Indecent Proposal (Tangled Web #3) Read online

  "You know what I mean."

  "No, I don't. Max has always been really smart. He's very insightful. And he's going to be a great psychologist."

  "My brother a shrink, a doctor for that matter, go figure."

  "Well I'm proud of him."

  "So am I."

  The door opened.

  "Are you relaxing?" Jax asked as he walked in with a sleeping Whitley in his arms.

  "Kind of, I'm on the phone with Ashton."

  "What's up, Ashton?" Jax said into the phone as he kissed me.

  "Tell him I said, 'what's up'." Ashton replied.

  "He says 'Hey'."

  "I'm going to lay her down. She can have her bath after she wakes up."

  I nodded, and he left the room.

  Jax and Ashton had come to a comfortable association. I wouldn't say they were best friends, but they tolerated and respected each other. I think it was easier for Jax because Ashton was in Chicago attending Medical school and we only saw each other during the holidays. But that made it hard for Ashton, and he was always trying to get me to come to Chicago, but I was always busy with school or my family.

  "Well I'll let you go so you can tend to your family duties." Ashton teased.

  "I can talk."

  "No, go on. I need to get packed up anyway. I got a flight to Chi-town tomorrow."

  "Why are you leaving Seattle so early?"

  "I want to get my apartment cleaned up, buy some groceries. You know, get settled before classes start."

  "And avoiding Bethany has nothing to do with it?"

  "It has everything to do with it. I'm going to tell her tonight after dinner that I don't want a kid. Then I'm flying out tomorrow to avoid the drama."

  "You're an ass, Ashton." I laughed.

  "I’ve never said I wasn't, love. How bad do you think it'll be?"

  "Very… She's going to be hurt. But if you're not ready, you're not ready." I shrugged. "What are you going to do if she leaves you?"

  "I don't know. I guess I'll be back on the prowl."

  "How can you be so nonchalant about this? If she leaves, you would've wasted two years of your life."

  "I wouldn't say that. We had fun together."

  I shook my head. I didn't like this side of Ashton. I couldn't understand how he could be so detached. He had been sleeping with this woman for two years and could let her leave without a second thought. It was truly weird how he could love so deeply on one hand and not give two shits about someone on the other. Was that just his Gemini nature or something deeper? Whatever it was, it was truly baffling.

  "You are quite the enigma."

  "Thanks."

  I laughed. "Call me tomorrow and let me know how it went?"

  "Yeah, sure."

  "Alright, love ya."

  "Me too and give Whit kisses for me."

  "I will…bye Ash."

  "Bye."

  0********************0

  "So, what's Buchanan up to now?" Jax asked climbing in the tub with me.

  "Bethany wants to have a baby," I said.

  Jax started laughing.

  "Has she lost her mind? Ashton's not going to give her that."

  "Apparently she has. He says he's going to tell her tonight that he is not going for it. Then he's flying to Chicago in the morning."

  "Now that's classic Ashton," Jax said rubbing my thighs.

  "Yeah it is." I barely whispered.

  "What's wrong?"

  "I don't know. He's always wanted kids and now he has the opportunity to have them and he doesn't want it. I don't understand."

  "Why do you try to figure him out? Ashton is going to be Ashton. He's going to do what the hell he wants."

  "I know, but I don't want him to be alone if she leaves him."

  "Jacinda, we both know Ashton will have another woman before we even blink."

  "Yeah, he probably will and that's the problem. I don't like Bethany, but at least she's familiar and I know she loves him."

  "No that's your problem, but it isn’t his. Ashton doesn't want love from them. He wants an easy companionship, no commitments, and his freedom when he wants it and that’s where he messed up. Most, if not all women are complicated than that," he said kissing my shoulder. “Eventually you all want a commitment, marriage or kids. Ashton thinks that he exonerates himself by telling these women not to fall in love with him because he only wants a friends with benefits deal. But I don't know many women who could do that. They may agree at first but y’all are very emotional, and good sex tends to complicate things."

