Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology

by Anthony, Jane

“Teddy,” she says softly, and I turn slightly to look at her over my shoulder. “I think the moral of the reading is that you have a new start coming. Take the opportunity to live in that moment. Consider all options before you take action. And realize what it is that YOU want. Once you know that, life should get easier and be more fulfilling.”

  I slide the curtain back and step out into the brightly lit shop. Carter’s sobering handsome face is looking directly at me from across the room. “Hey, where’s Derek?”

  “This place was giving him the heebie jeebies, so he stepped outside. Are you OK?”

  “Yeah, sure. Why do you ask?” I turn sideways from him, picking up a simple doll made of sackcloth from under a sign that reads ‘Voodoo Dolls’. I shake it at him and smile.

  “No reason. You just had a worried look on your face when you came out.”

  “No, it was good. Roya is good, really good actually. You should give it a go. She read tarot cards for my love life.”

  “And did you get the burning heart of love card?” he jokes, elbowing my side teasingly.

  “Stop it. There’s no such card. Here, give me your shrunken head.” I take it and roll my eyes over why he wants this ugly thing. “I’ll hold it while you get your reading. I’m going to go look at the crystals upstairs.” I point to the sign above the staircase showing him where I’ll be.

  15

  Carter

  Teddy’s been quiet ever since we left the voodoo shop. Her fortune must have hit deeper and been more on target than she expected. I don’t even want to think about my reading. My recent state of being in a bad mood is getting deeper and darker the longer this vacation goes on.

  “I want to go see the Backstreet Cultural Museum,” Derek chimes into my thoughts, pointing to an advertisement for it taped inside a shop on Magazine Street.

  “Please tell me it’s not a museum for the Backstreet Boys.” Teddy and I both groan. Glad I’m not the only one not happy about that idea.

  “Hell no,” he exclaims, shaking his head at us like we’re ridiculous. “Why would I want to see that? Google says it’s this little family run museum showcasing the unique and quirky traditions of New Orleans. The reviews say it’s pretty cool.”

  Derek plugs in the address into his phone for walking directions, and we’re not too far away. When we arrive, we’re greeted by the owner himself who gives us the full-blown tour of everything New Orleans and makes great suggestions for our gumbo dinner. My stomach is already growling just thinking about it.

  “Man, I feel like I’ve lived here my whole life after that tour,” Derek says excitedly. He’s flipping through the pictures he took on his phone already re-living the memories.

  “I’m glad you like it, but I need to sit down.” I throw Derek a mercy look. “My feet are burning with all the walking we’ve done today.”

  Derek opens up his pedometer app showing us the screen. “We’ve walked just over 29,000 steps today. That’s insane.”

  “Yeah, I think that calls for a seat, a beer, and some gumbo,” I announce, punching a few buttons on my Lyft app because I can’t take another step. “Lyft will be here in five minutes.”

  I take a seat on a bench just outside Louis Armstrong Jazz Park and wait, while Teddy and Derek walk over to the street corner and watch some kids beat on a mix of household items like drums for money. It sounds really good, but my head is starting to throb to their beat.

  It’s nearly 5:00 PM. The uncontrollable shaking of my hands only reminds me I need to eat and take my meds. The heat is fucking adding on to my misery and foul mood since we left the voodoo place. Fucking Roya and her Card of Death. When I close my eyes, I’m back in that dark room…

  At first, all I see when she flips over the first card is the white knight and people falling at his feet. They look so happy. Maybe he’s their savior. Hmmm. Maybe I’m on the right path, trying to help those I’m encountering on this journey. I can be their white knight.

  I lean forward and look more closely. Fuck. I home-in on the knight’s face—an aging yellow skull, and I know it isn’t good.

  I peek up at Roya, and her cheerful smile and pink color are fading quickly from her face. She nervously tries to play it off. “Um… that card can mean positivity and um… ah… being like a white knight.”

  I know better. Like Teddy said, I have a monster’s soul and I know a kindred spirit when I see one. Fucking Knight of Death.

