Words Left Unspoken- Part 5

Plopping down on the cool leather couch, Anson leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He savored the moment alone while Kate was undressing. Yes, of course that’s what filled his mind. Kate. Kate. Kate. And now she was only a few feet away, alone, in her bedroom. He almost imagined he could hear the smooth sound of her dress as it slid down over her hips. Opening his eyes he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. He needed to talk to her, to tell her. It was driving him to the point of insanity. But when?

“Like sitting in the dark?” Anson hadn’t heard Kate come into the room.

Sitting up as she flipped on the light, Anson slapped a sleepy grin on his face. “I guess I was just dozing off a bit.”

She disappeared into the kitchen but not before he could admire her body in the shorts and tank top she was wearing. His body thrummed even more. The next thing he knew, Kate was back in the room, two glasses in hand.

“I think we could both use a glass of this stuff.” She sat right next to him, handing him a glass of water. Warmth spread over him as he watched her lips touch the glass, letting the cool water slip into his mouth. He had to look away and take a big drink of his own water to calm his body. He was a pilot in the USMC and facing Kate was suddenly more nerve wracking than going to war.

“Are you okay? Come on light weight, you didn’t have that much to drink.” Questioned Kate, snapping him out of his daze.

 “No, I drove us home. Just out of it I guess. Long day, hmmm?” Anson knew watched Kate’s expression and heard her sigh. He knew exactly where her thoughts were.

“You can say that again. And such a weird day…I still can’t believe…” She shook her head in astonishment, like she was reliving the day all over again. “He didn’t have to come. He knew what he was doing. Just wanting to screw with my emotions.”

Anson perked up with her statement. Emotions? Did she seriously still have feelings for the guy? “What did he say to you?”

“Not a lot. We hadn’t been talking long when you found us. He’s back though, for good.”

“What?” He had to make sure he was hearing her correctly.

“Yeah…he just accepted a new job by Boulder.” She looked down and studied her glass.

Anson tried to keep his temper in check. The guy pissed him the hell off. Had never deserved her, in his opinion. “You’re not going to see him again, are you?” He caught her gaze, questionably, and she looked away, back down at her glass. “Come on, Kate! That guy left you high and dry. Nothing so much as a “hey, how are you doing?” He never deserved you! And he still sure as hell doesn’t.”

Kate jumped away from him off the couch, forcing Anson to follow in her stead. “I don’t want to argue about this with you! You don’t have to be so damn protective.”

“Kate, don’t walk away.” Following her he finally caught onto her hand in the dark hallway, leading to her bedroom. Turning her fast and to him, their bodies and their eyes locked together. Light from the living room barely illuminated their faces. Anson knew he shouldn’t but her lips beckoned him. To kiss her was something he needed to do, right in this moment. Warmth spread across him that he knew she must feel also. Leaning in, he moved to frame her face with his hands, and her half lidded eyes searched his, their lips parting.

He leaned in to kiss her forehead instead, breaking the spell between them. “I don’t want to argue with you either, Kate. Get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.” He pulled away from her reluctantly, knowing what had just transpired between them probably had confused the hell out of her. But he couldn’t take advantage of her in the state she was in. He was a better man than that.

***
Kate shut her door softly behind her as she went to crawl into bed. Her mind was spinning with the events of the day and especially with what had just occurred with Anson.

Laying in bed, she tried to will away thoughts as her head fell to the pillow. Minutes passed and still she could not stop thinking about both of them. Rolling over she punched her pillow and finally, exhaustion overtook her, causing her to fall into a fit-full sleep, dreaming only of a raven haired pilot.

