by Deb Julienne
Even though he’d intended to get to know Sabrina better, he was completely taken aback when her friend Jill admitted Sabrina had a hard-core, massive crush on Trent. Sure, he was happy about that little crumb, but with it confirmed, how would he handle her at work?
He’d listened to Sabrina defend him to his brother. It made him want to get to know her all the more. Did he really want to take his emotions seriously, regardless of the dangerous game? With Sabrina?
Damned straight.
He had to say something.
“Ah—thanks for a nice evening.”
“You’re welcome.”
Guilt plagued him for continuing his lousy sham. Parked outside his place, he gazed in her lovely green eyes. He wanted to taste her deliciously kissable mouth. He leaned closer. Their hands accidently brushed sending a jolt through him head to toe. Why did she make him so nervous? He’d never been like this before.
Sabrina edged away from him.
He swallowed a groan when she stepped from of the car.
She walked him to the sidewalk in front of his place making him feel foolish. He started to reach out to her, but she shook his hand.
“Thanks for dinner.”
He stood there staring at his hand.
She climbed into her car and drove away.
He shook her hand for Christ’s sake. How lame. He turned from the disappearing taillights and took the steps two at a time. He needed a good swift kick in the ass for not trying to kiss her when he had the chance. The memory of her swollen lips earlier in the day drove him crazy. If only he’d had the ability to think straight the evening might not have ended in a total loss and he’d have something to hang on to.
During his nightly crunches one part of him argued Sabrina was exactly what he wanted in a woman. Someone who gave as good as she got, and did so with spirit and the ability to laugh at herself. The other half of him questioned the wisdom of the game.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a game. This was real life.
He was supposed to help his brother and save the family from a huge financial loss. He slugged the punching bag hanging in the corner of his room, and sent it ricocheting. But what about him, damn it?
Wasn’t he entitled to a life as well?
Wasn’t he allowed to be happy?
That’s where the problem started and stalled.
He couldn’t let it end like this. He grabbed his cell phone and dialed Kat.
“What do you want?”
“Geez, I love you too. What’s the matter—is your thong too tight?” He punched the bag again.
“Look smartass, you called me.”
“Sorry. I need to talk to you.” He moved and sat on the edge of his bed and ran his fingers through his hair.
“About—”
“I thought we straightened this out when you went on the rampage at the club.”
“Look Trent, the only reason you’re even walking the face of the planet tonight is because you’re helping Travis out. That’s it. You hurt Sabrina and I swear you will die the world’s most painful death.”
“Are we in the same family? Did you listen to what you said? I’m helping Travis. And you’re yelling at me.”
“I’m sorry. I’m just pissed. How could Travis think the family wouldn’t be behind him? Why the deception? I just don’t get it.”
“How the hell do you think I feel?” He laid back on the bed and kicked off his shoes.
“What do you mean?”
“I wasn’t sure we’d be able to pull of this caper to start with. It’s been awhile since Travis and I swapped places.”
“I didn’t catch on until you showed up at the club. Travis doesn’t go to them. It had to be you.”
“When the family took Travis and me to the airport, we’d already been in our new roles. Mom and Dad bought it.”
“Probably because Travis was out to save the day and you were off to play.”
“Yeah, I know, the usual.” He couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of his voice and didn’t bother to try.
“We managed a few minutes alone when the folks went to get coffee. Travis admitted how much fun he’d had showing the family what a selfish, self-centered asshole he was as me. And I said I had a perverted sense of joy in acting like an uptight, arrogant prick as him. It was the first time in years Travis and I laughed together.”
“That’s pathetic.”
“Don’t blame me. He’s the one who thinks he God’s gift to the family.”
“You two need to get over this sibling rivalry.”
“Are you kidding me? You were there when I offered to come run the magazine. Did you not hear Travis say no then proceed to convince the family that he’s the only one who could do it? Only to turn around and decide I was suddenly good enough when he decided to check himself into that clinic. What changed?”
“He needed you, pure and simple.”
“What about me?”
“What about you?”
“Do you know what it’s like to have your family think you’re not worthy of them? It sucks.”
“Do something about it.”
“What do you think I’m doing? And the bitch of it is they’ll never know it was me because I’m too busy covering for Travis the Perfect. So once again I’m screwed.”
“It’s not that bad and you know it.”
“Oh really, care to make a wager on it? For your information after Travis’ plane left, Mom asked me to keep my eyes open for an easy job Trent could do. Then Dad chimed in saying anything at all. Grandpa said there had to be something. Only Grandma said to stop picking on the boy and give him a chance. Funny, Grandma is the only one who doesn’t consider me a playboy.”
“That’s because you’re so much like Uncle Max. He was always Gram’s favorite.”
“How come if I’m her favorite, no one listens to her?”
“Get over it Trent.”
“I don’t want to get over it, I want to understand it.”
