Intense 2

by Hebert, Cambria

  His lips left mine and I moaned in protest. He cupped my face, holding me tenderly, preciously. We gazed at one another. Words of love didn’t need to be spoken because they were felt somewhere deep down inside. God, how I loved this man.

  “I’m tempted to tell Jensen we’re skipping lunch. Dammit, having you in my arms, kissing you, it’s maddening.” Bradley’s hands left my face and moved to my waist, what little waist I had at seven months pregnant.

  “I know, but we have so much riding on today. We need to keep our heads on straight and not get swept away. It’s like we’re teenagers again.” I giggled and leaned into him, laying my head on his chest.

  “You’re right but it’s tempting knowing we have a bed somewhere upstairs just waiting for us to ruffle it up.”

  Bradley hugged me and then led me into the restaurant. We entered just as Jensen arrived, too. His eyebrows rose when he saw us. I was flushed and I’m sure I looked a bit dazed, too. He was a smart man so I’m sure he figured out what we’d just been doing.

  “You two need to get a room,” Jensen grinned and shook his head at us. Who knew he had such a sense of humor? He’d been Mr. Play Hardball for weeks.

  “Got one for later thanks,” Bradley quipped.

  All I could do was roll my eyes as we followed the hostess to our table. Jensen went over the plan again detail by detail. Nothing had changed. His office said the prenuptial contained a clause about what I’d receive in a divorce if I committed adultery. I choked on those words. So did Bradley, especially knowing that Joe was the one that admitted to being a cheater.

  Either way, Jensen said the settlement he’d put together would blow away anything Joe’s attorneys would offer. Jensen had played this game before, and I had to have faith in him. He’d done Bradley right, and I had to believe he would do the same for me.

  Chapter 7: Bradley’s Turn

  It was just before two and our scheduled showdown with Kelly’s hopefully soon-to-be ex-husband. He was a royal ass for playing the prenup card at the last minute, which I guessed wasn’t all that surprising considering whom we were dealing with.

  I’m sure he’d tricked her into signing all kinds of crazy shit before they were married. Fucking jerk. I didn’t use that word often as my father taught me it was best used when doing two things: moving furniture and the actual act. Joe would be the exception to that rule, and I’m sure my father would agree if he were still alive.

  Jensen, Kelly, and I rode up the elevator to Joe’s attorney’s office. We were quiet as we mentally prepared for what was ahead. Kelly had my hand in a death grip. However, I was more worried about her poor bottom lip as her teeth were constantly chewing on it.

  “Hey, sweetie. Your lip,” I whispered, leaning toward her. “It needs a break.” Her eyes went wide and she smiled. I bent over and kissed her freed captive. Her lips were soft like silk. I pulled away quickly and eyed Jensen. He just rolled his eyes. I thought we were paying him for his legal expertise not his relationship opinions.

  Once off the elevator, Jensen directed us to the attorney’s office and opened the door. The place felt like a library with its dark wood paneled walls. It reeked of wealth and made it rather obvious that Joe had invested in the best. Even though he was a paid public servant as a deputy district attorney, his family had deep pockets. Deep Old South money from what Jensen said.

  We checked in at the reception desk where a young woman was seated. She informed us we were joining the other parties in a conference room. We followed her down a long hallway with wooden floors. The clicks of our collective heels echoed off the surrounding walls. The sound was eerie as it broke the silence among us.

  I exchanged a glance with Kelly, trying to encourage her. Holding her hand was out of the question, Jensen warned us. No public displays of affection. Not even a simple touch. That one might prove to be hard especially if Kelly was floundering and needed my support.

  After stopping in front of an expansive set of paneled doors, the receptionist tapped on them. From inside the room, a man called, “Please, come in.” She opened both doors for us. They swung open wide practically hitting the wall behind.

  A grand presentation of polished attorneys in bespoke suits appeared before us as we stood staring into the conference room, one meant to intimidate and give them the upper hand.

