The Contract (The Contract 1)

It was an Oscar-worthy performance.The afternoon waned away. We ate, talked, and met many people. Often when we were with other people, I would look up to find Katharine’s eyes on me. Because it amused me to watch her reaction, I would blow her a kiss or send her a wink, simply to see her cheeks flush. She did it every single time. She did the same thing when I would walk up to her, wrapping an arm around her waist, dropping a kiss to her shoulder or cheek. She played her part well, never reacting in any way except welcoming. In fact, a couple times she sought me out, leaning up on her toes to whisper in my ear. It was easy to imitate the way Adrian bent his head low to hear whatever Jenna was murmuring, with an indulgent look on his face. I had no doubt the words Jenna whispered were far more intimate than what Katharine had to tell me, but no one else knew that.

At one point, Graham drew me to the side and asked if I was available for another discussion on Monday. It was all I could do not to fist pump the air, knowing we had done it. Instead, I told him Katharine and I had an errand on Monday morning, however, I was available after lunch. I didn’t want to appear too eager, but as soon as he nodded knowingly and informed me the license office was always busy on Monday so we should hold off until two o’clock to meet, I realized my mistake.

He thought we were going to apply for our marriage license. Rather than correct him, I agreed two o’clock would be a good time and shook his hand. I noticed a few other people had left, so I thanked him for his hospitality. When he reminded me of the donation, I told him we could take care of it Monday—in actuality, I didn’t have a clue the name of the shelter.

Laura was talking to Katharine, when I approached. “Ready to go, sweetheart?” I asked. “I know you want to go see your aunt this afternoon, as well.”

“Yes, I do.” Katharine turned to our hostess. “Thank you for the lovely afternoon.”

Laura beamed, and pulled her in for a hug.

“Your aunt is very lucky to have you. It was good to meet you, my dear girl. I look forward to seeing more of you. Remember what I said about your wedding!”

Katharine nodded, taking my outstretched hand. It wasn’t unpleasant when Laura stretched up and pressed a kiss on my cheek. “So happy to meet you, Richard. I look forward to seeing more of you, too.” She winked. “Both here and at the office.”

I grinned at her. “Likewise.”

“Did Graham give you a check for the five thousand?”

I blinked at her, then at Katharine.

Five thousand?

Apparently, I had been generous. I smirked, deciding it was well worth it.

“He’s giving it to me on Monday.”

“Excellent. Now you two lovebirds, enjoy the rest of your day.”

I gave a low laugh, making Katharine’s cheek darken and Laura’s smile wider. “I plan to,” I assured her with a wink as I tugged my fiancée away.

I chuckled all the way to the car.

Inside, I was celebrating. It had worked.RICHARD

MONDAY MORNING, KATHARINE LOOKED AT me as if I had two heads.

“We’re doing what?”

I sighed, folding my paper and setting it on the counter. “I didn’t want to appear too eager, so I told Graham you and I had an errand to run this morning. He assumed it was to go get a marriage license, and I never corrected him.”

She picked up our plates and carried them to the sink. I had to admit she was a damned good cook. I couldn’t remember the last time I had eaten breakfast at home that didn’t come out of a box. Yesterday she had taken her car to do “errands,” and when she returned, it took two trips with me helping to bring up all the groceries she bought. I had thought she was crazy, but I was having second thoughts. Dinner last night had been some kind of delicious chicken and her scrambled eggs today were stellar. So was her coffee. I fully approved of the purchase of the new coffee maker.

She slumped against the sink, scrubbing her face. “You can let him think it, but we don’t have to do it.”

I shook my head. “Nope. We’re doing it. I want a paper trail. We don’t have to get married, just have the license.”

“Richard.”

I lifted the check I had written off the table. “Consider it fair trade for my donation.” I arched my eyebrow at her. “My very generous donation.”

She had the grace to look embarrassed. “I told you, I had no idea what someone in your financial bracket would consider generous. When Laura was talking about it, one of the other women was a little catty and said she wouldn’t consider anything under a thousand generous.” She shrugged. “Before I realized what I was saying I had blurted out you had donated five thousand. It certainly shut her up.”