by L. A. Miller
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing…….I thought I saw something….must be my eyes playing tricks.”
“What did you see?” He asked curiously as he looked back towards the house.
“A woman in the window.” She said looking back at the house. She turned and looked at Beckett expecting to see his amused expression but he was serious.
“I thought I saw her earlier too….when we first arrived….I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want to influence you.”
“Who do you think she is?”
“I don’t know….but I’m sure Ethan will find out.” He grinned. “Well, looks like you got your wish about a haunted house.”
Bailey slid into the car and watched as he came around to his side. She found it unusual he was so casual about it. Matt had always tried to find a reasonable explanation for things. When he looked at her he raised an eyebrow in question.
“Why don’t you have doubts?” She asked.
“She wouldn’t be the first ghost I’ve run across. One of the homes we redid was haunted by several. Trent used to get pissed off because they would scare off his workers by playing stunts on them. Like you we seem to attract them. As long as they don’t delay our work I don’t mind. They are actually good for the business for the Bed and Breakfasts we remodel. Gives them something to advertise and they draw a certain clientele.”
Once back at the house Beckett showed Bailey the blueprints and went over the plans he had for remodeling. She was impressed with his eye for detail and loved that he wanted to restore the home to its original design while incorporating some modern amenities in both the bathrooms and kitchen. He also showed her the photos of the historical homes they had remodeled and Bailey could not find fault in the final results.
“My mom has already been making a list of the stores and websites for you and her to explore. Trent told her she could have you one day a week, more once the workload is caught up. I told her if you two needed more time I would deal with Trent.”
“One day during the week should be fine; I could spend weekends and nights searching the websites.”
“Not for the next few weeks.” He reminded her. “Your grandmother has us booked up each night till the party. She left us this weekend free but I figured you would want to spend some time with Tristan and Alexis.”
“I would…..so much has been happening that I feel as if I’m neglecting them.”
“They have been so busy themselves I don’t think they’ve noticed.”
“Tristan wanted to learn to ride…maybe this would be a good time…would you like to join us?”
Beckett hesitated too long and Bailey realized he had other plans. Why wouldn’t he, it was his first weekend of freedom. By his uncomfortable stance Bailey suddenly remembered he was seeing Macy this weekend. He had told her he would be breaking it off but she now began to wonder had it only been words. Trying to hide her disappointment and the pain that now gripped her heart she quickly changed her mind.
“Actually, it might be best if I spent this weekend alone with them. I’m sure you have plans of your own. If you will excuse me I need to replay to some emails before the Remington’s arrive.”
Beckett called to her as she reached the door stopping her from a clean exit. She squared her shoulders and lifting her chin a little hire turned to face him. She saw confliction in his face and for a moment expected him to fabricate an excuse. She was surprised when he looked at her as he explained.
“Macy had already planned on coming to town this weekend. She and I need to talk.”
“You don’t owe me any explanations Beckett.” She said trying to control the emotions that now stormed within. He had told her he had planned on breaking off the relationship earlier but just now he told her they needed to talk. There was no mention now of breaking it off. Was he reconsidering their relationship? Why wouldn’t he when Macy could offer him her body? “Your relationship with Macy was understood when I met you. Please, enjoy the weekend.”
Beckett looked like he wanted to say more but she didn’t give him the opportunity. She turned and left leaving him alone in the study. Fearing he might follow her she ran up the stairs and once in her room locked her door. Leaning back against it she fought the tears that threatened to fall. She had allowed herself to believe there was a chance for them. She was a fool thinking he would really give up Macy for her like he said. She had been only too willing to let him kiss her. She had even thrown herself at him not once but twice and both times he had rejected her. He wasn’t doing the honorable thing as she thought. Her insecurities overrode everything he had told her. He was only concerned about the contract. Why would he ever want her when he had Macy, a supermodel who graced almost every fashion magazine? As she walked over to her desk she realized how close she had come to giving him her heart. Today she actually fantasized about a life with him in the house. She couldn’t risk letting him see she was falling in love with him. Images of him lying in bed with Macy, the two of them laughing at her and her naïve concept of a possibility Beckett would want a life with her filled her head. She fought back the tears as she stared now at her computer. For the first time since arriving she felt alone and isolated. She needed to talk to someone who cared. Someone who knew her; understood her fears and never let her down. She opened her email and looked at all the unread messages from Matt. She had felt guilty for leaving as she did and hadn’t opened one of his messages fearing it would add to her guilt. Clicking on the first she began to read needing to feel connected again to someone who didn’t have an agenda. She spend the next few minutes reading the messages he sent to her and with each one she read the concern he felt.
Where are you?
From: Matt
To: BaileyCMontgomery @ yahoo.com
Bailey where are you. I went by your place and the landlord said you moved out suddenly. He said there had been police there. Is it Jackson, has he found you again. Please let me know you’re ok.
