by Molly McLain
Colton’s lawyer dips his chin. “For starters, yes. A lack of cooperation by your respective clients, however, will result in the pursuit of additional formal complaints to the District Attorney’s office.”
Bria, who hasn’t lifted her eyes from the table, shifts from side to side in her chair. “Is there something we can do to just settle this right now?”
Liz’s eyes snap over to the blonde, whose attorney is whispering something frantically in her ear.
“What?” she asks out loud, despite the presumed warning. “I’m just saying it would be easier for everyone involved. Colton forks over some cash for this baby and I’ll never bother him another day in his life.”
“Problem is you’re not pregnant,” Colton speaks up, and Richard walks around the table, handing pictures to both of the other attorneys.
“As you’ll see, the image of Ms. Morgan’s alleged ultrasound has the very same characteristics of the verified ultrasound picture belonging to a young woman in New York. An image posted online, which is where your client found the image, Mr. Hall. Perhaps you’d like to explain copyright law to Ms. Morgan before we proceed further.”
“That’s not true,” Bria refutes with a nervous smile. “That’s absolutely my picture. I had the ultrasound done weeks ago.”
“Then you won’t mind taking this pregnancy test.” Richard pulls a box out of his briefcase and the blonde’s back suddenly goes stick straight.
“That’s a ridiculous request,” her attorney’s laughs. “But if it’ll end this absurd copyright accusation, of course, she’ll do it.”
Bria’s head all but spins around on her shoulders like a freakin’ poltergeist. “No, I won’t.”
“Ms. Morgan,” he says, through gritted teeth, then leans in and says something else into her ear while Liz’s attorney clears his throat.
“My client would like remind Mr. Wade about the conditions of their employment contract.”
“Sure,” Richard says, pulling out a stack of papers with several tabbed pages. “I’m happy to review the details, including this part right here…” He flips to a page with one single highlighted line and reads. “Any acts of defamation of character against either party shall deem any contract between the respective parties to be null and void.”
Liz makes a dramatic scoff, complete with an eye roll. “What about all the things he’s said about me?”
“Like what, Ms. Romig?” Richard asks, leaning back in his chair and casually tapping his pen against his chin.
“I have a ton of texts right here…” She pulls her phone from her purse and holds it up in the air.
Richard shoots Colton a concerned glare, then takes out his own phone. “Can you please forward those to me, Ms. Romig? I’d like to review them to ensure my client is being completely honest with me.”
“Of course.” She practically beams, while my gut begins to knot. I want to look at Colton, but I’m not sure I want to see his expression. “Your phone number, sir?”
“Hold on now…” her lawyer protests. “We should make it clear that my client has a new phone number, therefore the derogatory texts have all been forwarded from her old number. There isn’t a direct link to Mr. Wade, therefore I’m not sure these texts will be of any use to our issue here.”
Richard nods. “I understand, Mr. Sharp. I simply want to understand the situation a little better.”
Liz shares a glance with her counsel before he eventually nods and she asks for Richard’s number again. He rattles it off and a moment later, his phone lights up with message after message.
Colton’s hand tightens around mine and I think I might actually be sick. I can only imagine the kinds of things Colton’s said to her in anger, but even so, I doubt they’ll be substantial enough to compare to what she’s done.
“While those load, let’s talk about the Ms. Romig’s request for $500,000 from my client.”
Again, Liz makes a disgusted sound. “I did no such thing.”
What a lying witch. “Actually, you sent it to me, too, so…”
She narrows her eyes on me and I’m sincerely shocked by the hatred I see there. What have I ever done to her? In the beginning, I was one of her biggest fans. I even encouraged Colton to go along with some of her crazier ideas.
“You have no proof that those messages came from my client,” her lawyer says to Richard with a bored sigh.
