Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series) (16 page)

Not wanting to get caught he decided to head up to his room to think. That’s when Selene had come running down the hall and the fear on her face stopped him. He immediately stopped her and managed to get her to tell him through her tears what was happening. Understanding he pushed passed her running to Trist
an’s room. When he reached the door he stopped to see Bailey carrying Tristan while she tried to balance his inhaler on his face. Taking charge he took Tristan from her then led the way down to his car. Once she was seated he passed Tristan to her then ran around to the driver’s side and drove them to the hospital.

Beckett grew up with a friend who was prone to asthma attacks so he wasn’t unfamiliar with the drill. What surprised him was the fact Bailey didn’t have a nebulizer with the severity of the attack he was witnessing.
When she told him the insurance wouldn’t pay for one he knew he would remedy that immediately. At the hospital when he found her in the lobby waiting patiently he lost it and probably would have been escorted out by security if Dr. Greene hadn’t shown up. He knew he should be grateful for his help but he also sensed an undercurrent of interest Dr. Greene was showing in Bailey and he didn’t approve. He made sure Dr. Greene understood Bailey wasn’t available. While they sat at Tristan’s bedside the earlier incident was set aside as they concentrated on the tiny boy struggling to breathe. He had enjoyed the time despite the circumstances and once Tristan’s breathing returned to normal they were both able to relax. Regina’s appearance caused a temporary interruption as she drilled Bailey on Tristan’s condition. He had been proud of Bailey the way she had stood up to her grandmother. He knew both women were trying to find some type of bridge in their relationship and both of them were strong willed to protect the ones they loved. Bailey just didn’t realize how much Regina truly cared for her and Regina didn’t understand under her bravado Bailey was truly vulnerable. When it came time to move Tristan to his room Regina quickly sent Beckett on his way and having no excuse to stay Beckett had no choice but to leave. He had seen Baileys face and he suddenly realized how much she had been leaning on him for support. He was about to go back and demand to stay when Dr. Greene closed off the blinds to the room. When he got her text he was pleased and quickly replied. He waited for a response and when one didn’t come he headed for his car. When he got the response Tristan was calling for him he couldn’t explain the joy he now felt. As he reached them he saw the relief in Baileys face and an overwhelming need to protect and take care of her shook him to the core. When Tristan had requested he stay the night with him Beckett had expected Regina to protest. To his surprise she seemed to have approved his decision when he agreed to Tristan’s request. Sitting here now he wondered how this all had played into her overall master plan.

He looked now at Tristan who was sleeping peacefully. Though his monitor was on silent he could see the steady rhythm of his heart rate. He couldn’t imagine a life that Tristan had suffered over the last few
years and then he looked at Bailey and wondered how had she carried the responsibility for both him and Alexis by herself? Again he fought the urge to reach over and touch her. He wanted to lie next to her and pull her into the safety of his arms. He wanted to free her of some of the burden she was carrying. As he sat there he began to wonder how it was possible she had gotten so deeply under his skin in such a short time. He barely knew her yet from the moment he first touched her he felt as if they were connected. His mother would probably joke that maybe he did know her in another life. He and his brothers would usually roll their eyes when she got all mystical on them. But over the years they had come to appreciate her gifts especially when it came to the ghosts that haunted the older homes they worked on. Many times they would have to call her in to settle the spirits so their men could continue working.

Bailey turned over and the blanket fell to the floor causing her to shiver. Standing up he grabbed the blanket covering her and tucking it securely around her. Her eyes fluttered and she was caught between fully awake and a dream state. She met his eyes and her body shivered but he didn’t know if it was from the cold or his proximity.

“Hi.” He smiled.

“So cold
.” She said and his ego deflated. “Why do they keep it so cold?”

“Do you want me to get another blanket” he said standing.

He headed for the drawers where he found another blanket but it was as thin as a sheet. He frowned then looked back to where she laid. Seeing her still shivering he came up with an idea. Kicking off his shoes Beckett crawled onto the narrow bed behind her and laying on his side he pulled her back up against him. She didn’t protest as the warmth of his body now radiated against hers. Turning under the blankets she burrowed herself into him and with a sigh she once again drifted off to sleep. Beckett shifted his position again when the arm that was supporting him began to fall asleep. Lying on his back he pulled her up against his chest and keeping his arms around her he kissed the top of her head drinking in the scent of her. She almost purred with contentment bringing a smile to his face. Lying there now he realized he didn’t want this to end. He liked the way she felt in his arms. Unlike Macy she was small and delicate bringing out the protective nature within. Tall and slender Macy’s body was full of sharp angles where her bones protruded. He never understood the need for models to be skeletal thin. Bailey was thin, her body toned but he could feel the soft curves of the woman in her. Most women would envy her figure and he knew by the few times they were together most men appreciated it. Macy would call her fat and he could hear her arguments now.

