Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No copyright infringement is intended.
Song for this chapter: Scare Me by Kenny Chesney
Secrets by Heartbroken1
Chapter Ten - Slumber Party
Bella Swan
Time had seemed to start moving backward. Anthony hadn't called and, if it weren't for the fact that I held his Platinum Card in my hand, I would worry that he'd walked out of my life forever. Maybe he had. The tulips on my desk were still beautiful and I smiled as I reread Anthony's card.
He'd been desperate to see me, then frantic as he left me standing alone in the middle of a deserted restaurant.
The memory caused my eyes to burn with the tears his quick, unexplained exit triggered. It was ridiculous how this guy made me feel. I'd never allowed myself to get so intoxicated by a man before -- ever.
But Anthony… I sighed as his name crossed my mind.
This is crazy! My heart was tied to this man I'd just met, this married man. I knew I was falling for him and no matter how much I tried to talk myself out of it, I couldn't. Honestly, I wasn't sure that I was presenting a very convincing argument. Anthony could make me smile with only one ring of the phone.
Damn, I wish he'd call.
"Bella, you want to do lunch?" the masculine voice asked. I looked up to see Jake leaning casually against the door frame, an absurd grin plastered on his face.
Grace peeked around him. "Come on, Bella, come to lunch with us."
"I don't know," I hemmed and hawed around the subject. "I really should…"
Jacob snorted and rolled his eyes. "You can't just sit around and wait for him to call, putting your life on hold while he's out living his," the voice of reason, known as Jacob, reminded me.
It never ceased to amaze me how he knew exactly which buttons to push to get the desired reaction out of me. He laughed as I jumped up from my seat, grabbed my bag and said, "Let's go."
"I told you," he stage whispered to Grace before kissing the top of her head. "I'm a lucky guy," he announced, wrapping one arm around Grace's waist and the other draping over my shoulders, "I'm having lunch with the two most beautiful women in the world."
Grace blushed and I sent an elbow into his gut. "Don't try and schmooze me, Jacob Black, I know you too well."
I sat in the backseat of Jacob's refurbished Volkswagen, giving Grace the passenger seat and easy access to Jake's hand, which she held tightly in hers. The two of them had been inseparable since she'd shown up at our door the other night.
The little hole-in-the-wall Jacob picked for lunch was famous for their authentic Mexican food. We sat down at a table in the corner, placed our order and Jake and Grace chatted happily while I continued to watch my unringing phone.
Halfway through our meal my phone finally rang. I glanced at the caller id, which caused my heart to jump, then race. My face must have spoke volumes because Jake groaned then jerked my phone out of my hand.
"Hey," I protested with unrestrained irritation.
"You are so not answering this call," he informed me, holding the phone out of my grasping hands. "We know you're pathetic, Bells." Grace slapped his chest to show her disapproval. He smiled at her, then continued, "I won't let you show him just how much of an effect he has on you. Let him leave a message, then you call him back at your convenience.. You call the shots, not him."
"Wow, I guess I have some things to learn," Grace announced, trying to hold back a giggle.
"That advice is for Bella, sweetheart, not you." He clutched his chest dramatically. "If you avoid my calls, it'll break my heart."
She leaned over and kissed his jaw. "Never, babe."
The ringing finally stopped, and seconds later a beep sounded for a new voicemail. I glowered at Jake. "Can I have my phone now?"
He handed it to me.
"Thanks, Jake," I sneered his name. "I don't need you to father me, I already have a dad."
"Bella," he said quietly. "I'm just worried about you. I've never seen you react this way about a guy. And he's not just any guy, he's a married guy. You're playing with fire, and I don't know that I have a fire extinguisher big enough to put out the flames this could cause."
"It is a little unnerving to watch you, Bella," Grace admitted. "We love you and just want you to be happy."
"I am happy." Honestly I was miserable. I finally had a man that got under my skin with a simple touch, melted my heart with a smile, and made me want to give up everything to spend an eternity with him on a deserted island.
We finished lunch, the two of them not pressing the issue any further, which I was grateful for. The inner battle that was waging between my head and my heart left me feeling beaten and utterly exhausted. The most difficult part was that I had no idea where the hell he'd gone, nor did I know why he had to make such a hasty exit.
When we got back to the office, I settled into my oversized leather chair that sat in one corner. I had a decision to make. He'd left a message, but I wasn't sure I wanted to hear it. What if he'd dumped me via voicemail?
