For the next forty-eight hours, Trent waited on Anna hand and foot. He wouldn't let her get out of bed for anything. Anna thought he was overdoing himself, but whenever she said something, he simply shrugged it off and changed the subject.

That evening, he had put her on the couch Trivette and Carlos, who had come to keep the two company.

Anna had her feet spread out and a blanket covering her. While they were watching some movie on HBO, "You know what? I feel like pizza." Anna suggested.

Everyone looked at her.

Carlos smiled. "Pizza?"

"Yeah."

"You want pizza?" Trent repeated.

She nodded her head. "Yeah."

"You have all this food like snails and caviar and all you want is pizza?!" Trivette said in a sarcastic tone.

"Why? Is there something wrong with that?"

"Yes!" They all said in unison.

"Fine." She said with a smile. "I'll just have to go and get it myself."

Trent quickly stood up and ran over to her, and made her sit back down. "No you don't." He covered her back up. "I'll go get you a pizza."

"Thank you, Trent."

"No problem. Carlos you're coming with me and you're paying."

"What? Why me?"

"Because you have been raiding her mini-bar for the past two days. The least you can do is spring for a pizza."

Carlos sighed. "We'll be back, Anna."

"Thank you, guys."

Carlos mumbled something that was barely audible.

Once they shut the door, Anna grabbed the phone. "Who are you calling?" Trivette asked.

"Jax." Someone picked up. "Hi Jax! . . . .No, everything's fine. Listen, I was wondering if you could do me a favor? . . . .Well, Trent and Carlos stepped out for a minute and I was wondering if you wouldn't mind bringing something to eat over here. . . . Well, I'm in the mood for ice cream sundaes. . . .You will?! Thank you so much Jax! . . . .How about vanilla? . . .hot fudge, strawberry, butterscotch, whip cream, peanuts. Hang on." She turned to Jimmy. "What do you want?"

"Carmel."

"What about Trent and Carlos?"

"Trent likes cherries and Carlos just loves sprinkles."

She talked into the phone. "Also, caramel, cherries and sprinkles. . . .yeah the rainbow kind. And whatever else you want. . . .okay. Thank you so much Jax. . . .see you soon. . . bye." She hung up the phone.

"Good to see you have your appetite back." He smiled.

"I know. Besides, I think it'll be fun."

Trivette laughed and they went back to watching their movie.

**********

Trent and Carlos came back about an hour later with three different kinds of pizza. "We forgot to ask you what kind so, we got supreme, pepperoni and cheese."

"I cannot thank you guys enough."

"You're welcome Anna. It's the least we can do since you've done all of this for us." She smiled at the compliment from Trent. "What kind did you want, Anna?" he asked.

"I will have to go for cheese."

"Coming right up." Trent pulled out a slice of pizza and put it on her plate.

"Thank you, Trent." He smiled.

All of a sudden, there was a knock at the door. Trent opened the door to reveal Jax.

"Hi Trent."

"Jax, what are you doing here?" Trent said.

He pulled up three bags. "I brought ice cream."

Trent turned to Anna and gave her a look.

She gave him an innocent look back. "What?"

He couldn't resist her smile. "Come on in Jax."

"Thank you." He noticed all the pizza. "Little hungry Ann?" She blushed.

He turned to Trent and Carlos. "Let me guess, she had you two go out and get it?"

"How did you know?" Carlos asked.

"She's done it to me so many times that I've lost count."

"Would you like a slice of pizza, Jax?" Trent asked.

"Love one." He found a spot to sit down next to Anna.

Once they finished the pizza, they all started on the ice cream.

Trent saw how happy Anna was. He couldn't help but smile at how beautiful she was. He loved her smile and wanted to see more of it. He also couldn't resist her personality. She seemed so carefree and oblivious to the world around her. At first, it was slightly annoying, but now, it was completely irresistible.

**********

Trivette left at around ten thirty. He was still getting used to the time change and he wanted to get an early start on the day. The three other guys on the other hand, were too busy talking.

Trent once again, carried Anna into her room since she had fallen asleep. He laid her down and closed the door so they wouldn't wake her. He came back out.

"You know Trent, this is the happiest I've ever seen her. She's smiling and enjoying life again." Jax pointed out.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, when she was married to that S.O.B. of a husband, she was always depressed. She had a very serious demeanor about her. Don't get me wrong, we've been best friends forever and I think of her as my little sister. In fact, I think we're closer than her and Jarod."

"Well, when he was out at the house, he seemed pretty nice."

"Oh, he's a great guy but he's a major workaholic. Ann has to force him to take vacations." Jax looked at his watch. "I really should be going. I have a meeting early in the morning." He stood up. "It was nice seeing you both again."

