Trent
Beth turned seventeen a couple of weeks ago. Despite my protest, Parker stood firm that we hosted her birthday party at our house. I explained that I didn’t feel it was appropriate. She insisted that because Dianne was one of her best friends and they didn’t have the money to throw such a bash, she wanted to be the one to do it. I’m still finding it hard to believe that Parker has become such close friends with someone who doesn’t come close to running in her social circle.
Normally, I would have given in to her request. However, I’ve been thinking about Beth non-stop. I continue to savor the sweetness of her mouth on mine. My heart flutters when I think about the desire in her eyes. It’s something I haven’t felt since early on in my relationship with Parker.
I’m not sure Parker ever cherished me. Like me, I wonder if it felt more like an obligation than that we were in love, even though we dated for some time before marrying. It’s not that I didn’t love Parker, I just never had the overwhelming need to spend the rest of my life with her. It was simply comfortable.
Beth.
She has not left my mind since that night. I imagine her smell, her touch, her taste. She’s opened Pandora’s Box and I’ve taken the proverbial bite of the forbidden fruit. Now that I’ve had a taste, I want more. I crave more.
Parker spent weeks planning this party. She hired a decorator to place little white twinkle lights all over the house and yard. She hired a caterer to have appetizers passed, set up a candy bar, and make several hundred different flavors of cupcakes. In regular Parker fashion, she’s gone over the top.
Beth and her mother arrived first. Beth was unusually quiet but her eyes never left me. Her mother Dianne on the other hand was unusually friendly. I might even say she was flirtatious. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. While Dianne is a beautiful woman, she has nowhere near the same allure as her daughter.
I excuse myself to fetch a glass of champagne for Dianne. When I think I’m alone, Beth comes up behind me and places her arms around my waist, rubbing her warm hands along my pecs and nuzzling my neck. I close my eyes and grit my teeth. How can something so wrong feel so good?
I pull her hands off me. “We can’t do this. My wife and your mother are in the other room. Like I told you before, I’m a married man and you are a child.”
“I’m not a child. There are some places where I can legally get married right now. Besides, I’m not looking for anything from you. I just want the chance to be carefree and give in to our feelings for each other. I want to make you feel good.”
My cock twitches. I don’t know how long it’s been that someone was focused on making me feel good. You kind of lose that with each kid you have. Your focus and priorities change. God, how I want so badly to be selfish right now.
“Why don’t you go enjoy your party? There are going to be a lot of your friends here and I’m sure there are plenty of boys your age that you can choose from to have some fun with.” I pick up the glass of champagne and attempt to escape Beth’s clutches.
“That’s just it. They’re boys.” She stands on her tiptoes and leans into my ear, her hot breath sending chills down my spine. “I need a man, not a boy.” She slides her tongue down the side of my neck.
My muscles go weak like melted butter. My desire to give in to Beth is overwhelming. My self-control is constantly challenged around her. I know that I’m the adult and this is wrong, but I can only say no for so long. I need to make sure Beth is no longer a part of my life or she could end the one that I’ve worked so hard to build. Why is this happening to me?
Beth reaches for the bulge forming in my pants. I swallow hard and almost drop the glass I’m about to break the stem off from squeezing so hard.
“I want you. I want to worship every part of your body, especially this one.” Beth squeezes a little harder.
Just as I go to set down the glass and do who knows what, Parker and Dianne stroll through the door. I move my body against the island to block the view of my erection.
“Trent, what’s taking you so long?” Parker asks in her high pitched, overly happy voice which clearly indicates she’s not pleased with me. What else is new?
“I’m sorry, it was my fault. I wanted to personally thank Mr. Davis for allowing us to use your house for my birthday party. I’m sure the last thing he wanted was to have a bunch of teenagers he doesn’t know in his house.” Beth glances over at me and winks. “Thank you again.”
Beth walks out of the kitchen and I hand Dianne the glass of champagne I’m sure is now very warm from the grip I had on it. Hopefully she won’t notice.
Parker interlocks her arm in mine. “Come on, dear. We have guests arriving. I’d like them to see my big lawyer husband so these kids don’t think about getting too rowdy,” she whispers.
“Why would you invite them here if you were worried about it? I told you I thought this party was a bad idea and yet you went ahead with it.”
“Well, dear, I have to counteract your narcissism and lack of generosity with my Robin Hood-esque need to give to others.” Parker plasters on her fake smile. “Besides, we’re never going to have a daughter to celebrate a birthday with. I’m sure the extent that we’ll be celebrating is you buying the boys new Mustang convertibles.”
Through gritted teeth masked by my own phony grin I respond, “I guess the fact that I work long hours and have built one of the most successful law firms in Boston to provide you with the finer things in life and the finances to help you give to charities means nothing. I think I’m plenty generous, and if providing for my family makes me a selfish person, I guess that’s what I’m going to be known as.”
