Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series) (23 page)

“You’re a damn fool.” Trent said in his ear before he headed for the study.

Beckett turned and followed Trent with Ethan on their heels ready to prevent a fight. Beckett closed the door so their conversation would be kept private.

“I want you to stay away from Bailey.” Beckett ordered causing Trent to laugh.

“Why brother…you made it clear you don’t want her.”

“My relationship with Bailey is none of your business.”

“Seems to me you have no relationship….besides…isn’t Macy flying in this weekend?” Trent said pouring himself a glass of whiskey. “You already have your hands full little brother.”

“Macy has nothing to do with this.” Beckett said angrily.

“Really?” Trent said as his anger now began to surface. “You get to have your cake on the side with Macy while you play the loving fiancé and husband to Bailey over the next year. You expect her to just stay home and do nothing for the next year?”

“Stay out of this Trent.” Beckett warned.

“Not happening Beck….Baileys too good for you.”

“And you think you’re more in her league?” Beckett asked his jaw clinched as he tried to stem his anger.

“At least I recognize how special she is….maybe I should have a talk with Regina and see if she’s set on this contract….maybe she would consider a change of partners.” Trent suggested.

Ethan was prepared and when Beckett charged at Trent fist ready Ethan blocked him sending him to the ground. Before Beckett could get up Trent was on him and the tree of them tumbled across the floor knocking over one of the end tables in the room. Beckett landed on
e fist into Ethan’s jaw before his arm was grabbed from behind and he was hauled to his feet. He turned prepared to attack his assailant until he froze face to face with his father. Trent and Ethan rose to their feet and also froze and the angry glare on their fathers face. Justin just stood near the door with a shit eaten grin on his face since he was not the source of his father’s anger for a change.

“All of you leave….I need to have a word with Beckett.”
Roark commanded and when Trent refused to budge he looked directly at him. “I will deal with you later.”

Roark’s
gaze left no room for argument and bowing his head Trent left the room like an errant child awaiting his punishment. Only after the door was closed did Roark speak.

“Do you want to tell me what this was all about?” He asked as Beckett righted the end table in order to avoid his father’s gaze. “I’m sure I can guess…Bailey.”

Beckett looked up at his father and could not hide the guilt on his face. Running his hand through his hair in frustration he began to pace.

“What happened tonight?”
Roark asked patiently.

“Nothing.”  Beckett said in anger. “Except Trent made every attempt to flirt with Bailey.”

“I see….and you have a problem with that?”

“Yes….she’s my fiancé.” Beckett said turning on his father.

“In name only.” Roark pointed out. “Seems to me you were making arrangements earlier to hook up with Macy….why shouldn’t Trent pursue Bailey if he wants too?”

“Are you serious….how would that look?”

“No different than what you are doing with Macy….Beckett….do you expect her to spend the next year loyal to your vows when you plan on spending the next year sneaking around with Macy?”

“No….that wouldn’t be fair.”

“So it’s just Trent you don’t want her with…..do you hold such a low esteem of your brother?”

“No.....but…” Beckett said trying to find the right words. “He’s my brother…how would it look?”

“I’m sure they would be discreet.”

Beckett looked at his father. “You are actually encouraging this!”

Roark smiled. “I like Bailey….I think any of my sons would be lucky to have her in their life.” Beckett began to pace as he considered his father’s words. “Beckett….why don’t you tell me the real reason you don’t want to see her and Trent together….would you rather see her with someone else?”

“Yes…..no….hell I don’t know.” He said in frustration.

“Yes you do.” His father said as he poured them both a drink. He handed one glass to Beckett than motioned to the sofa where they could sit. Only after they sat did Roark continue. “Beckett, why won’t you admit you are attracted to her and it bothers you that she might be attracted to someone else?”

“You didn’t see her tonight dad….she was so comfortable with Trent and Ethan….and Trent….he was so obvious…”

“Did you ever think he was hitting on her just to get at you?” Roark pointed out.

“Oh that was clear.” He agreed.

“And did you ever consider the reason she was so comfortable with them and not you is because she’s not attracted to them?”

