Barred

by Paisley Walker

  “So, do we have a deal?”

  “Oh hell yes.” Both men say in unison.

  “Thank you.” She says sincerely, reaching for her bra and panties.

  “Oh Kimberly, the night has only begun.” Emerson says with a sneaky smirk before pulling her to him and throwing her undergarments on the chair. She looks at him with nervous eyes and gulps. What in the hell did she just get herself into?

  Jonathon sits at his desk the next morning, replaying the events that went down in the conference room just the night before. He takes a deep breath while looking over Kimberly’s file, wondering just how they are going to get her out of this mess. He looks over the police report in the file and shakes his head. This woman is in serious trouble. In the report, it states that she was texting when her car hit a curve that was ramped. Her car then slammed into the building of a local gas station, causing a loss of over two-hundred- fifty-thousand dollars. He looks up, hearing the door to his office open.

  “Busy?” Emerson asks while he walks into the room and sits in the black leather chair in front of Jonathon’s desk.

  “Just reviewing her case.”

  “Yeah, I don’t know how we are going to keep up our end of the deal.”

  “You looked it over?”

  “Yeah, I have since the day the woman set foot in my office.”

  Jonathon’s lip curves slightly as he chuckles. He knew the minute he walked into Emerson’s office two weeks ago, that the woman had gotten under his skin. Emerson was his best friend, but he loved pissing him off. “Yeah, well she was looking pretty hot in the elevator.” Jonathon laughs at the growl that emanates from deep within Emerson.

  “Look man, if you like her, I’ll back off. We don’t have to do this sharing thing. I just want you to be happy.”

  “It’s not like that. You know that. Sharing a woman is hot, but I think we both should try to spend alone time with her too. Don’t let it become Mallory.”

  “Are you suggesting a polygamy-style relationship? Only she would be the wife and we could be brother husbands?”

  “Don’t make fun of how people live. It isn’t becoming of you.”

  “Damn dude. Whatever twisted those fucking panties you got on, you need to untwist them.”

  “Fuck off, Phillips.” Emerson stands, storming from the room. Jonathon just stares at the chair that Emerson just vacated. What the fuck?

  He picks up the rest of the files he needs to look over, throwing the weird scene over his shoulder to think of later. The Masterson case is staring him in the face as his thoughts continue to go back to the sultry brown-headed, hazel-eyed woman who had her mouth around his cock last night. Shit was fixing to get real.

  Emerson walks into his office, slamming the door behind him as he goes. He runs his fingers through his thick waves, looking out at the surrounding area through the glass in his office. He takes a deep breath before placing one hand on the window. Why? He questions himself while battling with his demons. Why must he feel such a connection to this woman? He really needs to evaluate the situation before he lets his emotions overtake him. This is a business agreement and nothing more. He walks over to his desk, sitting in the big chair before grabbing the files sitting before him. He runs a hand over his hair once again as he pulls out her file. He flips to her police report and the collateral damage done to the building before letting out a sigh. He feels the feeling of defeat because no matter what, the only outcome is to pay off the balance that this accident has caused.

  He grabs another case looking through the file. A divorce case—one that was never fun to deal with. You normally get one side to the story while the truth comes out in the courtroom and you have to be quick on your feet to keep from looking like a jackass and losing the case. Court date is set for two weeks from now. He looks back at Kimberly’s file before pinching the bridge of his nose. He stands, walking over to the bookcase and grabbing the one thing he kept that Mallory gave him—a book by Edgar Allen Poe. It was a collective piece she found in an old thrift store and she knew he was one of Emerson’s favorite poets. He turned to The Raven and read the passages. “Nevermore.”

  He closes the book and places it back on the shelf, turning away. “I must stop thinking of her. We are nevermore.” He shakes his head and walks over to the bar in his office. He grabs a crystal tumbler, putting some ice into it before pouring a helping of bourbon. He walks back to his chair, sitting in it and spinning it to look over the busy streets of downtown. He stirs the glass in his hand before bringing it to his lips. He takes a long sip, letting the sting of the alcohol slide down his throat. The burn, a welcome pain as it travels down his esophagus to his stomach. He thinks of what Jonathon says, but what he said was true. He wanted to share her with Jonathon. Whether Jonathon realized it or not, he saw the way his eyes lit up when Kimberly came into the office that day. He drinks another sip as the liquid starts to numb his throat and insides. He picks up the file and decides to call Kimberly.

  “Hello?” She asks after three rings.

  “Kimberly, this is Emerson.”

  “Hi… How are you?”

  “I’m well, and you?”

  “A little sore. Honestly.”

  “Well… I was wondering if you would like to go to dinner tonight? Maybe we can discuss your case over a meal?” He asks after he lets out a chuckle.

  “Okay.”

  “Great… I will pick you up around seven.”

  “Okay.”

  With that, he hangs up the phone. Pleased that he will get to see her again, but contemplating on whether or not he should invite Jonathon on the outing. He stands, knowing it wouldn’t be right to leave his best friend and business associate out of this dinner. He walks the short distance to the other office on the floor. He pushes the door open as he sets his glass down on the bookshelf outside the door. Better to not let his partner know that he was drinking during business hours.

