“It ... shit. The nightmare changed. I thought Rhea was giving me a blow job.”
“Holy shit,” Tim hissed.
“I said her name!” Ty was too embarrassed to look anywhere but at the table. He traced the plastic tablecloth’s pattern with his fingernail.
“Hoo boy are you in for some major ass-kissing.”
“Maybe Dad was right. Maybe we shouldn’t have gotten married.” He paused to rub his eyes, then his forehead. “She said it was a mistake.” The biggest fucking mistake.
“But if you tell her about the abuse...”
“God, I don’t want her to know!”
“I don’t see where you’ve got much choice. You think Rhea’s gonna snatch your happiness right out of your hands?”
Ty slowly nodded. “I know that’s all part of the anxiety, but I’m just waiting on the other shoe to drop.” After this morning, it probably already had.
“She’s so upset right now, that if you don’t tell her, then Rhea wins. Just like in your dream. Can you see that, Ty?”
“Shit,” he whispered, slumping in his chair. Tim was right.
“Betti up?” Tim’s own voice was barely above a whisper.
He shrugged. “I dunno. I think she was crying on the couch when I left.”
“Go cook her breakfast and love on her a while. She’s not the type to hold a grudge, but plan on that ass-kissing. And think about what I said. For what it’s worth, I think she’d take the news about Rhea well. You can’t expect her not to be upset but she’s not just anybody, Ty. She’s your wife.”
“I know. And it’s not the same at all. Not like before.” Ty nodded, giving his brother a small smile. “Think I’ll go for a ride first.”
“You gonna be okay?”
“I just need to clear my head.” ...figure out how to convince his wife not to leave him. And how to tell her that her predecessor used to wale on him.
Chapter Nineteen
Love stinks
Damn, Ty Boudreaux had gone and broke my heart again.
At the sound of the front door opening, I laid perfectly still, hoping he’d go away. Jump off a cliff. Anything!
Instead, I got a very gruff, “Get up. We need to talk.”
I rolled over and peered at Tim through a curtain of hair. “Get out,” I croaked. I didn’t want to talk to anybody, especially my husband. I was still in a snit over Ty’s Perfidy. And I damn sure didn’t feel like dealing with his family.
“What do you want in your coffee?”
“Get the fuck out!” I rolled back over and pulled the covers up around my chin.
“I’m not leaving until we talk!” He yanked the quilt back.
“Then get me coffee, asshole.”
He stood scowling down at me, shaking his finger in my face. “You and I got matters to settle.”
“Didn’t your momma teach you it’s not polite to point?” I swatted at his finger.
Damn men!
According to the clock on the cable box it wasn’t even six yet. Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!
Tim headed for the kitchen. I dressed and crawled back on the couch, ignoring his blatant frustration as he paced while I slurped down some hot coffee.
My pride and my heart hurt in equal measure and divorce sounded good.
One hundred percent, my ass!
No matter how much Ty gave me, it’d never be enough if I had to constantly play second fiddle to That Bitch.
“What happened?” he demanded.
“Why are you in my living room at not-even six in the morning? Waking me up?” I croaked, cradling the cup in my hands. I hadn’t really been sleeping. Who the hell could sleep?
Tim paused in mid-stride and his head came up, a deer in the headlights look appearing in his blue eyes. “We have a problem, Houston.”
“It’s ‘Houston, we have a problem.’ And what makes you think my problems are your business?!”
Sporting the scowl to end all scowls, Tim sat with a thunk on the table in front of me. “You love my brother?”
“I’m leaving him.”
Rule Number Fifteen: Love didn’t equal happiness.
“That’s not what I asked. He told me what happened.”
“He to--I’m going home to my house ... today.” My face was red hot and sweat prickled my underarms.
“Aw shit, Betti. You said you loved him. He ain’t perfect; none of us are. How could you do this to him? Just walk out!?” His anger left me near-speechless in shock.
But not quite. “Me? I’m not explaining...”
“--You know he had a hard time married to Rhea.”