  The long side of the rectangular table faced us and on the other side of it was Joe, sitting tall, sporting a dominant air, surrounded by his legal team. They looked us over impassively with papers placed purposefully in front of them; their hands clasped on the tabletop. They put up a good front, appearing ready and prepared, but then again so were we.

  Kelly was protected from their full view as she stood behind Jensen and me, but when she walked around to a chair, I noticed a couple of attorneys across the aisle raise their brows. Yes, they saw Kelly and the surprise she was carrying. The attorneys were whispering something to Joe. I watched him nod his head and then turn away from them.

  Just as we thought, he’d not said a word about the baby. What a bastard. Jensen was smart to keep the baby’s existence a secret. But I still didn’t get it. How could Joe deny his own child? It was unfathomable to me. Evil, actually.

  I pulled a chair out for Kelly. Jensen sat between us, likely a good idea. I already wanted to give her a hug, hold her for a second, and let her know I was here for her. I had to say it silently instead. She glanced over at me after we were all seated. I mouthed, “I love you” and she smiled weakly. I hoped seeing all the feathers getting ruffled when she walked in signaled to her that we did indeed have Joe by the balls today.

  “Good afternoon, gentlemen,” Jensen started. “I’m Vince Jensen with Thomas and Martin law offices, the representative council for Kelly Parker Jefferies who is seated beside me. Also joining us is Bradley Dawson, a lifelong friend of Kelly’s. Lastly, I’d like to mention another person here on our side of the table today, Joe Jeffries’ and Kelly’s unborn child.”

  I closely watched Joe as Jensen spoke each word. When my name came up, Joe fumed and moved in his seat. His lawyers had to hold him back as he tried to get up. They told Joe to calm down and pull himself together. He was creating quite a scene and then when the baby was mentioned, the baby he failed to tell his legal team about, his attorney once again spoke quietly to him.

  I could tell they were pissed. Likely felt undermined, as they should. Their well-laid plans for today might be tumbling on the ground all around them. I quickly winked at Kelly. I felt victory in the air.

  “What the hell is he doing here, Kelly?” Joe screamed as soon as Jensen finished his introduction. “Are you sleeping with him? I knew it. Leave me and run back to Dallas and him. Does he know what a whore you are?”

  I was out of my chair instantly ready to fly across the table. Who did he think he was to call Kelly that? I wanted to pummel his face in, make him take back and regret every damn word he said.

  “Bradley,” Jensen leaned toward me and muttered sternly under his breath. “Sit down or leave the room. Don’t jeopardize this for Kelly.”

  I took a deep breath and sat down. I knew Jensen was right, but it took all my strength to control my anger. This time when I turned to her, she was the one doing the encouraging.

  “Bradley, please. Do what Jensen says.” Her voice shook. I knew she was upset no matter what she was trying to tell me. “Please, it’s all right.”

  “It’s not all right,” I answered back loudly. “But I’ll keep my shit together for now. If there’s anymore name calling though, all bets are off.”

  One of Joe’s attorneys stood up and cleared his throat. “Would you mind if we had a few minutes with our client? We have a comfortable lounge I can have Mindy escort you to.”

  “Certainly,” Jensen replied.

  The attorney who spoke came around to our side and shook Jensen’s hand. “Matt Byers. I believe we spoke on the phone yesterday. I’d like to speak to my client alone for a few minutes if you don’t mind.”
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  “I understand.” Jensen said. “The situation with your client has changed since Mrs. Jefferies walked into the room.”

  Byers leaned over the table, and pushed a couple of buttons on the phone in front of him. He spoke to Mindy, who I assume was the receptionist who’d escorted us to the conference room. I guessed correctly when the doors opened and Mindy reappeared. Once again we followed her to a swanky lounge with a couple of couches and a desk. After she left, Jensen was the first to speak.

  “We need to keep our voices down in here. No strategy talk at all. I don’t trust them. Who knows if there are hidden mics?” Jensen scanned around the room. His eyes stopped on a large contraption sitting on the wet bar.

  “I’m going to make some coffee. You behave,” Jensen said to us before heading toward the coffee machine.

