Betrayed by Love

by Hogan, Hailey

  Garth said, “Why don’t you go back to the table and I’ll bring you a plate?”

  “I’m better.” Something tugged at her heart when she heard the concern in his voice.

  After piling some of everything on their plates, they returned to their table. Eva wasn’t too thrilled to see Trevor and Cheryl sitting at their table. Every time she took a bite, she felt eyes on her.

  Garth’s gesture of feeding her seemed to turn things up a notch. She took the opportunity to feed Garth too. They giggled and wiped each other’s mouths with one another’s napkins as if feeding each other was a normal thing.

  She could feel the tension at the table. If it wasn’t Cheryl looking at them; Trevor was sneaking a peek. It seemed they were so concerned about her and Garth, that neither one of them barely touched a thing on their plates.

  Garth said, “I have to hand it to you, the food is good.”

  “Thanks,” the couple said in unison.

  Eva added, “Yes. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

  “I didn’t think models ate real food,” Cheryl commented.

  “Well this model does,” Eva responded.

  “You are a little beefy,” Cheryl said, while placing her hand on top of Trevor’s arm.

  Eva rolled her eyes. “I’ve been blessed with good genes. I’ve been told I could afford to gain a few more pounds.”

  Cheryl grunted. “I thought models had to be no bigger than a hundred pounds.”

  Garth intervened. “She gets finer and finer every time I see her.” He kissed her on the cheek.

  “Just like my sweetie,” Trevor said.

  Cheryl looked disappointed when Trevor didn’t show any other type of emotional gesture.

  Eva smiled. “If you were a little taller, you could have been a model.”

  “She’s my model. Isn’t that right baby?” Trevor said.

  Eva added, “I mean with a few cosmetic changes. I could see you gracing a few covers.”

  Garth placed his arm around Eva’s chair. “You both are beautiful just the way you are.”

  “Exactly. Let’s talk about something else,” Trevor said, as he squeezed Cheryl’s hand.

  Eva looked at Garth and before she could lose her nerve, she planted a kiss on his sexy lips.

  ~ 13 ~

  Garth was caught by surprise as he felt a jolt run through his body when Eva’s lips connected with his. He was no longer pretending. Eva was getting to him in more ways than one. He had to get a grip on his hormones. This was no longer a game to him. He wanted Eva and he wanted her badly. His friendship with Trevor was the farthest thing from his mind.

  Trevor cleared his throat several times. “Excuse us, but there are more people at the table than you two.”

  Eva used her fingers to wipe the red lipstick from his lips. Tasty was what he thought of her. “Sorry Tre. Garth’s just tasty.”

  Garth twinged. It was like Eva was reading his mind.

  Cheryl said, “Tre, why didn’t you tell me Garth and Eva were dating?”

  Tre stuttered, “Maybe because I didn’t know.”

  “And he’s supposed to be your best man. Looks like I would get another friend if I were you.” She winked at Garth.

  Garth ignored her. He stood up and extended his hand out to Eva. “May I have this dance?”

  “I don’t see what Tre sees in her,” Eva said, as they twirled around the dance floor to a rendition of Luther Vandross “Superstar.”

  “She’s not as bad as she seems.”

  Eva pulled back from him for a minute. “Come on now. This is me. Tell me the truth.”

  He pulled her back closer to him and whispered in her ear as they danced. “I think they deserve each other.”

  “Well I think he deserves better.”

  Garth pretended like he didn’t hear her. From the outside, it appeared as if they were a happy couple. He was confused about his feelings. It had been ages since he wanted to feel connected with someone outside of the bedroom. When it came to Eva, he was becoming protective of her and not just because they were friends.

  Her scent invaded his nostrils. Although Eva was tall, he was still a few inches taller than her. His chin could rest on the top of her head comfortably. As he held her in his arms and they danced to several slow jams, he blocked out the other people on the dance floor.

  “I hate to end our dance, but I need to go to the ladies room,” Eva whined.

  He walked her off the dance floor. “I’ll wait right here,” he said, as he watched her walk away.

  He was entranced by watching Eva walk away, that Cheryl’s hand touching him startled him. “Dance with me. We need to talk.”

  “What about your fiancé?”

  “He’s somewhere mingling.”

  She led him on the dance floor. He made sure their bodies kept a safe distance from one another as they slow danced.

  “Don’t you think it’s time for you two to be making your exit?” Cheryl asked.

  “It was your bright idea for me to invite her.”

  “Well, I don’t want her here anymore.”

  “Too bad. You should have thought about it before.” Garth twirled her and then released her hand and walked away leaving her on the dance floor.

  She was oblivious to others and ran up behind him. He took a seat at the table and she plopped down in the chair next to him. “You didn’t tell me you two had something going on.”

  Garth leaned closer so no one else could over hear. “Look. What I do in my personal life is no concern of yours.”

  “I’m just saying.”

  “Batting your eyes won’t work with me.”

  “First Tre. Now you.”

  “Jealousy doesn’t become you.”

  Cheryl laughed. “Please. I have no reason to be jealous.”

  “Then act like it.”

  “So when were you going to tell me?”