“I don’t?” Col’s attorney raises both of his salt and pepper eyebrows as he picks up his phone. “I have a copy of the message right here. I also have a copy of the very disturbing video that Ms. Morgan sent to Ms. Jansen with claims that Mr. Wade is the alleged father of the baby she’s yet to prove the existence of.”
Bria throws her hands in the air. “Okay, fine. I’m not pregnant. So what? It’s not like I asked him for $500,000 to keep my mouth shut.”
Beside her, Liz’s face turns from pink to red to pale, as everyone in the room hears the very same thing. At least I didn’t do what she did.
“Thank you for your honesty, Ms. Morgan. My client certainly appreciates that, but here’s the thing…” He taps his finger on his phone. “In the video you sent to Ms. Jansen, you are clearly trying to convey that you had a sexual encounter with my client that did not happen. Furthermore, Flint McGinnis has already provided a statement through his attorney, claiming that he is, in fact, your costar.”
“That bastard,” Bria mutters and Liz, bless her heart, turns an even paler shade of white. “I told you he wouldn’t follow through,” the blonde snaps at her agent. “Worse, I screwed your disgusting boyfriend for nothing.”
Oh, my God. Is this real life or a soap opera? I glance away from the table and spot Richard’s quiet friend leaning a shoulder against the wall by the door. Just like me, he’s biting back a smile.
“What about the things Colton said about me?” Liz asks, desperation dripping off of every word. “Read them. You’ll see he’s no angel.”
Richard leans back in the chair and slowly thumbs open his phone. “Sure. Let me just verify that these are indeed from you, Ms. Romig. Your phone number is 323-555-7714?”
She nods eagerly and, almost as quickly, her attorney closes his eyes and drops his chin to his chest.
“Mr. Wade and Ms. Jansen,” Richard begins. “Could you please take out your phones and tell me again which phone number the demand for half a million dollars came from?”
Mr. Sharp pushes away from the table in a huff. “I’m going to need a few moments with my client.”
He ushers her out the door, one hand firmly on her elbow, and Bria and her lawyer follow.
Colton waits until we’re alone with Richard and his friend before he scrubs a hand over his jaw and laughs. “Holy shit, it worked.”
“Desperation makes people do stupid things, Colton. I’m glad you chose to go this route rather than taking matters into your own hands.” Richard winks and his friend steps forward.
“Mr. Wade,” he says, extending his hand across the table. “I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced. I’m Jett Beck.”
Beside me, Colton goes still. But only for a moment before he releases my hand and gets to his feet, anxiously accepting the man’s proffered gesture.
“Mr. Beck, it’s so nice to finally meet you.” Col’s grin is bright, but controlled. He’s nervous, even as he helps me to my feet. “This is my girlfriend, Taylor.”
“Ah.” He takes my hand into both of his and flashes an almost apologetic smile. “I can only imagine how difficult this fiasco has been for you. I’d like to personally express my gratitude for your patience.”
Huh? I frown at Col, begging him for some kind of clue.
“Mr. Wade, I imagine you’re wondering why I’m here today,” the mystery man continues on. “And I’d like to start out by assuring you that ProFit does not—nor has it ever—condoned the behavior of your former agent.”
ProFit? Holy crap.
“She misrepresented our interests with the goal of promotin
g her own and, as a result, we will be taking legal action against her.”
- - -
Colton
I let out a breath so long and heavy, I have to wonder how long I’ve actually been holding it. Weeks? Months?
“ProFit doesn’t want to lose you, Colton, and I’m here today to tell you that we’d like to renegotiate the terms of your contract in a rather significant manner.” ProFit’s founder and CEO takes a piece of paper from a folder on the table and slides it across the glossy surface.
I’m still in shock that the man himself stands in front of me more or less apologizing, but a contract revision—for more money—instead of grief for almost screwing up the last one? I can’t wrap my head around it.