  Roya hastily moves on with the next card. It’s a backwards seven of swords or something. It’s kind of cool with an ordinary looking dude carrying a bunch of swords. Maybe it symbolizes I’m fighting for my life, and I’m going to crush the knight’s skull.

  “This card means deception. He’s stealing the swords. See the smug look on his face, it shows his victory. Getting this card may mean that you have the opportunity for some sort of renewal of conscience.”

  I can half buy-in to that train of thought. I mean, I am out here on this adventure doing my best to undo some of my dirty deeds. Apparently, the tarot cards see right through me. I’m nothing but a fraud. God’s going to put my ass on the express elevator to Hades as soon as the Book of Good Deeds is opened, and He only finds one thing under my name…Luke. One’s got to be better than none. Right?

  Church bells ring in the distance, and my phone buzzes in my hand, drawing me out of my mental reverie. I swipe across the screen to see our ride is here as a white Chevy Trailblazer pulls up to the corner. “Teddy, Derek,” I call their names and point toward the street. They toss a few dollars at the boys and head to the car.

  We decide mid-ride to head back to the RV before dinner. Per our driver, the best gumbo in town is Arnaud’s, and Teddy isn’t exactly dressed for the experience. Granted, I like her white, cut-off shorts with the long strings swaying to the motion of her hips. It’s mesmerizing. And her red-striped half shirt just begs me to see if my hands will span the width of her waist, but I’d like to take her somewhere nice to eat while I still can.

  “Let’s get changed to fit the Arnaud’s atmosphere. Dinner is on me tonight,” I announce. Teddy and Derek high-five each other, and that little prick of jealousy I have toward my best friend flicks me in the heart. Motherfucker, it hurts too.

  Within the hour, I call out in the silence of the RV. My voice reverberates off the closed doors back at me. “C’mon, let’s go. I’m wasting away as we speak.”

  Derek’s door opens first, and he’s sporting a nice blue, button-down shirt with a navy paisley tie to match. His blue blazer is lying over his arm.

  “Did you order our ride yet?” he asks, digging in the cabinet. “Because I need to feed Molly.”

  “I already fed her and took her out. She’s sleeping in my room.”

  “Poor girl. She deserves a whole day at the park, but we should be hitting the road tomorrow. Maybe I’ll take her out in the morning for a long run.”

  Teddy’s door slides open, and she steps out into the hallway facing me. Derek’s back is to her, but he turns when he hears me catch my breath.

  She’s fucking gorgeous.

  She has on a wine-colored halter dress which clings to her long legs. I assume it’s backless from the shape of the front and sides. Jesus Christ, there’s no way she’s wearing a bra under that. A devilish smile spreads across my face, as I step toward her and hold my arm out.

  Her wide eyes bounce back and forth between me and Derek, trying to gauge our opinions.

  “You look beautiful,” I say.

  Derek just whistles, and I smack him on the chest as I pass him to take her arm.

  “Is it too much? It’s the nicest dress I own now since Richie ruined everything else. It’s my graduation slash wedding slash fancy dinner dress.”

  “It’s perfect.”

  She pats her hair, making sure it’s still up and in place where she twisted it.

  “Stop fiddling. You look amazing. Now let’s go eat,” I tell her.

  With perfect timing, my phone buzzes indicating our ride
is here.

  God, I wish we were taking the Mercedes out, but it’s a two-seater. Maybe we’ll go for a ride tomorrow while Derek is out with Molly. I’d love to see the outer parishes of the city...just the two of us.

  16

  Teddy

  I don’t need to have my arm wrapped around Carter’s, but I can’t seem to let go, my want for this enigmatic man growing by the second. Maybe it’s because he pulls me in only to push me back. Maybe I’m a damn glutton for punishment, always wanting the man who’s emotionally unavailable. Everything about Carter’s Google history tells me he doesn’t do relationships.

  But then he looks at me, his full lips curving up into that teasing smile, and I find that I don’t give a damn. I want to experience whatever Carter George is willing to give me.

