The Contract (The Contract 1)

“Thank you. Three o’clock?”

“I’ll meet you at home.” She turned and went back into Penny’s room, leaving me staring after her, dumbfounded.

When had Miss Elliott become such a force to be reckoned with?

I had no idea, but for the first time, I felt grateful she was on my side.RICHARD

I WAITED IN THE KITCHEN, pacing and fidgeting with my tie. Damn thing wouldn’t lay flat no matter what I did, as if I had forgotten how to tie a proper Windsor knot. It wasn’t as though I was nervous. I had nothing to be nervous about—Katharine and I were simply going to say a few words, sign a piece of paper, and be done with the formality of marriage. It was another layer in my plans. Simple. It meant nothing.

I yanked at the silk again. Why wouldn’t this fucking tie lay flat?

“Keep pulling it like that and there won’t be any material left, Richard. What did that tie ever do to you?”

I glanced up, startled. Katharine stood in the doorway, looking equally as nervous, however, much prettier. “Whoa!”

She was wearing a simple off-white dress that hugged her narrow waist and exploded in a froth of material at her knees. The top was lacy and showed off her slender neck and arms. Her hair was pinned back, hanging to one side in a cascade of curls. The champagne hue of her dress accented her coloring. I looked down, grinning at her shoes—small with a tiny heel, they were perfect. I had gotten used to the way she fit under my arm, and now, I didn’t want her any taller.

I approached her, lifting her hand, kissing it. “You look lovely.”

She lowered her eyes, then straightened her shoulders. “Thank you.”

“No. Thank you.”

“For?”

“Where would you like me to start? For agreeing to this arrangement in the first place. For sticking to your word, even though you had every right to tell me to go to hell.” Reaching over, I twisted a long curl around my finger, rubbing the soft strands of her hair, releasing it, letting it curl back into place. “For being a better person than I am,” I added with complete honesty.

Her eyes were bright. “That’s the nicest thing you have ever said to me.”

“I know. I haven’t tried very hard not to be such an asshole, have I?” I met her gaze, refusing to look away. “I’ll try harder.”

She worked away at the inside of her cheek furiously.

“Hey. Enough.” I chuckled, drawing my finger down her cheek. “No blood on our wedding day.”

The corners of her lips curled into a smile. I bent over and picked up the small gift I had gotten for her, holding out the bouquet of flowers.

“For you.”

“Richard!”

“I thought you would like them,” I said, feeling self-conscious.

She buried her nose in the small bouquet. “I love them.” She frowned. “What about you?”

“I’m not carrying a bouquet.” I smirked, wanting to lighten the serious tone we had taken.

She shook her head with a grin, and went over to the drawer, rummaging around. She picked through her bouquet and snipped one of the roses, then carefully pinned it to my lapel. Her small fingers twisted, and smoothed my tie into place. She patted the material, looking pleased. “There. Now you’re ready.”

“Are you ready?” I asked, almost fearful of her answer.

“Yes.”

I crooked my arm. “Let’s get married.”It was a simple ceremony. Solely the two of us, with witnesses neither of us knew. Words were spoken, short vows exchanged, and we were pronounced husband and wife. I slipped a slim band on with her diamond, and as she requested, I allowed her to put an unassuming platinum band onto my finger. I stared down at my hand, flexing my fingers, and tightening my fist, the cold metal touch alien on my skin. Katharine watched me, and I grinned at her. “Marked as taken now, so I guess it’s official.”

The Justice of the Peace chuckled. “It is once you kiss your bride.”

I lowered my head, our gazes locking. I brushed my mouth over hers, wrapping my hand around her neck, drawing her tight to me and kissing her deeply. It was my right, after all—she was my wife. When I drew back, she opened her eyes, and I was startled at the honest gentleness of her gaze. Her smile was a genuine one and I returned it fully, dropping another swift kiss on her full lips.

“We’re married, Richard.”

I wasn’t sure why those words pleased me, yet they did.

“We are. Now, we have to go have dinner with the Gavin family. What are the chances they’re keeping it low-key?”

“Slim to none—but you were the one who agreed to it.”

“I know. Don’t remind me. Let’s sign the papers and go face the music.”

“Okay.”We pulled up in front of the house. I shifted into park and glanced around with a sigh of relief. “No extra cars.”