Words Left Unspoken- Part 4

Outside, Kate found a bench by the garden, away from the wedding festivities. Taking a seat she sighed as she gazed up at the warm night sky, full of twinkling stars and the occasional lightning bug. What a day it had been. Her emotions had been a roller coaster starting with Noah’s sudden appearance and then…Anson. The latter filled her mind. What had just happened between them? Her body became warm with thoughts about his arms around her. It had been 6 months since they had seen each other last before he had arrived for the wedding two days ago. Anson was currently stationed at a Marine Corps base in Yuma, AZ, as an F/A 18 fighter pilot. But being apart had never changed anything. They always picked up where they left off. He was her closest friend next to Kristina and when they didn’t talk on the phone or email, they Skyped. But, something was different…

“Hello.” A man in the shadows interrupted her thoughts, making her look up to see the culprit.

“Noah.” Her heart quickened with surprise.

“It’s been a long time.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and smiled in appreciation at her.  

“That it has. I’m surprised to see you here.” She scooted over as he took a seat beside her on the bench.

“Kristina invited me. We all were pretty close in college if you remember.” He looked at her with laughter in his eyes, waiting for her to say something more, the moon basking them in soft light.

“Yeah, I remember.” She let out an awkward laugh at his move to try and crack a joke. “I guess it makes sense that you’re here now, then.” Yeah, right. Kristina was going to get an earful, later.

“Well, I am moving back to Colorado, actually. I just accepted a job as an environmentalist doing some work for the government outside of Fort Collins.”

He always knew how to hit her with a ton of bricks. “Is that so? Well congrats! That’s very exciting.” She forced a smile his way. It was almost as if they had never been as close as they had. Was he just pulling an act or casually trying to be nice without making it awkward? Either way, he was failing.

“Thanks. I’m more than glad to be back, especially now that I found you again.” He nudged her playfully and the bullfrogs croaked their night song.

“I’ve always been here. It really wasn’t a matter of finding me.” She was not in the mood to play along with his flirty act or whatever he was trying to pull. Crickets chirped and filled the pregnant silence. They both looked away from each other observing the night. Laughter filled in behind them as a couple frolicked in the garden.

“Beautiful wedding.” Noah’s comment was forced.

“Mmmm. Yeah.” Her reply was barely audible as she saw a tall, dark figure walking towards them from the tent.

“You looked beautiful up there, Kate. Even more beautiful now…” Noah had turned towards Kate, waiting for a reply, not noticing the approaching intruder.

“There you are.” Anson glared briefly at Noah, before flashing a grin at Kate. He had ditched his suit coat and tie, his crisp white shirt unbuttoned slightly, revealing a hard, tan chest.

“Good timing. I was just getting ready to head back.” She stood up fast, turning briefly to Noah. “I’m glad we could catch up.”

“Me too.” He stood, putting his hands in his pockets. “Anson.” His acknowledgement was curt.

“Noah.” Anson moved to take Kate’s arm, steering her back to the night’s dwindling festivities and away from the man who had turned his back on her.

Words Left Unspoken- Part 3

Anson watched her over the rim of his wine glass as everyone prepared to make one last toast to the beseechingly happy bride and groom.

“To the newlyweds!” He continued to watch her as she took a drink from her glass and sat back down, most likely glad to be done with her speech.

“Well wasn’t that just peachy. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.” An elbow found its way to his ribs with his comment.

“I thought I saw you tear up, you always were a softie. That hard military exterior of yours is such a cover-up.” Their eyes met and Anson had to force himself to look away. She was just too damn beautiful and had always been a little too easy on the eyes, in his opinion.

“Mmm yes, I am a romantic at heart.” He clutched his chest in mock gesture then grabbed one of her hands. “Please do me the honor of this dance, my lady.”

“Oh! Of course, Captain! Could I ever say no to you?” They bounded towards the dance floor with perhaps, a little too much playful enthusiasm. Twinkling lights strung above them basked them in soft, white light as Anson found her waist and pulled her to him, joining many other couples with the same idea. She felt so right in his arms. Her skin warm, glowing with his touch, her breath lingering on his neck sent a thrilling sensation down his body. Maybe he was holding her a little too closely, he thought. Maybe, but everything felt right with her in his arms.