  Carter helps me into the car, sitting between me and Derek. The warmth from his body causes a shiver to rush through me.

  “Are you comfortable?” he asks, quirking an eyebrow up at me.

  I’d be better if I was on your lap!

  My face heats at the thought, but I manage to smile at him like I’m not having the world’s dirtiest thoughts.

  “I’m fine. Thanks,” I say, going breathless as he reaches over me to latch my seatbelt.

  “Safety first.” He casts a playful wink at me, the back of his hand brushing gently over my breasts. I’m not sure if it’s an accident or on purpose, but my mind demands I believe he wanted to do that because the alternative upsets me.

  With all of us safely buckled in, we make our way to the restaurant.

  “I hope they have chicken tenders,” Derek says as we pull up, his dark eyes narrow at the posh building.

  Carter snorts at him, and even I chuckle. Secretly, I’m hoping they do too. The idea of eating anything that resembles an insect has anxiety uncoiling in my chest.

  The moment we’re out of the car, Carter holds his arm out for me to take. I do so without hesitation, casting a smile up at him. He wastes no time returning it, which only jolts the butterflies to life in my stomach.

  “Right this way, please” a host greets us and takes us to our table. Carter pulls my chair out for me and runs his fingers between my shoulder blades as he pulls his own chair out to sit. The teasing look in his eyes makes a shiver run the length of my spine.

  We’re left with menus, and Derek is quick to breathe a sigh of relief at finding something he’ll eat.

  “I’m not picky,” he argues as Carter points it out to him. “I just know what I like and prefer to stick to it. My stomach doesn’t always take kindly to new dishes.”

  “It’s a shame because this is going to be amazing,” Carter insists, breathing in deeply.

  I have to admit it does smell divine in here. His gaze rests on me. “How about you, Teddy? What are you having?”

  I scan the menu quickly and glance at Derek who grins at me.

  “She wants chicken tenders too,” he says.

  “Come on, Teddy!” Carter rolls his eyes. “We’re traveling the country. We’re experiencing what this great city has to offer. Don’t deny the adventure.”

  “I’m not denying it,” I defend myself, lifting my brows at him. His hand comes to rest over mine. I bite back the whimper that rises inside me at his warm touch.

  “Live a little, Teddy Bear,” he says softly, his thumb tracing a tender circle on my skin. “Live with me in this moment. You won’t regret it.”

  How the hell can I say no to that? If his words and tender nickname don’t capture me, the look in his eyes does.

  “OK.” I nod, letting out the breath I’m holding. A wide smile spreads over Carter’s face that has me grinning.

  “Don’t let him do that to you,” Derek groans.

  “Do what?” Carter asks innocently, removing his touch from my hand.

  “You know what! All you have to do is look at a woman, and she swoons. Add to it your moves, and they don’t stand a chance.”

  Carter lets out a loud laugh at Derek. I frown.

  Did he seriously just play me?

  “Did you just trick me?” I demand.

  Carter stops laughing, his eyes filled with warmth as they come to focus on me.

  “I’m just looking for a little adventure, sweetheart. Thought you were too. That’s all.”

  Well, two can play that game.

  I move my hand to rest on Carter’s thigh. He tenses beneath my touch, obviously surprised at this turn of events. I pop a brow at him, my hand moving higher. He shifts beneath my touch, but not away. Oh no, not Carter George. If anything, he’s enjoying the game we’re playing with one another.

  I rub his thigh gently, discretely, as Derek tries to engage Carter in a conversation about the next place we’re going once we leave New Orleans.

  “I’m thinking the Grand Canyon,” Carter says with a shrug. “Unless there’s somewhere Teddy wants to see. How about it, Teddy?” His eyes are hooded as he focuses them on me, my hand rubbing the junction of where his thigh meets his groin.

  Oh yeah. I’m going there.

  “What do you want?” he murmurs at me, the question loaded.

  “I want what you want,” I answer, hoping we’re on the same page.

  A tiny smirk cuts across his handsome face.