“The camera adds
a minimal of 10 pounds….and the clothes…they’re designed for only the thinnest models in mind…..if she couldn’t fit into them then they would hire someone else.”

This was her excuse after catching Macy one night in the bathroom purging up the dinner his mother had made for them upon first meeting Macy. Macy had graciously eaten what was presented to her then proceeded to his parent
’s bathroom to purge. Over the years he had learned to look the other way, it saved him on the cost of dating her because they rarely ate out. Most of their time together was spent clubbing so she could be seen then heading back to either his place or hers for wild uninhibited sex.  As he laid there gently rubbing Baileys back he began to understand his family’s objections to Macy. Macy was superficial He had never really seen it before because he had never really looked at her that way. From their first meeting he realized it had been all about the sex. They had shared a glass of champagne then made their way upstairs to a vacant room. What attracted him to her was not only the fact she was a supermodel but that she cared about her independence as much as he did. She didn’t want to be tied down to any man who would control her life; she had grown up with an overbearing father. Her years abroad enhanced her sexual education and once she turned 18 she ran off with the first Italian boy she met. Two years later tired of his controlling ways she divorced and headed for New York. Like most models she paid her dues sleeping with various connections till she finally found a ruthless agent who cleaned her up and created her image. Years later she was at the top of her field and still in high demand. She knew she only had a few more years ahead before the younger girls knocked her off her seat and she was already planning her next career move to Hollywood. She had begun taking acting lessons and Beckett had to admit was she wasn’t half bad. Even though she had been hinting of having children he knew deep down it was only a passing phase. She was too selfish to raise children. He looked down at Bailey and saw the shadows under her eyes. He also remembered their first meeting and though she was nicely dressed not one designer label was apparent on her figure. Living with Macy he had become educated in not only designer labels but also the knock offs. He notice now Bailey’s wardrobe had elevated and he guessed it was Regina’s doing. Still Bailey would look attractive if she just wearing his shirt. The idea of seeing her dressed only in his shirt brought a grin to his face. When the nurse came in at that moment to check on Tristan she gave him an odd look. Smiling as if she had read his mind she quietly exited once her duties were complete closing the door behind her. Bailey shifted her position and using his chest now as her pillow she stretched her arm across his stomach causing his muscles to reflex from the contact. Her leg draped across his and he felt his body respond from the contact. Closing his eyes he concentrated on his breathing till his body was once again under control. Beckett felt her hand move lower and every muscle drew taunt in reaction to her touch. He knew he should wake her but he was curious as to where this might lead. As her hand slid down over his jeans there was no mistaken his reaction when she touched him. He heard a quick intake and realized she must have woken up confused as to how they were entangled in the same bed. He pretended to sleep to see what she would do.

Bailey feeling the warmth of his body and his arms around her finally felt safe. He would take care of he; he wouldn’t let anyone ever hurt her. She could finally let go and let someone else make the decisions again for a change. She snuggled against his body feeling the strength of his muscles as she ran her hand across his stomach. When her leg draped over his she felt his muscles tense which brought a smile to her face. He was not as immune to her as he wanted her to believe. Maybe there was a possibility for them. She wondered if she let her hand wander would he continue to respond. Where would it lead? Images of their naked bodies entwined, his lips on her body, his hand in places no mans have ever gone flooded her head. She wanted to go with it but somewhere in the back of her mind a voice kept nagging her to wake up. No this was her dream and she wanted to see where it led. There was no harm in her dream since she could control it. She moved her hand over Beckett’s flat stomach enjoying the feel of the ridges of his defined abs. When she reached the top of his jeans she hesitated only a moment before her hand continued to slide down over his jeans. By the size of the bulge now cupped in her hand she knew he desired her as much as she did him. Her leg involuntarily clamped on to his as she gave him a gentle squeeze. She felt the need burning in her and by his reaction he felt it too. Suddenly the voice in her head was back screaming and impossible to ignore. Her eyes flew open and for a brief moment she forgot where she was. All she was conscious of was the fact that she was really laying in Beckett’s arms with her leg draped over his and her hand groping his manhood. Shock caused her to gasp and she froze in her actions. How had he come to be lying in bed with her and why? More important she thought about her wanton desires and tried to figure out a way to extradite herself without waking him. She was embarrassed enough and as she peeked up at him thru her lashes she was grateful he was still asleep.

