The Contract (The Contract 1)

I had no response. I wasn’t sure anyone had ever “seen” something in me.

He slid the file folder toward me. “I have an offer for you, Richard. I want you to take this with you, look it over, and come see me on Friday morning.”

“You don’t want me to look it over now?”

“No. I want you to look it over, make sure you read all the stipulations, and reflect if this is what you really want. If you agree, we’ll sign on Friday, and you can start the following Monday.”

“I can start today.”

He stroked his chin with a small laugh. “I love your enthusiasm. Except I want to be here your first few days, and I’m taking Laura away. She’s been a bit blue, so I’m taking her to her favorite little resort for some R&R time. We’ll return Thursday night, and I’ll see you on Friday.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s fine. She needs a little alone time. It’s what we do for the women we love, am I correct?”

“Of course.”

He swept his arm, indicating the room. “This is my business and I love it, Richard, but Laura is my life. Be sure you always know the difference. Katy will be around a long time after your career is over. Make sure you pay close attention to her needs.”

Dumbfounded, all I could do was stare at him.

He stood up. “Look it over, make notes, and we’ll talk Friday. Spend a couple days with your pretty girl, and then I hope we’ll start on a new, exciting venture together. Deal?”

I shook his hand. “Deal.”I opened the door, frowning when I heard the sound of female voices. Obviously, Katharine had someone over I didn’t know. I listened carefully, and when the woman laughed, I knew.

Jenna Davis had come to visit.

Interesting.

I reached behind me, reopened the door, letting it shut with a bang.

“Katharine! Where are you, sweetheart? Come give your man a congratulatory kiss!” I shouted with a smirk.

She appeared from around the corner, looking startled. “Richard?”

I opened my arms as I went toward her. “Get over here, you.”

She hurried forward and I grabbed her, swinging her around. She laughed at the unexpected move, and before she could say anything I set her on her feet, cupped her face, crashing my mouth to hers.

A strange warmth filled my chest—no doubt gratitude that she was playing along—as she tugged on the back of my neck, bringing me closer. She whimpered softly as my tongue slid in, tangling with hers, and I couldn’t help the groan that escaped. Kissing her wasn’t a bad perk.

The clearing of a throat behind me made me smile against her lips, and I acted startled, jerking back. “We have company?” I asked, knowing Jenna could hear everything I said.

“Yes.”

“I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not. I was too excited, sweetheart.” I ran my finger down her cheek. “I couldn’t wait to get home and share with you.”

She stared up at me, looking every bit the loving, hopeful fiancée. “Jenna is here,” she breathed out.

I turned and smiled. “Hello, Jenna.”

She smirked at me. “Sorry to break up your moment. I can leave.”

I wound my arm around Katharine, tucking her close. “No, it’s fine. I was just . . .”

“. . . excited,” she finished for me. “Does that excitement have anything to do with a meeting you had with my father?”

I grinned and nodded. “I need to go over some paperwork and talk to my girl, but I think we’ll be working together.”

She clapped her hands and beamed at both Katharine and me. There was no other word to describe it—her face lit up like the morning sun. “I’m so pleased.”

“I am, as well.”

Katharine stretched up, cupping my cheek, pulling my face down toward her. “I’m proud of you,” she declared, and kissed my mouth gently.

Even I bought it.

Jenna laughed. “I’m going to head out. I think you two need to be alone.”

“You don’t have to leave,” I insisted.

“No, it’s fine.” She slipped on her coat. “I wanted to give Katy some decorating magazines. She had mentioned now she had time, she wanted to add a few touches to the place.” She glanced around with a grimace. “Really, Richard, you should have made her do it sooner. It’s so obviously a man’s place.”

I looked around.

It was? It looked fine to me.

“She can do whatever she wants. I keep telling her that.” I hoped my reply sounded sincere.

“Excellent. Look over the magazines, Katy, and we’ll go shopping.” She giggled. “Maybe the other ones will inspire you, too.”

Katharine’s cheeks flushed, which made me curious why magazines would embarrass her.

Amid air kisses and laughter, Jenna left. Katharine and I stood, looking at each other.

“Do you want some coffee?”

“That would be great.”

I followed her to the kitchen, sitting by the counter. Idly, I picked up the pile of magazines, looking at the covers. My hand froze at the bottom two. They were thick, glossy, and the words “The Perfect Wedding” were featured prominently on both. I glanced up at Katharine, understanding her reaction.