  “How are you doing?” I searched Kelly’s face, looking for any signs on how she was holding up. Under the circumstances she appeared all right.

  “It’s funny. You’d think I’d be frazzled and upset after Joe called me a whore. For Pete’s sake, I never was anything but faithful. His outburst showed me how awful a human being he is. His behavior convinced me I’m, or we’re, doing the right thing. I hope this is the last time I see him or have to deal with him ever again.”

  “I pray so, too, Kelly.” I stuffed my hands in my pockets because they didn’t want to behave at all. They itched to touch her, but I had to play it cool.

  As Jensen walked toward us, Mindy entered the lounge area and announced that we were wanted back in the conference room. The break was super quick, and I wondered if they were able to calm Joe down and get him to be halfway reasonable. Now off for round two.

  When we arrived back at the conference room, the mood was somber. Joe looked like his legal team had taken him to the woodshed. The proud peacock that’d confronted us with his feathers puffed out was nowhere to be found. Instead, he avoided eye contact with us as we took our seats across from him.

  “Thanks for allowing the break. We understand that both of the parties were aware of the child before their separation, so there isn’t a failure of disclosure on your client’s part.” Byers went right to the point. His client hadn’t told him about the baby, and it wasn’t Kelly's responsibility to disclose it. The blame lay right at Joe’s feet. Actually, the whole damn mess did.

  “That is correct,” Jensen replied. “We came prepared today to offer a settlement. We have laid out the terms and conditions. I’ll pass around the papers.”

  Jensen stood, took out a folder from his briefcase, and shuffled through some papers. He passed out the settlement agreement he hoped Joe would agree on. I found Kelly’s gaze, and she gave me a halfhearted smile. So much was at stake here, her future, the baby’s, and ours together.

  Once everyone had the papers in front of them, the seconds turned into minutes as Joe’s legal team absorbed the offer. It was straightforward and to the point. A set dollar amount. No maintenance or alimony for Kelly. No long-term payoffs from Joe.

  All he had to do was sign the documents and write a check, but I knew nothing would ever be that simple when dealing with this man and his ego. I’d known plenty of jerks like him in my life. They liked to make people pay when they felt wronged. Then add all the zeros behind the number that was on the offer… I was certain Joe would make Kelly sweat before he signed

  “Before we discuss the financial part of this settlement, I’d like clarification on Mr. Jeffries giving up any parental rights to his unborn child. In the State of Georgia, the juvenile court will not allow this type of separation if the mother is planning on raising the child by herself.” Byers glanced at me. “Another man would have to be seeking to adopt the child with the mother. The State doesn’t want to be burdened down the road for the child in the event the mother can’t provide financially.”

  “An understandable concern,” Jensen replied. “We have legal documents prepared by my offices here in Atlanta that petition the court for Bradley Dawson’s adoption of the unborn child. He intends to raise the child as his own in partnership with Kelly Parker Jeffries.”

  The room went quiet again. Joe fisted the arms of his chair. He looked ready to explode, and I prepared myself for the announcement of another break being needed to calm him down. And I was right.

  “We will need some time to with our client to discuss this. Perhaps we can meet again in a few days?”

  “Unfortunately, this offer is for today only. The financial settlement outlined in the offer will double if there isn’t an agreement today.” Smartly, Jensen foresaw the potential delay and had a document ready to prove his point if needed.

  “Fair enough. It says the juvenile proceedings for Mr. Jeffries’ revocation of parental rights will be sealed. Is this correct?”

  “That is correct. All the proceedings and documents supporting our legal actions will be sealed where the child is involved. We will also petition the court to seal the records of the divorce settlement since they make reference of the unborn child.”

  “If you all wouldn’t mind waiting in the lounge again?” Byers asked. “You might want to make yourself comfortable as this discussion may take some time.”

  “No problem,” Jensen replied.

  And off we went to the lounge again. Kelly and I followed behind Jensen and I took her hand as we walked down the hall.

  “What do you think, Bradley?” Kelly asked. “Joe seemed so upset?”

