Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series) (12 page)

Bailey
had her hands full getting the kids dressed for Chucky Cheese. She was grateful when Selene stepped in to help her allowing herself time to dress. Standing now in front of the closet she couldn’t decide what to wear. Normally for Chucky Cheese it was simply jeans and a t-shirt along with a comfortable pair of sneakers but she was meeting the rest of Beckett’s family and wanted to make a good impression.

“Miss Bailey
.” Trixie said stepping up beside her. “It don’t matter what you wear. You’re beautiful in anything.” She said smiling.

“Thank you Trixie
.” She smiled as she grabbed a pair of white jeans and a lavender blouse that enhanced the violet color of her eyes. After slipping into a pair of sandals she debated as to whether or not she should put her hair up.

“Leave it down miss…you have such beautiful hair
.” Trixie said as she examined it. “Dark as the raven it almost shimmers blue in the light.”

“I always wanted it to be blonde
.” She smiled

“Why miss…your hair is so unique and it
offsets your eyes?”

“Because in California all the popular girls had blonde hair and blue eyes…..do you know how many people used to think I wore contacts
?”

“Very few women have violet eyes….Elizabeth Taylor had violet eyes and dark hair….she was a beautiful actress.”

“Yes.” Bailey said looking at her image and finding it lacking. “And all the right curves.”

“Miss Bailey….you may be tiny but you have the right curves….I have seen the way Master Beckett looks at you
.”

Bailey blushed and almost
denied it when she realized they were supposed to be getting married in a few weeks and they both had a role to play. Bailey didn’t know exactly what Regina had told the staff but she got the impression they were under the illusion already that Beckett and Bailey were a couple and she realized once the announcement was made they were going to have to act the part. Before she could respond the door of her room flew open and Alexis came running in with Tristan in tow.

“Bailey come on…we want to go
.” Alexis moaned.

Bailey turned to look at them and couldn’t help but smile at their excitement. The last time they had all gone to Chucky Cheese was when
Matt took them for Alexis’s birthday. He had been so kind playing every arcade game with them; letting them believe their skills were so superior that they beat him at everything. Afterwards he had helped her put the kids to bed than they sat on her balcony watching the fireworks go off at Anaheim Stadium. That was also the night Matt kissed her for the first time. They went on a few dates but Bailey didn’t have time in her life for a relationship. Matt had understood and been patient telling her he would wait for her. It hurt her knowing he loved her and she couldn’t return his feelings the way he wanted.

“Bailey
!” Alexis cried bringing her back to reality.

“Alright
.” She smiled. “Let’s go.”

Alexis turned and ran out of the room and down the stairs. Tristan remained behind and Bailey studied him for a moment.

“Are you ok Tristan?” She asked kneeling before him concern on her face. “Is it hurting you to breath?”

“No
.”

“Then what
’s wrong”

“Will Beckett play with us like
Matt?”

“I’m sure he will
.” She smiled. “And he has brothers too.”

“Will they play with me?”
He asked his face lighting up.

“We’ll have to go see won’t we
.” She said standing now taking his hand.

When they reached the top of the stairs she stopped with Tristan. Down below Alexis was giggling as
a tall man with red hair had placed her precariously on his shoulders. She was fascinated with his hair and he laughed in amusement at some comment she made. Two other men of equal height stood off to the side smiling. Both men were broad with brown hair and even from this distance she noticed their blue eyes. Despite his height Beckett’s lean body was dwarfed by his brother’s size. It reminded her of the quarterback next to a group of linebackers and she found she preferred his toned look over their brawn. All eyes now turned in her direction and Bailey couldn’t help but feel she was being scrutinized now by his brothers. Gripping Tristan’s hand she descended and with a smile on her face approached the group.

“Bailey….look how tall I am
.” Alexis grinned as Ethan turned now to face her.

“You have gotten taller
.” Bailey smiled. “Guess we’ll need to get you a new bed soon.”

“Silly
.” Alexis laughed. “I’m just taller ‘because I’m on Ethan’s shoulders.”

“Ahhhh…that explains it
.” She said.

Beckett came up to Bailey
’s side and placing his hand on the small of her back he made the introductions.

