Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series)

by L. A. Miller

  Just the few times Kathleen had seen Beckett and Bailey together she had seen the electric charge pass between them. Lachelle had been a wonderful moment in Beckett’s life and for his first love a mother couldn’t have asked for anyone else. But with her death and Beckett’s retreat within himself the string of women he had run around with was definitely lacking. When Macy entered his life she had hope with her being older she might be able to heal Beckett’s wounded heart. But with their first meeting it became clear to her that Macy was only into her son for what he could offer. Good times and great sex. When Macy began hinting last Christmas about making things permanent she was relieved Beckett nixed the idea. With the way Beckett easily agreed to the marriage contract she knew Macy must be once again putting pressure on him to make their relationship legal. She knew Beckett wouldn’t be happy and she worried he would finally succumb just to shut Macy up. When he told them about the contract at first she had been appalled believing in the sanctity of marriage. But Roark had convinced her that this might be a good thing and may finally be the way to rid Beckett of Macy for good. What no one had considered though was the woman he married might be the best thing for him. With the verbiage in the contract though even if they were to fall in love neither could act upon it or the contract would be void.

  They needed a position in the South if they were to land some upcoming contracts. The market had gotten tight and the margins were narrowing. If they didn’t land the contracts they would be forced to lay off a lot of their long term employees. They had all taken cutbacks in their own pay to maintain the level of pay for their workers. They had even considered selling some of their property but with the market so low they would take a beating. She knew their only chance was this merger but she also knew Bailey may be Beckett’s only chance for true happiness. Somehow if things developed they had to find a loophole in the arrangement.

  As she sat in front of her vanity she thought about the night ahead. By now she had hoped to have grandchildren and Chucky Cheese was a rite of passage in a young child’s life. Tonight she was going to experience what it would feel like to be a grandmother. She was falling for both of those children and she knew at the end of the year it was going to be hard to just walk away. This contract not only affected Beckett but all of them as well. Roark came into the room and placed his hands on his wife’s shoulders. Leaning down he kissed the sensitive spot on her neck causing her to purr in delight.

  “How’s Beckett?” He asked looking at her reflection in the mirror.

  “Still a little angry but I think he’ll be calmer tonight…how’s Trent’s jaw?

  “Sore…but he’s taken worse before…he promises to behave but he is doubtful of our accounts on Bailey’s innocence.”

  “She’ll win him over….she’ll win them all over.”

  “No doubt.” He said studying her. “What’s wrong?”

  “Beckett’s falling for her….and the few times I’ve seen her she’s falling for him.”

  Roark frowned. “Oh. Is the wedding a good idea then?”

  “I think so.” She smiled. “It’ll keep Macy at bay letting things develop between the two….and with Bailey getting assistance raising the kids she will have a lot of free time on her own…free time for someone else to swoop her up.”

  “Are you hoping they get together?”

  “Aren’t you?” She asked looking at him. “Bailey may be what it takes to finally heal his heart.”

  “And the contract….you know Beckett….no matter what he won’t break it.”

  “Ok….so let’s look at it logically….after one year they are supposed to divorce….what if they don’t….does that void the deal?”

  “No….but you really think he will be able to hold up to the sexual contact clause?”

  “If she’s the one then yes….if you recall we didn’t sleep together till after we took our vows.”

  “Yes and it was hell….but I got relief…I got to go to a few bases with you.” He grinned. “He can’t even come up to bat.”

  “If she’s the one….the year will go by fast…and if we have to play chaperone like in the old days we will…I just have this feeling.”

  “And I’ve learned never to bet against your feelings.” He grinned once again kissing her neck. “How long do we have before we have to leave?”

  “A few hours.” She said glancing at the clock. “What did you have in mind?” She grinned now as she met his gaze in the mirror.

  “I don’t have any contract clause.” He said lifting her up. He turned her and his mouth trailed down her jawline. “I say we take full advantage of that.”

  Kathleen giggled as he lifted her up and carried her to their bed. Despite their age they still acted like they were in their 20’s. The only difference now was age had given them the ability to appreciate each other and to take their time savoring every moment of their passion.

  Chapter 14

  Bailey had her hands full getting the kids dressed for Chucky Cheese. She was grateful when Selene stepped in to help her allowing herself time to dress. Standing now in front of the closet she couldn’t decide what to wear. Normally for Chucky Cheese it was simply jeans and a t-shirt along with a comfortable pair of sneakers but she was meeting the rest of Beckett’s family and wanted to make a good impression.

  “Miss Bailey.” Trixie said stepping up beside her. “It don’t matter what you wear. You’re beautiful in anything.” She said smiling.

  “Thank you Trixie.” She smiled as she grabbed a pair of white jeans and a lavender blouse that enhanced the violet color of her eyes. After slipping into a pair of sandals she debated as to whether or not she should put her hair up.

  “Leave it down miss…you have such beautiful hair.” Trixie said as she examined it. “Dark as the raven it almost shimmers blue in the light.”