“The first thing you’ll notice is the change in your payout from our most recent agreement. Ms. Romig is in breach of contract and, because she was subcontracted beneath you, we had the option of force-forfeiting your portion and, by default, her. We chose not to go that route, because we realize what an asset you are to the company. Therefore, we’ve reallocated her portion of the contract to you, instead. I hope you’ll find that acceptable.”
I blink at the contact for a long moment, taking in not only the new reallocation but the proposed numbers for a contract extension. A multi-year, Beckham-Calvin Klein type agreement. Seven figures…annually.
Taylor drops down into her seat, her eyes as wide as mine feel.
“Are you serious?” I ask, shifting my gaze between Richard and Jett, both of whom grin at me. Don’t they understand that this kind of shit doesn’t happen to guys like me. Landing the first gig with ProFit blew my mind, but this…is fucking surreal.
“I’ve reviewed the full document, Colton. It’s rock solid,” Richard says. “More importantly, it’s for you and only you.”
“You don’t need to make a decision right now.” Jett hands over the entire folder. “Look it over and get back to me personally if you have any questions. My card is tucked inside.”
I nod, because it’s all I can do, and Jett’s offers his hand again before he excuses himself to break the news to Liz. Richard follows to offer backup, and for a solid ten seconds, Taylor and I do nothing but sit in suspended, disbelieving silence.
“Did that just happen?” I finally ask, and her mouth curves into my favorite smile.
“Yes, handsome, I believe it did.”
Chapter Twenty
Taylor
Colton and I made it to Maribel just in time for the wedding rehearsal on Friday afternoon. Casey wasn’t happy about it, but when Col gave her the abbreviated version of our week—including the fact that I finally told him about the baby—she was more forgiving. Might’ve helped that he promised her first dibs on holding the baby after he or she is born.
Now Col and I sit across from each other at the end of the rehearsal dinner, not so casually playing footsy beneath the table. Yeah, we’re playing with fire until we formally tell everyone what we’ve been up to, but that’s part of the fun.
“Between the monkey suit I have to wear tomorrow and you two acting like kids, I feel like I’m back in high school,” Shane mutters beside me. So far, he and Casey have kept their mouths shut, but I think Col and I are pushing him toward his breaking point. “This isn’t going to be one of those dates where I’m left looking for my girl while she’s out back with her hand down some other dude’s pants, is it?”
Col chokes on his beer and shoots me a put-on glare. “Taylor knows better than to pull that shit when I’m around.”
“Like I said…high school all over again,” our friend mutters, and as Kevin clanks a knife against his water glass to grab our attention. Standing at the head of the table, he and Casey wrap their arms around each other.
“We’d like to thank you all for being here today and for joining us for our big day tomorrow.” Col’s future brother-in-law speaks to the group, but never takes his eyes off of his bride. I sneak a sidelong glance at Colton, and he’s watching me with a secret smile on his face.
I mimic the expression and, beneath the table, slide my toes up the inside of his lower leg. It’s not meant to be a sexual gesture—I just need to touch him.
“We’re truly blessed that you’d want to share this memory with us, and we invite you to make your own memories tomorrow, too. This day isn’t just about us—it’s about family, friends, and love…”
A lump decides to make an untimely visit to my throat and I blink away the subsequent tears while I reach for my ginger ale. As I sip, Matty catches my eye further down the table.
Subtly, he tips his beer in my direction and my attempt to control my emotions is a total loss. His brow creases sympathetically and my heart squeezes tight in my chest.
I want to tell him everything, but I promised Colton that I’d let him do it and I know it’s what they both need. I just hope Col decides to come clean sooner than later, because I’m not sure how much longer I can go without hugging the crap out of Matty. Even if he was a jerk the last time I saw him.
The dinner wraps up an hour later, and I walk out with Casey and a couple of her bridesmaids.
“You ready to sing your heart out tomorrow?” Colton’s sister asks. “Because if your vocal cords need any loosening, just be patient. I’m sure my brother will do something asinine that you can holler at him about.”
