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The music throbbed, much like the beating of Anna's heart. The club was utterly packed, as Orlando's young and beautiful gathered in Pleasure Island to celebrate the Fourth of July. But tonight, Anna was celebrating an entirely different sort of independence. Tonight was going to be THE night. She was going to be a different person tomorrow, she could feel it. She had to explain to Bryan that he wasn't the reason she was acting so strangely. Anna had been unsure of what lay ahead for them until this morning. Jerid had called her. He had been his usual charming self, begging her to join him in Washington again. Anna had realized that this would be the last time she saw Jerid in that romantic light. She had considered leaving Florida in August, maybe giving Jerid's family a chance to win her over, when it struck her. They shouldn't have to win her over. She should be able to go with him because she wanted to be with him more than anything else. But the only person with whom she could concieve spending the rest of her summer was next door. Bryan's face filled her head as she spoke to J, the words almost mechanical, automatic responses. She used to love talking to him, their deep conversations were the highlight of her day. But lately, she dreaded his calls. Now she knew why. The reason was headed straight for her, her drink in his hand as he wove his way through the throng of partyers. Every time Anna saw Bryan, her heart jumped a little and her stomach fluttered. She couldn't wait to hear the next words out of his mouth. He made her want to listen to him, made her want to tell him about the most trivial parts of everyday life because he made them special. Bryan made her special. She felt bathed in sunlight when she was with him. The world really could be rose tinted, if you had the right person with whom you could share the view. And after tonight, she was pretty sure he'd be more than willing. If only she could get him to work with her plan. Hopefully he'd ask her to leave soon. She hated to pout, she was having a good time, but she was sure better things awaited them elsewhere.
Bryan made his way back to the table, juggling the drinks for himself and Anna. She was rather jumpy tonight, more nervous than he'd ever seen her. He wondered if she'd talked to that clown in Massachusetts today. He was probably pressuring her to come home early. There was no way she would do any such thing, if Bryan had anything to do with it. He couldn't believe she still talked to Jerid. After all they had shared this summer, Bryan still wasn't sure if she felt the same way about him. He was able to talk to her about anything- his career, the guys, his family. They had connected from the first moment they met. Seeing her on the porch that first day had been a sign. She was so much more than just physically beautiful. Anna possessed a spark within her that beckoned him. She loved life more every day. He couldn't wait to wake up each morning just so he could see her. But he was so afraid that one day she would come to her senses and decide she didn't want to be near him. That was the last thing he needed, especially now. Bryan had been so caught up in the highs, he'd forgotten the simple pleasures in life. He'd struggled to retain the person he'd once been, fighting with all his might the demons of fame and fortune. He was afraid he'd become the person he used to hate, a posh gobshite who looked down upon everyone else. Bryan had been praying and hoping for a reason to enjoy his summer vacation. The last year had been so hectic, he didn't know if he could stay grounded for more than a little while in one place. When he spied Anna sunning herself on her patio, he'd been sure his holiday plans were correct. Anna appreciated him for who he was- the person inside. The fame meant nothing to her. She was the first girl in a long time who saw past the glitter of the awards and the flashbulbs, who wanted to be near him for him. Bryan approached her, hoping he could do something to cheer her up. He'd hoped the club and restaurant would do the trick, but now it seemed that they might have had a better time at home, lighting off fireworks with the rest of the gang.
"Hey beautiful. Is this seat taken or do I have to fight off some American bloke who's obviously got great taste in women? Could I interest you in a drink?" Bryan set the stemmed glass on the table and took a swallow of his drink.
Anna smiled mischeviously. "Baby, you could interest me in just about anything right now. How bout you mosey on over here and let me show you how very much you interest me?"
"Ah, the lass makes a tempting offer. I accept, we all know how improper it is to refuse a lady anything and I aim to please..." His words were interrupted by Anna's kiss. The taste of strawberries was still on her tongue, but she tasted sweeter than any confection the bartenders could whip up. She inched herself closer to him, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders. He ran one hand through the hair at the base of her neck, loosening the coils she had so carefully arranged, while the other hand roved about her bare shoulders. He could sense something different in Anna's kiss tonight, an urgency that had been absent from those before. He disentangled himself from her arms.