  “I always wanted it to be blonde.” She smiled

  “Why miss…your hair is so unique and it offsets your eyes?”

  “Because in California all the popular girls had blonde hair and blue eyes…..do you know how many people used to think I wore contacts?”

  “Very few women have violet eyes….Elizabeth Taylor had violet eyes and dark hair….she was a beautiful actress.”

  “Yes.” Bailey said looking at her image and finding it lacking. “And all the right curves.”

  “Miss Bailey….you may be tiny but you have the right curves….I have seen the way Master Beckett looks at you.”

  Bailey blushed and almost denied it when she realized they were supposed to be getting married in a few weeks and they both had a role to play. Bailey didn’t know exactly what Regina had told the staff but she got the impression they were under the illusion already that Beckett and Bailey were a couple and she realized once the announcement was made they were going to have to act the part. Before she could respond the door of her room flew open and Alexis came running in with Tristan in tow.

  “Bailey come on…we want to go.” Alexis moaned.

  Bailey turned to look at them and couldn’t help but smile at their excitement. The last time they had all gone to Chucky Cheese was when Matt took them for Alexis’s birthday. He had been so kind playing every arcade game with them; letting them believe their skills were so superior that they beat him at everything. Afterwards he had helped her put the kids to bed than they sat on her balcony watching the fireworks go off at Anaheim Stadium. That was also the night Matt kissed her for the first time. They went on a few dates but Bailey didn’t have time in her life for a relationship. Matt had understood and been patient telling her he would wait for her. It hurt her knowing he loved her and she couldn’t return his feelings the way he wanted.

  “Bailey!” Alexis cried bringing her back to reality.

  “Alright.” She smiled. “Let’s go.”

  Alexis turned and ran out of the room and down the stairs. Tristan remained behind and Bailey studied him for a moment.

  “Are you ok Tristan?” She asked kneeling before him conce
rn on her face. “Is it hurting you to breath?”

  “No.”

  “Then what’s wrong”

  “Will Beckett play with us like Matt?”

  “I’m sure he will.” She smiled. “And he has brothers too.”

  “Will they play with me?” He asked his face lighting up.

  “We’ll have to go see won’t we.” She said standing now taking his hand.

  When they reached the top of the stairs she stopped with Tristan. Down below Alexis was giggling as a tall man with red hair had placed her precariously on his shoulders. She was fascinated with his hair and he laughed in amusement at some comment she made. Two other men of equal height stood off to the side smiling. Both men were broad with brown hair and even from this distance she noticed their blue eyes. Despite his height Beckett’s lean body was dwarfed by his brother’s size. It reminded her of the quarterback next to a group of linebackers and she found she preferred his toned look over their brawn. All eyes now turned in her direction and Bailey couldn’t help but feel she was being scrutinized now by his brothers. Gripping Tristan’s hand she descended and with a smile on her face approached the group.

  “Bailey….look how tall I am.” Alexis grinned as Ethan turned now to face her.

  “You have gotten taller.” Bailey smiled. “Guess we’ll need to get you a new bed soon.”

  “Silly.” Alexis laughed. “I’m just taller ‘because I’m on Ethan’s shoulders.”

  “Ahhhh…that explains it.” She said.

  Beckett came up to Bailey’s side and placing his hand on the small of her back he made the introductions.

  “Bailey….this is my brother Ethan…..and that’s Trent and Justin…..this is Bailey.” He said picking Tristan up and placing him on his shoulders. “And this is her brother Tristan.”

  Tristan grabbed onto Beckett’s hair and as his laughter filled the room Bailey stepped forward taking first Ethan’s hand then Justin’s and finally Trent’s. She noticed the fresh bruise on Trent’s jawline and couldn’t help but catch the look he passed to Beckett before he once again met her gaze. Of all the brothers he seemed to be the one who was studying her the most.

  “My brother’s description of you did not do you justice.” He said smoothly. “Seeing your beauty I now understand why the South fought so hard to defend their women.”

  Bailey could feel the blush creep up her cheeks and that only seemed to amuse him further. She noticed the way he held her hand longer than the others and she got the impression he was trying to flirt with her. She didn’t understand why but he seemed to be deliberately goading Beckett for some sort of reaction.

  “Beckett never told me his brothers were so handsome or charming.” She said extraditing her hand from his. “And while I understand that line may work for you down here being a Yankee and all.” She said in a heavy southern accent before switching back to her normal voice. “.I’m from California and we usually call it like we see it.”

  “Really!” He grinned sizing her up again. “And how do you see me?”

  Realizing she had walked right into his trap Bailey took a moment before replying. She knew he was testing her and somehow it was important she not fail. Knowing no other way than the truth she replied.

  “You’re charming and definitely have no trouble finding someone to warm your bed at night.” She noticed the way he puffed up and continued on. “But you run from real relationships, someone in your past hurt you deeply and because of that you won’t let anyone else in. This whole seductive macho act is a way to cover up a sensitive side that if given the chance would melt any woman’s heart.”

  Bailey noticed the way his eyes darkened in anger which was only fueled by the laughter of his brothers.