“Fine, I think your dad and Travis are jealous. Your dad busted his ass all his life and never did as well for himself as Max. Your dad always accused Grandma of coddling Max.”
“That’s bull shit, Max was just better with money and investments.”
“You don’t have to tell me about it, I helped him set up the Foundation.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“Why would you? Max never bragged about anything he did. He and I used to talk all the time. I guess he was comfortable confiding in me.”
“I always appreciated how much he seemed to understand me.”
“Of course he did. Max knew what it was to be a younger twin brother by a few lousy minutes. Max counted on Travis inheriting the bulk of your father’s interests. That’s the way it was it their world. You, like Max, were never taken seriously no matter what you did. Max resented the fact his brother treated you boys, exactly as their father treated them.”
“I knew Max understood, I just didn’t’ realize he felt the same way. He always acted so confident, let things roll off him.”
“That’s the irony of being born second of privilege. Max left the bulk of his money to you with the understanding that while the money didn’t make the situation better, he expected you to carry on his legacy to help the underprivileged.”
“I love the work I do for his foundation. Watching people who need help is very rewarding. I think that’s why he was so good at it. He knew what it did for others made a real difference. Dad on the other hand thinks it’s all about the money.”
“That’s why he left his fortune to you, not Travis. Travis would be hell-bent on doubling the money, not concentrating on helping people. Your Uncle Max hired brilliant financial advisors, but he needed someone who had a heart to help find those who need it the most.
“I’m glad you told me this. It helps.” Trent’s heart tightened at the thought of his uncle. “Damn I miss him.”
“The money will never run out.”
“I know. I we
nt over the list of charities and non-profits last week and sent back the list of who to help this month.”
“I got it.”
“Why’d you get it?”
“I’m on the board of directors, silently of course, but I thought you should know. When Max told me about what he was doing and asked me to help, I realized it was a good thing. I needed to see what a real philanthropist was all about. I enjoy helping the foundations charities and even helped him create a few.”
“What I like most is that he did it and demanded the deeds needed to remain anonymous,” he said, pride choking off the last word.
“He got that from the movie Magnificent Obsession.”
“Yeah, he told me.”
“Did you and Max ever have any deep conversations? Why do I seem to know more about him than you do,” Kat asked.
“You know how it was in my family.”
“Yeah I do. It’s too bad. You’re a good man Trent. Max would be proud of you.”
“If only the rest of the family thought so. What do you think they’d say if they knew the truth? Travis the Perfect has a problem.”
“You know you’d never rat on your brother, even if he’s an annoying pain in the ass.”
“I know, but it’s about damn time I catch a break.” He sat up abruptly too anxious to be horizontal.
“What, you want to save the day like Travis?”
“Screw that, I want to save the day and get the girl. Everyone says I live a charmed life. Why not find out.” He stood up and walked to the dresser where he picked up a picture of himself, Travis, and Kat as carefree happy kids.
“If you’re talking about Sabrina, you better be talking the truth. If I find out you’re screwing with her like one of your Swedish models I’ll rip your nards off and won’t bother using a knife.”
“When did you get so bloodthirsty?”
“When you decided to play games with the family and my friend—did I make myself clear?”
“Crystal.”
“Good.”
“Kat—”
“Yes?”
“Ah—remember when I asked you to introduce me to Sabrina at your party?”
“Yeah.”
“Why’d you really tell me no?” They’d been on the same volleyball team in the pool. The last play of the game, Sabrina had spiked the ball and won the game. He’d been extremely attracted to her, which led to the little devil on his shoulder nudging him to do the equivalent of putting a frog down her shirt. Her bikini top tie had been too much of a temptation. He tugged the errant string and her bright pink top flew up when she dropped back in the water.
He, in all his suave and clever brilliance winked and grabbed the tiny thing and turned away as he handed it back to her but not before he noticed her well-shaped breasts and muttered, “Titillating.”
To her credit, Sabrina managed to keep it together and still snapped back at him the snarky way he was sure Kat had taught her to.
She’d ducked under water with the pretense of embarrassment only to pants him as she swam by, evening the score.
When she came up, she’d covered her breasts with one hand then stuck her free arm straight out and pointed at his naked anatomy, and said, “I prefer tit to that.”
The comment had won his affection, though he doubted she fully appreciated his wares considering the boys had shriveled in the pool. He watched her out of the corner of his eye and admired her moxie as she climbed up the steps in the shallow end and sauntered off to the cabana changing room. She might have been the kind of girl he’d like to get to know better. If only Kat hadn’t pulled him aside and reamed him a new one for his actions.
“Because Sabrina wasn’t ready for you then. I’m not even sure she’s ready for you now. All I know is she’s romanticized everything about you, for years. I just don’t want to see her hurt.”
“Why do you automatically assume I’ll hurt her? I was serious then and I’m serious now.”
“You’re supposed to be Travis. Now is not the time.”