“Bailey….this is my brother Ethan…..and that’s Tr
ent and Justin…..this is Bailey.” He said picking Tristan up and placing him on his shoulders. “And this is her brother Tristan.”

Tristan grabbed onto Beckett
’s hair and as his laughter filled the room Bailey stepped forward taking first Ethan’s hand then Justin’s and finally Trent’s. She noticed the fresh bruise on Trent’s jawline and couldn’t help but catch the look he passed to Beckett before he once again met her gaze. Of all the brothers he seemed to be the one who was studying her the most.

“My brother
’s description of you did not do you justice.” He said smoothly. “Seeing your beauty I now understand why the South fought so hard to defend their women.”

Bailey could feel the blush creep up her cheeks and that only seemed to amuse him further. She notic
ed the way he held her hand longer than the others and she got the impression he was trying to flirt with her. She didn’t understand why but he seemed to be deliberately goading Beckett for some sort of reaction.

“Beckett never told me his brothers were so handsome or charming
.” She said extraditing her hand from his. “And while I understand that line may work for you down here being a Yankee and all.” She said in a heavy southern accent before switching back to her normal voice. “.I’m from California and we usually call it like we see it.”

“Really
!” He grinned sizing her up again. “And how do you see me?”

R
ealizing she had walked right into his trap Bailey took a moment before replying. She knew he was testing her and somehow it was important she not fail. Knowing no other way than the truth she replied.

“You
’re charming and definitely have no trouble finding someone to warm your bed at night.” She noticed the way he puffed up and continued on. “But you run from real relationships, someone in your past hurt you deeply and because of that you won’t let anyone else in. This whole seductive macho act is a way to cover up a sensitive side that if given the chance would melt any woman’s heart.”

Bailey noticed the way his eyes darkened in anger which was only fueled by the laughter of his brothers.

“She pegged you right.” Ethan laughed ignoring the murderous stare Trent aimed at him.

“I’m sorry but you did ask
.” She said honestly. “Would you have respected me any better had I succumbed to your charms or lied to pacify your ego?”

Trent once again studied her knowing everyone else was holding their breath to his reaction. He was surprised his parent
’s or Beckett hadn’t decided to intercede till he realized she was capable of holding her own. He had to grin when he thought about what his brother was getting himself into. He suddenly realized this arrangement might turn out to be more entertaining than he thought since Beckett was falling for the girl and hadn’t realized it yet.

“Actually I respect your honesty
.” He admitted. “You and I are going to get along just fine.”

Bailey hadn’t realized she was holding her breath and with this comment she released it slowly as she smiled.

“I wonder if you will fill the same when I beat you at Skeet ball.”

“We’ll see who wins that one
.” He grinned. “Shall we?” Trent asked as he extended his arm to her. Bailey looked at Beckett who for some reason wasn’t pleased and not knowing how to refuse without seeming rude she slipped her arm through Trent’s and allowed him to lead her outside.

Beckett watched as Trent led Bailey out to the cars. When he had made the introductions he had expected Trent to try something despite his mother promises to the contrary. With Tristan on his shoulders Beckett was forced to stand back and watch Trent openly flirt with Bailey. Over the years Trent had taken great pleasure in not only flirting with but stealing away Beckett’s female companions. Macy was the first woman Trent had avoided stating even he had standards. Trent’s excuses had been he was looking out for Beckett’s interests since any girl who would jump from one brother to the other wasn’t worth their salt and Beckett was better off finding out sooner than later. What surprised him and the rest of his family was not only Bailey’s reaction but her concise assessment of Trent’s character. As he watched them now he went over previous conversations and realized he hadn’t divulged any personal information about his brothers. He was amazed how accurate her description of Trent had been. His mother came up to his side and following his gaze couldn’t help but ask.

“Did you prepare her for Trent?”

“No….all I told her was I had 3 brothers and we all worked in the family business….we’ve talked about growing up but I never mentioned anything about their private lives.”

“Impressive
.” She smiled. “She handled him better than I could with her honesty.”

“She did didn’t she
?” He grinned as he followed his mother out to the cars.