  “I don’t give a shit about Joe. He doesn’t want the baby. We know that for a fact. But he probably doesn’t like the thought of another man, especially me, taking his place. It’s crazy and doesn’t make any sense. But his pride and reputation as a man has been called into question.”

  “True,” Kelly agreed. “His attorneys are getting to see the real Joe. And it’s a pretty damn ugly show. Thanks for being here for me and the baby.”

  “I’m just a man hopelessly in love with you.” I placed my hands on her stomach. “And this little one, too. You can count on me, darling.”

  We sat next to each other on the couch, pretty much ignoring the fact that Jensen was in the room with us. Kelly rested her head on my shoulder. She exhaled and relaxed against me. I leaned my head against the top of hers.

  Chapter 8: Kelly’s Turn

  A little over an hour after we made the trip into the lounge, Mindy appeared and said we were wanted back in the conference room. Finally. I wanted to get this whole thing over with.

  I’d drifted off a couple of times wedged in Bradley’s side. His warmth and protection made me feel safe enough to succumb to a quick snooze. I was exhausted from the travel and emotions of the day, but I felt refreshed, ready to see what Joe’s attorneys thought of our offer.

  This time Bradley and I walked into the conference room together, hand in hand. He was willing to adopt my baby. Only someone in love with me would be willing to do that, right?

  He lifted and buoyed me above my fears when he declared his love for me on the plane ride here. The love I felt for this man was overwhelming. Mere words couldn’t express what I felt.

  I settled into my seat and prepared to hear what our opponents had to share. Byers began before I had thoroughly scooted my chair to the table.

  “After reading over your offer and discussing it thoroughly with our client, we have a few points to discuss and clarify.” Byers waited for our response.

  “I’d be surprised if you didn’t,” Jensen answered.

  “Firstly, my client will agree to the financial figure as long as he will have nothing pending in the future to pay Mrs. Jeffries. Correct?”

  “That is correct. If he agrees to the settlement, pending the court’s approval, of course, he will have no further monies due to my client. There will be no recourse available for changes, either.” Jensen folded his hands together on the table. There was no room for compromise.

  “We have advised our client to agree to the financial settlement offer. However, there is a concern about the unborn chi
ld.” Byers glanced sideways at Joe, perhaps needing an okay before continuing on. “Mr. Jeffries will give up his rights to the unborn child on one account. Mrs. Jeffries needs to make a public statement concerning the reason she left Joe.”

  “A public statement?” Jensen asked, interrupting Byers.

  “Yes, Mr. Jeffries is concerned about the political fallout of his divorce and the speculation some might have about the unborn child Mrs. Jeffries is carrying.” Byers swallowed. It looked as if whatever he was about to say required effort on his part. Likewise, I prepared myself for what was coming from him too. “He has requested Mrs. Jeffries release a public statement, a press release would suffice, in which she admits to leaving him for Bradley Dawson and that Mr. Dawson is the child’s father.”

  “What?” Jensen practically yelled. “You’re asking my client to publicly humiliate herself and admit to adultery. Which, by the way, is one thing your client just might be guilty of himself.”

  “Yes, we have advised our client against this course of action, but Mr. Jeffries remains steadfast in his request, or should I say demand.” Byers glanced at Joe with a frown on his face.

  Jensen reared back in his chair, and Bradley stood ready to take on Joe, but I had a secret weapon that neither of them knew about, one that would turn Joe’s world upside down if I chose to use it. The time to lay down my cards had arrived.

  I stood next to Bradley and placed my hand on his shoulder. He looked surprised, but it was my turn to play hardball.

  “Bradley. Jensen,” I spoke to them, my voice was steady. “I have something to say to Joe that will likely clear this whole mess up. Please sit down and let me talk.”

  “Kelly, are you sure?” Bradley asked with a confused look on his face.

  “Yes, I’m sure. Trust me.”

  Bradley and Jensen hesitantly took their seats for me. They sat on the edge of their chairs ready to take my defense on a moment’s notice. I smiled at them. I didn’t relish in what I was about to do, but Joe, being the pig that he was, had left me no other choice.