The Unwanted Runaway

Lost In Thought

AnnasPOV

Denton grins and says, "I'll bring baby Zek, you stay put. I gotta try to get a hold of Josh, he was already planning on coming home by Wednesday for Thanksgiving."

I raise an eyebrow and ask, "Why? Josh is retiring from the military, so nothing changes except he's leaving a few days early."

When Denton returns with Nikki's sleeping son cradled in his arms, I can't help but coo. "Hot damn, my ovaries are melting," I think to myself.

Denton hands Zek over to me and I settle him into the pack and play. I tell Denton he can go if he wants, I'll be fine. He replies, "I can stay for a little bit."

I ask if he got a hold of Josh and he says yes, Josh is actually on his way already. He'll be here first thing Sunday evening, it's an 18-hour flight from where he's stationed.

I then ask Denton, "Did he get in trouble?" He shakes his head and says, "No, they were actually fine with it. It's only 2 and a half days earlier than his original departure."

As I watch to make sure Zek stays asleep in his pack and play, I snuggle into the couch. Denton is sitting at the other end of the large sectional.

I ask Denton if I can ask my question and he says, "Yeah, sure, depends on what you want to ask." He adds with a joke, "I reserve the right to plead the fifth."

I continue, "Early this morning, when I fed the horses, I heard you and Sarah arguing. I don't mean to pry, but is everything okay?"

Denton takes a deep breath and says, "Yeah, everything's fine. It's just typical for us, it keeps things spicy in our relationship, if you know what I mean." He winks at me.

I laugh and say, "Oh, I wouldn't know. It just seemed like a pretty intense argument and I'm sorry, I shouldn't pry."

Denton takes another deep breath and explains, "Sarah and I aren't married yet, we don't even share the same bank account. But she does have access to mine, since we'll be married soon. Seth wanted to buy some really expensive drone and his dad told him no because he broke the last one. So he convinced Sarah to buy it for him by promising to do more chores at home and here at the ranch. Instead of using her own money, she used my debit card and spent $2,000 and some change on the drone. And I only know this because I got a security alert ping on my phone about the charge."

I look at Denton sympathetically and say, "Well, that sucks. I'm sorry."

As I gaze at my engagement ring, a symbol of the love I once had for Joey, I can't help but feel heartbroken. All those times he used me . Joey verbally and physically, abused me .

He took what little money I had,

Disregarding my trust and making me feel foolish. Denton notices and suggests I take off the ring. I can't, I reply, my voice heavy with emotion. now he’s having a baby with my ex best friend. He cheated on me with.

Denton moves closer, his eyes full of understanding. I know this ring was given to me under false pretenses, but in the beginning it made me feel something I had never felt before - loved. And even though I know deep down that maybe I'll never have a chance at true happiness, I hold onto that feeling I once had.

I can't help but wonder if that's why I don't feel a connection with Carter. But would I truly be heartbroken if he didn't return my feelings? That kiss we shared, it's been on my mind constantly. I’ve suffered so much heartbreak already.

I'm starting to realize that Carter, might not possibly see me in that way, and perhaps no man ever will see me in a romantic light. there’s so many beautiful women in this world I’m just not one of them.

But with Denton here, all I feel is a deep connection that goes beyond physical desire. I can't help but feel guilty, knowing he's with someone else. Oh God “Im not a homewrecker, I tell myself.

Denton turns to me and says, "Hey Anna, I'm planning on heading out after this movie ends." I nod and let him know that Mia texted and said she and Evan are already on their way back. Denton glances at my phone on the coffee table and remarks, "Anna, you really need a new phone. How long have you had that one?"

I reply, "It's been about 10 years now. I know it's not the best and the reception is terrible, but everyone keeps telling me to get a new one."

Denton responds, "You're just too sentimental with things, aren't you?"

I explain, "Actually, before my brother left for overseas, he got this phone for me. He's in the military like Josh, but he's a high-ranking officer and chose to make a career out of it. I haven't seen him in about 4 years, but we do stay in touch."

Denton then asks, "So you have an older brother?"

I reply, "Yeah, he's my older half-brother. We share the same dad. He's married with a wife and kids."

I continue, "My dad had a brief relationship with a girl in high school and my brother was the result. But that didn't last long, and by the time my dad met my mom, he was in an 80s cover band."

I add, "They actually met at a battle of the bands, competing against each other. Things were good until my mom decided she didn't want to be a mother anymore and pursued a career in the music industry. That's when my dad and I were abandoned. Eventually, my dad married one of his wannabe groupies."

Denton raises his hand to remove the loose strand behind my ear. Pauses for moment and says ……. let’s finish watching that movie Anna.

I turn and face the TV ,Denton grabs the remote and unpause it.