I laugh as we linger in the parking lot while the guys hang back, planning the just married sign they’re going to hang from Kevin’s vintage Mustang. “Oh, I don’t doubt it,” I sigh, though I have a feeling that the next couple of days will be filled with a lot more confessions than arguments, starting with our parents tonight.
“Hey, Mom!” Colton calls to Penny as she heads toward her car. “Hold up for a minute.”
Or right now, apparently. Yikes.
Casey pulls me in for a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Me, too. Now the hard part.”
“Nothing to be worried about, doll face. Everyone is going to be just as excited for the two of you as I am.”
Probably, but it doesn’t make me any less nervous. Especially considering the mess between my parents. The flowers aside, I haven’t actually talked to my dad since Mom left, so I’m not sure what to expect.
“Ready to roll?” Col strolls toward us with his hands in the pockets of his dress pants. The sleeves of his button down are rolled to just below his elbows and the stance does amazing things to his forearms.
All mine. “Sure.”
Penny smiles sweetly as we approach her car. “Taylor, sweetie, you are looking more beautiful than ever. Madison must be treating you well.”
Madison…her son…her grandchild…same difference, right? “Thank you, Penny. It’s been…a wild few months.”
“I just bet it has,” she laughs and Colton clears his throat.
“Would it be okay if Tee and I followed you home? There’s something we want to talk to you about.”
“Other than the two of finally realizing what everyone else has known all along?”
My eyes go wide and Col just blinks.
“Oh, you’re both so stinkin’ cute…” She pulls both of us in for an awkward three-person hug, then kisses me on cheek. “By all means, come over. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
- - -
Colton
“Well, that was…interesting,” I say when Taylor and I climb back into my truck after sharing our news with my mother. “Do you think Casey told her?”
Taylor shakes her head as she buckles up. “No, I think she’s just a very intuitive mother. Like mine will probably be, too.”
“Sorry about the photo albums. She’ll use any excuse to drag those friggin’ things out.” I’m pretty sure everyone in Maribel has seen my bare ass in the bathtub at least five times by now.
“You act like I haven’t already seen them.” She shoots me a taunting smirk.
“That’s what I’m saying!” I laugh and start toward her parents’ house. Or rather—her dad’s place
now. She was most nervous about telling my mom, and I’m trying not to freak out about her old man. He used to like me, but I don’t think he’ll be so amiable when he finds out I’ve seen his little girl naked.
We turn the corner onto her old block and Taylor gasps. “That’s my mom’s car.”
I spot the familiar car parked on the street out front and slow the truck. “Should we do this another time?”
Taylor chews on the corner of her mouth for a moment before shaking her head. “No. I don’t want to have to worry about being careful in front of them tomorrow.”
“It’s not a big deal, Tee. I can control myself.”
She passes me a knowing smirk. “I doubt it.”
“What? I can be a civilized human being.” We both know I’m full of shit, but I humor her anyway.
“Thank you for doing this with me,” she says, as we meet in front of my truck. “Especially with both of them here.”
I snag her pinky with mine and lead her through the side door of the garage. Once we’re safely inside, all bets are off.
I push her against the wall, cover her mouth with mine, and lick away her little mewl of surprise. “This is my job now,” I remind her between kisses. “Boyfriends do this kind of stuff.”
She clings to my T-shirt and I wish I’d thought to turn the lights on so I could enjoy the blush I’m sure she’s sporting.
“Way to distract me,” she pants. “Remember that paybacks are hell, Col.”
I dip my chin and wink. “Looking forward to it.”
- - -
Taylor
I’m not sure what I expect to find inside, but it certainly isn’t my dad cooking at the stove while my mom sips a glass of wine at the island.
“Honey!” She jumps to her feet and throws her arms around my shoulders. “I wondered if you’d made it home yet.”
“Um, yeah. We went straight to the rehearsal.” Over her shoulder, my dad smiles. It’s not his normal grin, though. It’s…nervous. Kind of like some of Colton’s lately.