Your sister called. Said she wanted to talk to you.”
Anna Marie frowned. She hadn’t talked to her sister in three years. It wasn’t because of animosity, but lack of interest. Their lives had taken different paths once Child Protective Services had entered the Williamses’ home. Anna Marie was ten and Tracie five. They were immediately split up and Tracie was sent to a foster family that eventually adopted her; Anna Marie was never adopted. Tracie had an advanced college degree; Anna Marie only had her high-school diploma.
They’d reconnected when they were in their twenties. Tracie had tracked her down. At that time her sister was a bright twenty-year-old college student with money to spare, while at twenty-five, Anna Marie had already crawled out of skid row twice and had never been on a college campus. Their first conversation had been awkward, but that didn’t bother Tracie, who was determined to keep in touch. And they did, mostly through brief phone calls and holiday cards. Sometimes Tracie would pop by when she needed something. Three years ago Tracie had shown up at Anna Marie’s apartment in Arlington upset over a broken heart and the thought of her high-school reunion.
Anna Marie had cheered her up and Tracie left happy, then disappeared again. She sent holiday cards, but they didn’t speak. Anna Marie didn’t worry because Tracie always reappeared when she found Anna Marie useful. “Did she say why?”
“No. Oh, and some lawyer called for you.”
“Did he say why?”
“No, just wanted you to call him back.” Bruno pulled on his pajama bottoms then got into bed. “Night, babe.” He turned, then went to sleep. There was no kiss. Not even a peck on the cheek.
“Good night,” she said.
Within seconds he was asleep. She could hear the soft sound of his snoring. Anna Marie sat on the edge of the bed and sighed. Her magical night was officially over.
The following morning, Anna Marie called Tracie and left a message, but didn’t get a reply. That didn’t worry her; her sister was very clever at doing disappearing acts. She knew if Tracie wanted something really bad, she’d let Anna Marie know.
On Monday, Anna Marie planned to return the lawyer’s call first thing from work, but once she reached the office, she discovered that Sandy was in one of her moods and had made Nancy cry. As a result, Nancy couldn’t function most of the day and Anna Marie had to cover for her. When she got home that evening, she discovered that Bruno had invited some friends over and had left the living room in a mess before going to meet with one of his “clients.” So Anna Marie vacuumed, wiped the crumbs off the coffee table and removed the moisture stains left by the glasses, then made dinner, in case Bruno didn’t eat out, before she called the lawyer’s office.
“You’re lucky you caught me,” the lawyer said after Anna Marie introduced herself. “I was just about to leave the office.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Anna Marie said, surprised by how young he sounded. “Perhaps I could call you back tomorrow.”
“Why? I’m here now, aren’t I? Anyway, my name is Glenn Thornberg. I’m a junior partner here at Thornberg and West and I’ve been assigned your case.”
“My case?”
“Sorry. That came out wrong. The thing is…I have good news for you. You’ve been left an inheritance.”
“What?” Anna Marie said, startled.
“Yes, a considerable property and enough money to keep you comfortable.”
“I think you have the wrong person.”
“No, it’s you. I know it’s probably a big surprise. Ms. Williams, you’re now a very rich woman. Congratulations. I would like to schedule a meeting with you as soon as possible to get things in order. Would next Wednesday work for you?”
“Yes,” she stammered. “Are you sure you have the right person?”
“Yes, we’re sure. See you Wednesday.”
“Right.” Anna Marie hung up the phone then went into the living room. Bruno had returned home and lay on the couch eating his dinner. He hadn’t even waited for her. He glanced up when he saw her. “Thanks for dinner.”
“I’m leaving you.” Anna Marie stopped and covered her mouth. That wasn’t what she’d meant to say. She’d meant to tell him about the phone call and that she would rent an office for him so that he could work outside the home and get his business set up properly. But those words didn’t leave her mouth.
He continued to focus on the TV. “What?”
She sat down beside him, certain this was the right choice. “Did you hear what I said?”
“You can tell me during the commercial.”
Anna Marie raised her voice a bit. “I’m leaving you.” This time she did mean it.
“Good. I want to finish this movie. Besides, you need a rest. You’ve had a long day.”
Anna Marie stared at his profile, wondering how she could have been with him for two years, then she got up and stood directly in front of the TV.
He tried to look around her. “Move.”
“I will, because—I. Am. Leaving. You.—Enjoy your show.” She turned and walked to her bedroom.
Bruno moved his tray out of the way and raced after her. “What are you talking about?”
Anna Marie grabbed her suitcase off the shelf inside her closet and began to pack.
“You can’t leave me. You’re all I have. What will I do without you?” He spun her around. “You know that I love you, babe.”
She yanked herself free and continued to pack. “My name is Anna Marie, not babe. And you’ll get over me fast.”
“No, I won’t.” Tears filled his eyes. “Why are you doing this to me? I thought we were happy.”
“You know we’re not. We just don’t want to be alone, but it’s not working. You need to get a job.”
“I have a job.”
“A job that can pay the bills. I’m not good for you and one day you’ll find the perfect woman for you.”
He drew her close. “You’re the perfect woman.”
Anna Marie pulled away and returned to her packing.
Bruno watched her for a few moments, then said, “I don’t believe you’re really doing this. I think you’re bluffing.”
She zipped up her suitcase.
“Oh, I know what this is all about.” He held up his hands in surrender. “Okay, you win. I’ll marry you. Now do you feel better? We’ll get married.” He sat on the bed and stared up at her.
She lifted her suitcase and left the room.
He followed. “I don’t know what this is all about, but you’ll be back and I’ll forgive you.”
“I’m not coming back.” Anna Marie got her coat out of the hall closet and grabbed her handbag from a hook nearby.
“You’re just going to take a suitcase? That’s it?”
“That’s all I need. The rest is yours.” She pulled on her coat, then tossed him a set of keys.
He stared down at them. “You don’t know what you’re doing.”
Anna Marie opened the door. “Yes, I do. I’m starting a new life.”
Chapter 5
The next day Anna Marie defeated the Cobra.
“You can’t quit!” Sandy said, a vein popping out in her neck as she stared at Anna Marie from across her desk. “You need this job.”
“Not anymore.”
“You got another job behind my back? Is that what this is all about?”
“No, I don’t have another job, but you don’t have to worry about me.”
“I don’t need you anyway,” she shouted. “I run this place by myself. Good riddance. Get out.”
Anna Marie didn’t move from her seat.
Sandy’s vein became more prominent. “Didn’t you hear me?”
Anna Marie folded her arms. “I have something to say.”
“I’ve heard enough.”
Anna Marie nodded, then stood. “I give you ten years.”
“What?”
“Before a stroke or heart attack takes you. Goodbye.” She left and closed Sandy’s door behind her. She’d never have to see her again. Anna Marie patted the doorknob. It felt good to finally say what was on her mind.