The Contract (The Contract 1)

“I bet it did. And it’s fine. Except, you owe me, so I get one real-fake marriage license.”

She dumped her coffee in the sink. “Fine. I’ll go get ready.”

She stomped past me, and because she made me want to make her angry, I grabbed her wrist, dragging her to my lap. She gasped, pushing me away, and I laughed at her ineffectual struggle.

“Want me to come scrub your back?”

“No!”

“I’ll make another donation.”

She elbowed me in the ribs, making me lose my grip, and she stumbled to her feet. “Be careful, Richard, or I’ll take you with me to the shelter and have you neutered!”

I burst out laughing at her indignation, letting her march away, muttering under her breath.

I had no idea why I enjoyed her outrage—but I did.Graham shook my hand, offering me a seat at his private conference table. His office, like the rest of the building, was one of understated wealth. The furniture was the best quality, the artwork tasteful and elegant. More awards and small versions of winning campaigns filled the shelves that took up an entire wall. The need to have a campaign of mine displayed there burned within me.

We waited until his assistant brought us coffee and left, shutting the door behind her. Graham smiled at me, helping himself to a cookie off the plate. “From what I hear, these are nowhere near as good as your Katy’s, but help yourself.”

“I’ve been spoiled, I’m afraid. Hers are amazing.”

He chewed and swallowed, wiping his mouth. “I hope your errand was a successful one, Richard?”

I patted my pocket, trying to look smug. “The paperwork is all done. I’ll have the license in three days.” I snickered a little. “I only have to convince Katharine to run off to Vegas with me and make it official.”

Graham frowned as he took a sip of coffee. “Forgive me for saying this, but your Katy doesn’t seem the Vegas type.”

I drank my coffee, stalling for time. I had no idea what “type” she was, but I couldn’t tell him that. I decided to go with the shyer side of her nature.

I cleared my throat and nodded. “You’re right, she isn’t. Still, neither of us want a big wedding. We’ll do it in private one day. Katharine is a firm believer in keeping it small—only between us.”

“She has no family, except her aunt?”

“That’s right.”

“Laura mentioned she’s in a home?”

I nodded. “She’s elderly and not well. Katharine visits her a lot.”

“Ah. What a shame.” He looked past me to the window. “Laura and Jenna were quite taken with your girl.”

I wasn’t certain what to say. I didn’t really want to talk about Katharine, yet it seemed I had no choice.

“That happens a lot.”

He smiled wide. “I can see why. She’s delightful.”

“She is.”

He switched gears, tapping a file folder in front of him. “I shared your idea with our team about the campaign.”

“And?”

“They agreed with me. They thought it was a stroke of brilliance.”

I tipped my head down, his praise making me feel good. “I’m glad.”

He relaxed back in his chair, studying me. I sensed I was being judged for the final time. I met his steady gaze, waiting for him to speak.

“It’s taken me many years of hard work and dedication to build this business. The work we do here means something.”

I nodded silently.

“It’s rare I hire outside my firm, Richard. Those who aren’t family have been with me for a long time. They become part of my family. Here at The Gavin Group, we care about our family.”

“It’s a unique concept, Graham. Most employers don’t treat their staff the way you do. I admit, I’ve never experienced it.”

“I know. I have to say, I was wary when I heard your name, Richard. Your, ah, reputation precedes you.”

I had the grace to look ashamed. “I can’t change my past, Graham, except I can tell you, I want something different now.” I hunched forward, earnest and eager. “I want to work here. I want to prove to you I belong here. Give me a chance. Let me show you what I can bring to the table.”

“We work as a team here. We celebrate the victories and accept the defeats as a team.”

“I know. I look forward to seeing that in action. Being part of something—not only being expected to bring in money and shut up.”

“When did you change your mind, Richard? Was it Katy who made you want something different?”

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation. “She was the catalyst. I want more now.” That, at least, was the truth.

He rubbed his finger over his chin. “I think you’re very talented and you could bring in a new perspective we’ve been missing. I still have my doubts, but Laura has been lobbying for you ever since she met you.”

That surprised me. “Oh?”

“She thinks anyone as wonderful as Katy would only love someone with a huge capacity for giving. She thinks you are that person. She sees something in you.”