“I know, I know, I owe it to Travis.” His brother came first. Family first. Always. That’s the way it had to be. Didn’t it? “When Travis comes back will you formally introduce us and give me a chance?”
“Let’s get through the next month. If you behave yourself, I’ll think about it.”
“Gee, would you?” He inserted a snide tone then thought better of it and softened his words. The last thing he wanted to do was piss her off.
“Knockoff the snark, playboy, or I won’t believe you’re serious.”
“I’m serious all right, so start planning my intro.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself.”
“Just being positive.”
“I’m positive too. I’m positive we’re all going to live to regret the day the Wellington brothers left Boston,” Kat said then ended the call.
3
Sabrina‘s week passed in a blur, her stamina put to the test. She’d slogged through endless periodicals in an attempt to learn the latest Me Tarzan, You Jane lingo. She missed precious sleep over nights filled with her usual dreams of Trent’s embraces, his smile and carefree laughter. She attributed the fun and erotic version in her nightly trysts with Trent to the day-to-day contact with Travis. The reverie from the multitude of images of Trent pulling her into the storage supply closet for a breathless kiss only to have her alarm clock go off just before their lips touched to ruin the magic. By the time Friday rolled around, she salivated to have a couple of days off.
After she wrapped up the end of week reports, she surfed the Internet for a few more natural make-up recipes to try.
As she packed her tote bag, the pull to succeed in her new job enticed her to explore a few adult websites. Good thing the company was open minded on the concept of research or she’d feel guilty for cruising such sites on the company’s dime.
On her way home she rented three sexy and romantic movies the woman at the counter recommended and purchased three paperback romance novels, rated top picks of the month by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She grabbed the most recent issues of the hottest magazines and stuffed girlie magazines in between. She’d spend the weekend speed dating with the media. Sure she could look at the website, but she wanted something tangible to hold in hands while she studied and compared.
The last stop was her favorite Chinese restaurant where she picked up a quart of Chinese Chicken salad. Dinner and a movie. No cooking. No clean-up and straight on to research. Oh joy, she led an exciting life.
She opened the door of the brownstone she shared with Kat and Jill.
Jill entered the living room and stood by the counter to put on her earrings. Dressed and ready to head out the door. “Hey girl, how’s the new job?”
“Don’t ask—glad it’s the weekend.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us to the club?”
“Not a chance. Monday was bad enough. I couldn’t stand a repeat performance.”
“Suit yourself. What’s in the bags?” Jill didn’t wait for a response and started to unload, laughing as she went. “Homework?” She cheesed.
“Don’t you have some place to be?”
“Later.” Jill waved. “Have fun with your books and movies.”
“Shut up.” She threw a pillow at Jill, but she pulled the door shut before it reached her.
Sabrina sorted through her purchases, planning her evening. She took her dinner to the living room. Books which weren’t there this morning covered the end table. The titles alone made her blush to the tips of her split ends.
“Good Lord, Hurricane Kat’s been here and gone.” That’s not what she meant by help. Kat was begging for a piece of her mind next time they talked. She nibbled on her salad and watched the evening news. Nothing but negative stories as usual.
Kat’s books beckoned her, the pull too strong to ignore. Flipping through several pages of the top book, she realized it was an instructional book. She checked the publication date, outdated
to be sure, but informational. This was exactly what she needed. The pictures and descriptions were just like Kat, in-your-face, but definitely educational. She’d have to thank Kat, because at least her articles wouldn’t end up looking like a smut fest.
A Christmas card from her brother lay on the coffee table. Nickie had been born with Down’s Syndrome. Rather than leave him alone, she’d spent the better part of her childhood keeping him company, which had led to her addiction to movies and television. The summer she received her associate’s degree, Nickie moved to a group home and her parents retired and moved to Phoenix.
Alone and unprepared for the big bad world, her dating life didn’t start until college when she met Kat, who introduced her to her first date. Even then, it was sporadic at best.
She added the card to the wall with the rest they’d received and turned back to the television.
After she put her leftover salad in the fridge, she returned to the couch and tucked her feet beneath the plush, forest green Kenny Bunkport throw from the back of the couch, and made herself comfortable enough to start on the books she’d purchased.
Kat’s selections on teaching every woman how to free her body, train her senses, and tap her own hidden erotic resources would have to wait. So could the men’s rags. A close up of vagina’s, asses, and tits right now was more than she could deal with, if she wanted her food to digest. She’d rather read about love.
Who was she kidding?
She’d need a semester long, eight hours a day class on the guide to a rewarding sex life and deeper relationships only she needed to know it all now.
She read the blurbs on the back of the three novels and chose the historical first. Sweet imagery of what the proper regency gents and ladies did in their spare time. She settled in, convinced she’d learn a great deal from it.
By the time she got to the first sex scene she started to laugh hysterically at the mere mention of his tumescent member. She tried again to concentrate on the story, but when the next reference called it his pulsating manhood she lost it. The visual images created animated cartoon character private parts the world was not yet ready for.