  “Everything okay?” Jonathon asks, sitting up straight in his chair.

  “Of course. I have invited Ms. Weston to dinner to discuss her case. Would you like to attend?”

  “Keeping secrets now, brother? So unlike you.”

  “Shut the hell up. Do you want to come or not?”

  “Of course! I am all for coming inside Ms. Weston as well.” He responds as the corner of his lips curl into a smile.

  “Well, that makes two of us. Be ready for six thirty.”

  “Got it boss.” He retorts, saluting Emerson before going back to an e-mail he was typing.

  Emerson walks out of Jonathon’s office grabbing the tumbler. He takes a sip before walking over to his secretary. “Julie?” He asks the blonde-headed woman in front of him. She has been working for him for two years now. She is probably in her mid-twenties and very good at her job. Easy on the eyes too.

  “Yes, Mr. Stanley?”

  “Would you please send some flowers to this address? It is for a client. Make them from both Mr. Phillips and myself.”

  “Of course, sir.” She smiles and he returns it as he makes his way back into his office.

  He walks to the office, pulling open the closet door and grabbing the gym bag inside. He walks back out and past Julie.

  “I’ll be back in a few hours. Forward calls to my cell please.”

  “Yes sir. Have a nice workout.”

  “Thank you, Julie.” He replies, stepping into the elevator. Remind myself to get that woman some flowers as well, he thinks. He walks out of the elevator as it comes to a stop at the first floor.

  “Going out Mr. Stanley?” Nicole asks while he makes his way past her.

  “Yes, please make sure Jonathon is called if anything is needed.”

  “Of course. Enjoy your day.”

  “You as well.”

  He makes his way to his car. Throwing the bag in his passenger seat, he slides behind the wheel. Driving the car gives him peace in his sometimes chaotic life. He cranks the engine before sliding the car into reverse. Leaving the parking l
ot, he peels out. He may be thirty but something in the cars just brings out the teenager in him. Within five minutes, he pulls up to the local gym downtown. He gets out of the car and takes in a deep breath. He walks through the doors of the twenty-four hour gym, waving at Marco as he walks into the dressing room. After he changes, he grabs his iPod and makes his way to the treadmill to warm up. After twenty minutes of running, he grabs the towel wrapped around his neck and wipes his sweat from his face while stepping off the machine. He walks over to the weights, grabbing two thirty-pound weights and doing arm lifts with them. His breathing labored by the time he finishes with what Marco came up with for him. After he finishes his reps, he makes his way to the leg machine. All the aggression he had worked up before, not depleting as his body strains to lift the weights.

  After two hours in the gym, Emerson makes his way to the showers. He steps under the spray, looking down at his cock which is now standing at attention from all the adrenaline in his body. He lets out a groan of disapproval while standing in the very public shower of the gym. “You never know when a bad time is.” He says to himself before hurrying to scrub his sweaty body. After getting dressed, he makes his way to his car. The clock on the dashboard says four-thirty. Only three more hours until he sees the very woman who keeps him on his toes.

  Kimberly stands in front of her mirror in the fourth outfit of the evening. This round of wardrobe consists of a red silk dress that fits her like a glove. It has a slit in the back, coming to rest about mid-thigh to help her walk around easier. The stomach has ruching to hide any imperfections. The top has a sweetheart neckline to accentuate her bust, which is safely tucked in a Bombshell strapless bra from Victoria Secret. The dress is so tight that wearing underwear is not an option, but she feels like a goddess in the dress so she chooses it for the evening. She pairs the dress with a pair of black heels. After she is satisfied, she looks at the clock. Shit. The guys will be here in five minutes. She undoes the rollers in her hair and runs her fingers through the curls. She takes one more look in the mirror before making her way down the short hallway to the living room. The doorbell rings as if they knew she was just now finished.

  She opens the door to reveal both Emerson and Jonathon standing there, smiling. Emerson looks every bit of tall, dark and handsome in his black suit with gray shirt. Jonathon looks every bit of the guy next door with his brooding shoulders hidden by the light green button up and jeans he is wearing. Both men look at her as if they could devour her where she stands. She can’t help but smile, feeling like the prey. The looks on their face show her that not only is she in control, but they want her just as much as she wants them.

  “Good evening, Kimberly.” Emerson says with a lift of his mouth.

  “Good evening. Thank you for my roses. They were beautiful.”

  “You’re very welcome.”

  “Jonathon.”

  “Hi milady.” He says swooping her up, bending her back and kissing her.

  “Well.” She replies, trying to stand on her, now rubbery knees.

  Emerson grabs her hand to help steady her before guiding her to the car. He opens the door for her as Jonathon chuckles, sliding into the backseat. Kimberly gingerly slides into the seat, trying to make sure she doesn’t expose her non-clothed lady bits.

  “I like that you aren’t wearing panties.” Emerson leans in and whispers before shutting the door. She watches in shock as he walks around the car, climbing into the seat beside her. How did he know? He gives her a boyish grin, which she finds rather pleasing. He is always the more serious one of the two and she likes that he has some mischief in that personality. After a twenty minute drive, they arrive at a very nice restaurant. Kimberly had been wanting to try the Habachi place out for months but there was always a huge waiting list to get into the door. Jonathon walks her up to the door as the Maître d’ opens it to allow them access.

