The Contract (The Contract 1)

“I know you will.” She met my eyes, smiling sadly. “I hope Laura and Jenna can forgive me.”

“Out of all of this, I regret that the most,” I admitted. “You already lost Penny, and I know how fond you are of both of them. I don’t want you to lose that as well.”

“I guess we’ll know soon enough.”

I nodded. “We will.”Running a weary hand over my face, I flipped through the documents I had printed from Brian.

The day after we came home, I texted Graham to let him know I was back and Katy was with me. I didn’t receive a response. Katy also texted Jenna and asked if they could meet for coffee, but she was only met with silence. I knew she was upset, though neither of us was surprised.

By the end of the second day, I contacted Brian for some leads in other cities. He seemed surprised by my request but sent along a few for me to look over. Two were in Toronto, one was in the States, and the last one in Calgary. It was by far the most tempting, even if it was the least dynamic of all the companies. At least we’d be surrounded by mountains and close to lakes and amazing scenery.

Although I didn’t want any of them, I was sure the writing was on the wall, in regards to my place at The Gavin Group. It was time to look at my, our, options. I wanted Katy to be happy, and I knew she wouldn’t be in a large, crowded city like Toronto. Also, I had no desire to start commuting hours to get into the office. I had to put away my pride and choose what would be best for us.

I stood up, heading to the kitchen. I needed coffee and to show Katy what Brian had sent over. She looked up from the huge cookbook she was studying and smiled at me.

“What are those?”

I tossed the pile of sheets on the counter and reached for the coffee pot. “Job leads.”

“Oh.” She tugged the papers closer. “Okay. Anything good?”

I tapped the top page. “This is interesting.”

She looked it over, frowning. “It’s pretty small compared to what you’re used to.”

I sat down, sipping my coffee. “I’m going to have to make some concessions.”

“Do you have to jump right away?”

“No,” I acknowledged. “I don’t want to be out too long, though. Financially, we’re fine; it’s more the staying on top of my game.”

“Well, in case,” she drawled, “I have some money I can loan you, if you need it.”

I quirked my lips. “Is that so?”

“Uh-huh. I did a job for this asshole who paid me well. It’s just kicking around if you need it.”

I wound my arm around her waist, tucking her close. “Are you still working for this asshole?”

“No. The asshole disappeared.”

“Is that right? Did a prince on a white steed replace him?”

“No, a complex, demanding, but very sexy and sweet real man did.”

“Sweet?” I snickered. That was a new one for me.

She nodded. “You are, at times, very sweet.”

“Maybe with you. I don’t think anyone else would ever call me sweet.”

“I’m okay with that.”

I rubbed my nose to hers affectionately. “Good.”

Our eyes met, the warmth of her gaze distracting me. Heat bubbled around us, the way it did every time I was close to her now. Lowering my head, I brushed my lips over hers.

“Now, about that sexy part . . .”

The intercom buzzing startled us both.

“Damn it.” I growled.

“Rain check,” she whispered against my lips.

I wrapped my hand around her neck, holding her close, kissing her hard. “Not a long one. I’ll deal with whatever they want, and then you’re mine.”

I hit the speaker button. “VanRyan.”

“You have visitors, Mr. VanRyan. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin are here to see you.”

I met Katy’s shocked gaze, reaching for her hand.

“Send them up.”I paused prior to opening the door, still holding tight to Katy’s hand. “No matter what, we’re okay, all right?” I said quietly.

“Yes.”

Steeling myself, I swung open the door and was met with Graham’s serious countenance. Laura was beside him, her expression somber, as well. The real kicker was the box Graham held. The last time I’d seen it, I had been packing up my desk.

Even though I wasn’t shocked, and I had suspected this would happen, the rush of disappointment in my chest was crushing. I inhaled sharply, tightening my grip on Katy’s hand. Beside me, she uttered a muffled gasp, her eyes on the box Graham held. I leaned down, pressing a kiss to her head.

“We’re okay,” I reassured her. “Remember?”

“Okay,” she repeated.

I stepped back, not wanting this to happen in the hallway outside our home. “Come in,” I managed.

Graham set down the box on the floor beside the sofa. I was grateful when Katy spoke up, giving me a few extra seconds to gather myself.