Parker maintains the plastered on look of a blissfully happy housewife and hostess while shooting invisible daggers in my direction. “I don’t think this is the time to be having this discussion. Perhaps you could step in the backyard and keep an eye on the kids out there.”
“My pleasure.” I storm off and almost run right into one of the servers. I pour myself a drink before heading off for yard duty. This party is getting worse by the second.
After I pour my drink, I head out back. A DJ is playing music and the kids all seem to be having a good time.
I’ll drink to that.
I throw back half of the amber liquid in my glass.
The crowd seems to part like the Red Sea when Beth and I make eye contact and she slowly approaches, her forehead wrinkled with concern. Her auburn hair flows in soft curls over her shoulders, her strapless turquoise dress making her amber eyes look golden. She’s absolutely stunning. How did I not notice this earlier?
“What’s wrong?” her full, pink lips ask. I take another sip. “What makes you think there’s anything wrong?”
She crosses her arms. “Are you kidding me? It’s written all over your face and in that glass you’re holding. Is your life that unhappy that you have to drink heavily in the middle of the day?”
Her remark slams against my chest like a ton of bricks. How is someone so young so perceptive?
“It’s a party. I’m an adult, and I’m allowed to have a drink.”
“A beer or a glass of champagne is one thing. You’re drinking like you’re trying to forget something. Tell me, is it Parker? Has she driven you to this?”
I pause, wanting more than anything to be able to confide in Beth, although I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because she has no expectations of me. Perhaps it’s because she’s a stranger for the most part. Or maybe it’s because she’s the first person since I can remember who actually seems to give a damn about me and not just about the fortune behind my name.
“I think you need to quit worrying about this old man and go enjoy your party,” I say lightly. “After all, seventeen only comes once in a lifetime.”
“I don’t give a crap about this party or these people. The only reason I agreed to this is because I knew you’d be here. I haven’t seen you since you put me in that car a couple of months ago. You’re all I think about. The way you touched me…kissed me. I want more of that.” Beth moves in a little closer and I simultaneously take two steps back.
“You’ve got to stop, Beth. What if someone hears? This could destroy me and my family. What if your mom or Parker sees us? What then? I can’t afford for this to go any further. Now please, go enjoy your party.” I escape from Beth as quickly as possible to put separation between the two of us. Knowing full well I shouldn’t, I head back to my bar for a refill.
***
According to Parker the party was a success despite my inadequacies. She proceeded to read me the riot act, letting me know I wasn’t social enough and I drank too much for her liking. Apparently my dutiful watch made the guests uncomfortable. My reminder that she told me to go keep an eye on the kids in the backyard didn’t seem to make a difference. I didn’t do it right. Needless to say, I left the house, slamming the door behind me.
I had no plan to go anywhere. I simply got in my car and started driving. It probably wasn’t the smartest thing, but I hadn’t had a drink in several hours. Next thing I know, I find myself in front of Beth’s small, quaint house. I stare into the well-lit window that I presume is her bedroom hoping to catch a glimpse of her. I should be scolding myself for being here right now, but my wife has done plenty of that. I pull out my phone and text Beth.
Me: Did you enjoy your party?
She responds immediately.
Beth: I appreciated the party, but it wasn’t necessary. I would’ve rather spent some alone time with you.
I let the air I’d been holding out of my chest. I had hoped that’s what she’d say. My hands begin to tremble as I respond, knowing full well I should put the car in gear and drive off.
Me: I can remedy that. Are you able to leave for a little bit?
Beth: Uh yeah. Mom’s passed out. Where would you like to meet?
Me: I’m out front.
Within seconds, the light goes out in her room and she’s moving down the walkway at a steady pace and quickly slides into the passenger seat. Without looking at her, I put the car in drive. I don’t know where we’re going but I do know I can’t look at her or we won’t make it far.
“Why are you here?” she asks.
I’m unable to speak, mostly because I don’t know the answer to that question. Or maybe I do and I’m not willing to admit to myself. In either case, I continue to stare forward and drive.
We ride in silence until I end up in the parking lot of Fort Independence Park. It’s apropos that I’m at a place with the title of independence when I haven’t been independent in years. Now, there’s a light. I feel like I might be getting myself back, that perhaps happiness is within reach.
I stop the engine and dim the lights before I give Beth my attention. She’s wearing jeans and a long-sleeved form fitting shirt. She has no makeup on and her hair is pulled back in a ponytail. She looks natural and beautiful, her skin glowing from the streetlight. She’s radiant.
“You’re beautiful.” The words pop out of my mouth like a jack-in-the-box. I’ve lost all self-control. I’ve thrown caution to the wind, and for once in my life I don’t care.
Beth takes my hand and places it on her cheek. It’s soft as silk.
I take my other hand and caress her skin. No Botox, no collagen. Just pure beauty inside and out. She’s what Parker used to be, but is no more.
