Judged Love

  They took care of his tux and had a wonderful couple of days together. Of course they spent the entire time together with Benny enjoying learning more about each other. The rest of the time there wasn’t a sexual tension like there was when on the porch but they could feel the love growing between them. They enjoyed the time spent together and were slightly upset when it came to an end when Annabelle had to leave early Saturday afternoon to meet with Mary to get ready for the evening.

  Chapter 11

  Mary met Annabelle at her house to help her get her hair ready for tonight. “Well how are we going to do your hair tonight and which dress are you wearing?”

  “Well I’m wearing the long red silk one and I thought we would leave my hair down.” Mary raised an eyebrow at Annabelle for her to elaborate which red dress she was speaking about since she had a closet full of dresses and at least ten red ones. “The one with the low back and the slit up to the hip. Okay fine, the one you were mad at me for buying because I looked so dang good in it.”

  “Was there a reason you are finally wearing the one with the lowest back but are wearing your hair down?” Mary was now curious about what her plans were because she knew that dress had sat in her closet for two years with the price tag still on it. Annabelle never wore anything that showed off her entire back since she completed the tattoo and that dress barely covered the top of her butt.

  “Yes there is a reason I’m wearing it tonight. I have finally decided to show Ben the work on my back and that’s the only way to do it without getting naked from the waist up. Now are you going to help me or do I go to the salon to get my hair done?” Annabelle was worried that Mary wouldn’t approve of her moving in that direction this quickly since that tattoo was there for her mom and dad and few people have seen the entire work but she felt there shouldn’t be secrets with Ben. She also wanted to share her heart with him and showing that part of her was important to her. Mary watched her for what seemed like forever but was probably just a few seconds then reached out to hug Annabelle. “What’s that for?”

  “I’m just so happy to see you starting to move forward is all and I know the only man you have shown that too is Dakota and he could never make you happy. Heck I’m pretty sure you didn’t even show it to the two guys you got serious about before. Now you want your hair down has Ben ever seen you with your hair down?” Mary steered Annabelle to her vanity in her master bedroom to begin the process of turning her into the princess for the night. After three hours of curling and primping Annabelle’s hair Mary thought she had it just right and then stepped back for her to do her makeup and started to go through her jewelry chest. “What jewelry were you going to were with the dress? I think you should go simple but still elegant.”

  “I was thinking the chain dangles with the diamonds at the bottom and the diamond tennis bracelet. What do you think?”

  “That sounds perfect but which shoes are you wearing. Please tell me the red stiletto with the diamonds on the straps across the toes and ankle.” Mary was already heading for the closet to get the dress and shoes not waiting for Annabelle to answer her on the shoe decision. Mary knew she bought both items at the same time and they still had the tags on them from not being worn once. Annabelle had a closet that most women would be in love with from the designer names in it to just the sheer size of it. She had all that room in there, she told herself because she didn’t have to share with anyone and she enjoyed shopping the different labels out there. She had always enjoyed being able to dress up in all the fancy clothes and only did it for a few occasions at the hospital. Once Mary had located the dress and shoes Annabelle went to work on getting dressed for the evening. After she had herself ready she finally looked in the full length mirror in her room and was stunned with the transformation Mary had done.

  “Don’t you dare cry you are going to be the most beautiful woman there tonight and you deserve this and more.” Mary said with one hand on her hip like she had the ability to control Annabelle.

  Annabelle started to laugh because of the look she was getting from Mary. “Thanks Mary for everything maybe tonight I am the princess I always was told I was. I just hope Ben likes it all.”

  “Hughff if he doesn’t he needs his head examined. You are gorgeous in that dress and I wish I was going to be there just so I can see his face when he sees you. But it’s already six thirty and you need to head over there or you will be late and I have a date tonight so I need to get ready myself.” Mary turned to do her hair at Annabelle’s vanity just a quick curl here and there is all she needed.