"Wow, if I knew a venture to the bar would elicit such a response from you, I'd make sure to get refills more often. Seriously baby, are you enjoying yourself at all? I mean, we can go back to the house if you want. I know we wanted to see the fireworks, but the guys bought some and were planning to set them off at the beach. Do you want to get out of here?" Bryan's voice got louder as he struggled to keep it above the pulsating beat of the song blasting through the club.
"Let's go then. If you don't mind, Bry, I'd love to get out of here."
They made their way through the crowd and stepped into the balmy night. "I was getting a horrific headache. I don't think those tequila shots last night have settled yet.Shane should have known better than to challenge me though. Rule of drinking #1- Never doubt an Arizona girl's tolerance for Cuervo- even if he is Irish! Now I'm sure whiskey would have been a different story, but remind me of that the next time we play drunk poker." As the car whizzed past the city and towards the coast, Anna could feel the twists of anxiety in her stomach.
She was glad the plan worked. She knew for a fact there was no one at the beach. Everyone else had gone to the Arista bash. Clive was holding a huge barbeque at his house and the other lads convinced Claud and Kori to go. Well, after Anna had threatened them with dismemberment, they had agreed to go. Tonight was her night with Bryan. She felt mildly shameful about lying to him, but she was sure he wouldn't mind, come tomorrow morning. They pulled into the drive in front of their houses. Bryan was out of the car, opening her door before she could unfasten her seat belt.
"Wonder where they all are? The beach looks kinda empty. They said 12 for the fireworks." Bry had a slightly puzzled look on his face.
"I bet they're just inside the house, watching a video or something. Let's go drop my stuff off at my place, then head over to yours and check. Anna hoped he wouldn't be angry, she didn't want to deceive Bryan, especially after he'd been so honest with her. well, what he didn't know wouldn't kill him. They walked into the girls' cabin, finding it empty and dark. Bryan shrugged off his jacket and tossed it over the couch while Anna dashed to her room.
Anna threw off her club outfit. Kori had prepared evrything to the letter. Candles glowing, a bottle of champagne in the corner, the music all set. She shimmied into the coup d'etat- the final touch. She'd ordered it especially for tonight. Agent Provacateur, shipped straight from London. A tube of platinum silk, the gown's single string tied around her neck. Perfect, perfect. He was going to love it, hopefully. She hit play on the stereo and Erasure flooded the room.
Bryan went to the window and glanced to his house. "I don't think they're over there babe. I'm sorry, I know you wanted to see the fireworks. Maybe they left some sparklers..." He hollered back to her.
"Trust me Bryan. I don't think we'll need matches for those fireworks tonight." Anna's voice was smoky, tinged with nerves and desire. She stood framed in the doorway, her hair loose around her shoulders.
Open your eyes I see
Your eyes are open
Wear no disguise for me
Come
into the open
He stopped dead in his tracks. Bryan felt his mouth go dry and his knees weaken. "Well, I can't say I'm sorry they're not here, baby. But something tells me we'll be okay without them." He couldn't will his mouth to say the things that were racing through his mind. She was utterly the most amazing thing he'd ever seen. Fire and ice, her red hair tumbling haphazardly over her shoulders, colliding with the stark silver of her gown. Temptation. Anna walked towards him, the invitation in her eyes. She stretched out her hand. "All you have to do, Bryan, is say no."
He crossed the narrow space that separated them, taking her hand. Clasping it in his, he pulled her to him, knocking the breath from her chest. Their eyes locked, hovering on the edge. Their breath mingling, he exhaled..."Yes." Lowering his mouth to hers, he swept Anna into his arms and carried her through the open door.
Melting the ice for me
Jump into the ocean
Hold back the tide I see
Your love in motion
When it's cold outside
Am I here in vain?
Hold on to
the night/
There will be no shame...
The sunlight streamed across Anna's face as Bryan gently brushed a lock of hair that laid across her brow.She looked so vulnerable in sleep, a far cry from the seductress of the previous evening. Her brow furrowed, lost in slumber. She cried out in her sleep. Bryan wanted nothing more than to slay the dragons that plagued her. Forever.
He knew it was totally inevitable, he felt his heart leave him the first moment they met. "I don't think the strength of a thousand angels would enable me to say no to you, Anna Gabriel. Ever."
Always I wanna be with you
And make believe with you
And live in harmony
oh love...
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