by Dara Girard
“But you kissed her.”
He raised a sly brow. “You saw that?”
“Yes.”
“I kiss a lot of girls.”
Except me.
He took her hand. “Please let us take you home.”
“Okay.”
“Good, we’ll wait for you.”
Minutes later Anna Marie emerged with her suitcase, prepared to face Dana’s annoyance. But the moment the girl saw her, she smiled. “Let’s get out of this place.”
Anna Marie crawled into the backseat. Desmond sat beside her.
“What are you doing?” she whispered. “You’re supposed to be up front with her.”
“Why? Is this seat reserved?”
Dana spoke up. “Is there a problem, you two?”
He rested his arm around Anna Marie’s shoulders and covered her mouth with his hand. “No.”
Dana started the car and Desmond let his hand fall. As they drove his hand slipped down to the front of her blouse.
Anna Marie turned to him and said in a quiet voice, “You said you like trouble?”
“No, I said Trouble follows me.”
“How about pain?”
“I don’t like pain.”
“Then I suggest you remove your hand.”
“Give me a break. In only a few months I’ll be eighteen then I’ll really get into trouble messing with girls like you.”
“Not if you behave yourself.”
“I find that difficult.”
“I can teach you.” She pinched him hard.
He yanked his arm away. “Lesson learned,” he said, then closed his eyes and fell asleep. As they rode he leaned against her then slowly his head rested in her lap. Anna Marie didn’t know if she should push him off or let him sleep. She looked to Dana for help, but she kept her gaze focused on the road. So Anna Marie let him sleep, pleased to have him near her. When they reached her house, Anna Marie had to wake him. For a moment he looked up at her, surprised, then his smile returned. “Stay out of trouble,” he said.
Anna Marie nodded and got out. Dana handed Anna Marie her suitcase. “I know that sounds ironic coming from my cousin, but he means it.”
“Your cousin?” Anna Marie stared at Desmond, who stood on the other side of the car grinning.
Dana looked at him. “What story did you tell her?”
“I don’t know what you mean,” he said.
Anna Marie pointed at him. “You lied.”
“How else was I going to get you to come with me?” He saluted then disappeared inside the car.
Dana sighed wearily. “Talk about a black sheep. Take care of yourself.”
Anna Marie nodded then watched them drive away.
Back at school, Anna Marie ducked every time she saw him and he was never without a girl at his side. Now, years later, she couldn’t hide. She didn’t want to.
Chapter 8
Desmond took her hands and lifted her to her feet. “I don’t believe it,” he said, measuring her with his eyes. “Anna Marie Williams all grown up. You still look like you can get a man in trouble.”
“No, you were the only one.” She folded her arms. “Does that make a difference?”
“You mean the fact that you’re the reason I spent two weeks in HH? No.”
“You’ve done well for yourself.” She sat down, her hand burning from his touch. “No longer getting into trouble.”
He laughed. “That’s only a matter of opinion. It’s nice to see you again. What are you doing here?”
“My inheritance.”
Desmond blinked. “Oh, right. Yes, now I remember.” He went behind his desk and sat. He opened a folder then handed her a legal-sized envelope. “Let’s start with this.”
Anna Marie looked at the worn item tied up with a blue ribbon. She knew of only one person who used to do that. Before she touched it, she knew who it was from. The pain of the loss hit her. She’d always imagined Mrs. Bell alive but the envelope told her she was dead. Anna Marie took it, undid the ribbon and carefully opened it.
My dear little Anna Marie,
If you are reading this letter, you already know that you are now the sole heir of everything I possess. I am both happy to do this, but sad that I couldn’t be there to see you one more time. I failed you years ago and hope that I can make that up to you now. I trust you as I’ve never trusted anyone and I’ve always considered you to be my daughter.
Yours with love,
Mrs. B
Anna Marie let the letter fall to her lap, too stunned to do anything but sit there. She hadn’t cried in years and she wouldn’t start now, although regret threatened to consume her. If only she’d gone back just once to explain. Mrs. Bell had died thinking she’d failed, when Anna Marie knew she’d failed her.
“What did she leave me?” Anna Marie asked in a wooden voice.
“Quite a bit of property and financial investments. You’ll be a rich woman after you complete the conditions.”
She folded the letter and replaced it in the envelope. “Conditions?”
He frowned. “I’d hoped she’d put this information in the letter.”
She put the envelope in her handbag. “No.”
Desmond quickly glanced at the folder Glenn had left and scanned what was inside. “You have to stay in her boarding house for six months.”
“She has a boarding house? I didn’t know they still existed.”
“Most don’t, but that’s what she called her place.” He read on. “There are three boarders living in the house at present and it’s up to you whether you’ll renew their leases after six months are up, and the time you take ownership. Until then you’ll get a monthly allowance of three thousand dollars.”
“After six months what happens?”
“You’ll get a million dollars.”
Anna Marie’s mouth went dry. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am. It’s all here. Looks like Mrs. Bell was a clever woman.”