  “Nice to see you again Mr. Phillips.”

  “Like wise Paul. How is the wife?”

  “She’s great! She wanted to thank you both for the crib set you got Gabe.”

  “Of course. You both deserved it.”

  Kimberly watches the exchange in awe. These two men, who were so secretive and kept out of the papers unless it was about winning a case, were saints. They helped people who obviously needed it, and never once asked for recognition for it. They walk through the Japanese themed foyer to a table in the back with a smaller hibachi table. Emerson pulls out her chair, offering for her to sit as she looks around the room. There are people all over the place but it’s still an intimate setting for a dinner. Kimberly is so in awe of the amazing architecture around the room, that she doesn’t notice when the waiter places a glass of wine in front of her.

  “So Kimberly, we don’t really know how to tell you this.” Emerson states, picking up his glass of wine.

  “Tell me what?”

  “Well, we both have looked over your case and we aren’t so sure we have a case.” Jonathon replies. Holding his hand up when she starts to protest. “We aren’t going to give up, but we are just saying there is a pretty big chance that the outcome may not be in your favor.”

  “So what am I supposed to do? Go to jail because I cannot pay that type of money. I would lose everything.” She cries out before picking the wine glass up and slamming the contents down her throat.

  “No, we won’t let that happen.” Emerson retorts, ordering from the waiter before sending him on his way.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “We had a deal. You continue to hold up your end of it, we will as well.”

  “Emerson… I have no idea what you mean.”

  “You won’t go to jail. We won’t let it happen.” He then leans into her, close enough to where she is the only one who can hear him. “We both like fucking you too much to have you in jail.” He pulls away, winking as he takes another sip from the glass.

  Their conversation is stopped when the man comes out with the tray full of food. Everything looks amazing, even if it hasn’t been cooked yet. He is wearing a red chef’s jacket and matching red hat.

  “Good evening Mr. Phillips, Mr. Stanley and beautiful lady.” He smiles as he shakes hands with Emerson and Jonathon. He takes Kimberly’s hand and places a kiss to the top of it.

  “Hello Jeff. How are the kids?”

  “Getting big. Let’s get this show on the road.” He winks to take the sting out of the words. “Have you been here before miss?”

  “No.”

  “Well… well… well… you are in for a treat my dear. I’m the owner and proud to assist you tonight. If your food is not to your liking though, that guy over there owns the place.” He winks, pointing to another man cooking a couple tables away. Kimberly laughs as the man starts to cook their dinner. She smiles and shows appreciation as Jeff works his talent on the stove top in front of them. Jonathon watches her in fascination as Kimberly watches Jeff cook the foods. She claps as he makes a volcano of onions. Who knew someone could find it as appreciative as she did. Once the food has been cooked and each of them has caught a piece of cucumber in their mouths, Jeff leaves them to their food.

  They eat in silence, but both men are growing uncomfortable listening to Kimberly groaning and moaning over how amazing the steak and chicken are. Jonathon squirms in his seat, trying to find a comfortable position to ease his straining cock. Emerson on the other hand has another idea.

  “If you don’t stop all those sexy little noises coming from your mouth, we both will have you right here. I don’t give a fuck whose watching.” He says, grabbing her hand, placing it on his erection.

  “Sorry.” She gasps before sliding her bottom lip between her teeth.

  Jonathon laughs while continuing to eat his dinner. This woman is a breath of fresh air. The day he met her in that elevator, he knew she would be trouble. Now that he’s had her, he knows for sure that trouble could very well be her middle name. They have light conversation as they finish up their meals. Jonathon takes the check
, paying as Emerson speaks with Jeff.

  “Would you like some dessert, Kimberly?”

  “Yes. That would be nice. Thank you Jonathon.”

  “We can get some ice cream.” He says aloud but leans into her. “I’d much rather have you for dessert. Emerson got to taste you last night. I didn’t. I want my turn.”

  His eyes blaze with lust as Kimberly is instantly flooded with wetness between her legs. He lets out a chuckle, knowing that his words got to her.

  “Would you like that?” He questions, taking her hand, and guiding her through the crowded restaurant.

  “Yes.” She lets out in a breathless whisper.

  “Well, let’s go make that happen.”

  She can’t help but laugh as a huge grin engulfs his face, revealing two dimples she didn’t even know existed, on his face. They all talk on the way home, about Kimberly’s job, about the guys work. Kimberly is surprised at just how easy the conversation flows between them all. Before she even realizes it, Emerson has stopped the car in her driveway. He comes around to let her out of the car. Climbing out, she looks at his face. Come on Kimberly just ask already.

  ”Would you two like to come in?”

  “Abso-fucking-lutely.” Jonathon replies from the back, opening the door.

  Emerson just smiles as he picks Kimberly up, bride-style, making his way to the door.

  Looks like my night just got way more interesting. Kimberly thinks, handing Jonathon her keys.