Unwanted Desire

by Skye Turner

  Tif comes back from the bathroom just as I finish my drink. Sliding it across the bar top, I turn to her. “I’m taking off.”

  Her eyes show her surprise at what I’ve just said. “Wh—What? You’re leaving? Why? What happened?”

  Cruz turns his head sharply in my direction and says, “Whoa, where are you going, man?”

  Tifanie turns to him. “What the hell happened while I was in the bathroom?”

  He shrugs and says, “Nothing. I don’t know. We were just standing here.”

  I turn on them both. “Exactly. We were just standing here as my girlfriend waltzes around the room talking to and laughing with everyone.”

  Tifanie shakes her head and says, “Wait, what…”

  I cut her off. “No, I came here to attend this event with AnnaBeth. Yet, she’s everywhere and I’m standing against the wall… by the bar. Why did she ask me to come, Tifanie? Why am I here?

  “We’re a couple, right? I’m her man, yet, I’m over here with the other two people who don’t fit in with this crowd. No offense. And my girlfriend is working the room full of people exactly like her.”

  She blinks again. “I think you’re reading too much into this, Ty. Don’t make a rash decision. If you leave now… AnnaBeth will be really hurt.”

  No, she won’t be. She won’t even realize I’m gone.

  I shake my head. “No, I don’t think I am. How is this any different than every other event I’ve ever attended with the Bellafortes?”

  Tifanie doesn’t answer, she just frowns at me and implores me with a look to reconsider.

  I’m not though. I’m not going to stand around like I’m invisible and drink while AB charms the room. If she wanted me there with her, then I’d be with her. People would know we were together. Yet, here I am. In the corner… in my rented tux… like the dirty little secret.

  I said I was done with that and I am.

  After telling Tifanie and Cruz goodbye, I call Bently from the elevator on the way down. I need a ride since I rode here in the limo with AB.

  I’m out of here.

  *

  AnnaBeth

  God, if I have to smile and nod at one more completely ridiculous thing that one of these old snobs says, I’m going to scream.

  I’m pretty proud of my game face though.

  How the hell did I think I could marry into this nonsense? Was I sleepwalking my entire life up until now?

  I’m missing Ty. We haven’t been able to spend any time together tonight. I’ll make it up to him though.

  As I listen to yet another boring story from another politician or doctor, I forget which he is… my thoughts drift back to the limo on the way here.

  I can’t believe I did that. Can’t believe I instigated it. I wanted it. I wanted Ty and I used my charms to get him.

  I’ve never done that before. I’m so used to just following behind everyone else, and doing what they wanted or what I thought they expected, I didn’t realize how empowering it is to be the leader.

  I want to delve deeper into that. I’d like to have Ty let me take over completely and do whatever I want…

  Maybe that’s something we can explore later tonight.

  Hmmmmm.

  Careful AnnaBeth, you’re getting aroused as you talk to a seventy-year-old man.

  Hahaha.

  Is this thing almost over?

  The doctor finishes his story about his golf game and I smile and laugh convincingly. All I know is it was a golf story, but apparently that was the response he wanted. He says he’ll be writing a check before he leaves and congratulates me on the Gala. I thank him and look for Ty as I turn away.

  I need a breather. Maybe I can convince him to join me for a walk on the rooftop.

  My gaze pans the room, but I can’t find the auburn head I’m searching for. Perhaps he went to the restroom or something. Spotting Tifanie and Cruz across the way, I start to weave through people, smiling and thanking them for coming as I pass them, but not stopping.

  As I reach them, I can see on Tif’s face that she looks nervous. I smile as I approach. “Hey. Is Ty in the bathroom or something? I was hoping he’d take me for a quick breather on the rooftop. I’ve raised a ton of money tonight, but I miss him.” I frown as I see Tifanie and Cruz exchange a look. “What’s wrong?” I look around again and a sinking feeling starts in my stomach. “Where’s Ty?”

  Tif grabs my arm and pulls me behind her. We head toward the bathrooms, but don’t go in. She stops in the hall and I glance behind me. Cruz has followed us and his expression is one of empathy. I yank my arm free and burst out, “What the hell is going on, Tifanie? Where the hell is Ty?”

