The Contract (The Contract 1)

I had planned to stay close, but it seemed my plans were thwarted at every turn. Once introduced to Jenna, her husband Adrian, as well as their older son Adam, his wife Julia, and their two children, Katharine and I were separated. Jenna was eager to meet Katharine, her green eyes much like her father’s, wide and excited. She was average height, attractive, with blonde hair and a friendly smile. Her husband resembled a linebacker, as wide as he was tall, with dark hair and eyes. Their mutual adoration was obvious—if not a little nauseating.

Jenna grabbed onto Katharine, dragging her around to meet some other women, while Graham introduced me to several key members of his staff. It was obvious Graham’s intention wasn’t a secret. He was letting the rest of his valued staff meet me, and I knew their opinions would matter, so I was on my best behavior, putting on the charm. For the first while, I kept glancing over to Katharine, wondering if she was saying or doing anything to jeopardize our situation, but she looked surprisingly calm, and seemed to be holding her own. Graham noticed my preoccupation and ribbed me good-naturedly.

“Relax, Richard. No one will kidnap her. I promise.”

I forced a chuckle. “Of course not. She, ah, she’s rather shy, that’s all,” I stated lamely. I couldn’t tell him why I needed to stay close.

“You’re protective of her.”

I was? That was what he thought?

“It’s been a rough few days, for both of us.”

He nodded, looking serious. “I heard what happened.”

Perfect.

“I couldn’t let him berate her that way, or allow him to belittle our relationship. It was time to leave, regardless of how it affected my career,” I stated with conviction. “I wanted our relationship—our real relationship—out in the open. I wanted the world to know we were engaged.”

“You put her first.”

“Always.”

He clapped my shoulder. “Come meet some people, Richard.”A while later, I walked toward the small group of people with Katharine. I had observed the Gavins and how they interacted, and I was correct in my assumption. They were a very demonstrative group. When they were close to each other, the couples were constantly touching. Both Laura and Graham were also affectionate with their children and grandchildren. I knew I needed to show the same sort of affinity with Katharine. I hoped she could respond in kind.

The women were laughing, shaking their heads. Katharine spoke up. “I know, for someone usually so health conscious, Richard is terrible. He eats far too much red meat. Every chance he gets, especially at Finlay’s. The twenty-four ounce rib-eye every time.” She chuckled. “I’ve given up trying to stop him because there’s no point. At least he eats better now that I cook for him. The number of take-out menus I found in the drawer when I moved in was frightening.”

Stepping up behind her, I wrapped my arm around her waist, drawing her back to my chest and dropping a quick kiss to her neck, noticing her small shiver. “What about you, Katharine?”

I glanced around at the small group of women she was talking to with a wide smile. “She worries constantly about that, yet every day, I find her eating a peanut butter and jam sandwich.” I shook my head, looking back down at her. “I keep telling you, sweetheart, you need to eat more protein. You are far too tiny. I could put you in my pocket, I swear.”

There was a collective sigh among the women in the group. I had obviously said something right.

“Don’t hate the PB&J, my darling,” Katharine insisted. “Being your assistant, I was lucky to have time to eat a sandwich.”

I kissed her again. “My bad, baby. You shouldn’t be so invaluable to me.”

As the women around her all laughed, Jenna patted one on the shoulder with a smile.

“Look out, Amy, you’ve been warned. If Richard comes on board, no more lunch hours.”

Amy laughed. “I’ll find out all his secrets from his fiancée to keep him in line.”

Ah, Amy Tanner, Brian’s girlfriend, and the way things seemed to be going, my next assistant. I smiled at her—she was exactly his type: tall, pretty, and polished.

“Hello, Amy. Brian away this weekend?”

She nodded. “Another trip. He said to remind you about golf next week when he gets back.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“I hope I’m not a disappointment as an assistant after having your fiancée at your side. If, of course, you come on board.”

I stiffened a little, but Katharine laughed, patting my arm. “Richard is brilliant,” she enthused. “He is amazing to work with. I’m sure the two of you will get along famously.”

Jenna winked at Katharine. “Spoken like a woman in love.”

Katharine relaxed back into me with a small sigh. She glanced up, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Her hand traced my jaw, her voice low and husky. “Because I am.”