I swallowed hard and returned the call I'd been awaiting. Kenny Chesney's deep, sexy voice sang to me. Were the words what Anthony was feeling?
I'm not afraid of lonelyI've gotten good at being 't seen nothin' that could hold meSay good-bye and don't look , always readyFeeling strong and steadyBut you scare me…
"Bella," he answered. "God, I've missed you."
"Really?" My tone sounded snotty, disbelieving.
"Are you kidding?" I heard the sound of weights clanking together. "You have been all I could think about."
"Interesting." I was not going to let him off the hook just because my heart was thudding in my chest and I was finding it hard to breathe with the sound of his sexy voice. "I would have thought you'd call if I meant that much to you."
"I'm sorry. I…There was an emergency…at work."
"Honest?"
"I promised that I would never lie to you, Bella, and I won't." He sighed and in my mind's eye I could see him running his hands through his hair. "I don't know what is happening to me. Never in my life have I felt this way about a woman."
"What about your wife?"
"No, not even in the beginning, when things were good between my ex- and me…I never felt for her what I feel for you."
"You have a knack for saying the right things, you know that?" I still sounded irritated, which made me smile.
"Please, honey, let me see you. I need to see you, to be with you, to hold you." Another deep breath was exhaled through the phone. "You're not going to make this easy on me, are you?"
"Why should I?"
"Because I have fallen head over heels in love with you."
"You love me?" I scoffed.
"Yes." He sounded so sure of himself.
"You don't even know me. We've spent all of about, what, eight hours together? You can't love me."
"Bella, all I know is this, my life has been a train wreck. I've been a disaster when it comes to relationships with women, if you could even call them relationships. I've been a cheating bastard. I've never respected women the way I should. When we first met I fully intended to wine and dine you, use you, then move on, just like I've done a hundred times. But there was something different about you. You're special. You've captured my heart and I've realized that I can't live like that anymore. I can't live without you. I love you."
"Do you even know my last name?"
"I love you, Isabella Swan."
My voice caught in my throat. "Holy shit," I whispered.
He chuckled. "That's what my friend Emmett said when I told him. I'm far from perfect, but I will never lie to you and I will spend the rest of my life cherishing every moment we're together. Please, just let me see you tonight."
"Fine," I conceded, "you can come to the house tonight."
After giving him the address, we said our goodbyes, then I called Jacob to make sure he would be there as a chaperone. Trust was not something I had in myself, especially when it came to what I was feeling for Anthony.
Grace and Jake were on the couch, practically sitting on top of each other, as I walked through the door. "How was your meeting?" Grace asked.
"Good. The new stucco crew is doing a great job and they're going to save us a ton of money."
"Is he still coming?" Jacob asked, his usual tact shining through.
"As far as I know. If he blows me off this time, we're done. Do I look like a yo-yo to you?"
Jake laughed. "Nope. Although you do seem to be up and down a lot lately."
"Shut up. It was a rhetorical question."
The doorbell rang and all three of us looked at the door. Jacob smiled. "You go get changed and I'll get the door. I'd love a few minutes to make him squirm."
The look on my face must have been skeptically irritated because Grace assured me, "I'll keep him under control."
From the bedroom I could hear Jacob at the door. "Hi, can I help you?" There was a muffled response, then, "Oh, she didn't tell us anybody'd be stopping by. Are you sure she's expecting you? Grace, you'd better tell Bella to hurry up and get that other guy out of her bed, she's got another one."
I was going to have to kill him. Jacob Black was not going to live through another night.
"Jacob, stop." Grace was bound and determined to save me -- and Anthony -- from any more of Jake's torment. "Anthony, please come in. I've heard so much about you. It's nice to finally put a face with the name. I'm Grace."
A quick glance in the mirror and I hurried out into the living room.
Anthony turned to look at me as soon as I rounded the corner. "Hi." He was almost shy, definitely nervous. "I've missed you."
It was Jacob and Grace's turn to fade into the scenery, for a change. Anthony rushed forward, swept me into his arms and pressed his lips to mine. A sigh escaped before I had any chance of stifling it.
My body melted at his touch. It was a good thing he was holding me so tightly, otherwise I might have fallen to the floor as my knees went weak. He finished with my lips and moved to my cheeks, my eyes, my neck. His breath was hot against my ear as he spoke for only me to hear, "I love you, Bella. No matter what happens, never doubt that."
Jacob cleared his throat. "So, Tony, are you gonna stay for the movie?"
Anthony glanced at Jacob, then looked at me questioningly. "If it's okay with Bella."