  She shakes her head and says, “He left.”

  What did she just say?

  HE LEFT?

  Where did he go? Why did he leave? He just left? Without telling me?

  I didn’t hear her right.

  There’s no way she just said he left.

  I ask incredulously, “He left?!”

  Tifanie nods and the pity on her face pisses me off. I screech, “Why would he just leave? Why didn’t he tell me he was leaving? What happened? Did someone say something to him?”

  If someone insulted him, I’ll gouge their eyes out.

  Something had to happen. He wouldn’t just leave and not tell me.

  We’ve come too far.

  Things have been great.

  He wouldn’t have just left me here.

  She bites her lip and looks over my shoulder. I turn and Cruz won’t meet my eyes.

  My stomach drops into my toes.

  What the hell happened?

  Tifanie’s next words enrage me. “He was upset that he was left alone. He was drinking and he just got upset, AnnaBeth. He doesn’t understand why you asked him to come with you and then left him with us all night while you made the rounds. I think he thinks you’re ashamed of him…”

  I gasp, but I refuse to believe what she’s saying.

  He thinks I’m embarrassed or ashamed of him?!

  Tifanie continues, “I told him it wasn’t like that and he was overthinking it… But, he… he left. I’m sorry, AnnaBeth. I tried to talk to him, but he’d already made up his mind and well, he did sort of have a point.”

  I glare at her and grit out, “What was his point?”

  She smiles sadly. “You’re in your element here, baby sister. This is where you shine. You’re the belle of the ball. Everyone’s eyes are on you. You’re the center of attention and that’s great. I’m not saying it’s not. You did a great thing here and you raised a ton of money… I’m super proud of you for that… But, you asked Ty to come with you and then you worked the room while he stayed behind with us.” She gestures at herself and Cruz. “We don’t fit in here either. The three of us entertained ourselves all night.

  “I’m totally fine with that. I prefer it. I don’t like socializing with money as you know, but Ty… You have to understand where he’s coming from, AnnaBeth.

  “You broke his heart once before because he didn’t fit into your world.” She looks at me and I can see the understanding on her face, but I also see the anger. “You. Broke. His. Heart. AnnaBeth.

  “I’m the one who saw the hurt you caused him and I didn’t know it was you. Had I known it was you, I’d have kicked your ass, baby sister. You dropped him and accepted another man’s proposal because Stanton was of the right breeding.

  “I’m glad you made it right and the past few weeks have been great for both of you, but tonight… tonight you get an ‘F.’

  “He accompanied you as your boyfriend and he was proud of you. He is proud of you… but you made him feel inferior.

  “I know you didn’t mean to and I’m not coming at you, but I’m trying to make you understand where he’s coming from. I can see the anger brewing under the surface and I want you to understand where he’s coming from.” She grimaces. “He was wrong to leave. I told him that. I’m not making excuses for him.”

  I cut her of
f. “That’s funny, Tifanie. Because that seems like exactly what you’re doing.”

  Tifanie tries to deny it. “AnnaBeth!” But, I ignore her. Turning on my heel, I walk down the hall.

  As I pass Cruz, he smiles at me sadly. He mutters, “I know what it’s like, AnnaBeth. You can be mad and you need to give him hell, but you also need to understand where he’s coming from.” He glances at Tifanie. “You’re some pretty intimidating women. It’s easy to feel inferior. It doesn’t mean we don’t love you. Just remember that.”

  I bite out, “Yeah well, I’m not sure the fact that he loves me is enough!”

  Making an excuse about a headache, I leave the party. I’m so pissed and as we cover the miles and head to Ty’s house, the rage I’m feeling grows stronger.

  By the time the limo driver pulls up outside of Ty’s house, my blood is practically boiling in my veins and the urge to knock the hell out of Ty is at the tips of my fingers.

  I tell the driver to wait for me and that I might be awhile. His expression shows that he can tell some serious shit is about to go down, but I’m so angry, I’m past caring.