  “I think we’re in the same state of mind.” His hand reaches down and takes mine before full on placing it over the very large erection he’s sporting beneath the table. He gives me a wink before releasing my hand. My face heats at his boldness and the fact that for once in my life, I don’t know how to react.

  Carter George just upped the ante.

  17

  Carter

  Teddy has me so hot. I have a hard time focusing through dinner. I know what I said. I know I said I wouldn’t pursue anything, but damnit, I want what I want.

  There’s nothing wrong with just playing. Maybe she’ll get bored of the games.

  But God, I don’t want her to.

  She’s all I can concentrate on at dinner, missing the warmth from her hand as it’s now holding her spoon. Her cute nose is turned up as she stares down at the meal I know she’s nervous about.

  “All you have to do is open your mouth and put it in,” I say to her in a husky voice, something other than food on my mind.

  Her cheeks flush pink, and I imagine that’s the color her sexy ass would be if I could just turn her over my knee and give her the spanking she’s earned for giving my dick a bit of hope.

  She does as I suggest, a soft moan leaving her lips as she chews.

  Fuck. She’s so sexy it should be a sin.

  I grin, digging into my own gumbo.

  Derek gives us a look that suggests we might be crazy. I shrug it off. Fuck it. Food is good. Company is even better. I’m living for it.

  “There are some good clubs down on Bourbon,” Derek says, taking a sip of water. “We should hit one up, or as many as we want. I was checking out some really cool places on my phone before we left.”

  “Sounds good. Teddy?” I glance over at her.

  “Sure.” She shrugs, winking at me. “Let’s do it.”

  “Let’s do it.” I smirk back.

  “Wow!” Teddy laughs, leaning in so I can hear her.

  The club music is so loud it makes me wince. It’s creating a dull ache in my head that I’m praying doesn’t trigger one of my headaches. Her hair brushes my cheek, and I’m instantly hard as steel again with thoughts of running my tongue over her sensuous neck.

  She points in the direction of Derek who’s dancing up on two females. They seem rather excited by his nearness since they’re touching him back.

  “I didn’t know Derek was like that!” Teddy continues, shaking her head in shock. “Look at his moves!” And she’s right. Derek can dance.

  “Like I said, we’re all on an adventure,” I reply, smiling as Derek is sandwiched between the two women, a grin plastered from ear to ear across his face.

  “Do you want to dance?” She motions to the dance floor.r />
  There’s a painful spasm in my head, and I grimace. The smile on Teddy’s lips falters as she takes it to mean no.

  Fucking tumors.

  “Why don’t you go dance? I could use a drink,” I say, my heart deflating. I want nothing more than to dance with her. I’ve been sporting a semi-hard-on since dinner just being near her.

  She gives me a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes and nods. “OK.”

  And with that, she sashays away. Her luscious ass is all I can focus on until my hands twitch.

  “Fuck,” I hiss, giving them a shake.

  My head is starting to pound. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. I make my way to the bathroom where I splash cold water on my face. The image in the mirror looks a little gaunt. I’m a built guy, having honed every muscle to perfection, but as I stare at myself in the overly bright mirror, all I see are dark circles, cheeks that are starting to sink in, and pants that are too loose from losing weight.

  I grip the sink tightly, hauling in a few deep, calming breaths before I pull my bottle of pain pills from my pocket and swallow one down in the hopes of maybe one more night of normalcy. Just one more fucking night. It’s all I ever wish for.

  I grab a drink at the bar. Then another one. Derek and Teddy are dancing together. I hate that. She throws her head back and laughs as he makes some weird move against her, a grin on his face. I should be grateful they’re getting along, but I’m not. I’m jealous that he’s enjoying her company while I continue to throw back drinks in the hopes of drowning my pitiful reality.

  I watch them dance through three more songs before some guy cuts in. Derek steps away and turns to some other girl and dances with her. I throw back another drink as one song ends and another begins. The new guy is getting too close to her. She’s starting to look uncomfortable as his hands rest on her ass.

  I finish my drink and make my way over to her.