The group was split up into two cars with Bailey riding with his parents and the kids while Beckett followed with his brothers. It didn’t take long for them to start in on him once they were on the road.

“So…Bailey’s not exactly what you painted her to be.” Ethan said.

“Because Bailey wasn’t the one I agreed to marry when I first set up the deal….it was her cousin Alicia
.”

“So what happened to her?”
Justin asked.

“She ran off to Vegas, got drunk and married some drummer
.” Beckett explained.

“Lucky thing for yo
u…Bailey is definitely an improvement….even over Macy.” Trent added.

“You keep forgetting….this marriage is just for show…nothings changing, I’m still with Macy
.”

“Really
?” Trent smiled wickedly. “Then there’s no reason why one of us couldn’t pursue Bailey?”

Beckett looked at him and gripped the steering wheel as he tried to control his anger.

“I don’t think that would be a good idea”

“Why is that….seems only fair if you’re free to sleep with Macy
Bailey should be free to date one of us.” Trent asked deliberately pushing Beckett’s buttons.

“And how would that look in a year when we divorce and she hooks up with one of my brothers?” Beckett asked trying not to take his bait.

“Who said we had to make it permanent?” Trent asked. “We could just have some laughs.”

Beckett pulled the car off the road and turned in his seat to face his brother.

“Stay away from her Trent I’m warning you.” He said his voice deathly calm. “Bailey’s not that type of girl.”

“Maybe not
.” He replied calmly. “But she is an adult who is capable of making her own decisions and since your relationship is only an illusion why shouldn’t she have some fun….it is an illusion isn’t it?” He taunted.

Beckett refused to comment and turning pulled back out on the road. The rest of the ride was done in silence and occasionally he would meet Trent
’s glance in the rear view mirror. Trent was correct; Beckett had no claim over what Bailey did or didn’t do over the next year. Still the idea of her dating any of his brothers while still married to him got under his skin. If she chose to date during their marriage the man would be a stranger and in Beckett’s eyes someone he could easily challenge if need be, but his brothers would be a different story. As he drove he pictured her with Trent, what it would be like being married to her but watching her sleep with Trent. Listening to his stories of their escapades in the bedroom then watching him break her heart when he moved on. But what if he didn’t move on, what if after the divorce she married Trent? He would have to see them together every day. Knowing she was married to him first even though she truly wasn’t.

By the time they pulled into the parking lot of Chucky Cheese the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Bailey was standing with his parents while the kids were pe
eking through the window at the games inside. Beckett watched Bailey frown then turn to his parents. They seem to be listening intently then nodding they both turned and took the children inside. Bailey waited for them to park then watched as the four of them approached. She held up her hands stopping them before they entered.

“Look….I don’t know what went on back there in the car while you guys were on the road but I’m telling you now to drop it before you go inside or you can all go home
. I’m here to have some fun with Tristan and Alexis. Beckett in a few weeks we will be getting married and if you and your family are to be a success here in the South than we need to make it believable.” She said facing him then she turned to Trent. “And if you truly think I would even consider seeing you while I’m married to your brother than you are sadly mistaken, that is one scandal even the South could not forgive. This arrangement is going to be difficult enough without the two of you going all macho on me.” She stopped letting that soak in before she continued. “Beckett we’re to be married in name only and I know I can count on you to be discreet in your relationship with Macy. As for me I have no intention of seeing anyone during the next year. It’s going to be hard enough for me to explain to Tristan and Alexis why we are not living together when we are married then to explain why we are getting a divorce a year later. There would be no excuse for me cheating on my husband no matter how false the marriage is.” She said sadly. “You two decide.” She said then turning went inside.

Beckett felt as if she had just punched him in the stomach as she walked away. She had reminded him of what their relationship was to be and for some reason it felt hallow. He turned to look at Trent who was now frowning. He looked at Beckett and before walking inside he muttered under his breath.

“You’re a fool.”

Beckett watched the door close than looked at his two brothers who also shook their heads.

“Beckett…he’s right….if you can’t see what you got you are a fool.” Ethan said then he followed Trent inside.

“What
’s that supposed to mean?” He asked Justin who still stood with him.