  Ty Boudreaux just walked out on me at my own Gala because instead of talking to me, he let his stupid brain run rampant.

  We’re getting this shit straight right now…

  Either he’s going to understand that I choose to be with him regardless of the fact that he’s not like me… or we’re done.

  I’ve proven that I can hang in his world, now he’s damn sure going to show me the same respect.

  The old AnnaBeth would have sucked it up and raged in silence… The new and improved AnnaBeth… Hell no.

  Ty Boudreaux has no idea of the shit storm I’m about to bring down on that flame red head!

  Chapter Twenty

  Ty

  Bently stops at the corner and I climb in. He looks over and whistles. “Damn, Boudreaux. You clean up real nice!”

  Glancing down at myself, I mutter, “Not like it matters.”

  Bently sighs and pulls away from the curb. “Ok, who pissed in your Cheerios? What happened? You and the princess have a fight?”

  I stare at the lights over the river as Bently pulls onto the Interstate. “No, we didn’t have a fight. She ignored me all night. Can’t have a fight when I’m not even near her.”

  I see him turn towards me for a second before glancing back at the road. “Um, ok. Wasn’t this a big deal for her? Did she stick you in a corner with a cookie or something?

  “I can’t see her doing that, Ty. What happened?”

  Turning my head, I stare straight ahead at the tail lights from all the cars ahead of us. “No, she stopped over to say “hi” once or twice, but I spent the entire night near the bar with Tif and Cruz. I think I saw AnnaBeth for like ten minutes.”

  He exhales and asks, “Ok. But wasn’t this a big deal for her? What was she doing? Was she dancing with other men? Flirting?”

  I grunt. “No, she was just working the room. Being a social butterfly… While I was in the corner… like her dirty little secret.”

  He glances over at me and I can see his frown from the corner of my eye. “Do you hear yourself? Are you serious?

  “Dude, I’m going to be completely honest with you right now… You just left a party that your girlfriend invited you to attend with her. A party that she worked her ass off on.

  “Ok, so yeah, she worked the room. Wasn’t that the point? Isn’t working the room and charming the money what she’s supposed to do? Doesn’t that raise the funds?

  “I’m not down with fancy shindigs, but if you just left that party because AnnaBeth was doing what she does after she invited you to accompany her…” He whistles. “I do not want to be you when she catches up with you.” He chuckles. “What did she say when you said you were heading out?”

  Shit…

  Listening to Bently…

  I think I fucked up.

  Shit!

  She’s going to bust my balls.

  Man, I fucked up.

  I scratch my head and mutter, “I didn’t tell her.”

  His foot jerks the brake and I holler at him, “Damn, Bently! Don’t fucking kill us!”

  His head whips toward me. “Sorry. You just left? You didn’t even tell her you were leaving? What the hell is wrong with you, man?

  “She’s going to kill you!

  “I do not want to be near you when she shows up. You royally fucked up, man.”

  I nod as I realize he’s right. Dropping my head against the seat back, I groan. “Shit… I royally fucked up.”

  He chuckles. “Yeah, you did. I’m dropping you at home and hauling ass. I don’t know when she’s going to treat you to her presence, but I do not want to be in the vicinity when she does.”

  I mutter, “Gee, thanks.”

  He pulls up at my house a few minutes later. As I open the door, he says, “Dude, in all honesty… you better grovel. I don’t think that pretty face and your muscles are going to get you out of this mess. She’s going to be pissed. But I bet she’s also hurt. She invited you into her world. She showed up with you and she wanted you there. Yet, your panties got into a wad and you just left without a word.

  “I know that you think you had your reasons, but I’m telling you that whatever you thought they were… you were wrong. That woman loves you. I’ve seen it as plain as day the past few weeks. She hurt you in the past, but this… tonight… you rejected her.

  “Put yourself in her place for a minute.” Then he laughs. “You better put that tongue to work, bro. Grovel. Plead. Tell her you love her. Then pleasure her all night long.” He snorts. “She just might forgive you then.”

  Flipping him off, I slam the door.