  I turned around and looked at him.

  "That's not true."

  "Yes, it is. Good dick makes you guys accept a lot."

  I rolled my eyes.

  "It's not that simple. Women are not that simple. We fall in and out of love just as fast and as hard as anyone else. Now I’ll admit we sometimes have foggy eyes…"

  "And good dick helps you ignore the warning lights in the fog is all I'm saying."

  "Fuck you." I smiled.

  "Please do." He smirked.

  I turned and slapped his chest. He grabbed me by my waist and pulled me to straddle him.

  "Can I give you some of this good dick?"

  "No… I might miss the warning lights," I said pulling away.

  He pulled me back to him.

  "No warning lights needed here. I told you a long time ago that I played for keeps. Besides, that good sex thing can work both ways. Good pussy can turn a man's brain to mush too," he said kissing my neck.

  "Oh yeah? So how you holding up?"

  "I lost that battle a long time ago. My brain has been liquefied." He grinned, and I laughed.

  "Yeah, mine too," I said mounting him.

  2. Enough is enough

  {Ashton}

  When Beth and I pulled into my parent's driveway she pulled down the visor to check her hair and makeup in the mirror. I got out, opened her door and we walked to the house. Carla, our maid, opened it before we could ring the bell.

  "Hola, mijo. Como estas?" She said, hugging me.

  "Bien Carla, y usted?"

  "Muy bien."

  "That's great. Is everyone here?"

  "Si, en el comedor."

  "Gracias," I said heading in that direction.

  "Hello Carla," Beth said.

  "Hello," Carla said shutting the door. "Ashton, you need to start coming home more often."

  "You sound like my mom."

  "Your mom is a smart woman. Usted debe escuchar a su (you should listen to her)," Carla said looking at Beth.

  I shook my head.

  It was no secret that my mom didn't like Bethany. She made it known often when Beth wasn't around. I honestly didn't think she'd like anyone I brought home. She might not ever say it to me but I knew she was pissed that I’d fucked things up with Jacinda.

  "Honey, you're here!" My mom said hugging me as I entered the dining room.

  "Hey mom…dad," I said looking his way.

  "Ash." My dad nodded.

  I kissed mom and made my way around the table to hug my father. Just then Ali and Max came out of the kitchen. Maxwell looked flushed, his face red and clammy. I looked at Ali. Her hair was disheveled, and she was straightening her clothes. I smiled to myself. They were so obvious.

  "Maxwell, Alice, You good?" I smiled, trying not to laugh.

  Max just shook his head and rolled his eyes.

  "We're well. Thanks for asking," Ali said taking her seat.

  I walked back to my side of the table and pulled Bethany's chair out for her. She thanked me and sat down.

  "So, how's medical school?" Max asked.

  "It's good. You miss football?"

  "I miss not playing with Kobe and the guys the most."

  Max had a short career in the NFL. Last year, after he blew out his knee in a game against the Cowboys he decided not to return and to go back to school. So, he was riding his contract out on the injury list. It wasn't like he needed the money. He played ball
because he loved it. The millions they paid him to do it was a bonus.

  "I miss going to the games," I said.

  "You can always come with me when I go watch Kobe play."

  "Yeah, that'll be cool."

  "Just let me know when you're going to be home and I'll make sure I have enough tickets."

  "Cool.”

  0**************0

  I had excused myself for the restroom. When I came out Max was waiting at the door.

  "It's all yours," I said moving out the way.

  "I don't have to use the restroom. I just needed a breather," he said.

  I smirked. "Were you and Ali getting it in before dinner?" I asked, smiling crookedly.

  "God, she's driving me crazy with this baby shit!" He growled. "Sex isn't even fun anymore. I feel like a fucking sperm bank just making deposits."

  I covered my mouth with my fist and fell out laughing.

  "We don't even make love anymore. We just fuck so I can come."

  "So why are you complaining again?"

  "I want to make love to my wife. I'm sick of these fucking quickies."

  I laughed again.