Bailey
removed her hand first and was surprised how difficult that was. It seemed only too natural to have been holding him. Ever so slowly she unclamped her leg ignoring the protest from the apex between her legs over the loss of contact. She slid her leg off him then tried to decide how she would remove herself from his arms. As she began to move she felt him stir and again looking up through her lashes saw him start to wake. Immediately she closed her eyes pretending to still be asleep. She could feel his eyes on her and heard the subtle change in his heart rate where her head laid upon his chest. Slowly as if not to wake her he released his hold on her trying to slide out of the bed as quietly as possible. She felt the sudden loss of warmth and began to regret the fact that her actions had woken him. She wanted his warmth back. She felt him tuck the blankets around her then heard the sound of his easing into the leather recliner. It wasn’t long before she heard his rhythmic breathing as he slept and it soon lulled her back to sleep.

When she awoke in the morning Beckett was sitting in the lounge chair next to Tristan
’s bed watching cartoons with him. Without moving she studied his profile, strong and handsome. Yet watching cartoons with Tristan she also saw a childlike quality that was endearing. As if he sensed he was being watched he turned to look at her and his eyes held a million questions she was unable to answer at this time. Tristan thankfully came to her rescue when he saw her awake.

“Bailey…..Beckett and I are watching X
man…..did you know he was Wolverine for Halloween?” He said excitedly.

Bailey stood and keeping one blanket around her due to the temperature of the room she walked over to Tristan
’s side smiling. Beckett immediately stood offering her the chair which she graciously took.

“Thank you
.” She said smiling holding his gaze longer than she intended. She blushed then turned back to Tristan. “No I wasn’t aware that he was Wolverine.” She smiled as she took Tristan’s hand. “How do you feel?”

“Hungry….the nurse came and said they were go
nna bring breakfast but that was a long time ago.”

“I’m sure it will be here soon…..she just needed to know what to tell the cook to make for you
.”

“Do I get to go home today?”

“I think so….they wanted you to see a special doctor first.”

He wrinkled his face
. “No more tests.”

“They may want to do some I don’t know
.” She said knowing he hated all the tests he had been put through while in California. Every time he got a new doctor they seemed to want run their own series of tests all to come up with the same conclusion. He had asthma, was prone to violent attacks and no one knew why.

“No needles
.” He said cowering back in the bed.

“No needles
.” She promised.

Bailey remembered the day they did the scratch tests on him and he had freaked out when he saw the first needle they used. He jerked his arm causing the tiny scratch to become a cut. The sight of his blood freaked him out and it took her nearly an hour to calm him before they could resume. She had to hold him down during the test and when it was over they were both drenched in sweat. The results of that day were
inconclusive since he didn’t react to any of the scratches.

“Bailey
.” Beckett said now standing at the foot of the bed. “I’m going to go get us some coffee; do you want me to bring Tristan back something?”

“
Maybe some hot cocoa if they have any.” She said looking at Tristan’s face as it lit up. She turned now back to Beckett unable to hide the awkwardness she was now feeling.

He seemed to sense this and
was using the excuse to get coffee as a way to give her time to deal with the events of the previous evening. As he walked out the door the delivery cart was wheeled up and Tristan’s breakfast tray was delivered. Beckett stood at the doorway watching Bailey set up the table over Tristan’s bed and as she began to uncover his food she glance up to meet Beckett’s eyes. There was something different now in the way he looked at her and it made her insides flutter. With a smile he turned and walked away and Bailey couldn’t help notice the way the nurses at the station paused to enjoy the view.

Baileys mind instantly flew to the night before. First with their kiss, next her dream then waking up in his arms
. Her face flooded with color and she wondered how she would ever be able to face him again. What would her grandmother have thought had she walked in on them sleeping together in that bed? What would Tristan have thought? She couldn’t allow them to ever be in that situation again where the temptation was too great. She reminded herself again about the contract and that in a year he would be gone. Then she remembered his question.

“What if at the end of the year it wasn’t over?”

No, she couldn’t hope, not with him.
When he returned with their coffee and Tristan’s cocoa she took it then excused herself so that she could go make a few phone calls. If Beckett noticed she was trying to avoid him he didn’t let on. She was just finishing updating her grandmother when Dr. Greene walked up to her.

“Did you get any sleep?”
He asked studying her face.

Bailey looked up and noticed the frown on his. She also noticed his five o’clock shadow and the weary lines around his eyes.

“Yes….did you?” She asked in return.

“Not really…there was a 10 car collision on the interstate…we were pretty slammed….I’m off in an hour so I’ll be able to rest before my next shift.”

“I don’t know how you guys do it.” She said as they began to walk back to the room. “Function with so little sleep.”

“The same way you seemed to have caring for a sick brother, raising your little sister and maintaining two jobs
.”