Matt
You’re scaring me
From: Matt
To: BaileyCMontgomery @ yahoo.com
Bailey please let me know you are ok. I tried to text you but your phone has been disconnected. I’m not even sure you are getting these emails. Please I’m worried about you and the kids.
Matt
Should I take a hint?
From: Matt
To: BaileyCMontgomery @ yahoo.com
Bailey, if you are getting these emails please just tell me you are ok. Your apartment is empty and I found out the kids were also pulled from school but they wouldn’t tell me where you went. If this is your way of starting over I understand and will respect your wishes. I just want to know you’re ok. I won’t bug you anymore. Please just let me know you’re ok.
Matt
Feeling the guilt she quickly sent off a response to him.
I’m OK
From: Bailey
To: Mr.Everythingatonce @ Gmail.com
Matt, I’m sorry it took so long to respond. Things happened very quickly and I didn’t get a chance to explain. My grandmother arrived and we are now living with her. Someone complained to the authorities and they showed up on my doorstep while my grandmother was there. They had a court order to take the kids away from me but my grandmother knew about it and had papers granting her guardianship over Tristan and Alexis. I didn’t have a choice but to go with her. It’s better for them and we have been given a chance to start over. I wish I could explain more but please know I’m sorry I worried you. I valued your friendship and I am grateful for everything you ever did for us. I will keep in touch but for right now need to concentrate on this new life. I wish you all the best Matt.
Bailey
Bailey pushed send and couldn’t help but feel some regret. She was trying to let Matt know she cared but that he should get on with his life. She didn’t expect he would be on line at that time or that he would respond so quickly through instant message.
Why didn’t you co
me to me, I would have helped. You didn’t need to leave….Matt.
There was no time, my grandmother showed up just before the social worker. She had already made plans to take us back with her that day….Bailey.
Seems fishy she shows up the same day the authorities, is it possible she turned you in?...Matt.
What would her reason be? No she has been more than generous and I truly believe she is regretful over what happened with my father. I think she is trying to make it up to us….Bailey.
So you never plan on coming back?....Matt.
I don’t think so. I’ve already gotten a job, will have a home, Tristan will have insurance and they like their new school. There’s nothing there to come back too….Bailey.
There’s me….Matt.
Bailey hesitated in her next response. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings but she didn’t want to give him false hope either.
You would be the only reason, I care about you Matt but not the way you deserve….Bailey.
That could change in time; you never really gave us a chance….Matt.
I know, I couldn’t, I had to think about Tristan and Alexis….Bailey.
Then there still might be a chance, I could always relocate out there, the good thing about my work is that it’s portable….Matt.
As much as Bailey wanted a friend to be near, someone she could relax and talk to she couldn’t ask that of Matt. She knew if she did it would give him false hopes of their future. Maybe if she hadn’t met Beckett, hadn’t kissed him things would be different. Matt didn’t make her feel the way Beckett did. When Beckett entered a room she knew, when he was near she felt it and when he held her she dropped all defenses. As she reread Matt’s messages she realized he loved her and she was in love with Beckett. It was just as hopeless for each of them.
Did I scare you, I’m sorry. I know you don’t love me the way I love you. I know you may never love me that way. But I promise, I would never hurt you and never let you down. I would accept whatever you could offer me and never regret if you couldn’t give me more. If friendship was all you could offer than I would be happy with that….Matt.
Matt, it wouldn’t be fair to you to lead you on that way. You deserve someone who can love you and cherish the man you are….Bailey.
What if I was willing to accept whatever you could offer, what if I didn’t want more? I would rather live my life with you in friendship than spend my life looking for someone to replace you. They don’t exist….Matt.
They do you just have never looked. Please don’t make this harder on me than it already is. I value your friendship. I need your friendship. But I can’t give you more….Bailey.
Then I will accept that, but the offer stands….Matt.
Thank you, I will keep in touch….Bailey.
Before he could reply she logged out. She didn’t want to read the hurt in his reply. Bailey suddenly realized she had become too dependent on others since she had agreed to her grandmothers offer. For a brief moment she had actually considered Matts offer. It would be easy to turn to him to replace the hurt she felt from Beckett’s rejection. Just as she had turned to Beckett to protect her after both Jasper and Rhett had attacked her. That was the reason for the attraction, her vulnerable state. She couldn’t allow that to happen again because it only led to heart ache each time Beckett rejected her. Having made up her mind she grabbed her phone and sent Trent a text.
“I need a favor.” She pushed send and almost instantly he replied.
“Whatever you need.”
“Are you available this afternoon?”
“Of course.”
“I’ll meet you at the office after I drop the kids off. Please don’t mention this to Beckett.”
“Ok? Can you give me a clue?”
“I need you to teach me how to defend myself.”
She waited for what seemed like an eternity for his reply. Finally she smiled when she read his text.
“Wear something you can move in.”