  He rolls the window down so I can hear his laughter as he pulls out and drives away.

  Well, fuck me.

  Ty Boudreaux… You’re a jackass.

  This was a colossal fuckup.

  How long until my princess shows up and turns into the Evil Queen?!

  Shit, time to turn into Prince Charming.

  Dammit, I don’t know shit about romancing a woman off the ledge so she doesn’t cut my balls off.

  Good job, Ty!

  You’re a real prince.

  I’m kicking myself the whole way to the kitchen. Along the way, I discard my jacket and bowtie. The shirt gets unbuttoned, though it stays on. That helps me breathe a little easier.

  Let’s see how long that lasts.

  Grabbing a beer, I head back to the living room to wait.

  She’s coming, I just have no idea when.

  I stare at the clock and listen to it tick. It amps up my nerves. An hour later, I hear wheels in the driveway. Standing, I peek out the window and see the limo in my drive. The back door of it opens and AnnaBeth gets out. She slams the door and I can see the rage on her face as she heads toward my house.

  She glares at my truck as she strides to the door.

  Oh boy. She’s livid.

  This is going to be bad…

  She lays on the doorbell and the chime dings continuously.

  Setting my beer down, I take a deep breath and unlock the door. As I open it, I look at her and see her eyes flash. The blue darkens to almost navy and before I realize what she’s doing, her palm connects with my face. Hard.

  Holy shit!

  The princess just hit me.

  *

  AnnaBeth

  Oh my God! I just slapped the shit out of Ty. I didn’t know I was going to do it. But when I saw him, I just reacted.

  I’ve never hit anyone in my life.

  Dammit! That HURT!

  Shit.

  My handprint is on his cheek. I can see the imprint of my fingers.

  Dear God, my hand is throbbing.

  I look at him and see the look of complete disbelief on his face. His hand rises and touches the bright red mark on his cheek. He blinks and says, “You just hit me?!”

  I nod. “I did. You’re an asshole, Ty Boudreaux. You deserved i
t.”

  He did deserve it! I’m not apologizing.

  He nods and opens the door wider. I see him look over my shoulder. I turn. A woman is walking her dog and staring at us with her mouth hanging open.

  Did she see me slap him?!

  He raises his hand and waves to her. “Evening.” Then, he pulls me inside and shuts the door. His back is against the door and I’m in front of him. I hug my arms around myself.

  Oh my God. I just hit him and someone saw. I don’t hit people. I’ve never hit anyone. I didn’t think I could hit anyone!

  Damn you, Ty!

  He’s just watching me. I stare back.

  I notice his white tuxedo shirt is open. His muscles are on display. The top button of his pants is also undone and his feet are bare.

  Sweet Jesus, he looks delectable.

  No! No, AnnaBeth.

  You are not going there.

  He LEFT you!

  No talking, no anything. He just left me and Tifanie says he did it because he thought I was ashamed of him. Fuck him!

  Raising my eyes back to his face, I glare at him.

  He smirks and holds his hands out in surrender. “You going to hit me again?”

  With a frown, I whirl on my heel. “I should! You deserve it… But, no.” As I reach the other side of the room, I turn back to him. I point at him as I rage. “You just left! Why the hell did you leave, Ty? I went looking for you and my sister tells me you just left!”

  He shrugs and it pisses me off even more. He opens his mouth but before he can utter a single syllable, I rage at him. “Let me tell you something, you jerk. I invited you to accompany me because I wanted you there! I wanted you there! I worked my ass off for that Gala. A Gala I’m no longer at, thank you very much, because you fucking just left!

  “I had to talk to those people. Smiling and laughing at their ridiculous stories as I was bored shitless raised a lot of money for the Children’s Hospital. That’s what the Gala was for!

  “I wasn’t ignoring you. I wanted to be with you. I’d much rather have been with you than hearing another golf story, but no, I did what I needed to do to raise the money. Because it wasn’t about me tonight. It wasn’t about you, either.

  “It was about you being there to support me in something that I worked my ass off for. It was about you supporting me as I talked to three hundred people. It was about me not dragging you around the room to be bored with me.