Page 3 of Legally Binding
“It slipped my mind the other day.” Spencer looks at Gideon, and they share a knowing smirk.
“Fucking assholes,” I mutter under my breath.
“Do you want to be the pot or the kettle?” Gideon asks. “Because Spencer and I can be the same thing.”
I stomp out of the room to the sound of their chuckles, and I try to not let my anger show. I’m pissed at myself that I was the one that convinced them to take on Bob Wilson as a client. Per usual, I jumped the gun and signed him with a retainer before getting to know him first. Spencer and Gideon tried to tell me to slow down, that someone with as much money and influence as him would end up being a problem. Now when Bob needs something, I’m almost always the one that’s stuck having to deal with him. Yes, it’s my fault, but fuck me, I’m sick of him. What I’d like to do is kick his ass to the curb, but with all the high-powered people he knows, he’s a good contact to have.
Today’s meeting is a basic negotiation about Bob and his wife wanting to use a surrogate. From what Bob told me, they had a verbal agreement, and now the person wants to back out. I’m here to make the offer and get the woman to agree to his terms. That’s all. Bob has enough money that he could get anyone he wants, so I have no idea why he’s fixated on this one person. Maybe they look like his wife. Although I can’t imagine they have the same plastic surgeon, since Kendra’s is the most expensive in the world.
Bob is already in the conference room when I enter and appears irritated he’s been kept waiting. Judith, one of our many paralegals, looks relieved. I need to remember to give her a raise.
“About time,” Bob snaps, but I ignore the attitude.
“I apologize for the delay. I was researching other cases that have been successful with verbal contracts and surrogacy.” The lie rolls off my tongue easily, and it’s almost like I get paid to do it for a living.
“Oh, well, good then.” Bob looks at his watch and seems more impatient than when I walked in. “Is she here yet?”
“I’m not sure. Judith, would you mind checking please?” I take a seat, and she practically runs out of the room. Yeah, I feel the same way. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Scotch would be great.”
I glance over at Bob and then at the clock. It’s barely noon, and we’re about to start negotiations. Normally I wouldn’t give a fuck, but I don’t like this guy, and I’m not wasting good scotch on him.
“I’m afraid we’re all out. Water?”
He waves his hand and grumbles something about not being prepared. It’s best if I don’t listen too closely or I might not be able to control my mouth.
“Have there been any changes since the last time we spoke? Anything I should be aware of for today’s meeting?” I open the files Judith set up for me earlier and don’t see any new notes.
“Well, um—” Bob appears to think it over, but before he can answer, Judith is back.
“She’s here,” Judith says, and I stand as she steps to the side. “Piper Gray, this is Landon Adair, and you know Mr. Wilson.”
“Oh shit,” I breathe softly, and Bob cuts his eyes in my direction. I clear my throat, trying to cover up my surprise as I step around the table to greet Piper. “Thank you for meeting with us today.”
There was one blurry photo of her in the file, but seeing her in person is a whole other experience. Her slight frame is made smaller by the damp clothes clinging to her body, along with the fact that she’s terrified.
I’m not the type of man that has protective instincts. I don’t go out of my way to help people or do the right thing. Most people probably consider me a selfish prick, but Piper’s fear at seeing Bob makes me want to change that.
I extend my hand, but she hesitates. Her dark eyes flick to Bob and then back to me before she barely touches my hand with hers and then releases it quickly like it’s a snake. Maybe to her I am. Is that what everyone thinks of lawyers? I guess when I represent someone like Bob, she’s not wrong. To her, I’m the enemy, same as Bob, and being lumped in with him doesn’t sit right with me.
“Shall we get started?” I pull out a chair for her, and she purposely keeps her distance as much as possible as she sits down.
“Okay.” Piper looks down at her hands, clearly uncomfortable.
“Will your legal counsel be joining us?” I ask, and she shakes her head. Based on her worn sneakers and weathered T-shirt, I’m guessing she doesn’t have one. “Would you like for us to delay until you can find one?”
“No,” Piper says, more firmly this time, and her dark eyes meet mine.
“Okay, then I’ll explain the terms Mr. Wilson is offering if that’s all right with you?” Judith looks at me like I’ve grown an extra ear. Yeah, a gentle approach is not my style. I guess I’m breaking all kinds of rules today.
“Okay.” Piper chews on her lower lip, and I have the urge to go give her a hug.
Am I having a stroke?
“I’ve got, um, something I want to add,” Bob says, cutting in. “To the contract.”
“Which is?” I turn to the back of the contract with my pen poised, ready to make the new note.