  “You’re a joke.”

  “You owe me at least that.”

  “The day I decided not to tell Tre about your appetite for dessert on the side, that’s when our debt was paid in full.”

  “You can be so difficult,” she snapped.

  “Women like you made me the way I am.”

  A waiter came by the table and offered drinks. Garth took two. Handed one to Cheryl and kept one for himself. He toasted. “To the happy couple.” He clicked her glass. He drank his champagne as Cheryl looked on.

  “Might as well drink up. You’re supposed to be celebrating remember,” Garth stated.

  Cheryl placed the glass down. “I have other people to mingle with.”

  “Peace,” he said, as he held up his glass and watched her walk to another table.

  ***

  Eva paced the bathroom floor. Her emotions were on overload. Since Garth picked her up, she was spending too much time concentrating on Garth and not enough time on Trevor. That had to be it. That had to be why she was feeling the way she was feeling. She was getting wrapped up in her own scheme.

  She reapplied her lipstick before exiting the bathroom. Trevor was nearby talking to a group of people. She spoke to everyone and looped her arm through his. “I came to steal him away for a few mintues.”

  She got no complaints. Trevor removed her arm and followed her outside to the balcony. The cool wind sent a chill down her spine. “Nice party,” she said.

  He grabbed her by the arm and swung her around. “Stop with the games Eva.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She batted her eyes and faked her innocence.

  “The hell you don’t. You knew coming here would cause problems.”

  “I had no idea that your fiancé knew about me.”

  “Why wouldn’t she? We’ve been seen in just about every entertainment rag over the years.”

  “Well, we’re a thing of the past. At least that’s what your mouth says.” She used her hand and ran it down his chest.

  He grabbed her wrist. “Stop. This isn’t the time or plac
e.” He looked around to make sure no one was coming through the doors.

  “Why Tre, I thought you liked living life on the edge.”

  “Stop it.”

  “I’m not doing anything,” she responded.

  “Oh and another thing. This little game with Garth is not going to work. I’m not jealous.”

  “This thing with Garth. It is what it is.”

  “And that is?” he asked.

  “It doesn’t concern you.”

  He jerked away. “I can’t believe this. My best friend and girl are screwing behind my back.” He walked to the other end of the balcony.

  “I’m not your girl.”

  He walked back to her. “You’ll always be my girl.”

  Eva could feel him weakening. “All you have to say is one word and I’ll leave Garth alone.”

  “This is some bull. I’m not falling for your tricks. I’m getting married and either you accept it or not. Nothing has to change for us. We can still meet up.”

  Eva felt her heart breaking into smaller pieces as she listened to Trevor go on a rant. She never meant to let him see her cry. Tears flowed uncontrollably. Apparently, he felt a little something because he stopped talking long enough to pull her into an embrace. She jerked away from him and ran back into the building, bumping into Cheryl.

  She ran past her and back into the restroom. She splashed some cold water on her face, not carrying whether or not her make-up washed off. She patted her face with a paper towel. Cheryl stood right outside the ball room door. She started to turn and go another way, but opted to hold her head up high and continued walking towards the door.

  “I need to talk to you,” Cheryl said, as she neared.

  ~ 14 ~

  Eva stopped and turned to face her enemy. Cheryl gestured for her to follow her in a different direction. “For a little privacy,” Cheryl stated.

  She followed her to the left of the ballroom; where there were fewer people entering and exiting.

  “I only walked over here because I really don’t need everybody up in my business,” Eva said.

  “Good. So you won’t cause a scene after I tell you what I have to say.”

  Eva tapped her foot. “What happens between me and Garth shouldn’t concern you.”

  “You know this isn't about Garth. I know who you are and what you mean to Trevor?”

  Eva held up her hand. “You’re the one wearing the ring, not me.”

  “But it’s not stopping you from flirting with my man every chance you get.”

  “Dear. I think you’re a little paranoid. The only man I’ve been flirting with tonight has been Garth and I don’t see him complaining not one bit.”

  “He doesn’t have good taste.”

  Eva licked her lips. “So what is it? Are you jealous because Tre and I have a past or are you jealous because I’m here with Garth?”

  “Now who’s the one being paranoid?”

  “I’m just saying. Looks like you should be more concerned about your man running behind me than Garth.”

  “Tre doesn’t want you. Get over him.”

  “If I wanted Tre, I could have him.”

  Cheryl walked closer and although she wasn’t as tall as Eva got as close to her face as she could. “I would advise you to back off my man before it gets ugly.”

  “If you don’t back up, I’m going to show you ugly.”

  Cheryl stood for a second, but Eva didn’t back down. Cheryl backed up. “You better be glad my family and friends are in there.”

  Eva crossed her arms. “Or what? Don’t let the designer dress and make up fool you.”

  “Ladies, there you are,” Garth said. He wrapped his arm around Eva’s waist. “I’ve been looking for you.”

  Eva rolled her eyes at Cheryl. “We were just having a little girl talk.”

  “But I think I better get back to my other guests.”

  “Do that.”

  “What did I interrupt?” Garth asked.