I peeled his hands from my waist and led him toward one of the two couches that formed a V in front of the television. "Of course it's okay."
Anthony sat down, made himself comfortable, then I curled up in the space next to him. There was no possible way I could have gotten any closer without crawling into his lap, which I actually considered. If Jake and Grace hadn't been in the room, I might have.
He kissed the top of my head and wrapped an arm around me. "Perfect," he whispered.
The DVD began to play and I chanced a look at Jacob as 'How to lose a guy in 10 days' started. "I figured a chick flick would put my girl in the mood."
Grace giggled. "In the mood for what, Jake, losing your ass in ten days?"
He coughed, choking on the swig of Coke he'd just taken. "No, not that. It's a funny movie and I…"
She successfully cut off his response with a kiss. "Shut up and watch the movie," she instructed him.
Kate Hudson had just delivered her line about her boyfriend pummeling the enormous guys' ass when the world fogged over and I found myself drifting to sleep, content. Anthony's chest was the perfect pillow. His beating heart and steady breathing easing me into sleep, and the way he smelled was comforting and it contributed to the reality of my dreams.
"Bella, honey," Anthony's voice said. It sounded so far away, like he was speaking through a megaphone across the Grand Canyon. "Honey, it's time for bed." He kissed me lightly on the lips, bringing me back to the real world. "Hi, beautiful. The movie's over and it's time for bed."
"It's late," I croaked, "you can't go home."
"I'll be okay. I don't live that far away."
"No. I mean, you could stay here, if you'd like." I smiled, although my face felt tired and unconvincing. "If you can be good, you can even sleep in my bed." The thought of him going home to another woman's bed made my stomach roll.
"I'll stay." He stood, taking me by the hands and steadying me on my feet.
I leaned up and whispered in his ear, "What will she think if you don't come home?"
"She doesn't give a shit about me," he said so that only I would hear. "I doubt she'll even miss me."
Jake cleared his throat. "I'm sure I've got some pajamas you can borrow." He glared at me and I could tell he wasn't thrilled about the prospect of my letting this strange man sleep in my bed -- with me.
I kissed Anthony's jaw. "You go with Jake and I'll go change. Do you need to borrow something, Grace?"
She blushed, glanced at Jake, who gave her a subtle nod, then smiled. "Please."
"Come on." I smiled over my shoulder at Anthony and looked over to see Grace's pose mirroring mine, as well as Anthony and Jake sharing the same love struck gaze.
Maybe he did really love me. Maybe.
After closing the door to my room, I hurried into the bathroom, slipped on a tank top and matching pair of loose-fitting silk pajama bottoms. When I came out Grace still stood nervously examining the short red negligee that had nothing to wear underneath.
"Um…Bella?" she asked, holding it by the spaghetti straps. "This will barely cover my…" her voice dropped to a whisper, "…ass."
"That's the point, Grace."
"I don't know about this."
"Grace, trust me, Jacob will love seeing you in this. Unless…" Were they having sex? "I'm sure I can find something a little less…"
"You're sure he won't be able to keep his hands to himself?"
"Positive."
"Perfect," she said, a brow raised and a dimple formed on her left cheek. "I'm getting really tired of his gentlemanly side."
"You mean…?"
"He says that laying next to each other is enough for him, but I hope tonight will change things." She stepped into the bathroom and closed the door, emerging a few minutes later, blushing from head to toe. "I really don't think I can pull this off, Bella. I'm not exactly…experienced."
"Grace, are you a…"
"No," she practically screeched, "but I've only ever been with two guys. One took my virginity and walked away without another word. The other was a one-night-stand when I was too stupid to know my limit. I just don't want Jake to be disappointed."
I bit on my bottom lip, debating on whether or not to give up Jacob's sexual past. What the hell! "Grace, Jake isn't…let's just say that he's not as big of a player as he'd like people to think." She stared at me, wide-eyed, and I continued pleading his case, "Jake and I have been roommates for years, and he comes home every night and sleeps in his bed, alone. I've never seen him in love, until now. I wondered how long it would take you two to get it together and realize you were perfect for each other."
There was a knock on the door and Grace looked at me with a panicked expression. We both knew it would be Anthony and neither of us was comfortable having him see Grace in her current wardrobe choice.
"Here," I hissed, tossing her my fluffy white robe.
She quickly stuffed her arms into the sleeves and smiled at me before tugging the door open. "Hi, guys," she giggled as Jacob's eyes roamed over her, devouring the mere sight of her.