  “I’m sorry to hold you up I didn’t know you were seeing anybody tonight. What are you wearing for the date but better yet who is the lucky guy?” Annabelle was surprised to realize Mary was going out again tonight because normally they went to church together tonight but since she wasn’t going maybe Mary had made other plans.

  “Oh just what I have on and I’m going out with Todd again.” Mary refused to look at Annabelle when she answered her.

  “Todd as in the worker at Walker Ranch Todd?” Annabelle was surprised that Mary even noticed him. He always seemed the quiet type and Mary was all out going so it didn’t seem to fit together but then neither did her and Ben.

  “Yes that Todd he is so sweet. Now please tell me you are not taking the bike tonight and are at least thinking about driving the Chevy?” Mary had the Cheshire grin on her face.

  “Please tell me you didn’t just call dad’s car a Chevy?” Mary nodded holding in a laugh but failing miserably. “How could you that car is a nineteen sixty five corvette. All original down to the cherry red paint and the convertible top. You are a terrible sister to call that car a Chevy now if you will just let yourself out I have a cocktail party to attend with real adults.” Annabelle had a twinkle in her eyes knowing Mary was just messing with her about the car but it did feel like a good night to take it on the town but she would have to keep the top up. Mary and Annabelle laughed before Annabelle left for the night with Mary on her heels. Annabelle always felt she shouldn’t drive her father’s car but when she got behind the wheel tonight it felt like it completed her outfit.

  ~

  Annabelle arrived at the Hilton for the party and saw Ben’s truck already there. She took a deep breath before getting out of the car to steady her nerves before heading in. She felt like a nervous princess tonight and wasn’t sure why because she had just spent the last few days with Ben but was now worried about meeting him there.

  Ben was already inside only because Dakota saw him waiting outside and led him into the ballroom to wait for Annabelle. Ben was surprised that Dakota even remembered him and thought he would be here with Annabelle. Ben noticed Dakota looking at him with an eye brow raised but with a look of interest. Ben was a little nervous by the look but felt he would find out why he was receiving this look shortly.

  “I never thought I would see you dressed up and looking so good maybe I should follow Annabelle’s lead and chase a cowboy. Do you have a brother?” Dakota started to giggle at the fact that he knew he made Ben uncomfortable with hitting on him.

  “Um no.” Ben then noticed him giggling and realized Dakota was just messing with him. He noticed Dakota’s head snap up just then and was looking at the door to the room. Ben slowly turned to see what caught his attention. He saw the most beautiful woman entering the room with the grace of an angel. Annabelle was wearing a long red dress with a slit to the hip on the left side and she had her hair down. He couldn’t believe her hair was that long it went to her hip and he never had seen her wear it down but it looked beautiful. He suddenly had the thought of running his hands through those long locks and having her straddling him with that hair surrounding them. He had to breathe deeply to control himself with those kinds of thoughts going through his head. He then noticed the rest of her outfit down to the spiked heels she was wearing to the little amount of jewelry. His chest started to puff out a little with the fact that she was dressed to kill tonight for him. He couldn’t help h
imself but he then spoke out loud. “Damn.”

  “That’s all you can say about how she looks tonight. You better not let her hear you just say that you better at least tell her she is gorgeous tonight.” Dakota elbowed him to him know he was just kidding with him.

  Annabelle saw Ben across the room and noticed the way he was dressed in his tuxedo. He was wearing simple black slacks with a black jacket and a crisp white shirt. He also had a simple cross over tie, his large belt buckle, a black Stetson that looked new, and his black boots. Dang he looked really good and she could see in her mind how good his back side looked in those slacks. She started to wonder if they would look good together on the dance floor but then realized she didn’t even know if he knew how to do ball room dancing. Ben then started to head in her direction and she had to take a deep breath to steady her nerves again before he got all the way across the room. Once Ben and Annabelle were with in arms reach Ben took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips to place a light kiss on her knuckles. “You are a vision of an angel tonight. Thank you for giving me this chance to see you tonight.”

