by L. A. Miller
“The Remington’s are very old and dear friends of mine. Alistair’s sister married into the family and they have many influential friends in politics. The added security is on behalf of the governor and other politicians that will be present tonight.”
Beckett was impressed and as he looked out the window he couldn’t help but notice the grandeur of the estate. The road was lined with large Oak trees with sprawling lawns beyond as far as he could see. At the road wound around he caught glimpses of the main house through the trees. Two stories high it was the image of a true Southern mansion with large white pillars and a wraparound porch. On each side of the massive doors the windows lit from inside beckoned the weary traveler to come in. He counted at least eight windows on each side and as many on the second level. Judging by the age and architect the mansion had to be at least 10,000 square feet with a minimal of 15 bedrooms and at least 5 bathrooms. He also guessed they would have two living areas one formal one not, a library, servants quarters, gourmet kitchen and a main ballroom. He heard Bailey gasp and turned to see the wonder in her expression.
“It’s beautiful.” Bailey said as she leaned over Beckett for a better view.
Beckett couldn’t agree more though his eyes now were on Baileys profile as she examined the house. Despite his interest in the house he found himself distracted by the subtle scent of her shampoo and the feel of her breast as they brushed against his arm. As if sensing his discomfort Bailey returned to her seat and turned her attention to her grandmother.
“How long have they owned the home?”
“Bellawood has been in the family since the 1858, at one time the land was used to grow cotton but when Elizabeth married Reginald in 1870 she convinced him to convert the land and breed horses, she was a Yankee like you but she fell in love with a Confederate soldier who was wounded at Antietam in 1862, she was barely 15 and he was only 18, she found him wounded and dying near a creek on their property. Though her brothers had gone off to join the Union soldiers her parents were sympathetic towards the South. They nursed the young man and snuck him back to his division when he was able to travel. After the war he returned to claim Elizabeth’s hand in marriage. Her brothers objected and the two ran off never to return. His home was in shambles after Union soldiers ransacked it and burned most of the east wing down but the two were young and determined. Together they rebuilt the home and with her connections they began to breed horses. All of my horses have come from their farm. Their linage of Percheron’s is sought after by both the wealthy elite and royalty around the world.”
As the SUV came to a halt on the circular driveway an attendee stepped forward and opened the door. Beckett exited first and holding out his hand he assisted first Regina than Bailey out of the car. As Bailey slid her arm through his; they both looked up at the massive home before them. Beckett could feel the history of the home scream out to him and he wished he had more time to explore the place. The music and voices from inside spilled out and as soon as they were joined by his family the group proceeded inside. As they entered the front door Beckett handed over the invitations. Looking around the main hall it was easy to spot the secret service men strategically stationed around the room. He looked over at Trent and saw his expression mirrored in his brothers. He noticed that Bailey was studying their reaction and couldn’t help but smile in response to her look.
“You two can’t wait to sneak off and get a better look at this place can you?” She whispered so her grandmother didn’t hear.
“Do you blame us, this place is incredible.” He replied.
“No I don’t…I wonder if it’s haunted.”
“Why of course it’s haunted.” A voice said from behind her.
Chapter 31
Started she turned and looked into the darkest blue eyes she had ever seen. His amused expression told her he had been eves dropping on their conversation.
“If you are interested in a tour I’m sure I could arrange it.”
Bailey felt Beckett’s arm encircle her waist possessively and she noticed the stranger only cocked one eyebrow as he tilted his head and studied them.
“Rhett….it’s not nice to listen to other peoples conversations.” Regina frowned as she scolded the young man.
He turned to Regina and for a moment the two stared at each other, Rhett seemingly amused, Regina clearly upset. Bailey used the moment to study him. He was as tall as Beckett but his build was more slender as if he lived a life of leisure. It was obvious he was born to wealth and based on the lack of callouses never did any manual labor. She put him somewhere in his late 20’s and by way he carried himself she knew he was used to getting what he wanted. He was extremely attractive and it was impossible not to return his smile when he once again turned to Bailey.
“Ah Regina….you know I’m a scoundrel.” He said as his eyes roamed now freely over Bailey before returning to her eyes. She felt Beckett tense and could feel the testosterone level in his brothers also spike. To her surprise the man before her didn’t feel threatened. “I do not believe we have had the honor of meeting.” He said as he approached Bailey.
“Rhett Langston…may I present my granddaughter Bailey Montgomery….and her fiancé Beckett Birmingham.” Regina emphasized.
Rhett ignored Beckett as he took Baileys left hand to determine the truth to Regina’s words. Upon seeing her ring he smiled then gently kissed her hand.
“I’m charmed to make your acquaintance….I was not aware Regina had such a beautiful granddaughter….where pray tell have you been hiding all my life?”
“California.” Bailey said as trying to remove her hand only to find him tighten his grip. She watched as he turned his look to Beckett assessing his competition. When Beckett reached up to take her hand from Rhett she thought she saw malice in his expression before replacing it with one of amusement. For a moment Bailey wondered if she had been mistaken till she felt Beckett tense. Though his face seemed calm his eyes revealed the anger just beneath the surface.