“Why would she leave that much to me? And why would I have to stay in her house? What kind of people live in a boarding house anyway? Usually transients and day workers, right?”
“To be honest, I don’t know. From what I see here in her folder and what she’s left you, I doubt she’d make you live with criminals. I’m sure you’ll manage. The question is what will your husband think?”
“I don’t have a husband.”
“How about a boyfriend?”
Anna Marie smiled, understanding the significance of his questions. “No. You?”
“No, I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yes, and you already know the answer to that.” He read further. “Oh, by the way, you have until tomorrow to make a decision.”
“Tomorrow! That’s not enough time for me to think this over.”
“You can thank Glenn’s delay for that. Mrs. Bell stipulated that you had a certain number of weeks after her death to decide, but because of Glenn, you don’t.” He rested his arms on the desk. “I say go for it. Six months isn’t that long.”
Anna Marie stood, unsure. “I guess.”
He put her file away. “Do you have any plans for tonight?”
“No.”
“Good. Let me take you to an early dinner. We’ll come back for your car later,” he said, coming from around his desk. “I just need to change my clothes. My condo isn’t far from here. And I promise I won’t try anything.”
“That’s disappointing,” she teased.
He grinned and opened the door. “Don’t worry, Anna Marie, I don’t disappoint.”
He was right. When Anna Marie stepped into his living room, she could hardly believe what she saw. The room was bigger than two hotel suites combined. It had a modern feel with an eclectic collection of one-of-a-kind designer furniture making the area look sleek and sparse. She couldn’t miss the enormous Ultrasuede loveseat facing the large picture window with a breathtaking view and the “sunken” area that c
urved around the open fireplace, which was in the middle of the room, with its plush beige carpeting.
On one side of the fireplace was a minibar and on the other was an enormous theater-style flat-screen television. She could only imagine what the rest of his condo looked like, but she didn’t have time before he emerged from his bedroom wearing a suit. “This place is amazing,” she said in awe. “You did it all.”
“Surprised?”
Anna Marie shook her head then sat down on an ottoman. “No, I knew you would.”
He folded his arms and studied her. “You always did. Why?”
Because I loved you. Anna Marie shrugged and made her voice casual. “I guess, like the judge, I knew you had potential.”
Desmond grinned. “You were the only two people who did.”
“And we were right.” She bit her lip. “I assume you got all this legally?”
His grin grew. “Well, I’m not selling ‘herbs’ anymore. Yes, everything is aboveboard. The only time I’m in the courtroom is to represent someone else.”
Anna Marie surveyed the room again. “You must be proud of all this.”
A shadow crossed his face, but quickly passed. “Sure. Now let me really impress you.”
Moments later they sat in an exclusive French restaurant with a skyline view of the city. Desmond lost little time getting acquainted; instead he fell into his role to impress her with the knowledge and ease of a man used to the best things in life. Anna Marie felt uncomfortable and asked him to order for her. He ordered a bottle of champagne then treated her to smothered shoulder of lamb, cabbage-and-potato cake and a pear-and-rose-hip tart for dessert, along with his favorite ice cream.
“I barely saw you after we left HH,” Desmond said.
“You were hardly in school,” Anna Marie said, hoping to divert him from the real reason. “I can’t believe you graduated.”
“They wanted to get rid of me, but don’t change the subject. What happened to you?”
Anna Marie looked around. “This place is amazing.”
“Why do I get the feeling that you don’t like to talk about yourself?”
“Because you’re really smart.”
“Too bad, because I’m interested.” He rested his chin in his hand. “Start talking.”
Anna Marie reluctantly set her utensils down. “There’s not much to say. I certainly haven’t become a rich lawyer with a great apartment.”
“I know. That’s my story. Now what’s yours? What happened after you left HH?”
“I went back to school and graduated.”
“And then…?” he urged.
“I ran away.”
“Why? I thought you liked your foster mother.”
“I did. She was wonderful. I—I didn’t want to be a burden to her so I thought it was best that I leave. I worked odd jobs before I got a great government position and I worked in different departments until I got the call about the inheritance. See? Nothing interesting.”
Desmond shook his head. “Somehow I don’t believe you. You look like a woman with fascinating secrets.”
“Well, that’s the only story you’re going to get.”
“For now.”
They ate and talked about old times, then had dessert—raspberry ice cream.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“It’s delicious.”
“Thanks, it’s one of my favorites.”
“I remember you loved ice cream.”
“Still do. Especially when it afforded me all this.”
“Really?”
“Yes, my ex-wife and I started a nice little brand of our own called TraDesmo Ice, a line of gourmet flavors, then we sold it to a big company for several million.”
“Millions? You’re a millionaire? And you were married? Who was she?”
“Actually, I’m a multimillionaire, but we don’t need to get specific. And yes, I was married, but it doesn’t matter who she was. It’s over.”
“Why are you working as a lawyer? You don’t need to work at all.”
“No, but I have to have something to do. I have one client who keeps me busy and I have my own schedule that suits me.”