  “She was concerned about me flirting with her man. Sadly though, I don’t think she really meant Tre, because I’ve only been flirting with you.”

  “You must have misunderstood.”

  She let Garret lead her back into the ballroom. Eva sensed more was going on that Garth wasn’t telling her. She saw Trevor talking to Cheryl. Cheryl looked in their direction and pulled Trevor into a lip locking session.

  “Let’s blow this joint. I’ve had enough,” Eva said.

  “Me too,” Garth responded. “Wait here and I’ll go let Trevor know that we’re leaving.”

  ***

  Garth said his good-byes and before long he and Eva were on their way back to her place. He wasn’t in the mood for much conversation so he turned the volume up on his system. It didn’t seem like Eva was up for talking either, because she didn’t attempt to talk either. They drove almost the entire hour without conversing.

  “What’s your password?” Garth asked as he pulled up to the gate at the end of the entranceway to her house.

  “It’s 1999.”

  “I forgot you were a Prince fan,” he said, as he entered the code and waited for the gate to open.

  “You know it.”

  Eva didn’t wait for him to open her car door. She was walking towards the front door before he could get out of the driver’s side.

  “Want to invite me in for a night cap?” he asked.

  “I could, but I’m not in the mood for being sociable,” she responded.

  “Neither am I.”

  She flipped the light on and deactivated her alarm. “Make yourself at home. I’m going to get out of this dress.”

  Since he helped design the new security system, he was very much familiar with the layout of her house. He went to her kitchen and found a few cold drinks. He used the icemaker on the refrigerator to fill up two glasses.

  He was flipping through her CD collection, when she returned. He knew she had entered the room because he inhaled her fragrance. “I have a question,” he asked, without turning around.

  “Shoot.”

  “What is that you’re wearing? I’ve been wanting to know for awhile.”

  “You mean this old thing.”

  Garth turned around and his eyes widened at the sight of Eva in a red two piece laced lingerie wearing a laced robe that didn’t hide anything. His mouth watered as his eyes were mesmerized by the rhythm of her chest moving up and down.

  “Eva do you know what you’re doing?”

  She held out her hand beckoning for him to come closer. He took her hand and moved closer to her. “You know you want to.” She wrapped her hand around his neck and pulled his lips on top of hers. His tongue darted in and out of her mouth.

  “If you don’t stop, there’s no turning back,” he said, while trying to catch his breath.

  “It’s too late for that. I want you. You want me. Let’s do it.” She led him up the stairs.

  Eva laid across the bed. Garth turned around and undressed all the way down to his boxers. He heard some strange noises. He turned around and all he could do was laugh at the sight of Eva sprawled across the bed in her sexy lingerie with her eyes closed and her mouth wide open snoring.

  He picked her up and placed her under the covers and slid in the bed beside her. He turned his back to her and was dozing off until she threw her arm around him and snuggled her body closer to his.

  “This is going to be a long night,” he said out loud; attempting to keep his libido in check.

  ~ 15 ~

  Eva yelled. “What happened? Did we?” Eva blurted out question after question. She was not expecting to see Garth naked in her bed. She looked under the covers and saw that he had on his boxers.

  Garth stirred. “What time is it?”

  “Time for you to go. I can’t believe I let this happen.”

  “Fortunately, I’m not looking for you to validate my ego.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to come out the way it did. I had one too many drinks. I did
n’t mean for us to.”

  Garth laid on his back and crossed his arms under his head and seemed to stare into her soul. “What?”

  “Was I good to you?” Eva didn’t like the smirk on his face.

  “Baby, you were fantastic. Those tricks you do with your tongue. Oh my. Had me over the edge,” he teased.

  “Wait a minute. It’s coming to me. I was laying here. You were standing over there.” She picked up a pillow and hit him upside the head. “We didn’t do anything. And you would have had me thinking we did.”

  Garth leaned up on one elbow. “A man can dream can’t he?”

  “You’re so silly. Well I can’t stay in the bed all day and I suggest you put some clothes on because I’m not trying to go there.”

  “That’s not what you were saying last night.”

  She grabbed her robe on the floor and put it on. “That was then. This is now. Now I want you dressed and out of my bedroom.”

  “A man’s job is never done.”

  “Keep your day job because your jokes aren’t funny.”

  “Ha. Ha.”

  Eva left Garth in the bed. She went to the bathroom and took a long hot bath. Garth was fully dressed and downstairs by the time she finished taking a bath. She threw on a jogging suit and was surprised to smell food coming from the kitchen when she headed down the stairs.

  “I think I might keep you around,” she said, as she picked up a piece of bacon to taste it.

  “Only returning the favor, but I don’t want anything from you.” He winked his eyes.

  Eva pulled up a chair and sat down. “I told you, you need to leave the jokes to the comedians.”

  Garth sat down across from her. “I hope you like the eggs. I didn’t have all of the ingredients to make an omelet, so these will have to do.”

  “I just noticed you aren’t wearing that suit.”

  “I had some extra clothes in the trunk of my car.”

  “I forgot who I was talking to. Playa, playa,” Eva teased.

  “Ex-player,” Garth corrected her.