“You are a lucky man to have stolen one of our beauties, but then again had she been living here that might not have been so easy.”
“I agree I am lucky….but then again I assure you the results would have been the same had she lived here.” Beckett said politely and Bailey noticed the hidden threat beneath his words.
“Rhett” Regina intervened as she took his arm. “I wish to speak with your mother, might you escort an old lady?”
Rhett kept his eyes on Bailey for a moment then looked down at Regina gracing her with his charm. “Why I would be delighted…it would give me a chance to learn more about this lovely granddaughter you have been hiding away.” He said as he once again turned to Bailey. With a wink to her he led Regina away and only after he was gone did she feel Beckett relax.
“Now there goes a real ass.” Trent said under his breath as he stood next to his brother. “I thought Southern men were supposed to be gentleman…he all but devoured Bailey while he challenged you.”
“I’m aware of that.” Beckett frowned as he looked at Bailey. “If he’s any indication of what we might expect I want you to stay by my side.”
Bailey couldn’t help but smile in amusement. Beckett was acting as if he was jealous and while Rhett was charming he definitely wasn’t her type. Though he was attractive and she noticed the way the women’s eyes followed him she preferred men who didn’t feel the need to flaunt themselves as if every woman would fall to their feet. She loved that about Beckett and his brothers, though extremely good looking none of them felt the need to compete with other men for attention. Women just were naturally drawn and if she was honest she planned to remain at Beckett’s side to ensure one of the many Southern beauties now eyeing him kept their distance.
“I suggest we get a drink before we start mingling.” Trent said eyeing the room.
“One drink.” Roark said as he took Kathleen’s arm.
“One drink to start.” Trent said as he led his brothers towards the bar. “The rest will depe
nd on our reception.”
Roark gave Beckett a warning glance before he escorted his wife in the opposite direction. Bailey looked up as Beckett slid her arm through his.
“Would you like something to drink….looks like they are serving champagne.”
“Maybe one glass as we mingle.” She smiled trying to keep her voice steady.
She could feel her inside quake as she looked around the room. She had seen many rich customers during her day’s waitressing in Newport Beach but most were from new money. The elite she now saw as she scanned the room were definitely old money, careful to ensure their bloodlines remained pure. She also recognized several senators, two congressmen and both the current and previous governor. Beckett grabbed a glass off the tray as the waiter passed by then handed it to her.
“You don’t want one?” She asked.
“No…I prefer something stronger.” He said as Trent approached with two glasses of brandy. He handed one to Beckett. “Thanks.”
“No problem…so…do you suggest I get acquainted with the ladies or delve right in with the politicians.” Trent asked admiring a group of women in the corner.
Both Bailey and Beckett followed his gaze and Riley couldn’t help but smile. There was no mistaking the hungry look in their eyes as they examined the Montgomery men. Beckett looked at his brothers and rolled his eyes. He knew until they each had a woman on their arm they wouldn’t be satisfied.
“Try not to seduce any one’s wife will you?” He said giving them permission to leave.
Bailey watched as the three of them made their way to the group of women then smiled when she noticed other women heading in the same direction to ensure their chance. She looked up at Beckett to see if he was amused but found him studying her face instead.
“None of them hold a candle to you.” He said holding his glass up to her in a toast. She smiled and holding hers up she returned the compliment.
“Thank you….you needn’t worry about Rhett or any others….they can’t even compete in your league…”
“Then we are quite the pair.” He grinned wickedly as he tapped his glass to hers.
Just as they took their first sip they were approached and the introductions did not stop till they sat with their dinner party. At first Bailey was nervous but whenever she felt intimidated by the subject matter Beckett would step in and control the conversation. Once she felt comfortable she would join in and Beckett would just stand back admiring her quick wit and intelligence. After dinner the guests moved to the ballroom where a band was playing and some of the couples were dancing. From the moment they entered Bailey was swept away from Beckett by one male guest to the next. Beckett did his share of dancing and each time he tried to regain her hand another guest took her away. Finally after almost two hours of sharing her he was able to reclaim her hand. Instead of enjoying a dance he led her outside for some fresh air.
“I don’t think I’ve ever danced as much.” Bailey said sitting down on the bench. “My feet are killing me in these shoes.”
“You have been popular.” He laughed as he sat next to her.
Pulling her legs up on his lap he removed her shoes before she could protest. He slowly began to massage her feet stifling any protest she might have made about the impropriety of the situation. She leaned back against the wall closing her eyes as his fingers magically removed the tension from her feet. Feeling his eyes on her she peeked beneath her lashes and noticed the way his eyes were studying her lips. His hands moved from massaging to light caresses and she could feel the tension build as his hand hesitated before sliding up her calf then back down her leg again each time moving higher. She opened her eyes when his hand froze just beneath the hem of her dress. As he lifted the dress to reveal where her nylons were hooked by her garter and she heard the swift intake of his breath. His eyes were now dark with desire and she could feel the evidence as it now pressed against her calves. Without saying a word Bailey removed her legs and stood. She could feel his frustration as he reached down for her shoes. She turned and when he held out her shoes she pushed his hand aside as she now straddled his lap.