“I wonder what happened to him.” Kate’s words broke the spell, and his grip on her waist briefly tightened then loosened, opening the distance between them to look at her. “I thought you had forgotten about him.” His face was serious, losing all playfulness as he looked down at her.

“Just about impossible after his appearance today.”

 “Never impossible, Kate.” His reply was only a soft whisper as he drew her closer to him again, locking their eyes momentarily.

They continued to sway to the music of the cover band as a version of Rascal Flatt’s “I Melt” filled the tent. Kate’s head went to Anson’s shoulder again, savoring the sense of security she felt in his arms, banishing thoughts from her mind about Noah. Warmth crept across her body as she felt his hands move lower on her back, bringing her even closer. She lifted her head to say something but was speechless as she caught his gaze. There was something there in his eyes…something she had never noticed before. She stopped dancing, feeling suddenly light headed.

“Are you okay?” His arms were still around her, locking her to him. “I don’t know…I think it’s just the heat and everything I’ve had to drink. I’m going outside for some fresh air.” She walked away at a faster pace than she had meant to, determined to clear her head.

Anson got the hint that she wanted to be alone and let her go. Being that close to her for as long as they had danced had made his body pulse with desire. Thankful for a moment to himself, he ran a hand through his short jet-black hair and loosened his tie and collar as he headed for the bar.  It was past time for another drink.

“There you are! Enjoying this extravagant wedding that Kristina dreamed up?” Ben’s hand slapped Anson hard on the back, making him turn around to find a glowing newlywed.

“Well aren’t you all smiles, brother. I think married life is going to suit you a little too well.” He smiled, leaning back casually with his elbows resting on the bar.

“Yeah, I think so too. I’m just ready to get out of here now and head off to Hawaii.” He winked and the brothers exchanged knowing looks. “This place is a mad house but thankfully, the wedding went off without a hitch.”

They both grabbed their drinks and went to an opening in the tent to get a little fresh air while continuing their conversation. Anson scanned the lawn for Kate.

“You leave again Thursday, right? What do you and Kate have planned? I’m sure it’s something adventurous.” Anson laughed at his statement. “Sure do, you know us too well. We are going to do a little kayaking and camping Tuesday and Wednesday. Tomorrow I’m meeting up with some old ROTC guys up by Boulder.” Words were coming out of his mouth but his mind was somewhere else, still looking outside for Kate. That’s when he finally spotted her. But she wasn’t alone.

“So when are you going to tell her how you feel?” Ben’s question was barely audible to him. “What?”

“When are you going to tell her you love her?” Anson heard him this time and he turned to look at him directly. Raw emotion was written all over his face. “Words like that should never be left unspoken.”

“I…” No words came out in protest but instead, Ben cleared the air. “I better get back to Kristina.”

Anson shook his head in agreement and also took his leave, heading in the direction of Kate and the illustrious, Noah Parker.

Words Left Unspoken-Part 2

After the wedding, Kate put on her winning smile as the photographer snapped away with his seemingly obnoxious camera, in her opinion anyways. She knew the last thing she should be doing is letting her mood dwindle. But she was blaming a certain guest for its sudden change: Noah Parker.

“Come on; let me see those beautiful smiles, ladies! We are about finished.” The photographer gave them a little extra encouragement, while Kate was sure he was especially directing that comment towards her. “All right, fantastic!” The camera clicked a few more times before they were set free. Anson was waiting for her.

“You know, you are probably the most cheerful person I know.” His sarcasm made Kate laugh, lightening her mood. She was very thankful to have him by her side. “I’ll get over it as soon as I get a drink.”

They walked on in silence, across the lawn and to the tented reception area. Inside, the announcer was full of excitement as he prepared to introduce the wedding party and of course, the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Therone.

In true Kristina fashion, they all danced inside as each of their names was announced. They had worked for weeks on the goofiest dance routine they could come up with and the crowd roared with laughter as they all made fools of themselves.