“It was so strained between us…..then there were moments when she would look at me….I almost believed she cared….but it was only for show…for the cameras or people watching us.”

“Do you really believe that….seems to me that may have been the only time she was being honest with you….Beckett I’ve seen the way she looks at you….when she thinks no one else sees.”

“It doesn’t matter….
I can’t be what she needs.”

“How do you know…you never even gave it a chance….you use
d Macy as an excuse, a way to prevent yourself from ever exposing your heart again….Bailey frightens you because she may be the first person who has a chance to hold your heart again so you put up road blocks and the only person getting hurt is you…..Bailey will move on and you will have to stand by and watch another man make her happy, you may have Macy but it will be hollow….can you really do that?”

“What do you suggest….do you want me to pursue Bailey…what happens when it doesn’t work out….when I not only hurt her but those kids.”

“Why are you so sure it won’t work out?” Roark asked.

“Because it’s too late…I already told her I couldn’t be the one she needs.”

“Well than you got your work cut out for you son….but I believe you can change her mind if you set your mind to it….you’ve never been one to run from a challenge….”

Beckett looked at his father and considered his words. “What if I can’t?

“Than at least you know you tried…..it’s better than never knowing.”

“What about Trent?
”

“He’s only involved because he thinks you’re being an idiot….he thinks she’s the best thing that ever came into your life and if you’re too stupid to realize it he is going to make you see it.”
Roark grinned. “So what are you going to do son?”

Beckett thought about it for a moment before he gave his father a lopsided grin. “Macy is going to be pissed.”

Bailey rose from her bed
shortly before the sun was up. Grabbing her robe she checked on the kids before heading down to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. Trent had planned on previewing a few more houses before heading into the office so she knew she only had time to grab a muffin and coffee before she showered. She was waiting for the coffee to perk when Beckett came into the room. She noticed the dark circles under his eyes and knew he probably hadn’t gotten much sleep.

“Good morning.” She said as she grabbed another cup. “Coffee?”

“Please.” He said leaning against the counter.

His voice sounded different, similar to the way he spoke to her yesterday while they were having lunch. She dared to
sneak a peek at him and found him studying her attire. Her breath caught in her throat as his eyes met hers. There was no denying the desire he felt and suddenly despite her robe she felt completely naked. As if sensing her discomfort he turned to the fridge grabbing the cream out.

“Cream?” He asked offering to pour for her.

“Please.” She said as she grabbed the pot and topped off both their cups.

“So, what does Trent have on your agenda today?” He asked trying to keep the conversation casual.

“We’re going to inspect a few more houses than I believe he wants to go over the notes from the work I did yesterday….I think to point out any mistakes I made.” She said holding her coffee now up to her lips.

She inhaled first than took a
sip smiling as the flavor of hazelnut and fresh coffee passed over her tongue and warmed her stomach. When Beckett inhaled sharply she looked up and felt her heart somersault. He was staring at her lips as if he wanted to devour them. As if unsure of his own actions he moved away from her taking a seat at the table.  Bailey grabbed the tray of muffins and placed them on the table as she took the seat opposite him. He seemed just as nervous as she felt and this seemed to relax her.

“I have a meeting at the Tristan and Alexis’s school today so I should only be in the office till noon. I was planning on staying there to observe the classrooms but I should be home in time to change for the dinner party.”

“Did you want me to come to the school with you?”

“No that won
’t be necessary. I should probably add your name to the emergency contact list just in case….would you prefer I give them the office number or your cell?”

“Give them my cell…I’ll leave you a card on your desk when I get in….you might want to also add my parents since they will be remaining down here for at least the next year.”

“Alright…..what about you….do you plan on traveling back and forth a lot.”

“No….unless they need new plans drawn up I will probably remain here most of the time.”

“Will you be getting an apartment than?” She asked since they hadn’t really discussed his living arrangements after the wedding.

“Most likely my brothers and I will rent someplace….with our work schedules we come and go at all hours so it’s handy….
I’m hoping we can close escrow on your house in 15 days or less…than we can decide where we will start….did you give it any thought as to where you wanted to live during the renovations?”