  "It's not funny!" He growled. "We just rushed through one because she's ovulating for the next couple of days. Do you know how hard it is to come under that kind of pressure? 'Hurry Maxie…be quiet Maxie, your parents will hear us…no head Maxie that's wasting it!'" He mocked Ali.

  I was laughing so hard I almost fell.

  "No head…is she serious? You know how much I love my BJ's, Ash. I'm so sick of this shit! I'm about ready to adopt and call it a fucking day," he said rubbing his forehead.

  "It'll be okay. Once you knock her up she'll calm down. You know how Ali is. You two need to calm down and let it happen."

  "That's what I told her."

  "I'll tell you what you should do…get some champagne, a plate of fruit and run a nice hot bath with candles and incense. Soak, eat, drink and enjoy the ambiance. Then give her a nice full body massage and go down on her."

  "Ashton…"

  "Trust me. That's how you relax and make babies." I smiled.

  "Cause you have so many…"

  "I could if that's what I wanted," I said looking at him. He looked at me skeptically. "Come on, you know how I get down. I don't have a bunch of kids because I choose not to. I have had a few scares though."

  "Whatever, you always strap up," he said.

  "I never wore protection with Cin, and I may have slipped a few times while I was in a drunken stupor." I shrugged.

  "Damn, I'm so glad you're better."

  "Me too, because I did a lot of stupid shit while under the influence. I got lucky. Now do what I said. Just relax and let nature take its course."

  "I'll try anything at this point," he said as we walked back into the dining room.

  We sat down in our respective seats and mom looked at both of us like she did when we were kids and she thought we were up to no good. I smiled at her and shrugged. She smiled back and sipped her iced tea. Bethany rubbed my knee under the table, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Ali.

  "So, Ashton, have you heard from Jacinda?" Ali asked.

  I looked up with my eyes but didn't move my head away from my plate. Ali wasn't very fond of Beth either. She was also a shit starter. I finished swallowing the pie I had just put in my mouth.

  "I spoke with her earlier today actually. I told her to call you," I said.

  "How's Whitley doing? Did you get her last set of pictures? She looks just like Jacinda when she was little, doesn't she? She is the cutest little thing," my mom said, smiling.

  "Yes, she does and she's doing well."

  "I miss them. Maybe we should go down for a visit before Cin starts school," Ali said.

  "Why, we're going down for the wedding in a couple of months? Besides I'm leaving for Chicago tomorrow morning."

  "What? Why so soon?" My mom asked.

  "I got some things to take care of before school starts."

  "And what does that have to do with you going to Texas with us?" Ali asked.

  "Nothing…I just can't go," I said motioning with my eyes to Bethany.

  The truth is I would love to go but if Bethany knew I was going she would try to tag along. She was going to the wedding with me and that was enough. Ali got the hint and changed the subject.

  "So, mom, have you talked with Whitley over the phone yet? She speaks so well and is so smart." Ali boasted.

  "I have actually and she says Ashton's name so cute."

  "I know, it's too cute." Ali laughed.

  I laughed at the name too. It really was cute.

  "She's the only one that can get away with calling me Ashy." I smiled.

  Bethany cleared her throat loudly and we all looked at her.

  "Not to interrupt all the talk about Whitley...but Ashton and I have some news."

  I turned toward her.

  "We do?" I asked through narrowed eyes.

  "Yes, we do," she said, grabbing my hand.

  She took it in hers and gave it a squeeze. What the hell was she up to? My family sat in silence looking between the two of us.

  "Ashton and I are going to have a baby," she blurted out.

  "WHAT?" we all shouted, including me.

  My mom and dad looked at me in disbelief. Ali looked pissed. And Max looked as shock as I felt.

  "What are you talking about Bethany? I've been very careful, there's no way you're pregnant." I said assuredly.

  She couldn't be pregnant, could she? I couldn't remember ever slipping up. I didn't remember one time that the condom broke or fell off. Oh god, please don't let her be pregnant.

