The Contract (The Contract 1)

Releasing her, I sat back down at my desk, laughing as she stormed out.

At least the next two years wouldn’t be completely dull.

Given what she had shared . . . they could prove to be interesting.RICHARD

IT WAS A NIGHT TO celebrate. I had done it. I was a certified employee of The Gavin Group. I met with Graham, signed the offer, and much to his delight, I told him I wanted to stay and get started right away. My office was set up, I officially met my assistant, Amy, and Graham had already placed some folders on my desk. I dove into them with vigor, making preliminary notes, jotting down ideas and thoughts as they came to me.

When he told me there was a small gathering after the office closed, I had texted Katharine to inform her I wouldn’t be home, so I was surprised when I saw her walk in carrying, of all things, a tray of cookies. Looking over at the lavish buffet spread out, I wanted to roll my eyes. She brought homemade cookies to an event like this? And why was she here? I hadn’t asked her to come.

The answer became obvious rather quick. Jenna clapped her hands and hurried over to Katharine.

“You came! And you brought the cookies as I asked! You’re the best!” Jenna then proceeded to hug her, making a huge fuss over the fact my fiancée was present.

Schooling my features, I crossed the room, ever aware their eyes were on me. I wound my arm around Katharine’s waist, drawing her close. I nuzzled her hair as I murmured to her.

“You never told me, sweetheart. If I’d known you were coming, I would have been downstairs waiting for you.” I tightened my arm. “You never even answered my text.”

She looked at me, and I could see the apprehension in her eyes. “Jenna insisted I surprise you.”

“I was afraid if you knew she was bringing your favorite cookies, you’d kidnap her and them,” Jenna teased.

I smirked at her impish tone. “I’d share the cookies before I shared her.”

Jenna giggled, and I knew I’d said the right thing. She grabbed Katharine’s arm. “Break it up, you two. Mom wants to see Katy again, and I want to pick her brain about your wedding plans.” She dragged her off. I made a big show of pouting, then went and got another scotch. I did take a couple cookies, though.

That was how the evening unfolded. It felt as though I wasn’t even there. I drifted from group to group, chatted with Graham, Adrian, and Adam, all of whom teased me about trying to talk about work, insisting this was a social occasion. Graham grinned as he clapped me on the shoulder and told me he was thrilled I was so anxious, but Monday would be soon enough. I listened to their plans for the weekend, the way they talked about their wives, and their lives, wondering how anyone could be so attached to another person. It seemed to be the same for every one of them. They all watched their respective spouses with adoration-filled gazes. It made me a little nauseous, but I followed their example, watching Katharine as she walked around the room, talking to people, usually with Jenna or Laura by her side. She seemed to be the star of the show. Everyone wanted to talk to my fiancée. Her cookies were a huge hit, disappearing long before any of the other desserts.

When had she become more important than I was? She was the sidekick. I was the star. I was always the one who commanded the room. How had it changed? I frowned as I thought about it. It had been the same last week. When she was beside me, people spoke to me, engaged me in conversation. When we were separated, they were polite, but distant—there was no small talk or personal observations. Instead, it revolved around business. It was what I knew best. Katharine brought a warmth and ease to the interactions. Somehow, she made me more likable; her softness was doing exactly what I wanted it to do.

It was what I needed, yet somehow, it still angered me. It made me feel as if I needed her.

I didn’t need anyone.

Graham chuckled. “Okay, Richard, quit glowering at the accounting department. They’re only being friendly to your lovely Katy. No need to be shooting daggers in their direction.”

I dropped my gaze. I wasn’t shooting daggers at them. I found myself irritated by Katharine, even though she was doing what I asked. Yet, it also drew the attention away from me, and my ego didn’t like it.

I forced a chuckle. “She draws them like a moth to a flame.”

“She’s delightful. You’re a lucky man, and we’ve kept you apart long enough. Go get your fiancée and have something to eat.”