Bailey stopped and looked at him wondering how he knew this “Grandmother!”

“She wanted me to know the family history.” He said gently as he touched her arm. “You’ve done a remarkable job for having so much responsibility at such a young age.”

“I didn’t have a choic
e.” She smiled. “You deal with the cards the deck gives you and move on….when will the specialist arrive?”

“Dr
. Cantor should be here around 8:00, I think you and Tristan will like her.” He smiled. “Your grandmother has forwarded her Tristan’s medical files and she already has some ideas.”

“No needles
.” Bailey warned.

“No needles
.” He grinned. You have an aversion to needles?”

“Actually yes
.” She’s smiled. It’s just that Tristan had a bad experience with the scratch test.”

“No scratch test….besides those results are already in his files…I’ll let you form your own opinion about Dr. Cantor
.” He said as they continued on towards Tristan’s room. When they entered together Bailey thought she saw Beckett frown especially as Dr. Greene placed his hand on the small of her back as he led her over to Tristan’s bed. Bailey felt the undercurrent between the two and it confused her. Surely Dr. Greene knew she was engaged and Beckett had no cause to be jealous. Still, she felt some type of challenge going on between the two men and she was the prize. She stepped away from Dr. Greene and noticed the smile that now curved Beckett’s lips as if he won this moment. She excused herself and went into the bathroom where after closing the door she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Bailey noticed despite the sleep she got last night she had dark circles forming under her eyes. Grabbing a wash cloth she added soap and scrubbed her face hoping to add some color to her skin. Opening the complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste she brushed her teeth than using her fingers carefully ran them through her hair before going back outside. Dr. Greene had left and Beckett was once again watching cartoons with Tristan.

“Your doctor friend will be back later
, he got a page.” He said with an edge to his voice.

Bailey raised one eyebrow but didn’t respond. Walking over to the bed she began folding the blankets and when she caught the scent of his cologne on the blankets she couldn’t help but blush. She didn’t realize Beckett had moved behind her till she turned and crashed into him. His hands instantly went up to her arms to steady her and for a moment time froze. She looked up at him
and got lost in his eyes. They shifted from blue to grey as he studied her face.

“Bailey
.” He whispered.

Shaking her head she broke the mood and successfully sidestepped him closing off any chance of conversation. At that moment a nurse entered with one of the staff members. While the breakfast tray was taken away the nurse took Tristan
’s vitals. Bailey used their presence as a buffer between her and Beckett. She took a seat next to Tristan on his bed pulling him back up against her chest. By the look in his eyes she knew Beckett wasn’t going to let it drop that easily. She watched him take a seat in the recliner and despite the fact he pretended to watch the cartoons Bailey noticed the way he watched her out of the corner of his eye.

To her relief her grandmother showed up
just as the nurse left leaving no reason for Beckett to remain. The rest of the morning went by quickly with a visit from Dr. Cantor, scheduling a follow up with her at her office then one more visit from Dr. Greene before he signed Tristan’s release forms. While Tristan slept on the ride home Bailey was informed of her upcoming schedule. Between appearances she and Beckett would be making she was also required to meet with her bridal party and dress designer for her upcoming wedding.

“You picked my bridal party?” Bailey asked surprised

“You will need bridesmaids to go with his brothers and since you didn’t mention any close friends I thought I should take care of it.”

“
I guess…don’t they think it’s kind of strange?”

“They’re family members
and it’s not unusual in the South.” She said dismissing Bailey’s reservations. “I thought the dress should be formal but with your slight figure we can’t go with too large of a skirt or the train.”

“You’ve arranged the
caterers and the florist too?”

“Yes but you will have a say in the choices…
..we will be meeting with them this afternoon.”

“I’m sure whatever you decide will be fine
.”

“Bailey
.” Her grandmother scolded. “Despite what you think this is your wedding….you should have a say in it.”

“
It’s not like it’s a real wedding.” She said looking out the window.

Bailey didn’t see the way her grandmother reacted to that comment.

“Did something happen last night?” She asked and Bailey couldn’t help the color that flooded her cheeks.

“
Why…..did the nurses say something?”

“No
.” Regina said seeing much more than Bailey wanted her to see. “Things just seemed a bit strained between you and Beckett.” She said fishing.

“
It was just a long night.” Bailey said.

As the car pulled into the drive Bailey noticed Alexis playing on the porch with Trent.
Alexis would have run down to greet them if Trent hadn’t caught her in midflight. He grabbed her throwing her over his shoulders as he walked down the steps. Bailey grabbed Tristan who was still sleeping and climbed out of the car. Seeing this Trent put Alexis down then took Tristan from Bailey.