Forbidden

by Hadley Raydeen

  I nodded, listening to his story. I knew all too well how studying law was an absolute time suck. Friends I had during my undergrad I barely saw, unless they tagged me in a ‘wish you were here’ post on Social Media.

  But, I wondered where this was going and why he picked now, after we’d had a wild romp in pretty much every corner of his house and finished a delicious dinner to bring this up about ex and kids and—

  “I know you are thinking, ‘why is he telling me all of this?’” He cut into my thoughts.

  “You read my mind, actually. I mean, I’m glad to know you have a daughter; thank you for sharing that with me, but what are you trying to tell me, Reid? What is on your mind?”

  He took a deep breath. “I don’t want there to be any secrets between us and there are things you should know about me if we are considering us.” He drew a lazy circle on my arm lying across the back of his couch.

  “Okay, that sounds fair. What is it you want to share?” I asked, sipping my wine.

  “Arlene—”

  “Ugh,” I groaned. “Anything but her, Reid. I’m trying to enjoy this evening.” I shook my head.

  “I know, but you need to know what is going on at this law firm. This is involves you, too.”

  “What involves me? Is this about your affair with her? I don’t want to know the details.”

  “The devil’s in the details, honey, trust me. I won’t go into all that. Suffice to say, Arlene is embezzling from the firm. Large sums.”

  My eyes grew wide. “Why do you think that?”

  “Has she asked you to do anything that seems a bit sketchy? Strange reports, odd requests?” he asked, looking at me over the rim of his glass of wine.

  “You think I’m helping her with this…whatever it is she is doing?”

  Reid took my wine glass from my hand and set it with his on the coffee table before pulling me to him. He cradled my face in between his large hands and made sure I was focused on him before he spoke. “That is the opposite of what I think, sweetheart.” He placed a kiss to my lips before dropping his hands to mine. “I’m trying to figure out how she is doing it and who is helping her. She isn’t going at it alone. She is being strategic moving money to different accounts. Writing up reports that look every bit legit, but the money is not in the accounts she is reporting they are located. Joe thinks she is doing this to stick it to him, but I think she is doing it to get back at me.”

  “Why would she do anything to get back at Joe? Why would he think that?” I asked.

  “Joe and Arlene are married.” His gaze dropped.

  I clapped a hand over my mouth but not before the gasp escaped from deep within me.

  “I know,” he said. “They’ve done a pretty fantastic job keeping it under wraps. Only a few at the firm know, especially now since they are going through such a nasty divorce.”

  “Does Joe know you two…”

  “No...” He looked at me with a mixture of regret and something I couldn’t quite read.

  “What in the world…”

  Of all the screwed up situations.

  “I know. It’s not something I’m proud of; Not my most shining moment.”

  “How could you betray a friend like that, Reid?” I asked.

  This did not look good on him at all. He slept with his best friend’s wife and just threw her by the wayside. I was, by no means an Arlene fan but she didn’t deserve that.

  Well… maybe she did.

  “It’s not exactly what you think, Addison. There were extenuating circumstances. Arlene was blackmailing me...”

  “What does she have on you?” I backed away from Reid.

  “Will you let me explain?” He reached for me.

  “Explain over there, please.” I sat out of his reach.

  He let out a deep sigh before he spoke. “I got into a bit of a sticky situation when I was in law school...”

  “What kind of sticky situation?” I asked, eyeing him and wrapping the sheet just a bit tighter around my naked body.

  “I had a bit of a fling with a professor back in the day right when Lauren, my daughter’s mother, found out she was pregnant. I didn’t think we were that serious; the baby just happened.”

  “Oh my God. So, the teacher-student relationship isn’t all that new to you when you were banging one of your professors back in the day, too. How much older than you was she?” I asked, my voice sounded small.

  “What does any of that matter, Addison? I’m trying to explain to you what is happening, now. I wanted to open up so there are no secrets. I don’t want you hearing any of this from someone else.”

  “Christ, how did Arlene find out?” I asked, standing from the couch. “Did she walk in on you one night after class?”

  “No.” He shook his head standing, too. “It was her. Arlene was a student teacher when I was in law school. We hooked up a few times when we were in—”

  “The law library…” I finished for him.

  God, I had been so stupid.

  “Were you just reliving a fantasy with me, Reid? Couldn’t finish what you started with her so you created your own teacher-student dream?”

  “Addison, I’m interested in you as a person, not in some fantasy from something that happened to me more than ten years ago.”

  “How did Arlene blackmail you?” I asked, not acknowledging what he said.

  “She told me it was more than one night. Or, she’d make sure the professor would fail me. She graded the reports. She could change my grade. I wouldn’t be a lawyer. Then she told me if I told anyone about it, she would let Lauren know I was cheating on her while she was pregnant. I couldn’t let Arlene screw over my career before it even started. I couldn’t let her devastate the mother of my child before she was even born. It wasn’t worth it to me.”

  “So you slept with your best friend’s wife?” I asked, throwing my hands in the air trying to wrap my head around this story.

  “They weren’t married at the time,” he responded.