  "No, I’m not. Not yet anyway. I just meant we're going to start trying..."

  "What the hell? Don't fucking scare me like that!" I yelled at her, running my hands through my hair.

  "Ashton, I was just…"

  "I never told you I was going to have a baby with you. Why are you telling my family that?"

  "But you said you would think about it."

  "No, I didn't. I didn't say anything actually."

  "But I…I really want to start trying," she said.

  "Look Bethany, I don't think this is the place to discuss this. We'll talk about it later."

  My mom threw her hand over her heart.

  "I think I need a drink," she said, standing up.

  "Bring me one too…a scotch please," my dad said.

  "What is the fucking problem? What's wrong with Ashton and I having a child?" Bethany growled.

  "Excuse me?" My mom said turning around.

  "You heard me!" Beth spewed.

  "Bethany!" I yelled.

  "No, I want to know what mommy dearest problem is with me. She's always been a bitch to me." She faced my mom. "You've hated me from day one and I want to know why."

  "Who the hell do you think you're talking too? That is my mother!" I yelled.

  "I know exactly who she is. But I've never done anything to her or to you. I don't deserve her ill treatment."

  "Are you crazy? Let's go," I said, trying to grab her arm but she pulled it back.

  "I've never treated you badly, Bethany. I've welcomed you into my home and I never said anything to you that was out of line," my mom said.

  "Maybe not to my face, but I know you've said things behind my back. Just admit it; you don't think I'm good enough for Ashton."

  "It's not about you being good enough. It's about him settling."

  "Settling? Is that what you really think he’s doing?"

  "I know it’s what he’s doing," mom said, shaking her head. "It is true that you're not one of my favorite people. You really have the worse disposition. You’re rude, demanding and quite the bitch yourself. But that's neither here nor there. This is all about my son for me. He should be out there searching for the woman that will really make him happy instead of wasting time here with…"

  "Mom!" I shouted.

  "What…I've held my tongue long enough. She wants to kno
w so I'm going to tell her and you."

  She cupped my face.

  "I love you, honey. And I know you and your heart and you don't love this woman. So, what are you doing, son? I know you're afraid to fall in love again. But you're wasting precious time being with someone you love."

  I looked down at the floor.

  "Are you telling him to dump me?" Bethany asked.

  "No child, Ashton's a grown man and he makes his own decisions. I just want him to make choices that benefit, and make him happy. If I thought that being with you and giving you children would do that then I’d have no problems with your relationship. But that's not the case. I want… No, I need him to be strong enough to make these tough decisions. And I want and need him to know that we'll support him always…whatever he decides." She smiled at me and I smiled back. I loved my family.

  "I don't have to sit here and listen to this shit! I'm ready to go! Take me home!"

  I looked away from my mom and at Bethany, who was red and fuming.

  "Are you coming?" She screamed.

  "Yeah, go wait in the car while I say goodnight."

  She stomped off.

  "Mom, I'm sorry…that was so uncalled for…" I began.

  "Shhh, it’s okay. I'm glad she finally got it off her chest. Are you two really considering a child?"

  "No, she did ask me though. I was going to set her straight tonight, but she pulled this shit on me."

  "You know I would love to be a grandma Ashton but don't put yourself in that situation."

  "I know, mom."

  "I'm serious, honey. You should at least like the mother of your children."

  "I like her, I guess."

  "You guess?" she said, rolling her eyes.

  “You know what I mean.”

  “I’m afraid I don’t. And I don’t think you do either. Please think about this carefully. Now go take that woman home before she starts blowing the horn and disturbing my neighbors."

  "Alright, I'll stop by in the morning to say bye."

  "Okay honey," she said, kissing my cheek.

  0**************0

  "What the hell was that?" I asked, as I pulled out the driveway.

  "You made me look like a fool in there, Ashton!"

  "You made yourself look like a fool, Bethany. Why would you tell my family that we were trying to have a baby? Did you think that if you told my parents that it would make me submit?" I looked at her. "Because it won't, I don't want a kid."