"Hey, Bells," Jake said, an evil grin on his face. "I think you should sleep with your door open."
Tony chuckled and tried to muffle it with his hand.
"I will if you will," I retorted.
"Not a chance," Grace announced, tugging at Jacob's hand. "Goodnight, Bella," she said over her shoulder, "Anthony."
The door closed across the hall and Tony closed mine. He stepped back, pressing his bare back to the door, folding his arms across his deliciously muscled torso. "Are you sure about this, Bella? I don't want to…"
"You're going to be good, right? There will be no sex in this room tonight."
His glorious chest rose with the deep breath he drew through his teeth. The green flannel hugged his muscular legs, and I found myself picturing them on either side of mine -- without the fabric between us.
He chuckled. "I can be good, but can you?" He obviously hadn't missed my involuntary reaction to how he was dressed.
"Of course," I snapped, embarrassed. "It's been a long day and I'm tired." Walking over to the furthest side of the bed, I folded the comforter back and crawled in, lying in an awkward position facing the wall.
The bed dipped down under his weight and my breath caught in my throat. "Bella," he whispered in my ear, "if you'd be more comfortable, I can just go home."
"No!" I sat up, hitting him in the chin with the side of my head. Thanks to the light coming in the window from the streetlight outside, I could see his face. "Here's the deal, Anthony, I do want to make love to you, to feel you around me, inside me. That's all I've been able to think about for the last couple weeks."
"But…" His eyes were full of concern.
"But I will not be your mistress. I want to give you my heart."
"But…"
"Your heart belongs to another woman and I can't give you mine until you can freely give me yours -- no strings attached."
"Do you love…"
"Love you? God help me, but yes, I have fallen head over heels in love with you, too." I cringed at the needy, breathless tone of my voice.
He took my face between his palms and kissed me. It was sweet and chaste, yet his passion poured into my soul. "I'm so glad you feel the same, but I have to be honest, that scares the hell out of me."
I stiffened.
"The last thing I want to do is break your heart. I hope that I can always make you happy. When I'm free, I will gladly give you my heart and accept the gift of your heart, treasuring it forever."
"I would like that," I admitted. "For now, will you hold me?"
His lips brushed gently over mine. "You'll never have to ask me that twice." He wrapped his arms around me and eased me back against the pillows.
Once he was comfortable on his back, I curled up next to him, resting my head on his chest. He kissed the top of my head. "How about we stay like this forever?"
"Goodnight, Anthony."
"Why do you insist on calling me Anthony?" he asked quietly. "All my friends call me Tony."
"I prefer not to be the same as all your friends, Anthony."
"Fair enough, love." He kissed me, holding me tightly to his body. "Sleep. We both have a busy day tomorrow."
I awoke with my face buried in the pillows, my stomach pressed flat against the mattress. My hands explored the sheets, stretching toward the other side of the bed -- it was cold and empty.
Had last night been another fantastic dream?
The shower turned off and I smiled. No, my dream had been reality. Anthony had been in my bed last night, holding me. I sat up, the blanket resting over my crossed legs, and waited for him.
He walked out, his body glistening with water that had yet to be wiped from his skin. He had one towel hung dangerously low on his hips and was using another to work the water out of his tousled bronze curls.
"Good morning, handsome," I said, announcing my presence.
His head jerked in my direction, his hand dropping to his side. "Hi." He smiled. "I didn't realize you were awake."
"I hope you found everything you need."
"Yeah, I will spend all day smelling the strawberry of your shampoo." He turned to head back into the bathroom, revealing the top of a red tattoo on his right ass cheek.
"What the hell is that?"
"What?"
"On your ass. Have you got a tattoo on your ass?"
He slipped his thumb between the terrycloth and his smooth skin, pulling the fabric down to reveal a perfect set of lips tattooed on his even more perfect butt.
I let out a laugh. "What would possess you to do that?"
He laughed along with me. "I've done some pretty ass-inine things in my life, love. This is just one of the more permanent ones."
A few minutes later Anthony came back out of the bathroom wearing the clothes from last night. He came to the bed and leaned down to kiss me. "I have to run. I'll call you later."
"What are you going to do today?"
A heartbreaking smile spread across his face, his eyes twinkling. His lips brushed my forehead before he stepped back, stopping at the door. "I have an appointment with my attorney. The sooner I get divorced, the sooner I can make love to you." He raised his brows and walked out the door, chuckling to himself.