  “But you continued sleeping with her after they were married?” I asked, my tone incredulous.

  “I ended it, Addison…” He came to me.

  “When? Why?” I asked, my eyes burning with tears of anger.

  “When she finally told me she was married. I only found out after the fact that she was married to Joe when she came to work at this firm. They’d gotten married after a drunken weekend in Vegas. It’s a fucked up story. I won’t bore you with the details, but I ended it I swear, after I met you three years ago. I couldn’t do it anymore. I didn’t like who I was when I was with her. I wanted to be a better person for you.”

  “I find that hard to believe, Reid. A random student, and you are attracted to me?” I turned from him.

  “No, no.” He turned me back to face him. “You aren’t random to me. I got to know you in these three years. I learned about your career goals and what you want to do once you pass the bar. I was there when you got the paralegal job.”

  My ears perked at that. “Did you ask Arlene to hire me?”

  “They asked if I had any students that would be good for the job. I only suggested a few.”

  “Me and John,” I said, putting two and two together.

  “That hiring decision was up to Joe and Arlene. I didn’t pull any strings. I promise. Everything that’s happened between you and me… it’s been legit for me. More than just one night… More than just ‘let’s wait and see’. I want to protect you, Addison. The shit storm is coming... I can’t let you get caught in it. I won’t let it.”

  “What? What are you talking about?” I asked.

  This thing with Arlene, Joe is convinced you are working with her. I’m trying to prove—”

  “Whoa! Is that the real reason for all this? To see if I’m guilty of working with her? I didn’t steal Joe’s money, Reid. You and I both know, technically…legally, half of that money is hers anyway. Joe is trying to cover his ass and you are helping him by covering your own in the process.�
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  “She will screw us, Addison. If she puts two and two together about you and me, about this we have going on... She will have no problem taking it to the dean of students…to Joe…why are you looking at me like that?’

  “You didn’t care about any of that just hours ago, Reid. Who the hell cares who that bitch takes it to, you and I are consenting.. I graduate in what…a week? This just started. Though we were attracted to each other for damn near three years…” I ran fingers through his dark hair. “We didn’t do anything about it. This just happened… You can’t lose your job over that. I looked into it…”

  “You were always my best student…” He laughed.

  “I had one hell of a professor. I know the law on this. We did nothing wrong. My final paper is in. I graduate soon. You are no longer my professor.”

  He snagged my hand from his head and kissed my fingertips up to my palm and then at the pulse at my wrist. “This is where my attraction comes from. When you ask me what is it that makes me want a woman damn near eleven years my junior; It’s you, Addison. Everything about you. You are a gorgeous mind wrapped in a delectable package. I want all parts of it, baby. Whatever happens here in the next few days with Arlene and Joe and this merger, and God knows what else. We are gonna still do us. We are gonna still have this.”

  Chapter 19

  At five o’clock, I closed the last of the files I was working on. I had to get out of here and get home and dressed for this gala tonight. Reid had convinced me I should come. He wanted me there. Staying away made no sense. Especially since Arlene would get handed her walking papers tonight. God willing and the creek don't rise. I thought of the saying my grandmother had said for years, meaning barring in natural inconveniences.

  I’d bought the perfect gala gown for tonight, something I’d been doing more lately, looking for sexy little numbers that would get his attention more. He seemed to love my curvy shape. The form fitting mermaid-type dress hugged my curves like God intended when He made them. It fell to the floor and flared dramatically. The top fell off the shoulders covering the tops of my arms but leaving my ample cleavage on display.

  Drive them boys wild tonight. I chuckled.

  I’d chosen the dress in a blush color with a silver, strappy heel. It was perfect for late spring, early summer and it was hot today. No one had time to be sweating in some dress with too much material hanging off the bod.

  I looked down at the bag he’d left on my desk.

  Reid strikes again.

  I’d found it there after a lunch run, earlier. He’d been in a meeting with Joe, so we couldn’t go together.

  I read the note again.

  Something for you, sweetheart. I know I owe you a pair or two. I can’t wait to see you in it tonight. Thinking of you.

  Always,

  RM.

  In a small gift bag was a pair of hot pink, barely enough material for a slingshot, satin panties. He was damn right he owed me a pair or two. He’d confiscated one and had me darken more than a pair with desire. He was so bad. And, to leave this out where anyone could have walked in my office and found it.

  That little shit.

  I let the soft material run through my fingers. This would feel like heaven against my skin and under that dress tonight.

  John stuck his head in the door. “Are you ready to call it a night? Time to go home and get ready for gala, Addie.”

  I nearly jumped ten feet from my chair, dropping the panties back into the bag like they burnt my damn hand.

  “Holy Hell, scare a girl much, John? Christ!” I yipped.

  “Um, I’m sorry,” he said, eyeing me and the bag. “Are you okay?”

  “I mean, I’m no cat, but I’m pretty sure you just took one of my lives.” I held a hand to my chest, standing from my seat.

  He chuckled. “My bad. What’s in the bag?” He tried to step farther in my office.

  “Nosey! Bye, John.” I held up a hand.