"You too." Carlos added.

Jax left, leaving Trent and Carlos alone. "So Trent, what are you going to do about her?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come on. You don't have to play games with me. It's obvious you like her."

Trent sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I don't know Carlos."

"What do you mean ‘you don't know’?"

"You know what I mean Carlos. She's rich I'm not. She caviar and I'm. . .chili."

"Trent, you may be below her, but not that low." He said trying to lighten the mood.

Trent shot him a look. "You're not helping."

"I know, I'm sorry."

"I just don't think she thinks of me as anything more than a friend."

"Man, what are you talking about?! It's obvious she feels the same way about you."

Trent gave him another look.

"I mean it. She went to the Empire State building for you. Even I wouldn't have done that."

Trent wasn't convinced.

"And what about this whole thing with Jax saying she's never been happier?"

"Jax. I forgot about him."

"What are you talking about now?"

"Jax is perfect for her. He's rich, single, nice and handsome."

"Jax may be all that and more, but the point is, she asked you to the Governor's ball. Now, if that's not a sign, I don't know what is."

"What do you mean?"

"She could have asked me."

Trent smiled and threw a pillow at him.

"I'm serious! She didn't even have to go but she did. And as a date, she asked you."

Trent sighed.

"Look, personally I think you two make a cute couple. She's perfect for you."

Trent looked at the wall.

"Well, I'm going to my room now." Carlos stood up and patted his friend on the shoulder. "Think about it. Remember what happened with me and Angela."

Trent nodded his head. Carlos left and Trent was tired but didn't want to sleep. He had too much to think about so, he stayed up and read.

**********

Saturday night had finally arrived. All three of them had received their tuxes that day and looked great.

Anna was the last one ready but when she was done, she looked absolutely stunning. Trent agreed that it was worth the wait. Anna had her hair pulled back in a simple French twist with a beautiful diamond butterfly pin holding it up. Her dress was light blue beaded and a low-cut front and high-cut dress. She had simple jewelry with a diamond necklace and matching earrings. Her shoes matched the unusual blue color perfectly. Trent held out his arm for her to hold, and led her down the stairs to the party.

**********

The party began at nine o'clock and by ten o'clock, everyone was there. Anna was a little on edge so she hung onto Trent ever so tightly. Trent looked at her. "Are you okay?"

"Fine. Fine. Why? Does it look like I'm not fine? Because I really am fine."

Trent chuckled. "You don't look fine. You look beautiful."

Her face seemed to lighten up. She kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."

"Now, did you want to go get something to drink? It might help your nervousness."

"Who says I'm nervous?" she said defensively.

He laughed out loud. "Come on." He dragged her over to the bar.

Anna ordered champagne and gulped it down right away.

Trent immediately grabbed it from her. "What are you doing?!"

"Trying to calm down. You have your way, I have mine." She tried to grab the glass but he held his ground.

"No more for you."

A voice came from behind. "There's my beautiful girl!" It was Jax.

She gave him a hug.

"So, are you a little nervous?" he asked.

"Not now that I've had a glass of champagne."

"Well, that'll do the trick."

"So, where's your date?"

"She's in the ladies room."

Just as he had said this, his date arrived. "Sorry."

"That's okay. Chloe Morgan, I'd like you to meet the wonderful and talented Anna James."

"Nice to meet you Anna."

"Likewise." She said with a smile.

"And this is her date, Trent Malloy."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Malloy."

"Please, call me Trent."

She smiled.

Anna's face suddenly dropped. She could see Michael in a corner. She quickly turned around.

Trent saw the look on her face. "What's wrong?"

"He's here." She said in a whisper.

"Where?" Jax said anxiously.

"Back over there. I just hope he didn't see me."

Trent looked at Jax. They weren't sure what to do.

Michael didn't notice Anna but he did notice Jax. He smiled and waved. Even his smile seemed to be evil. He had a young, attractive blond hanging on his arm.

Anna just stayed put until Jax told her he was out of view. She sighed. "I know I'm going to have to face him sooner or later."

Trent smiled and put his arm around her. "When you do, I'm not going to let you do it by yourself."

She smiled at him.

He smiled back to reassure her. "Come on. Let's go eat."

Anna didn't feel much like eating, but everyone else did. Anna simply sipped her champagne while they ate.

**********

Anna mingled with some of her business partners and local celebrities that she knew. She introduced her acquaintances to Trent who, like he promised, didn't leave her side. She was very grateful.

Trent decided to ask Anna to dance and she accepted. He led her onto the dance floor and they danced to the instrumental version of 'Isn't It Romantic'. They danced and laughed.

Carlos and Trivette pretty much remained seated for the evening. They tried to talk to some of the single women, but it didn't work out too well.