“Exactly how it sounds….we barely even know her and we recognize Bailey is an unbelievable catch….you have the opportunity of a life time by marrying her and using this next year to get her to fall in love with you…..if you choose Macy over her than you two deserve each other and Baileys better off
.”

“Wait a minute….it
’s not like I have a choice….there is the matter of a contract…..besides you guys didn’t seem to object when we discussed the contract….as long as we got the business.”

“That was before we met her….just think about it Beckett….don
’t throw away the best thing that came into your life because you’re afraid.” He said then he too went inside leaving Beckett to stand alone in the parking lot. Beckett stood there thinking about what both Bailey and his brothers had said. He also remembered what his mother had said earlier. He knew he was at a crossroads and once he committed there would be no turning back. He looked up to see Tristan playing in the tub of balls. When he came up for air he looked at Beckett and waived. Beckett smiled and waved back then having made his choice he went inside.

He found Bailey leaning against one wall watching both Tristan in the tub of balls and Alexis making her way around the tubes to the slide. His brothers were sitting next to his parents at their table waiting for the pizza to arrive. Walking over to Bailey he leaned against the wall behind her.

“I’m sorry….Trent has a way of getting under my skin.”

Bailey sighed then turned to look at him. Even in this lighting he saw the way her eyes misted and without thinking he pulled her into his arms. That was her undoing and she began to cry.
Needing privacy he pulled her into the corner where they were out of sight of prying eyes. When she finally stopped he pulled back gently wiping the tears from her face.

“Bailey I’m sorry….I know this whole thing is hard on you….I hadn’t even considered the kids and what you would have to tell them.”

“It’s ok.” She said moving back slightly but still remaining in his arms. “I didn’t really think about it till tonight. When we were driving here with your parents it reminded me of what they have lost. The whole way here all they talked about was you, what we did today and that’s when I realized how much they like you.”

“I like them too
.” He smiled.

“No Beckett
I mean they are really fond of you. They don’t take to strangers as easily as they have taken to you and your family. Over the next year they will grow fonder and what happens when we divorce? They will lose you…you’re family.”

“
They don’t have too.” He said honestly. “We could still be part of their lives. Who knows what will happen in a year. Just because we get a divorce it doesn’t mean we have to say good bye to each other…we can remain friends.”

“Do you really think that’s possible?”
She asked.

“Of course I do
.” He grinned then added. “Bailey….if it helps the house will have extra rooms and I could always sleep over occasionally. The rest of the time we’ll tell the kids I’m traveling with business. At the end of the year we’ll just tell them we rushed into it without really knowing each other and that we decided we would be better off as friends.”

He seemed pleased he had come up with the perfect plan. He watched as
Bailey looked first at him then at Tristan who was in seventh heaven playing in the basket of balls. Despite his solution she still seemed sad.

“Seems you’ve given it more thought than I did
.” She said sadly as she pulled out of his arms.

Somehow in solving the problem he felt as if he had put a bigger wedge between them. He truly didn’t know where they would be in a year but he also realized his brothers were right about Bailey and he was being a fool. What he really wanted to tell her was that in a year from now they might decide not to divorce but even in his mind that sounded crazy. All he knew was that he didn’t want to walk away from her right now
. As much as he wanted to blame his separation from Macy and lack of sex deep down he knew that wasn’t true. Bailey brought out feelings he long ago buried. Emotions only Lachelle had tapped into yet this was different. Maybe because he was older and more experienced. These ran deeper and he realized if he was wrong would be his undoing.

“Bailey
right now all I want to do is enjoy the evening with you and the kids. We’ll take it slowly one day at a time. No matter what we do I promise their feelings will come first.” He said indicating the kids who now approached them. “I won’t let them get hurt.”

Bailey looked from him to Tristan and Alexis who were bursting with excitement.

“Bailey…come on…the pizzas here….and afterwards we get to play games….Uncle Trent promised.”

“Uncle Trent
.” Bailey said looking at Beckett to see his reaction. He only smiled as he lifted Tristan up in his arms.

“Oh Uncle Trent promised did he
.” He smiled. “Then it must be so.” He said leading the way hoping Bailey would follow. With Alexis hand in hers she had no choice.