  “Okay. Geesh” He stopped in his tracks. “I only wanted to know if you were ready to go. I would walk you out.”

  “Yes, I was just closing up so I can head out. You don’t have to walk me out though. Where is Kayla?” I eyed him. Since he told me they were an item, and I was involved with Reid, John and I spending alone time would have to cease.

  “She left already to get ready and get our daughter to the sitter. Where is Reid?” he asked, his tone almost accusatory. I narrowed a gaze at him, and his eyes flicked from me to the bag and back again.

  Why was he so damn interested in the contents of the bag? He was making me uncomfortable, now.

  “How should I know where Reid is, John?” I knew he was in his office finishing up his day as well. He was going to walk me out. I hadn’t realized John was still here, and now, invading my personal space. I didn’t want him to see me and Reid leave together. I wasn’t quite sure how trustworthy he was, especially when it came to Arlene.

  “The two of you have been working rather closely the last few days. I saw you leave class together the other night. Thought maybe you’d be coming to the party with him tonight.”

  How in the hell had he seen us leave class together? He’d left before us. Unless he hung around to watch us leave.

  “Are the two of you an item now?” he raised a brow.

  I know my face was beet red. It was on fire. My mouth hung open, before I pinned him with the most incredulous of stares. “How is that any of your business, John?”

  He smirked at me. “I take that as a ‘yes’?”

  “Take that as a none of your damn business, John.”

  We both turned to see Reid standing in my doorway, looking completely unamused.

  John held his hands up in surrender. “I meant no offense, Addison. Just having a conversation.” He glanced back at me before walking to the door. “See you tonight.”

  Reid stepped aside so the younger man could walk past. He flicked a glance at me. I ran a hand over my face.

  He came to me, putting his strong hands on each of my shoulders. I looked up at him and saw the concern in his eyes.

  “What did he say to you?” Reid asked.

  “It’s okay. He just wanted to walk me out. When I asked where Kayla was, he asked where you were… then he asked what was in the bag.”

  Reid narrowed his eyes.

  “I know, when I asked why he’d asked that, he went into how we’ve been working so closely… Reid… Maybe we should cool it.”

  “No.” Reid shook his head vehemently. “I don’t want to slow things down with you. People can ask all the questions they want. It’s none of their concern, right? You let me have my moment of doubt the other night. I’m returning the favor. It’s you and me against the world, babe.”

  I chuckled as he leaned his forehead against mine.

  “You and me against the world,” I said back, putting a hand to his chiseled, stubbled jaw, guiding him in for a quick peck on the lips.

  “I would say let’s get out of here, but who knows who is waiting to watch us walk out together.” He joked.

  I laughed a deep belly laugh. “Maybe we should get out of here, separately, and I’ll just see you tonight.”

  “Did you like your gift?” he asked, eying the small bag on my desk.

  “I did. Very thoughtful of you.” I grinned.

  “Will I see you in them later?” He raised a brow, moving away from me.

  “If you’re good.” I teased.

  “When you’re good you’re good, but when you’re bad you’re even better.” He winked at me. “I’ll see you tonight, sweetest.” He left my office before I had a chance to respond.

  Chapter 20

  I smoothed a hand over the dress I’d picked out for the gala. My caramel skin kissed by the sun was the perfect backdrop for the blush-colored gown. The girls were doing everything I needed standing at attention providing ample swell and cleavage; enough to gain the attention of the client and…Reid. A sly grin passed my lips. His opinion was the only one I ca
red about tonight. He’d appreciate this dress and how my shape filled it out.

  I stepped out of my Uber at 7:58 p.m. The gala started at 8:00. Reid texted me to tell me he couldn’t wait to see me. He’d already arrived and was talking shop with the clients. Arlene was nowhere to be seen, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t somewhere lurking in the shadows, taking it all in.

  “Addison.” I heard the minute I stepped into the ballroom. I tensed before I turned to the man that had called my name.

  “John,” I regarded him. However, I was very much on my guard. This conversation could go one of two ways. I’d known him for a few years, and we’d gotten along well enough, studying and working together well.

  But, he’d recently started acting strange, and God only knew why.

  He looked around him before he spoke again. “Look, I want to apologize for the conversation in your office. I know I made you uncomfortable. That wasn’t my intention. I was just making conversation.”

  “Insinuating something about my personal life?” I asked, annoyed. Reid was right, that was none of John’s business and out of line for him to even ask.

  “I’m trying to look out for you, Addison. You aren’t just my coworker. I consider you a friend.” John tried to step closer, but I held up a hand. He stopped dead in his tracks.

  “Where is Kayla?” I asked the same question I’d asked earlier in the evening.

  “She’s in the ladies’ room. Christ, you go from not even remembering we are together to bringing her up every five seconds. What does Kayla have to do with this conversation?”

  “Because the last three conversations we had have been conveniently when she isn’t present. I don’t need baby mama drama because she caught me in a private conversation with her man.”

  “It’s not that kind of conversation, Addison.” He eyed me.

  “You’ve asked me about a personal relationship with our professor in the last three conversations. What are you trying to find out?” I accused.