  “She pegged you right.” Ethan laughed ignoring the murderous stare Trent aimed at him.

  “I’m sorry but you did ask.” She said honestly. “Would you have respected me any better had I succumbed to your charms or lied to pacify your ego?”

  Trent once again studied her knowing everyone else was holding their breath to his reaction. He was surprised his parent’s or Beckett hadn’t decided to intercede till he realized she was capable of holding her own. He had to grin when he thought about what his brother was getting himself into. He suddenly realized this arrangement might turn out to be more entertaining than he thought since Beckett was falling for the girl and hadn’t realized it yet.

  “Actually I respect your honesty.” He admitted. “You and I are going to get along just fine.”

  Bailey hadn’t realized she was holding her breath and with this comment she released it slowly as she smiled.

  “I wonder if you will fill the same when I beat you at Skeet ball.”

  “We’ll see who wins that one.” He grinned. “Shall we?” Trent asked as he extended his arm to her. Bailey looked at Beckett who for some reason wasn’t pleased and not knowing how to refuse without seeming rude she slipped her arm through Trent’s and allowed him to lead her outside.

  Chapter 15

  Beckett watched as Trent led Bailey out to the cars. When he had made the introductions he had expected Trent to try something despite his mother promises to the contrary. With Tristan on his shoulders Beckett was forced to stand back and watch Trent openly flirt with Bailey. Over the years Trent had taken great pleasure in not only flirting with but stealing away Beckett’s female companions. Macy was the first woman Trent had avoided stating even he had standards. Trent’s excuses had been he was looking out for Beckett’s interests since any girl who would jump from one brother to the other wasn’t worth their salt and Beckett was better off finding out sooner than later. What surprised him and the rest of his family was not only Bailey’s reaction but her concise assessment of Trent’s character. As he watched them now he went over previous conversations and realized he hadn’t divulged any personal information about his brothers. He was amazed how accurate her description of Trent had been. His mother came up to his side and following his gaze couldn’t help but ask.

  “Did you prepare her for Trent?”

  “No….all I told her was I had 3 brothers and we all worked in the family business….we’ve talked about growing up but I never mentioned anything about their private lives.”

  “Impressive.” She smiled. “She handled him better than I could with her honesty.”

  “She did didn’t she?” He grinned as he followed his mother out to the cars.

  The group was split up into two cars with Bailey riding with his parents and the kids while Beckett followed with his brothers. It didn’t take long for them to start in on him once they were on the road.

  “So…Bailey’s not exactly what you painted her to be.” Ethan said.

  “Because Bailey wasn’t the one I agreed to marry when I first set up the deal….it was her cousin Alicia.”

  “So what happened to her?” Justin asked.

  “She ran off to Vegas, got drunk and married some drummer.” Beckett explained.

  “Lucky thing for you…Bailey is definitely an improvement….even over Macy.” Trent added.

  “You keep forgetting….this marriage is just for show…nothings changing, I’m still with Macy.”

  “Really?” Trent smiled wickedly. “Then there’s no reason why one of us couldn’t pursue Bailey?”

  Beckett looked at him and gripped the steering wheel as he tried to control his anger.

  “I don’t think that would be a good idea”

  “Why is that….seems only fair if you’re free to sleep with Macy Bailey should be free to date one of us.” Trent asked deliberately pushing Beckett’s buttons.

  “And how would that look in a year when we divorce and she hooks up with one of my brothers?” Beckett asked trying not to take his bait.

  “Who said we had to make it permanent?” Trent asked. “We could just have some laughs.”

  Beckett pulled the car off the road and turned in his seat to face his brother.

  “Stay away from her Trent
I’m warning you.” He said his voice deathly calm. “Bailey’s not that type of girl.”

  “Maybe not.” He replied calmly. “But she is an adult who is capable of making her own decisions and since your relationship is only an illusion why shouldn’t she have some fun….it is an illusion isn’t it?” He taunted.

  Beckett refused to comment and turning pulled back out on the road. The rest of the ride was done in silence and occasionally he would meet Trent’s glance in the rear view mirror. Trent was correct; Beckett had no claim over what Bailey did or didn’t do over the next year. Still the idea of her dating any of his brothers while still married to him got under his skin. If she chose to date during their marriage the man would be a stranger and in Beckett’s eyes someone he could easily challenge if need be, but his brothers would be a different story. As he drove he pictured her with Trent, what it would be like being married to her but watching her sleep with Trent. Listening to his stories of their escapades in the bedroom then watching him break her heart when he moved on. But what if he didn’t move on, what if after the divorce she married Trent? He would have to see them together every day. Knowing she was married to him first even though she truly wasn’t.

  By the time they pulled into the parking lot of Chucky Cheese the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Bailey was standing with his parents while the kids were peeking through the window at the games inside. Beckett watched Bailey frown then turn to his parents. They seem to be listening intently then nodding they both turned and took the children inside. Bailey waited for them to park then watched as the four of them approached. She held up her hands stopping them before they entered.