I rub a thumb across her bottom lip. Beth’s hooded eyes stare longingly into mine. A warm fire stokes in my chest and I lean in to kiss her. Her pouty pink lips are warm and inviting. They lure me in deeper until our tongues engage in a slow waltz. She moans when my chest brushes against her hard, peaked nipples.
I deepen the kiss as though I am staking claim on her. I want to touch and caress every part of her body, know her intimately inside and out. Then it occurs to me, she’s not mine to own. She’s barely old enough to understand the ramifications of what would happen if we continue down this road.
I pull back, the wind in my sails diminishing, leaving me stranded in the middle of the ocean, not knowing what to do or where to go. I stare into her golden eyes. She places her fingers to her lips and closes her eyes, as though she’s trying to remember the sensation of my lips on hers.
I run my hand through her dark auburn hair. “Are you okay?”
She nods and gazes into my eyes seductively. Her eyes lull me into a trance in which I can think of nothing except the woman before me. She is my lifeline as she throws a flotation device in my direction, pulling me from the abyss of the ocean into her loving arms.
I brush my thumb across her cheek and she holds my hand in place. “You are so beautiful.”
Her face expressionless, she searches my eyes for an answer to whatever questions are forming in her mind. I remain still and patient, studying her features and admiring her natural beauty.
“I could fall for you if you let me,” she announces in the most sultry voice I’ve ever heard.
Her proclamation both excites and terrifies me. Can I give up everything I have for her? How would this affect my children? My career? I know I should care. I know this should be on the forefront of my mind. But there is something about Beth. It’s like a magnetic pull that keeps bringing me back to her. I can’t stay clear of it and I certainly can’t resist it.
“Don’t you want me?”
I guess my lack of answer left her with uncertainty. How could it not? She’s stunning, intelligent, compassionate, and mature beyond her years, but self-confidence can only go so far at her age.
“More than you know. But life is complicated. This entire situation is complicated. It’s wrong on so many levels.”
Beth crashes her lips to mine. Her tongue invades my mouth. The gentle dance we performed earlier is replaced by a lust filled wrestling match, the bulge in my pants growing harder by the second. I pull her into my lap to close the gap between us. I pull her head back exposing her neck and allowing me to suck and nibble on the delicate skin. She tastes like sugar.
Her panting heavier, she places her hands inside my shirt. She pulls on my nipples, driving me wild. I’ve never had anyone do that to me before. God it feels good. She lifts my shirt and begins planting kisses across my chest, sucking and biting on my nipples. The sensation is something out of this world. I let out a deep, guttural groan, wanting nothing more than to be inside her.
She pulls back, bringing her lips mere millimeters from mine. With a breathy voice she asks, “How can something you claim is wrong feel so good?”
It’s the same question I’ve been asking myself. Hearing it coming from her makes it not seem so bad. This is what we both want. She is consensual.
I don’t waste any time in devouring her mouth. I take everything I want. Everything I’ve been holding back. I’m greedy. I need this and I need her. She’s like the heroin my body is craving. Without Beth I am numb. I’m emotionless. With her in my life, there’s electricity in my veins. I’m alive. I can conquer the world. How can one person have this much power over me?
I steal her breath as she exhales into my mouth. It's invigorating, like I have a piece of her soul. I cup her perky breast. Her nipples are hard and screaming for my attention. I bite one through her clothing. The moan she elicits lets me know she loves it.
My imagination takes off and I think about what she must look like underneath her clothes. I want to see her. All of her. Completely exposed. I want to worship her body and make her feel as good as she makes me feel.
I reach my hand under her blouse as she reaches for the monster growing in my pants. She strokes it hard and reaches for the zipper. I close my eyes and let out a heavy sigh at the thought of her touching me flesh to flesh.
Just as Beth starts to remove her blouse and show me what I’ve only imagined, an alarm from another car goes off and yanks us back to reality and the moment. The lights from a car two spots over illuminates the inside of mine. I take another look at Beth. Her skin is flushed and her eyes are heavily hooded. It doesn’t escape me that we’re in the car and this isn’t where I want our first time together to take place. I don’t want it to be a cheap date between two teenagers who are trying to escape their parents. I want her to have rose petals and candles. I want her to feel like a princess while I worship her body. She deserves that.
“I think it’s time I take you home.”
“W-what? No! Why?” Beth’s look of lust and content has now gone to insecurity and worry. I did this to her. I’m the one that made her feel cheap and discarded.
“This shouldn’t happen here. You deserve better.” I put the keys back in the ignition and turn the motor on.
“No! I want you now. You can’t do this. I’m ready for you. I need to feel your skin against mine. Please, I don’t want to go.”
The guilt that is overcoming me right now is beyond comparison. I’ve just let down myself, my family, and Beth. What kind of piece of shit am I?
“I’m sorry, Beth. I need to take you home before your mother starts worrying about where you are.”
I put the car in gear and pull it onto the road. Through my peripheral vision, I can tell Beth is looking out the window. I just pray there are no tears. I’d never want to hurt her.