“Bailey!” He warned but she silenced him with her lips.
At first his hands remained at her side as her lips moved over his tempting him with soft kisses. When his hands moved to her sides she felt his resistance till she opened her mouth allowing him access. As their tongues danced together the kiss grew and his hands moved lower gripping her ass as he pulled her closer. She could feel his desire straining against his pants and her own desire itched to be satisfied. His hand slid up her thigh playing first with her garter before groaning and moving higher to her lace panties. Bailey ran her fingers through his hair as his mouth moved to her neck. His lips left a trail of fire along her neck as his hands awakened sensations she had never felt before. Bailey knew she should stop him but couldn’t. Her mind screamed of the consequences if they were caught but her body overrode every warning. She felt Beckett’s hand as it moved between her legs pressing his palm against her. She moaned grinding her hips against his hand enjoying the pleasure that now filled her body.
“Fuck” Beckett growled as his lips moved back to hers. He kissed her stealing her breath away while his hands moved back up to her face. He pulled back looking into her eyes. “We can’t…not here.”
Bailey felt his muscles tense as he tried to control his desire. When he leaned his forehead against hers his breath fanned her face and she could feel his heart pound against her hands. As she slid off his lap she had to brace on her hands on his shoulders till her legs stopped shaking. Beckett grabbed her shoe and helped her slid first into one than the other. He stood and pulled her back into his arms as he traced her lips with his finger. She could see the conflict in his face and she knew it matched hers.
“Every time I’m alone with you I find all common sense goes out the window.” He groaned. “The moment I touch you I’m lost.”
Bailey smiled at his admission and felt she owed him the truth. “I’m not exactly a pillar of virtue either….I envy Macy.” He looked at her puzzled by her expression so she explained. “She wouldn’t have let you stop nor would you have considered it either” She pulled out of his arms and walked over to the balcony bracing her hands on the rail. “I’ve never felt like this with another man…my body craves your touch….when I’m in your arms I don’t feel like me…”
“What do you mean?” He asked coming up behind her. He didn’t touch her but she could feel his body heat emanate against her skin. She turned and faced him.
“I’ve always been in control…I had to be….” She said frowning. “I had to take of everyone….first my mom…..then Alexis and Tristan.” She reached up and touched his cheek. “I didn’t have time for me…the few men I knew...we never really got physical.”
She leaned up and kissed him savoring the way his lips felt against hers. As his arms slid around her pulling her against him she felt the fire spread within. He probed her mouth gently, slowly bringing her deeper until she could no longer trust her legs. Beckett pulled back when she swayed against him and kissing her forehead first he then rested his chin on her head as he looked out over the gardens.
“Bailey…..what I have with Macy….I don’t want that with you.” He said and when she tensed feeling the rejection he looked down at her. Tilting her chin till their eyes met he continued. “I want more…and as much as I want you physically….I want us to take it slow….I don’t want you to feel rushed and I definitely think we need to make sure we’re chaperoned more.” He grinned wickedly as his lips took hers once more. This time he wasn’t slow, he was demanding taking as much as she could give and then more. Bailey felt her world spinning and she felt herself falling. Where he was taking her would leave her shattered when it ended but she didn’t care. She was willing to risk it all and if in the end he walked out of her life she would have the memories.
Chapter 32
At the sound of voices Beckett broke off from the kiss but he kept
his hold on her as they turned toward his parents. Kathleen noticed the fresh blush on Bailey and looked to her son a smile of approval in her eyes. Roark just stood there arms crossed over his chest as if he was debating a lecture.
“Your grandmother is ready to leave.” Roark finally said letting him off the hook. “We’re going to head back with her, do you two want to stay or would you like to come back with us?”
“We’re going to stay.” Beckett said taking Baileys hand as he made the decision for both of them. “Maybe do a little ghost hunting?”
He couldn’t help but notice the excitement on Baileys face at his suggestion. He knew part of her wanted to go home to check on Alexis and Tristan but she needed this night. When Roark raised one eyebrow Beckett held up his fingers
“I’ll behave…scouts honor.” He promised.
“You were thrown out of scouts if you recall.” Roark said before kissing Baileys cheek. “I expect you to hold him to it.”
Bailey met his gaze and fought a grin as she replied. “I’ll try.”
Kathleen stepped forward and hugged Bailey before accepting a kiss from her son. She looked up at Beckett and he couldn’t help see the mischievous look his mother gave him.
“I want you to be on your best behavior.” She warned.
“I will.” He smiled back.
Keeping Baileys hand in his they followed his parents inside where her grandmother waited. One look at Bailey and her eyes immediately flew to his questioning what had transpired out on the patio. Baileys cheeks were now flushed the sexiest shade of pink and he was tempted to kiss her to see how her grandmother would react. Somehow she didn’t look surprised or angry with him.
“Bailey…I’m afraid I’ve reach the point of exhaustion…you are welcome to stay….enjoy your youth…..I will check in on your brother and sister when we get home.”
“Thank you grandmother.” Bailey said stepping forward and hugging her Regina.
As Bailey pulled back her grandmother looked at her face again before turning her gaze to Beckett.