For the most part, Jax and Chloe kept them company.

Once the song was over, Trent led Anna off the dance floor. She was holding his hand and wasn't sure she wanted to let go. They went back to keep Carlos and them company.

Anna's anxiety grew with every passing minute. She knew that Michael had seen her by now.

Carlos smiled at the two of them. "You two looked like you were having a blast out there."

Trent looked at her and smiled. "I wouldn't have been able to do it if she wasn't such a good dancer."

She blushed at his comment. "He is being much to modest. He is the one who could dance."

"Well, I doubt I could have danced that well anyway."

Trivette looked at him. "That's because you have two left feet!"

"I can dance."

"Yeah, but dancing and dancing like Trent and Anna just did are two completely different things."

"Do you think you could do any better?"

"I know I could."

He gave him a look. "What's that supposed to mean?" Carlos said pretending to sound hurt.

Trent put his arm back around Anna and they laughed at their argument.

Just then, Anna heard an all too familiar voice. "Well, well, well, the whore certainly moves fast."

They all turned around and the laughter that had danced on their faces, vanished.

Anna sighed nervously. "Hello Michael."

He smiled. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends?"

Jax stepped in front of her and said, "No. They're too good for you."

Michael shot Jax a look.

She decided to introduce them for the sake of argument. "Trent Malloy, Carlos Sandoval and Texas Ranger James Trivette, this is Michael Doyle. You of course know Jax and his date Chloe."

"Nice to meet all of you."

Trent's face grew unfriendly. "I wish we could say the same."

Anna grew panicky. "Trent-"

"It's alright." Michael said.

Jax crossed his arms. "What is it exactly that you want, Michael?"

"Well, I was just curious. My wife seems to have found a boyfriend and I just wanted to meet him."

Jax kept his cool. "Oh I'm sure you were real concerned about her."

Michael grew more impatient. "Look. Jax. I know we've had our differences but we really are very much alike."

"We are nothing alike. Now, if you'll excuse me. I have some other business to attend to."

Michael watched him leave. "You don't have to pretend, Jax. I know you hate me. Believe me, the feeling is completely mutual."

Jax gave him a dirty look and left with Chloe.

Michael laughed and turned back to Trent. "So. Trent. Have you kissed my wife yet?"

"Excuse me?"

"Have you kissed her? She doesn't really do much for me but that's the way it is with whores. Some of them are great kissers and some of them aren't."

Trent had to force himself not to hit the man.

Anna saw this, and stepped in front of Trent. "That is none of your business, Michael, and I would appreciate it if you would leave. Now!"

He grabbed her arm and pulled her close. "Now you listen to me you little bitch-"

"That's enough!" Trent said in a controlled tone. He squeezed Michael's arm until he let go. "If you ever talk to her like that or harm her in any way, I will do a lot more than give you a bruise on your arm."

Michael shook his arm free. "Well, you certainly are protective of her, but you don't scare me."

Trent held his ground.

Michael turned to Anna. "We need to talk." He looked at Trent and then back at her. "In private."

"I have nothing to say."

"Baby-"

"Good night Michael."

"You are nothing without me. Besides, what would your parents think? You leaving the husband they adored?"

"You're the one who needs me. Without me and my business, you would be nothing. And you know it."

He gave her an evil smile. "This is not the end of it."

Trent stepped in front of Anna. "Is that a threat?"

He gave Trent an evil laugh and walked away.

Once he was gone, Anna let her guard down. "Well, that was certainly fun."

Trent's face softened. "Are you alright?"

"Fine. A little relieved, but then a little scared at the same time."

He smiled at her.

"Thank you, Trent."

"For what?"

"For what? For being my knight in shining armor. For being my. . . .Prince Charming."

"It was nothing-"

"Hey, can't you just take a compliment?" she said with a smile dancing across her lips.

Trent let out a small laugh. "First of all, I can take a compliment. Second of all, you're welcome."

She nodded her satisfaction.

He grabbed her hand. "May I have this dance?"

She smiled. "Of course."

He led her to the floor where they danced the night away.

**********

They finally decided to call it a night at two in the morning. The limo was waiting outside.

Anna still hadn't let go of Trent's arm.

Trent had enjoyed the evening and would remember this night for the rest of his life.

As they were about to get in the limo, Anna silently cursed herself. "You know what? I forgot my purse. I'll run in real quick and be right out."

"Did you want me to come with you?" Trent asked.

"Oh no. I'll be right out."

"Alright. We'll be here." She smiled back at him.

Anna quickly spotted her purse. As she grabbed it, someone grabbed her hand.

"Where are your attack dogs?" Michael said with conviction.

She slowly stood up and looked at him squarely. "Not far."