  “You’re looking pretty good yourself. Thanks for coming now I don’t have to dance with Dakota tonight.” Annabelle started to blush because she realized she brought Dakota up when she had the best looking man holding her hand.

  “Well he did say he wanted at least one dance with you tonight but after seeing you I may not relinquish you to him for that dance. Don’t worry I have come to terms with the fact he will always be a part of your life and you better stop blushing because it drives me more in love with you.” Annabelle was startled to hear him say he was in love with her and wasn’t sure of what to say in return. It was at that moment the small orchestra started to play a gentle sang to begin the dancing of the night. Most people around the dance floor didn’t even notice the music had started but kept right with their own conversations. Ben looked over at Annabelle and then finally broke the silence between them. “Would you care to dance?” Annabelle nodded for her answer. They headed out to the center of the floor and that was the moment she realized the music was for a waltz. She didn’t know at that moment if Ben knew actually how to dance but it didn’t matter to her if he could or not. He gently pulled her to him while holding one hand and placing the other on her back under her hair. He held her closer than was needed to do the dance but she wasn’t about to complain one bit. They glided across the floor as if they had been dancing together for years.

  “Where did you learn to dance?” She was afraid to disturb the moment of grace they had together but her question didn’t break their flow.

  “Belle there are a lot of things you don’t know but Veronica had a thing for ballroom dancing and she had me take lessons with her. To be honest I hated every minute of it but for some reason this feels right.” The song was coming to an end and Ben almost didn’t want it to stop. But the orchestra started another song without even ending the last one. This song had a little more life to it and Ben led Annabelle right into a rumba without even missing a beat. Annabelle picked up the steps very quickly and made the dance very seductive with just the hip action she was putting into her dancing. She didn’t realize the entire room had gone completely silent from everybody watching her and Ben. They ended the dance in each other’s arms and the room erupted into applause. Annabelle was surprised by the reaction of everybody around her and she hid her face in Ben’s chest till she heard him whisper in her ear. “You were a vision of an angel out there.” She looked up to his eyes and saw he was speaking from his heart.

  “Thank you, can we get something to drink?” Ben led her from the dance floor with one hand on her back as protection and possession.

  Once at the Bar Dakota came to them and started talking without giving them a chance to answer any of his questions. “Where on earth did you two learn to dance like that? When did you start dancing together? And why didn’t you tell me you two loved each other?”

  “What? That’s the first time we had ever danced together.” Annabelle was blushing and looked down. Her hair covered most of her face from looking down and she stayed that way till she felt a finger on her chin. Then she slowly raised her head to look Ben in the eyes.

  “Never hide that beautiful face from the world, you have nothing to hide. Besides I do love the way you look when you blush like that.” Ben then got a small smile just barely pulling at the edges of his mouth. “I also loved the feel of you in my arms out there.” Ben leaned down to place a light kiss on her cheek and the whispered to her ‘I do love you and the way you were out there I’m betting you feel the same way.’ Annabelle blushed again to her toes now wondering how sensual she made the dance.

  She didn’t have much time to think about it for the director of the hospital walked up at that moment. “Dr. Montgomery, Dr. Mitchell, and I don’t believe I have met you before. I’m Dr. Gordan but just call me Justin.” He held his hand out to shake Ben’s. Gordan was a small man compared to the other two being only five foot eight with white hair. But he had the face that showed all his emotions and everyone could tell he cared for Annabelle and Dakota.

  “Benjamin Walker, call me Ben please. Nice to meet you Justin, but sorry how do you fit in here?” Ben said while shaking Gordan’s hand.

  “I’m the director of the hospital so you can say I’m their boss. I’m guessing you’re the man who snagged my best looking doctor.” Gordan said all of this with a smile on his face.

  “Justin! You are incorrigible.” Annabelle said while slapping his arm but still staying in front of Ben.