“Well that sure as hell didn’t seem to bother him this morning,” I snapped. When he was calling out her name instead of mine.
“Haven’t you realized yet, the worst thing you can do is leave Ty,” he said softly. He’d gone from angry to begging. Begging me not to leave his brother. “If your marriage means anything, if you really truly love him like Cassi said, stay. And fucking at least try for the baby’s sake. Even if it means moving into a spare bedroom for a while.”
“Tim Caldwell, are you insane? First Jessa, and now you. How dare you think you can interfere in my marriage? Alright, fine, so I love him! I always have.” I shook with rage. “But I can’t fight a ghost!”
“Now listen to me. He was really torn up when he came over this morning. At least give him a chance. Try and ride this out...” He tripped and stumbled over his own words. No mean feat for him.
“I never thought I’d have this chance, Tim, and now I feel like it’s gone.” I sagged against the couch cushions, suddenly exhausted.
“It’s only gone if you want it to be gone.”
I stared at him, trying to figure out what he meant. Just then, the front door opened and closed, bringing in a crisp fall breeze and my husband. My hero, home from the wars.
Despite the fact that I had nothing to feel guilty about, I did feel guilty sitting there talking about Ty with Tim. I opted for the offensive, before things got ugly, and nudged him hard with my foot. “Get out, Tim.”
With a silent nod, he left, closing the door behind him.
I couldn’t even bring myself to look at Ty.
“I came to cook you breakfast in bed.”
That got my attention. I looked. And it made me wanna start crying all over again. His cheeks were red from the cold. His hair practically stood on end, and he looked all rough in his jeans and flannels with a day’s growth of beard on his face.
“I have a real problem with other people knowing my business, Ty.”
“I only told Tim because I needed advice. He won't tell anyone.”
No one had ever brought me breakfast in bed before.
Ty stepped down into the living room and knelt at my feet. He smelled like outside and I wanted to bury my face in his hair, his neck, and kiss on him. “Why didn’t you tell me about your run-in with Jessa?”
“I thought we were discussing this morning.”
“We will. But first ... why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m just used to handling things.” I’d been ‘handling things’ since I was eight. “And I didn’t want to make waves. We’d only been married two days. I’m the outsider...”
“You’re my wife. And it’s my job to take care of you.” He squeezed my fingers and kissed my hand. “I’m sorry about this morning. From the bottom of my heart, I am so very, very sorry, Bettina.”
“Sorry isn’t enough, Ty.” I was the mother of his child, but I wanted so much more. Maybe I wanted too much. But he wasn’t gettin’ off that easy. I struggled catch my breath and finish before my damned tears got the best of me. “You hurt me, Ty. You promised to try and make this work and I don’t feel like you’ve lived up to that promise.”
“You are my wife, the mother of my child, and you mean the absolute and complete world to me. I don’t want you thinking you made a mistake. And I don’t want you to have regrets. Please believe me...”
“--I don’
t! I don’t believe you, Ty! You hurt me more than you could possibly imagine this morning.”
“I saw her ... last night after you left the bar.”
Suddenly I felt sick and I wanted to scream at him to shut up. I didn’t want to hear anymore. I didn’t want to hear about That Bitch.
“I have these nightmares ... about her. And I had one this morning ... then you woke me up when you ... this is so fucking asinine!” He wiped his face on his sleeve and looked up at me. “I don’t want her!”
I couldn’t believe I’d heard him right. My heart stopped, then slowly started back up again. I waited while he took a couple deep breaths, wondering if he’d say more.
“You, Bettina ... I will always give you my very best. I swear ... on my life. But please don’t leave me.” He dropped his head in my lap but he didn’t cry. I did.
I was such a fool. I wanted to believe him so badly, and there was every chance this would come back to bite me in the ass, but I was already in so deep, I’m not sure it mattered anymore.
“Do you mean it?” I leaned over and whispered in his ear.
“With all my heart.”
I kissed his cheek and cradled his head. “Can I tell you something?”