Chapter 36
When Bailey left Beckett wanted to go after her. She had misread his intentions on seeing Macy this weekend but until that part of his life was over he couldn’t truly proceed with her and he knew it. He had told her he was ending it with Macy but knew she still had doubts. While part of him understood another part of him was angry she didn’t trust him. He kept waiting for a chance to talk to Bailey but she didn’t come down till the Remington’s appeared and after assuring them she was fine she excused herself with the excuse of picking up Tristan and Alexis. Beckett would have joined her but Mr. Remington wanted to discuss some possible renovations and Regina happily led Mrs. Remington away so the men could conduct their business. He was still locked in the study when Bailey returned and once he was free found she had left on an errand. He had planned on talking to her over dinner but her grandmother rode with them. Once they arrived Bailey was whisked away on the arm of their hostess while Beckett was sequestered again with the men discussing business. During dinner they were seated at opposite ends of the table and where he was forced to carry on a conversation with two of the socialites he had met the previous evening. Bailey was surrounded by several of the South’s most eligible bachelors who didn’t seem to notice the engagement ring on her finger. His irritation grew as he noticed how comfortable she seemed to be with them enjoying the attention they lavished upon her. As the group broke for coffee on the veranda he managed to pull Bailey aside for a private discussion.
“You seem to be enjoying the evening.” He said trying to control his anger.
“Yes I am, you were right about Southern gentlemen, they are quite charming.” She smiled not noticing the way his jaw was now twitching. “Ashton has invited me….well actually us to his estate this weekend. He is receiving a shipment of new Arabians.”
“Of course you told him we wouldn’t be able to make it.” He said assuming she would.
“No, actually, I told him you would be occupied but I would be able to come if he didn’t object to my bringing Tristan and Alexis.” She said confused. “Tristan has been reading about horses and mentioned he wanted to see an Arabian horse after talking with your brothers. They told him you had several on your ranch.”
“Yes we do and if he would like to see them I’m sure we could fly up one weekend.” He said tensely.
“Wait a minute.” She said turning to face him as his earlier words sunk in. “Are you telling me we can’t go to Ashton’s this weekend?”
“That would be advisable considering our relationship.” He said assuming her common sense would now take over. He was wrong; instead he saw the slow fury on her face as she responded.
“What gives you the right to dictate whether I go or not?”
“The right of your fiancé.” He challenged. “Just exactly how would it look for you to go to his estate unescorted by me?”
“Tristan and Alexis would be with me and it would be totally innocent. More than I can say about your meeting with Macy.” She said looking out over the gardens.
“My meeting with Macy has nothing to do with this, it will not be public.” He said sternly.
Bailey turned to face her eyes flashing with both hurt and anger. He knew she had misread what he meant to say but at the moment didn’t feel the need to explain. He was more irritated that she didn’t see the impropriety of going to a gentleman’s estate without her fiancé. Especially a gentleman who seemed to undress her every time he looked at her and had a reputation as a ladies man.
“Beckett let me get one thing clear; we are engaged in name only. I was foolish enough to allow you certain liberties but never again. You are free to pursue your relationship with Macy as long as it is done in private. If I chose to visit Ashton or any other gentleman’s estate I shall do so and you may be certain each visit will be properly chaperoned so as not to imply any improprieties on my end. I have no intention of leading Ashton or any other gentleman into believing I am free to be pursued, at least not until I have met my contractual oblig
ations with you. You have no claim over me Beckett. Do not dare to imply I must get your permission every time I accept an invitation from a friend.”
Beckett couldn’t help admire the fire in her eyes as she stood up to him but he also couldn’t control the anger he felt from her words. When she tried to move past him he blocked her path and when she looked up to challenge him he did what came naturally. He pulled her to him devouring her mouth with his. At first he was angry wanting to punish her but somewhere along the line it shifted and he needed her to respond. When she remained aloof he pulled back seeing her will to resist him. Accepting the challenge he moved his lips to hers coaxing her softly to respond but she refused. His lips moved down her jawline leaving a trail of kisses as he moved to the sensitive spot on her neck. He felt her weaken and doubled his effort till she molded against him. When her hands trailed up his chest he returned to her mouth teasing her to open for him. She moaned in response and opening her lips she allowed him entrance. His tongue danced and parried with hers as he drank in the flavor that belong to her. He felt her shudder as her fingers clasped behind his neck pulling him closer. When she surrendered he smiled pulling back to admire her face. Her cheeks were flushed with desire, her lips swollen from his kisses and her eyes the color of velvet. He wanted more and he knew she felt the same. Satisfied he had won he whispered.
“I’m sure Ashton will understand when you turn him down.”
As if doused with a bucket of water she pulled back out of his arms. She stood before him her passion now replaced by anger. Confused at her sudden change he asked.
“What’s wrong?”
“Of all the pompous arrogant things….did you believe you could just kiss me and I would agree to your demands.” She said almost shouting. “My body may be a fool when it comes to you but my brain and my heart never will. You do not own me Beckett Birmingham nor will you ever. I will be joining Ashton this weekend and you cannot stop me….kindly move away from the door or I will make you regret it.”