“Would it be possible to live there?”

“At first I wouldn’t suggest it….we will be knocking out walls and redoing all the electricity and plumbing….but in a month or two we could get part of the house livable….would you stay here with your grandmother or did you want me to get you an apartment?”

“If I stay here and you live with your brothers…how is it going to look?” Bailey asked pointing out the obvious. “Wont people wonder about our marriage?”

Beckett hadn’t considered that and realized for appearance sake he would have to remain with her during the first few months. The question remained should they stay here with her grandmother or should he rent them a place preferably near both the office and the kids school.

“It might be best if we stayed here….that way Tristan and Alexis’s lives are not disrupted too much
…and it won’t look too suspicious if I spend some nights in town.”

“Alright…I will inform my grandmother of our decision when I meet her at the school.” Bailey said as she rose from the table. “I best go get ready
; Trent said he wanted to leave by 7:00.”

She turned to leave but Beckett caught her hand stopping her. She looked first at his hand as
he caressed hers than up to his eyes. He seemed to be struggling with something as if there was something else he needed to say.

“I didn’t ever tell you thank you.” He said and when her expression showed she didn’t understand he continued. “For agreeing to the marriage.”

Bailey smiled sadly. “It seems I should be the one thanking you….if you hadn’t of agreed to my grandmother’s crazy idea than she wouldn’t have come looking for me when Alicia got married…Tristan and Alexis would be in foster care…”

“Bailey….I would like for us to start fresh….get to know each other slowly
.”

Bailey looked up to his eyes and only saw sincerity looking back. She felt herself falling and knew if she wasn’t careful she was going to get hurt.

“I’m not Macy.”

“I don’t expect you to be.”

“Will you continue to see her?”

Beckett thought about that for a moment before he replied. Bailey hadn’t realized she had been holding her breath till she heard the words she was hoping to hear.

“She’s coming to town this weekend….I was planning on telling her that it would be best for all concerned if she and I ended our relationship.”

She let out her breath but dared not to smile afraid to reveal how much his comment pleased her.

“I see…are you sure?”

“Yes
…our relationship would complicate things.”

“So you want to date me?” she asked unsure of what he expected.

“I realized it’s a little backward since legally you would be my wife….but yes…I want to take the time for us to get to know each other….see if what we have is more than physical….”

“And if it isn’t…
what then?”

“At least we can both say we tried….hopefully if it doesn’t work out than when we go our separate ways we can remain friends.”

“Alright.” She agreed then turned to leave before he stopped her again.

“Bailey one thing…..I know I once asked you if you had ever dated more than one person.”

“You want to date others while you date me?” She asked feeling her heart plummet.

“NO
, the opposite.” He clarified. “I would ask that while we are dating you not date anyone else and I will do the same.”

Bailey studied him for a moment and suddenly smiled. She realized he was jealous of Trent
’s recent attention towards her and wondered if this is what brought about his decision to break up with Macy.

“Beckett…I’m not good a juggling my social life, I have a hard enough time trying to deal with a relationship while taking care of my brother and sister.”

“Then it’s only proper I should ask you out tonight….Bailey…will you attend a dinner party with me tonight?”

She couldn’t resist the wicked grin on his face as she smiled. “I would be honored”

When Beckett rose she held her breath. He stepped closer and she could feel the heat of his body’s proximity to hers. He reached up his hand and brushed his thumb over her lower lip before his lips descended to steal a kiss. It was gentle and she could feel the way he held himself in reserve wanting to take more. When he pulled back she blushed then with a smile she left him standing in the kitchen. As she raced up the stairs she ran into Trent on his way down.

“Hey slow down sunshine.” He grinned stopping her midway up the stairs. He studied her face than noticed Beckett had come out of the kitchen and was watching. The flushed look on her face and the possessive look on Beckett’s told him all he needed to know.

“Sorry Trent…I need to shower, I should be ready on time.”

“No hurry…I’ll just grab some coffee and wait in the kitchen….it will give me time to speak to my brother.”