“Do I want to hear this?” he whispered back.
“I think you do.” My fingers glided through his hair as I searched for just the right way to say I love you without actually saying it. Saying the “L” word goes back to rule number ten. “No one has ever made me feel like you do, Ty.”
“Swear?”
“Swear.” I lifted his chin and kissed him, this time sliding my tongue past his lips. We had some making up to do. Ty pulled back and studied me, his hands stroking my cheeks. “I’m so sorry Bee--Bettina.”
“You can call me Bee, but no one else.” I took his fingers in my hand and kissed them, then stood and led him to the bedroom.
“Where’d you go?” I asked, unbuttoning his shirt.
“For a ride. Do you ride?”
“Only you,” I replied with a watery laugh. He gave me an embarrassed chuckle, his cheeks turning crimson, and his fingers tangled in my knotted hair as he pulled me to him. I pushed the soft flannel off his shoulders and wriggled his undershirt free of his jeans. His chest and stomach were hard and smooth under my hands, but it wasn’t sex I wanted.
What did I want? My mind was nearly as tangled up as my hair.
“Bee.” It came out a soft, low hiss, as he unsnapped my bra. We quickly finished undressing and Ty stood staring at me.
“What?”
“You’re just so beautiful.”
No man had ever called me beautiful before. Hot, sexy, wild maybe. But not beautiful and never so sincerely.
“Do you ... remember?” He eyed my belly. “The night we...” A smile crept across his face.
“Made the baby in my living room,” I finished for him with a smile of my own.
“Yeah.” His fingers trailed across my upper arms, making me wish I could purr. “You feel so soft, Bee. So good,” he crooned.
I leaned into him, shivering at the feel of his hands on my back. This was what I wanted. This soft, warm feeling in the pit of my stomach that scared me and made me want to howl with laughter all at the same time.
“Do I talk too much?”
“Oh, no, baby,” I whispered against his skin.
“Wait.” Ty pulled the sheets back and propped some pillows against the headboard.
“Now.” He nodded, his eyes on my breasts.
I lay in the spot he’d made and curled on my side, crooking a finger at him. He stretched out beside me, and we lay face to face.
“Roll over.”
I quirked a brow and he nodded, so I did. He pulled me against him, spoon fashion, and just touched me and crooned to me and sang to me. It sounded like “Drift Off To Dream”.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stay awake.
* * * *
“Did you call Cassi?” he murmured against my ear.
We stood at the stove, scrambling eggs together and smooching like the newlyweds we were.
“Yeah, she’ll be here at two with George.”
“I thought you were canceling.”
“I forgot, I can’t. They’re delivering the baby furniture Monday.”
“Baby furniture.” The hands that had been kneading my shoulders stopped.
“Yeah.” With a smile, I handed him the spatula, leaving the eggs in his capable hands. “For the nursery, silly.”
“He can go to Tim’s with me and watch the football game with us.”
“George doesn’t watch football. I’ve got to get groceries before they come. We’re out of everything.”
“Doesn’t watch football?” Ty set the two plates of scrambled eggs on the counter beside me and we stood waiting on the toast to finish.
“He’s ... not very athletic, and he tends to ignore what he’s not good at, but he’s a sweet kid.” I gave him a reassuring pat and snatched the warm toast from the toaster. “Ty?”
“Hmm? You want juice?” He leaned against the counter beside me, picking at the eggs on his own plate.
“Please. Is there anything in particular you don’t like?” I carried both plates to the table, then went back for silverware.
“What do you mean, is there anything I don’t like?” He looked at me over the open refrigerator door.
“Food. Brands. Things like that.” I took a bite of my eggs and nearly moaned in pleasure. Damn he made good eggs.
“Brands?”
“Some people like Miracle Whip and some like mayonnaise.”
“Mayo.”
“Margarine or Butter?”
“What’s the difference?” He placed a glass of orange juice in front of me and sat in his own chair.