Breathless, Kate and Anson made their way to the bar. “Well, I think that turned out a lot better than we had hoped.”

She couldn’t help but scan the reception area. Her nerves were certainly on edge. Damn him for doing this to her. He had no right.

“Kate?” Anson looked at her as if waiting for her reply. She had completely missed everything he had said and he read that on her face. “I think it’s time we took our seats.” This time, he did not pose his comment as a question; instead he guided her to where the wedding party was taking their seats for dinner.

Once at the table, Kate reached for her glass of red wine and took a hearty swig. Anson reached for the bottle in front of them and poured her some more which she gladly drank. He couldn’t stop from laughing.

“Whoa there, let’s try and stay sober for the maid of honor speech, okay?” He looked at her in all seriousness, leaning closer so only she could hear.

“Easy for you to say.” The last thing she needed was for him to be coddling her. He had always been protective over her since they had first met in college. Now was not the time. She needed to drink and in large quantities.

“Drinking like a sailor is not going to make him being here easier. He isn’t worth it anyways, and you know he never was. Just let it be and let’s have some fun tonight.” Kate looked up at Anson after his little spiel and couldn’t help but really hear what he was saying. He had never liked Noah and had always been so right about him. Why let his presence start bothering her now? It had been 6 years since they had seen each other last and 4 years since they had stopped talking altogether.

“I know, I know.” He looked at her questionably, trying to see if she was indeed ok. Anson knew what a great cover upper she was. Masking her true feelings was something she was skilled at.

Kate met his gaze and sighed. “Really, I’m fine. Look, I have pulled myself together completely. I told you all it would take is some alcohol.” She flashed one of her gorgeous smiles and he threw back his head with laughter. The arrival of the first course ended their banter and they dug in heartedly, famished from a very long, eventful day.

"Words Left Unspoken"-Part 1

Outside, the warm summer air crackled with laughter and voices as more guests arrived to the quaint, mountain side ranch. Inside, there was anything but laughter. Kate groaned inwardly as she heard sniffling sounds coming from the bride, her best friend Kristina. Reluctantly turning from her window perch, she went into the bedroom to help console the woeful bride.

She paused and shook her head as she beheld the sight before her but smiled consolingly as she continued to her. Kristina had always had a flair for the dramatic. The bride sat upon the bed, dressed to the nines in a Vera Wang sweetheart ivory ball gown, monstrous diamond earrings (courtesy of her worshipping groom, Ben) and a diamond bracelet. Her blond hair had not been swept up into the typical, severe bridal fashion but instead, had been left curled and cascading down her back. She was the true image of a beautiful bride, thought Kate.

Sitting upon the bed beside the bride, her arms went around her.

“Now now, all this crying will destroy your makeup.” Looking to the bride she studied her emotions as she straightened her back and started to smile, the tears drying from her big blue eyes.

“I know, I know but my emotions are a wreck and my mind will not stop whirling about. What if he is not the right man for me? What if Ben is not the man I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life with? Oooooooohhhh!”

Watching her stand in frustration, tears all gone from her eyes, Kate composed herself, waiting a moment to speak.

“It’s just cold feet, pretty typical for the wedding day.” Well, not really in her opinion but the maid of honor was supposed to console, not reaffirm the bride’s fears. Kristina had always been the wild flirt, the girl that always fell hard for each guy but at the same time, had a two second rebound rate. Ben was one of a kind. He was devoted, loving, and he absolutely worshipped Kristina. She knew that too. But as much as she loved her best friend, she was really hoping Kristina wouldn’t screw this marriage up.

“I know, I guess he really is something, huh?”

It was as if she had been reading her mind.

“Yeah, he sure is. Ben is crazy about you. I mean, come on, he asked you to marry him. That means something.” Kate watched her wring her hands, a glow starting on her face, as she stopped pacing the room.