“But you don’t sound as if you enjoy it.”
He shrugged. “It’s what I do. I have no complaints.”
“Oh.” Anna Marie suddenly fell silent, not knowing what else to say. He was even more than she’d imagined. Far from the Desmond she’d known or dreamed about. A businessman, a lawyer? At one time their lives had been similar, now they were worlds apart. He’d done so much with his life. He’d fulfilled his potential. She hadn’t. Who had his ex-wife been? A sophisticated CEO? A model?
“What’s wrong?” Desmond asked, sensing her altered mood.
She plastered on a smile. “Nothing. I’m really happy for you.”
“I haven’t changed, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“I wouldn’t blame you if you had.”
“I haven’t and I can prove it.” He stood. “Let’s go have some fun.”
The loud beat of the dance club released Anna Marie’s inhibition. The bodies, the heavy bass beat, the flickering lights liberated her. She moved, entranced. Music always made her lose herself. She felt Desmond’s body next to her. He moved well to a seamless rhythm that was sensual and intoxicating. It was a moment before she felt him slow down. She looked up at him and he stared down at her with a peculiar expression. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing. You can really dance.”
Anna Marie flashed a bright smile. She had to remember to control herself. She couldn’t let him remember her as Malika. “I’m thirsty.” She headed for the bar and placed an order.
Desmond sat beside her, still staring at her in a strange way. “I’m sorry about that,” she said. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I can get carried away.”
“You didn’t embarrass me. Come on, let’s go.”
“But my drink…”
“I’ll get you another drink somewhere else.” They exited the club and Anna Marie headed for his car, then noticed he was walking in another direction.
“I thought we were going back.”
“Not yet.”
She turned around and followed him. They walked down the main street. Cars raced past while the club music became a distant rumble in the spring evening. Soon they arrived at another club, The Thrill, which had more subdued music with a slower rhythm. Once on the dance floor, Desmond pulled her into his arms and started to sway to the music. “Who are you, Anna Marie?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“I want to know your secrets.”
“I don’t have any.”
“I don’t believe you. When I saw you in my office I was blown away, but when I saw you on that dance floor I wasn’t sure who I was seeing. It’s like you were a totally different woman.”
Anna Marie caressed his face, determined to distract him. “It’s your imagination.”
“Maybe.” He kissed her, his mouth demanding a response she readily gave him. It was even better than she remembered. He drew away and stared at her with that same intensity she recalled that night at The Palace of Sin. She couldn’t have him discover the truth.
She spun away. “I really have to go. It’s late and I have to move tomorrow.”
Desmond followed behind silently, then said, “When can I see you again?”
“I’ll call you.”
“I don’t believe you.”
She stopped and looked at him, surprised. “Why not?”
“Rockwell!” someone called.
Desmond turned and Anna Marie sighed with relief that she was free of his scrutiny. She turned and saw Julius waving from across the street. He checked the traffic then jogged over to them. “I’ve been trying to reach you on your phone.”
“What’s the trouble?”
“No trouble. Just thought you’d want to have another night of fun.” He looked at Anna Marie. “But I see I’m already t
oo late.”
“This is Anna Marie Williams. Anna Marie, this is Julius Advent.”
She’d seen him so many times before she felt she already knew him. “Nice to meet you.”
“Same.” He turned to Desmond. “Just came from The Palace of Sin. They have a new dancer. She’s good, but not as good as Malika.”
Anna Marie tugged on her handbag strap. “If you two want to chat, I’ll just wait in the car.”
“No, that’s all right. I’m heading your way, too.” Julius sighed. “Ah, Malika was the best.”
“Who’s Malika?” Anna Marie asked slyly.
“An exotic dancer. Every man who saw her fell in love with her, including poor Rockwell,” Julius offered.
“Shut up, Advent,” Desmond retorted.
“He couldn’t help it,” Julius said. “I—”
Desmond sent him a venomous look and Julius stopped. He tugged on his jacket sleeve. “I’ll see you later.”
“Good idea.”
He waved goodbye then left.
Anna Marie sighed, trying to make her comment casual. “I guess when it comes to a fantasy woman and a real woman, men prefer the fantasy.”
Desmond took her hand and looked into her eyes. “No, real men prefer the real thing. I know I do.”
And yet you wanted Malika that night. It was a nice statement but she didn’t believe him. “I really have to go home.”
“All right.”
They didn’t talk on the way back to his office, where Anna Marie had left her car. Desmond parked then walked Anna Marie to her Volkswagen.
“Did I convince you?” he said.
She put the key in her car door. “You’re better than I remember.”
He stopped her from opening the door. “When can I see you again?”
“I don’t know. My schedule is very busy.”
He touched the side of her face and lowered his voice. “What are you afraid of?”
The fact that I still love you. “I have a feeling you’re still close friends with Trouble.”
He grinned. “Not as much.” He opened her car door, his gaze intense. “I’ll give you a couple days to call me. If you don’t, I know where you live.”