He smiled and let go of her hand. "So, what's your relationship with that guy?"

She spoke smoothly and calmly. "That's none of your business."

"You know, I hate to bring this up, but, you do know that we are still married."

"Don't remind me," she said with hatred.

He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her closer. "Putting on a little weight I see. That's not good."

She pushed him away. "Look Michael, I really have to go so if you don't mind."

He didn't let go. "As a matter of fact, I do mind."

She stopped struggling. "Trent is right outside. And if I'm late, what do you think he's going to do?"

His face dropped.

"That's what I though." Anna said with a smile. She started to walk away.

"I really want to talk to you. But in private."

She turned around and not looking convinced.

"Please. I think you owe me that much."

She walked back up to him. "I owe you nothing. But, I feel like I owe it to my parents. So, where and when?"

He broke into a grin. "One hour. Here's the address." He handed her a piece of paper.

"Alright." She said.

He tried to kiss her, but she walked away.

When she came back outside, she found Trent leaning against the limo. "You find it?"

She held it up with a smile.

"Come on," he said. "I'm so tired."

"That makes two of us." She got in the car and Trent followed.

**********

Once she knew Trent was asleep, Anna snuck out. She didn't want to bother Trent anymore then she already had. Besides, she figured this was something she had to do on her own. She had the hotel arrange a car for her. It was waiting downstairs and she quickly drove off. She wanted to put an end to this.

**********

At about three fifty, Trent heard noises. He got up and quickly went to check it out. He was dressed in a black shirt and boxers. He moved cautiously towards the refrigerator. He saw the freezer door open and someone looking in it. Then he realized who it was. "Anna!"

She was startled and hit her head on the top of it. "Shit! Trent, I thought I told you not to scare me anymore!" She rubbed her head and turned around just as Trent turned the lights on.

Her eye was swollen, and black and blue. She was embarrassed and looked down at the floor.

Trent went into his protective mode. "My God! What happened to you!?"

"Nothing really."

"Nothing?! Sit down on the couch. I'll get you some ice."

"Trent really. I can get it."

He gave her one of his not-open-to-discussion looks.

"Okay, okay." She walked past him sat on the couch. She hadn't even changed out of her dress.

Trent came back with a bag of ice. He placed it on her eye and made her lean back.

"Ouch!"

Trent smiled. "It's going to hurt."

She sighed and didn't even fight any of it.

Once Trent had it on her, he wanted to hear the story. "Out with it."

She sighed. "Well, remember when I went back inside to get my purse?"

"Yeah?"

"Michael was there. He harassed me some, but nothing physical." She sighed and let this sink in. She knew that what she was about to say next was what he was looking for. "He asked me to meet him at three, to talk about the divorce. So I agreed to it."

He nodded.

"I snuck out and went to meet him once I knew you were asleep. When I got there, he was having a drink and offered me one. I declined. He started talking about how we should get a counselor and I told him we had already had three and he started to get angry. Then he started saying how he read the prenuptial and how it wasn't fair because he didn't know about it. We started arguing about how I wanted out and how he wasn't going to agree to it. That's when he hit me. He tried to come after me again but," she smiled. "You could say I kicked him where it hurts."

Trent smiled.

"Then I got in my car and came back here."

Trent stood up and sighed. "First off, you are never going to be doing that again. Second, why didn't you tell me he came after you at the party?"

She rolled her eyes. "Because I knew what you would do. Besides, he wasn't going to stop until he talked to me. And you know it."

He sat back down and took the ice off her eye. "It looks like you've got a cut right above your eye. Let me get some ointment and I'll clean that right up."

She nodded.

He found it in the kitchen and came right back. He sat down and started to clean it up. "This is going to sting." He said as he soaked the cotton ball.

"Don't worry. I think I can handle a little alcohol." He began cleaning it when she pushed his hand away.

"Ow! That stings!"

Trent smiled. "I told you it was going to."

"Yeah, but I thought you were kidding."

He smiled and continued to clean the cut. "There. Good as new. And you didn't even need a bandage."

She smiled. "Thank you, Trent. I've been saying that a lot haven't I?"

Trent started laughing but quickly stopped. "You're welcome." He looked into her eyes and she looked back. He leaned closer and she didn't move. He placed his lips on hers and they began kissing. He put his hand on her head to cradle it. She put her hands on his back and began moving them up and down. Neither of them wanted to stop.

Trent finally came back to reality and pushed her away.

She had a hurt look on her face, but she understood.

She removed her hand from his back. "You know, I think I'm little tired." She stood up and walked into her bedroom and closed the door behind her.

Just as she closed it, Trent came out of his trance. "Anna." But it was too late.

Part 5

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