“Oh, I have been such an emotional fool. What would I do without you, Kate?”

“Love makes us fools. That’s the beauty of it. And you would do just fine without me.” She smiled at the bride, knowingly, still studying her face for any last minute fleeting emotions. Thankfully, Kristina seemed to be back to her usual, peppy self. Checking the clock, she snapped back to the present, realizing that they only had 10 minutes before the bride was supposed to walk down the aisle.

“Oh shit! We don’t have much time. Let’s touch up your eye make-up real quick.”

They rushed to the adjoining room where make-up was sprawled out on an antique, rustic vanity, Kristina’s great-grandmothers’.  She sprawled into action as the bride took a seat, fumbling for the correct eye makeup. They were both silent for a moment as she worked on her makeup, wondering and knowing something was going through Kristina’s fast, little mind. She was never quite for longer than a minute. Panic swept over her as she worried that she would actually have to deal with a runaway bride. She studied her face as she finished up her make-up, looking for a sign that Kristina was thinking of bolting…again.

“You know…I always thought you would be the one to get married first.”

She continued finishing up her make-up, not letting Kristina’s comment bother her or cause any sort of knee jerk reaction. So, that’s what had been on her mind. Of all the things.

Placing the makeup back on the vanity, they made eye contact in the mirror. It was enough to stop her best friend from continuing on her train of thought.

She regained her thoughts and her composure and was thankful for a knock at the door; Kristina’s father. It was time for the wedding to begin.

“Well, looks like that’s my signal. You look beautiful. Ben is sure to tear up when he see’s you.” Bidding her goodbye until after the wedding, she made her escape into the hallway and to the back of the house where the rest of the wedding party awaited, not allowing herself to think about anything but the task ahead. She found the best man, and her best guy friend, Anson, waiting for her in the group; his height and full head of raven black hair making him an easy find. His eyes met hers as she went to him, linking her arm in his.

“I take it, from your tardiness, that Kristina was considering leaving her love struck groom at the altar?” His voice was merely a low whisper, meant only for her ears.

“Oh, you know.” She couldn’t help but smile knowingly up at him. The three of them had known each other since college, Anson introducing Kristina to his brother, Ben, the summer before their senior year, 4 years ago. If Kate confided in anyone outside of Kristina, it was Anson. He knew her too well.

“Oh, and you look gorgeous by the way.” Anson’s voice was even lower this time.

She missed the catch in his voice, his comment only reminding her to check herself over one last time. Her pale purple, one shoulder, knee length dress was different from all the other bridesmaids’ dresses. It’s satin material was covered completely with an overlay of an even lighter purple, lace, and her brown hair, like the bride’s, was left to cascade down her back with only a couple of daisies to complete the look.

After reassuring herself that she was completely put together, she returned her attention to Anson’s comment.

“Always the charmer.” She looked up at him, giving him a grin.

“Only for you.” Music flowed in through the open glass doors with his comment, turning their attention back to the present and signaling the party to start the wedding procession.

She watched as three pairs of bridesmaids and groomsmen went before them, down the stairs and to the wedding ceremony area before them. She felt Anson nudge her playfully with his elbow, making her look up at him as he gave her a wink with his twinkling green eyes.

“Here we go.”

She held in her breath as they stepped forward, hoping she didn’t trip and fall on her face, as was her tendency, but thankful that she had Anson to hold on to. The ceremony area was beautifully decorated in a rustic theme with wildflowers and the looming Rocky Mountains for the backdrop. Guests were seated upon wooden benches, only completing the look of the evening.

Kate smiled as she walked on down the aisle, glancing over the faces of the many guests. They continued on, almost up the seemingly long aisle, when her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the one person she never thought she would see again. Why was he here? She swept her eyes away from him, keeping her smile plastered on her face, meanwhile, feeling Anson momentarily tighten his grip on her arm. She hadn’t been dreaming like she had hoped. He had seen him too.