The Contract (The Contract 1)

“I don’t need to be carried anywhere,” I grumped, dropping my head back to Katy’s warmth. “Katy and I can manage fine.”

“Make sure you wait long enough, so you don’t blow chunks in her car,” Jenna advised.

Her frankness made me chuckle.

“Good point.”

“Call if you need anything, Katy.”

“I will. Thank you, Graham.”

“I’ll assume you aren’t coming for yoga tonight,” Jenna mused.

“I’ll let you know.”

There was shuffling of feet and the quiet closing of my door.

“Are they gone?”

Katy lifted my chin, stroking my hair back from my forehead. “Yes.” Bending low, she pressed a kiss to my skin. “They worry, my darling, that’s all.”

I smiled at her endearment. “I know. I’m still getting used to it.”

“You’re getting better. You didn’t even curse at them.”

I snickered. “That’s because you were here.”

This time it was her turn to snicker.

“You can go to yoga. I’ll probably sleep.”

“I’ll decide later. Do you think you’re up to the ride home?”

I cracked an eye open and nodded. “The pills are working.”

“Okay, let’s get you home.”

I stood up, not surprised to see her already holding my briefcase. She was always a step ahead of me.

We made our way to the elevator, the hall deserted. I kept my arm around her, not only for the support she provided, but because I liked her close. In the car, I leaned my head back, shutting my eyes again, letting the cool seep back into my skin from the compress she tucked around my neck.

I slipped my hand over hers. “Thank you.”

Her lips brushed mine. “Always.”I drew in a deep, bracing lungful of air. I loved living this close to the water. Katy had gone to yoga, and after I woke up, I came outside, grateful the storm had passed, taking with it the worst of my headache. I glanced around the backyard, thinking of the changes that had occurred in the months since we moved in.

A pool had been the first order of business, and it now sat to the one side, glistening and serene in the early evening light. Beside it was the pool house—Katy’s favorite part of the backyard. It was the cottage she shared with Penny on their brief holidays; bright blue, with white shutters, her memories still intact. I had arranged with Bill to purchase it and have it transported here for her. Inside, it was remodeled and useful, but still held the same rustic appeal. Her reaction to seeing it had been emotional and deep.

“Come with me, Katy.” I pulled at her hand, dragging her through the house. “I have something to show you.”

She grinned. “Is the pool done already?”

“Almost.”

I led her onto the deck, suddenly nervous. I had never done anything so sentimental in my life. I threw out my arm. “I got you a pool house.”

She froze, staring at the hut I had bought, refurbished, and had installed on a cement foundation by the pool. The porch was rebuilt, the paint fresh to match the shutters of the house, but it was her cottage.

“Richard!” She gasped. “What . . . how?”

“It was important to you. I wanted you to have it.”

She flung her arms around my neck, her tears hot and wet on my neck.

“Tell me these are good tears,” I demanded quietly. I still hated when she cried. I never knew what to do when she did, or how to make things better.

“The best kind.” She sniffed.

“I still don’t like them. Stop, please.”

“Thank you, Richard. I can’t even tell you what this means to me.” She gazed up at me, the love blazing from her eyes. “I love you.”

I blinked at the sting behind my eyes.

“I love you.”

Just the thought of her reaction still made me smile and brought warmth to my chest. The one only she could create.

The door opened behind me, and Katy’s scent enveloped me as she came close, pressing a kiss to my head.

“Feeling better?”

“Much. Especially now you’re home.”

“Good.”

“How was yoga? Take anyone out tonight?”

She laughed. “No, people know to stay clear of me now. I always thought yoga would help with my balance, but I seem resistant to that benefit.”

I cast my eye over her as she moved in front of me. Her body was perfect: tight and toned. “I dunno, sweetheart. I sort of like the benefits.” I patted my knee. “You could come over here and I can show you how much I like them, if you want.”

She slid on, draping her arms around my neck. “You’ve been showing me how much you like the benefits a lot lately.”

I skimmed my hand down her leg, curling it around her calf. “Just showing my appreciation.”

She played with the ends of my hair, a nervous look crossing her face. I frowned. It reminded me too much of how she looked when we started.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, but I have something to tell you. I’m not sure how you’re going to react.”