by J. G. Sumner
I close the computer, certain that everything is okay. I lean back in my husband's chair and close my eyes. Perhaps with Jonathon dead, all this stuff can go away. Maybe Trent and I can get back to our lives and be happy again. Do I want that? Or do I want to pursue a life with Delia?
My cell phone rings and a picture of Trent comes up. It’s as though we’re in sync. He knows exactly when I’m thinking about him.
“Hey, honey. I was just thinking about you. How is everything?”
Trent exhales. “It’s hard. I can’t believe he’s gone. I’ve kind of been in shock all day long.”
“I’m sorry. Were you ever able to get a hold of your mother?”
“No. She still hasn’t answered her phone. I’m guessing she’s on the boat in the middle of the ocean somewhere. I just pray I can get a hold of her in time for a funeral. I’d hate to bury him without her.”
“Oh my gosh. Certainly there has to be a way to get a hold of her on the ship in case of an emergency. I think this qualifies.”
“Yeah, but I don’t know what company she went with and I haven’t had a chance to check it out. It’s going to have to wait until I get back. Anyway, I was calling to let you know that I’m going to be a couple more days. I need to arrange some things before my dad can be shipped back.”
“Do you want me to come out there? I can bring the boys, or maybe Beth can watch them.”
“No! I mean, no they need to have you there with them and continue with their normal routine. I don’t want them here seeing me like this. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Trent sounds weird. “Okay. Are you sure? Because I want to be there for you.”
“Yes. You’re there for me right now and I appreciate it. I need to get going. I need to close my eyes.”
“One more thing before you go. Why did you pull money out of your trust fund?”
He’s silent on the other end for what seems like eternity. “How did you know about that?”
“My dad told me. He was concerned about you.”
“My father’s name was on the account. I thought it would be best to sever the tie now while I was in town. I just transferred it to another bank. No big deal. Now I’ve got to go.”
Trent hangs up without another word. I stare at the phone to make sure he’s gone. Something isn’t right. I ponder what could be happening before writing off his weird behavior to the fact that Jonathon is dead. Who knows how I’d be if the situation were reversed?
I call my dad back to let him know that Trent moved the money for a good reason. I also ask for his help in locating Trent’s mom. If anyone can find her, it’s my dad. If I can do that for him, it will alleviate a lot of Trent’s stress. It must be hard making all the decisions regarding his father by himself.
When I finish, I head upstairs and crawl into bed wishing my husband was lying by my side, wishing that I could change the events of the last year. Wondering if there is a chance to save this marriage or if that is what I want. I just don’t know.
As I drift off to sleep, my mind wanders to Delia. Her heart would break all over again if I left her a second time.
Chapter 20
Trent
Lies, lies, and more lies. That’s what my life has come to. My wife lies, my father lies, my mother lies, and my best friend lies. The only one who hasn’t is Beth. She remains right by my side and has supported me through this crazy mess. Now I’m going to take a few thousand dollars from the trust fund and take her on a shopping spree of a lifetime. Screw you, Parker.
I should have known she’d find out about the trust fund. Based on what Jonathon told me, everything in my life is being inspected. Probably even Beth. I don’t care anymore. I’m in the Caribbean with a beautiful young woman who adores me. I couldn’t be happier.
The trip to the bank went without a hitch. I had all the proper fake identifications and it didn’t take long at all to set everything up. The only other person who can access this money right now is Shaylynn Jones, Beth’s new fake name.
I have to admit when that town car pulled up with the driver to take me to the airport, I was a little nervous. Turns out we didn’t fly out of JFK. We flew a private chartered jet for Mr. Demetriato and Ms. Jones. We avoided airport security and the two bags containing an obscene amount of money. Thank God. I could only imagine how we would get it through TSA. I’m sure we would have been flagged. I have to give it to my dad, he planned out everything very well. My flight back to Boston doesn’t leave until tomorrow. I’ve got less than twenty-four hours to enjoy this beautiful island and I plan on spending it pampering Beth. She deserves it.