“Never mind,” I replied with a grin. I’d just do the best I could and learn from trial and error.
“No, what’s the difference?”
“Preference. Some people like Parkay and others prefer...” Then I caught the grin on his face and snorted with laughter. “Ty Boudreaux, you’re teasing me.”
He grinned, a forkful of eggs in his hand. I stood and two steps later, was firmly settled on his lap.
“You’re gonna starve me to death.” He wrapped his arms around me.
“I couldn’t do that now, could I?” I asked between kisses.
“I will eat whatever you put in front of me, sweetheart.”
“Whatever?” I grinned and a wiggled my eyebrows.
Ty’s cheeks turned pink, and I laughed as I slid off his lap and back into my own chair.
Chapter Twenty
Do you want fries with that?
Grocery list in hand, Bettina kissed him goodbye and left for the store. He still had to tell her about the abuse but worry was now tempered with relief, embarrassment and smugness.
Relief because she’d forgiven him. She hadn’t yelled. She hadn’t hit, or ranted or raved. Despite her obvious and well-deserved anger. Deep down inside he recognized he’d crossed a huge hurdle--their first real fight--and felt pretty proud of himself.
Smugness at her obvious pleasure earlier this morning--even if they hadn’t made love. He might not love Bettina but that didn’t mean he didn’t feel anything for her. He actually felt quite a lot, even if he couldn’t put it into words.
Embarrassment over how she made him feel like a horny teenager with his first real girlfriend. Speaking of which, he needed to talk to Tim real soon about the birds and bees ... and honey. He chuckled, remembering the one time he’d gotten a taste of her.
Ty started the dishwasher, gearing up to tackle the laundry next when the front door slammed.
“What the hell is that music?” Zack asked, pushing open the swinging door.
“Bettina left it on.” It sounded foreign, exotic, and Ty kinda liked it.
“Huh, interesting. Aunt Susie gave strict instructions last night for us to call Zander and twist his arm about Thanksgiving--and you have a
speaker phone.”
“Where’s Tim?” Ty wiped down the counters and dried the skillet he’d set on the stove.
“He’s coming. Jessa was gonna walk down with me to apologize, but Bettina’s car is gone.”
“She went for groceries.”
“I’m sorry about last night, man.”
With a sigh, Ty turned and faced his baby brother. “It’s not your place to apologize.”
“I meant for the interference in general. You were right. I know it’s not my place, but we’ve all been worried ... about your marriage and you.”
“Why? I’ve known Bettina longer than you knew Jessa.” Ty folded his arms and leaned against the counter. “I am a grown man, and it’s damn well time I acted like one, okay? I appreciate everyone’s very obvious concern, but Bettina and I have...” he searched for the right words as the front door slammed again and Tim came into the kitchen. “We’ve made a commitment to this marriage and our baby. We’re trying! How many times do I have to say it? This ain’t nothing like being married to Rhea.”
“So y’all got everything all patched up?” Tim helped himself to coffee while Zack wanted to know what they’d had to patch up.
Big mouth. “We had an argument. Don’t you and Jessa ever fight?” He wasn’t up to explaining his nightmares or his sexual screw-up to one more person. “You know, Rhea and I didn’t talk, ‘cause talkin’ with her didn’t do no good. I can talk to Bettina.” And tease, and play and snuggle and have wild, incredible, mind-blowing, heart-stopping sex.
Tim smiled, raising his cup in a toast.
Zack nodded in agreement and sighed. “Let’s get this over with.”
They headed for the speakerphone on the living room sofa table. Ty dialed, the phone rang and the answering machine picked up. After it beeped, they shouted, “Get up!”
A few clicks, a dropped phone and a mumbled, “Hello,” filled the living room.
“Kick that blonde outta your bed,” Tim teased.
Ty chuckled. When it came to women, Zander had always ranked a close second to Tim. He also had a horrible weakness for blondes. Of course, so did Ty.
“Ain’t no blonde in this bed,” Zander growled.
Once In A Blue Moon Page 17