  “No just wishing I was about twenty years younger and this gentleman would have some real competition.”

  “And what would Sally say? Where is she tonight anyways I haven’t seen her in forever.” Annabelle almost scanned the room to see if she missed her when she walked in.

  “She stayed home tonight she wasn’t feeling good today. But enough about me I was sent over to ask when you two were going back on the dance floor.” Annabelle gave him a look of confusion because nobody had ever asked her to go back to the dance floor before. “Sorry Annabelle dear but everybody enjoyed watching the two of you dance and would like you to do a few more. If I’m not mistaken the exact words were they haven’t seen a couple make a dance look like they were having sex without even touching each other before. That was one heck of a dance you two did, to be honest I wouldn’t mind a few more myself.”

  Annabelle blushed and looked down just as her hair was falling to cover her face for a second time tonight she heard Ben answer him. “We would love to but Dakota has to join us on one of the dances.” Both Annabelle and Dakota’s heads snapped toward Ben with a questioning look.

  “Let me guess a Salsa style?” Gordan then turned on his heel and headed across the room.

  They spent the rest of the party dancing and just having a really good time together. The evening came to an end with Ben, Annabelle and Dakota all walking out together. All three were laughing and just enjoying the evening till they stopped by Dakota’s Honda and then he turned to the other two. “Thank you for tonight, that was the best hospital function I have ever been to. Annabelle, honey you are stunning tonight and make sure to take advantage of it.” Dakota then leaned down and laid a gentle kiss on her cheek then turned to get in his car.

  Ben and Annabelle headed toward her car and once there she turned toward Ben and looked down. She was hoping there was enough light in the parking lot for her to show Ben the tattoo on her back. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves and then finally spoke. “Ben there is something I wanted to show you.” She pulled her hair together and then pulled it over her shoulder. She didn’t wait a second but spun around to show him and then waited for his comment. She knew he saw a copy of the cross in her living room with the sun setting behind it. It covered her back from her shoulder blades to the small of her back. She felt like she waited forever but it probably was just a few minutes. Ben placed his hands on each of her hips and then leaned down
and placed a kiss on two spots on the cross. The spots where her parent’s names were on the cross.

  “It is beautiful just like the one who wears it.” He slid his arms around her to pull her back against him and then whispered in her ear. “But who is the frog on your ankle for?”

  She was surprised he even noticed that one since it is so small and is on the inside of her ankle. “Oh that’s for Evelyn my baby sister. Thank you for noticing why I have the cross. Now I don’t work tomorrow did you want to go back to my house or did you need to get home?” Ben didn’t have time to answer her because his cell phone rang at that moment. Ben groaned before pulling it out to see who would be calling him this late. He saw the caller id and it was Todd but why the heck would he be calling so late.

  “Todd this better be good.” Was all he said when he answered it. Then his face went completely white and he had a hard time responding to Todd. Annabelle grabbed the phone from his hand just before he dropped it.

  “Todd what is going on?”

  Todd responded franticly, ‘Senior is on his way to the hospital. We think it was a heart attack but Ben needs to get there now.’

  “Todd, who has Benny?”

  ‘Mary and I are with him. Sarah and Matt are heading to the hospital. Get Ben to the hospital now.’ With that Todd hung up the phone. Annabelle looked at Ben and decided she better drive him to the hospital and then wait to find out what happened.

  “Ben I’ll drive get in.” She was hoping and praying the entire way to the hospital that Senior would be alright. She knew Ben and Benny needed Senior and it couldn’t be his time to go home to heaven yet.

  Ben was in a fog the way to the hospital with all sorts of thoughts going through his head. How could this be happening? How would he explain to Benny? And the biggest question why when they were all just starting to get happy again did the bad always come knocking? Once Annabelle pulled the car into her parking spot Ben baled from the car and ran at full speed to the emergency room. Once he entered he saw Matt in the waiting room. “Matt what is going on?” Ben just yelled at his friend.