I unlock the hotel room door and call out for her. There’s no answer, but I see the curtains swaying from the breeze of the open door to the deck. I find her outside lying on the lounge chair sunbathing, completely naked. We never stopped for new clothing. All Beth had was what she had on when she got to New York.
I lean down and kiss her on the cheek.
“Hey you! I didn’t expect you back so soon.”
“Things went faster than I expected. I’m all yours.”
Beth stands up in front of me. I can’t take my eyes off her perky breasts. The slight breeze has made her nipples taut. She wraps her arms around my neck and stares into my eyes.
“Am I all yours?” she asks seductively.
I press my lips against hers. They’re soft and warm and remind me of warm vanilla pudding. I want her so bad, and could take her right now. I deepen the kiss, wanting be as close to her as possible. She moans and it makes my body come alive. The animal inside me begins to arouse and take notice of the beautiful woman in my arms. I rub my hands against her smooth skin, taking in every sensation I can. I break our connection and lift her into my arms. Her eyes are begging me to make love to her. She wants me as much as I do her.
I lay Beth on the bed. “Get dressed. We have some shopping to do.”
Her face changes from one of lust and desire to disappointment.
“I promised you a shopping spree, and I intend to hold up my end of the bargain. If we start this, we won’t leave this room until tomorrow morning. I want to take you shopping.” It is the least I can do for her given everything she’s done for me. It helps that I also feel extremely guilty for throwing her clothes out.
“The clothes don’t mean anything. I want to be with you.”
I smile. “I know. I want that too. There’s time for that later. Right now I’m going to pamper you and make you feel like a princess. Hurry up and get dressed.” I playfully smack her bottom. Beth lets out a little yelp, giggling.
I pull the cash I saved out of the suitcase and stuff it into a backpack I purchased. Fifty-thousand dollars. That should be enough money to get Beth a very robust new wardrobe. The Cayman Islands are not the cheapest place to shop, but I’m sure we’ll be just fine.
Beth is ready in no time at all. Even without makeup, she is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen in my life. Her olive skin and golden eyes make her appearance somewhat exotic.
“Shall we, Ms. Jones?” I put my arm out for her to hook on to.
“Absolutely, Mr. Demetriato.”
I escort her out the door to the car that’s waiting for us in front of the hotel. We climb into the back seat and I send the driver to Cardinal Plaza. I did my research prior to coming back to the hotel to find out where the best place to take Beth shopping was. Cardinal Plaza has designer shops as well as boutiques.
We drive around the island for a short time, enjoying the magnificent blue ocean and the character of the buildings along the shore. I wish I only had more time here with Beth. Right now it seems like my life is a fairytale, perhaps even a dream. I could stay here forever. Here, there are no problems. It’s just the two of us enjoying each other’s company, basking in the lack of work and people interfering in our lives.
We spend the day frequenting the various boutiques. Beth tries on various outfits and models them for me. When all is said and done, I spend t
wenty thousand dollars on clothing for her. We had to buy an extra suitcase to take everything home. As we’re leaving I spy a Tiffany and Co. store.
“Come on. I want to go in here.”
Beth’s eyes light up like a beacon in the night.
We peruse the various cases until I come upon one with necklaces and pendants. I ask the lady behind the counter to open the case so I can view a few of them. I place the jewelry one by one around Beth’s neck until I find the one that’s perfect for her—a two carat diamond pendant set in white gold.
“We’ll take this one.”
I have Beth leave it on while I pay for it. When I finish, I take her hand and lead her out of the store. “Beth,” I say, pulling her close, “I bought this for you as a symbol of my love. I can’t put a ring on your finger yet, but this gift is my promise to you that once everything clears up at home I will be yours and you will be mine. You’ll have a ring as big as this necklace. We’ll get married and spend the rest of our lives together. You have my word.”
