“No” is the correct answer. You were correct to stay away, correct that you are not in a state of grace as long as you continue to live as husband and wife prior to the annullments. To receive Communion while not in the state of grace adds the sin of sacrilege to the mix, which you certainly don’t want to do. (It is unclear whether or not you have committed a sacrilege by following the advice you received from the priest - only you know the degree to which you understood that it was wrong, and you can only commit a sin if you know it is a sin and give your free consent anyway. But now you know, so you would be responsible now, assuming you believe the other priest) Priests who have reached retirement age now were likely the ones caught up in the errors and experimentation that occurred in the 1960’s and 1970’s, and, while they can be good people and great friends, they can still give very bad advice. Smile sweetly, pull your hand back and stay in your pew.
When the time comes that your annullments are final and you are ready to return to the Sacraments, do mention these Communions in your confession, and let God decide to what extent you were guilty. That way you will not have nagging questions to bother you later on. You’ll be in my prayers.
Betsy