“Alright.” She sighed as she grabbed her nightgown lifting it up so she could race up the steps without tripping.

When she reached her room she couldn’t concentrate as she replayed the scene in the kitchen. Beckett was actually going to break up with Macy for her. He wanted to date her exclusively.
When she had gone to bed the night before she was as tense as a spring about to pop. The whole night she had noticed Beckett’s agitation from Trent’s attention. Part of her had been angry causing her to flirt openly with both Trent and Ethan. Beckett had outlined what their relationship was to be. Why was it fair that he could have his girlfriend on the side while he expected her to remain alone during the course of their contract? When she noticed he was jealous part of her was overjoyed. She knew there was a part of him that wanted her. She had felt it in the kisses they shared. She had enjoyed the man who shared her lunch earlier with her that day and had negotiated to purchase her dream house. That man also seemed to have enjoyed her company and gave her reason to hope they had a chance. But the man in the car had brought reality crashing home. Last night as she played the role of the loving fiancé it was hard not to keep her feelings from showing. Now as she stood in her room she wondered what lay ahead. Dare she take a chance knowing if he walked away in the end her heart would break? Her father had always told her there was no greater reward or greater heartbreak than true love. But if it was found it was worth the risk. After making her bed she hung up her nightgown than showered and quickly applied her makeup. This time she had no intention of crawling through the attics so she dressed for her meeting with the school principal later. After blow drying her hair she went in to wake up Tristan and Alexis promising to meet them in school later. As she raced down the stairs she found both Beckett and Trent waiting for her.

“So I judge by your attire I won’t be getting you in
to any attics today?” Trent asked giving her a lopsided grin.

“Not today….school meeting, I wouldn’t have time to change.”

“Ok, why don’t we skip the houses today, we can just address your notes over breakfast.” He said offering his arm.

She looked up at him then turned to Beckett to gage his reaction. He smiled as took her hand in his.

“As long as you’re buying brother lead the way.” Beckett said tucking Baileys hand though his arm.

Bailey noticed the way Trent just laughed. “Fine….but you’re paying for lunch.”

“Agreed.”

Bailey found breakfast to be quite entertaining. Now that she and Beckett had come to an arrangement Trent no longer flirted with her and Beckett was more relaxed. Over the meal Trent went over the notes she had dictated and though pointing out a few errors he found most of her findings sound. He complimented her on how quickly she learned and she knew he was sincere. Unable to take all the credit she explained that she had often helped her father
on his jobsite and when he did repairs around the house she had been his shadow learning the trade from him. She even admitted that she did odd jobs around the apartment complex to offset the cost of her rent when she lived in California.

After breakfast they went back to the office where Trent passed her off to Ethan while he and Beckett went back into the field. Her grandmother’s car picked her up shortly after lunch and they arrive just in time for their one o’clock appointment. The principal explained that while they had the school records they had chosen to run a few tests on their own and found both
children were to be placed in their advanced programs. Bailey was pleased but worried with his small frame Tristan might become a bigger target for the children’s teasing if he was placed in the gifted program. The principal assured her they had a zero tolerance for bullies and that he was sure Tristan would excel in the new programs. As promised Bailey was able to sit in on both their classes and afterschool as they rode home in the limo both children fought for attention as they explained the new classes and the friends they met. After a brief snack Bailey went up with them to their rooms to assist with homework. Once she was assured they were doing fine on their own she took the packets of paperwork and went to her own room to complete them. She completed her paperwork at the same time they completed theirs and with a few hours to spare before her dinner date she decided they should go for a ride. The groom assisted her in saddling the horses and as she led them out towards the field she was cautious keeping both children’s horses at her side. Beckett was waiting by the stable as they returned and she noticed the way Tristan stiffened when he saw him. She was about to question him when Beckett reached for the reins.

“Bailey…do you mind if I have a word with Tristan alone.” He said and by his expression she knew it was important. His look asked for her trust so she nodded as he helped her off her horse. He then lifted Alexis and waited for Bailey to lead her away before he turned to Tristan.