Beth jumps into my arms and kisses me.
I hold her and spin her around. I honestly can’t remember the last time I was this happy. It’s been so long. I inhale everything that is Beth and I’m more invigorated and alive than ever before. I’m optimistic that things are going to turn out as they should. This is what I thought I’d feel like when I met my future wife. The butterflies in my stomach, barely able to catch my breath, and never wanting the person to leave my arms. I never had that with Parker. I had love for her, but never this. If our parents hadn’t pressured us to be together, maybe I would have found it sooner. Then again, maybe I wouldn’t and I probably wouldn’t have met Beth, who has given this to me.
We go back to the car and return to the hotel. I can’t wait to get this woman in my arms, feel her skin against mine, and make her feel things she never has before. I can’t wait to claim her body, heart, and soul as mine.
We get back to the room and the hotel staff did just as I had asked. Beth’s eyes glow in the candlelight as she surveys the room. Candles, rose petals, and an intimate dinner ready for us.
Beth looks at me adoringly. “How did you do all this?”
“Having a large quantity of cash can pretty much get you anything you need. I wanted to surprise you.”
“Well, it worked. This is the best day of my life. You promised to be with me. And oh my gosh, the clothes! I don’t know what I’m going to do with them all. I don’t think they can fit in my closet.”
“Hopefully you won’t have to live there much longer. When we get back to the States, I’m going to start the divorce process. You’re my lady and I can’t wait to start our lives together for real.” I kiss Beth on the forehead before walking her out to the deck and pulling out a chair for her to have a seat.
I sit across from her and remove the metal lids from our plates, pour some ice water into her glass, and add a touch of lemon.
“What kind of fish is this?” she asks.
“Chilean Sea Bass. It’s a nice flaky and moist white fish. I think you’ll like it.” I take a sip of water while Beth takes her first bite.
“Mmmm. This is so good. I don’t know what this sauce is with it, but I don’t think I’ve had anything better.”
“Not even the lobster I made for you?”
Beth takes another bite. “That was good too, but I could live on this every day.” Beth devours her dinner as I sit and watch with a smile on my face and a sense of contentment in my soul.
“Aren’t you hungry?” She glances up and notices I haven’t eaten a lot.
“I’m enjoying watching you.”
Beth sets her fork down.
I wave for her to continue. “No, no. Please go ahead. I want you to finish. We’ve had a big day.”
“I feel kind of funny with you watching me.”
I take another sip of my wine. “You’re just so beautiful. It’s hard to take my eyes off of you.”
Beth blushes. “Tell me about your dad. You didn’t say anything other than he was alive. What’s going on with the two of you?”
I stand up, walk to the other side of the table, take her hand in mine, and lift her to my side. “I don’t want to talk about him right now.” I brush the strands of hair from her face before kissing the tip of her nose.
She shivers from my touch. I bring my lips back to hers and tenderly connect our tongues. She pulls me in further. I’ve been waiting for this moment all day. I’ve been thinking about the touch of her skin, the smell of her hair, the warmth of her body.
I lead Beth into the bedroom and lay her across the bed on top of the red, pink, and white rose petals. I hover over her, staring into her warm, inviting eyes. Desire builds inside of me and I rub my hands along her soft skin. I trail light kisses down her arms and inhale the scent of jasmine. I close my eyes allowing my sense of smell and touch to become stronger. I move along her body, caressing every inch of it, treasuring her, and marking what is mine. I go slowly, wanting to make sure Beth is comfortable.
Beth wraps her legs around my torso, pulling me close. “I’m not a virgin. I don’t think I can wait any longer. I want you inside of me.”
Holy fuck!
If those words didn’t get my dick standing at attention, I don’t know what would. I look into her eyes before quickly stripping off my clothes, ripping the buttons off my shirt.
“Are you clean?” I ask.
“I haven’t had sex in over a year. I’ve been to the doctor twice since then. I’m yours.”
I close my eyes and inhale deeply. I love those two words.
I’m yours.
I start planting kisses at Beth’s bellybutton and work my way up to her breasts. I hold them both in my hands, wrapping my mouth around them. I’ve always been a butt man. Breasts were never the big attraction for me, but grasping onto Beth’s gives me a newfound appreciation and I never want to stop looking at them.
I slide one hand down between her legs. Her entrance is warm, wet, and inviting. I find her sensitive spot and stimulate. Her breath hitches at my first touch and she bites down on her bottom lip.
Beth grabs onto my cock and strokes it, distracting me from pleasuring her. My eyes roll to the back of my head from the sensation of her expertly rubbing and caressing me. I pull away, knowing I won’t be able to last if she keeps this up.
I start to slide down in between her legs to get her ready for me.
“No! I want you inside of me. No more foreplay. We’ve been doing this for months. I need to feel you.” Her voice is stern and begging at the same time. It’s such a fucking turn on.
I do as she asks and I inch myself inside of her until she’s taken my entire girth. She moans in excitement as I rub her sweet spot in the midst of my slow and deliberate thrusts. She feels fucking amazing. Her tight pussy grabs on to me, stroking every inch of my cock. It’s been so long since I’ve made love. I can’t believe this is what I’m rewarded with.
I rub Beth’s bundle of nerves a little harder and faster and quicken my pace. Her breathing gets faster and beads of perspiration form on her forehead. Tension mounts as her muscles grow tighter around me. She’s so fucking tight, the grip she has on my cock drives me insane.
Beth closes her eyes. “Oh my God. Oh my God!” she screams out, tightening even more around my cock. I continue thrusting, allowing her to ride out her orgasm before moving faster to reach my own climax. I stay on top until my heart rate returns to normal.
I plant kisses over her entire face. Beth is beautiful and glowing. The smile on her face assures me that all is right in this little corner of the world. I couldn’t be happier right now if I tried.
I pull myself off of Beth and lay next to her, playing with her hair while she drifts off to sleep. Before long, my own eyes grow heavy and I trail off into a slumber.
Chapter 21
Parker
Trent has been home for two days and has barely said a word. He went back to work yesterday and has been steadfast in sta
ying at the office until late. His father’s death has taken a toll on him. I barely recognize him anymore. I feel partly to blame since I’ve been anything but the ideal wife.
I’ve made it a point to stay home with the boys and be here for Trent even though he’s never around. The kids reacted to the news of their grandfather’s death pretty well. The two younger ones didn’t know him that well, and TJ has only seen him a handful of times over the last couple of years. I think they were sadder for their dad than anything.
My phone rings and I run to it, hoping against all odds it’s Trent asking me to meet him for lunch. My hopes are dashed when I find my dad’s picture plastered across the screen.
“Daddy.”
“Parker, there is something strange going on. When I tried to find Trent’s mom on the cruise ship, I came across something interesting. Penelope was listed as one of the guests, but I was listed as her room guest. There is no sign of Trent’s aunt anywhere on the guest list. Further, I don’t have a clue as to why I would be her guest. Upon further investigation, I found out she didn’t get back on the boat after their stop in Chile. No one has seen or heard from her. She’s disappeared.”
My heart sinks. Perhaps this is why Trent has been acting so strange. He still hasn’t been able to reach his mom. My mind wanders, trying to figure out what happened to her. It’s not like her to not call or be a part of Trent’s life. These grandkids are her pride and joy.
“Daddy, did you have something to do with her disappearance?”
“I’ll admit, my intentions haven’t always been pure with Penelope, but she’s as much a victim as we all are. I would never do anything to hurt her.”
Now I’m starting to get annoyed. My dad has been going on for a year telling me about some falling out between he and Jonathon and how he had to get even. Now Jonathon is dead. Isn’t that good enough?
“What do you mean she’s a victim? Why won’t you tell me what happened?”