The Contract (The Contract 1)

Her eyes were fathomless as our gazes locked. I didn’t know how to express how important this was to me.

“I want . . .” I swallowed and breathed deep. “For the first time in my life, I want to take care of someone. Let me do that. I’ll support you in whatever you decide, but let me look after you for a little while. I need to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine,” she insisted.

“Please,” I repeated. “Just a little time. I want you to relax. Decorate our room. Read. Sleep. Make me some of your incredible dinners. Bake me cookies.” I pressed her hand to my chest. “Look after me. I need you, sweetheart. I need to know you need me, too.”

She cupped my face, her thumbs rubbing small circles on my cheeks. “I do need you, Richard.”

“For me,” I pleaded, leaning my forehead to hers. “All I’m asking for is a little time.”

“All right.”

“Thank you.”

She met my lips with hers, and I captured them hard. I slid my arm under her legs and lifted us from the chaise. Striding from the room, I carried her to our bed. I laid her on the mattress, smiling down at her stretched out for me.

“I think we were interrupted earlier, and someone promised me a rain check. I’m collecting now.”

She tugged me back to her mouth. “Good.”

I brushed her lips with mine, already filled with desire. It was a mystery to me how I had denied my attraction to her for so long. All I needed from her was a shy glance or one of her teasing smiles, and I wanted her. Everything about her was alluring and beautiful. The way she supported—loved me—was the strongest aphrodisiac I had ever known.

My eyes fluttered open, meeting her vivid, blue gaze. In an instant, the rampant desire dimmed into a simmering pool of emotion. Everything that occurred today—every good thing in my life—was because of her.

My Katy.

The love and ache I would only ever have for her, consumed my body. Hovering over her, I dropped my mouth back to hers, my kiss tender and filled with the depth of my affection. She wrapped her arms around my neck, her fingers sliding up my head in a caress so light, I shivered. Her touch conveyed so much tenderness. Her love saturated into my skin every time we were together, grounding me, bringing me focus when I needed it the most. I soaked up her essence, her soul becoming one with mine.

I pulled off our clothes with gentle hands, my mouth rarely leaving her body. I stroked her warm skin, adoring every curve and imperfection with my touch. I smiled as she became impatient, pulling me down with arms that clutched me tight, her voice pleading for more. Sliding into her welcoming body, I stilled, reveling at the utter perfection of being joined with her in the most intimate of ways.

I had planned to fuck her—hard. Tease her until she begged for release, but it all changed in one second. All I wanted now was to make love to her, claim her, leave her sated, content and secure in the knowledge she was mine.

And equally secure in the fact I belonged to her completely.

I began to move—long, slow strokes. I worshipped her with my hands and mouth, leaving no inch untouched, praising her the whole time. “Your skin, baby, I love how it tastes.”

She wound her fingers in my hair, tugging at the short strands, moaning my name.

I thrust faster, needing more. “My cock feels so good buried inside you.”

She wrapped her legs tighter, holding me close, as she clutched my shoulders, her blunt nails burrowing into my skin.

My movements became frantic as my orgasm began to gather strength, overtaking my being. “Mine, Katy. You’re mine.”

She shattered, her muscles clenched, crying out in her release. Burying my face into the fragrant skin of her neck, I let the waves of pleasure roll over me, intense and deep, my mind blank as I drifted, my body humming in contentment.

Lifting my head, I met Katy’s tender, sleepy gaze. I captured her lips, nuzzling the softness.

“Love you,” I breathed out.

Her smile was sweet. “I know.”Monday, I was nervous when I walked through the door of The Gavin Group. I wasn’t surprised to find Graham waiting for me. He shook my hand, inviting me to sit down with him in his office, and he went over everything that had occurred while I was gone. He piqued my interest with a new campaign and we were deep in conversation about it when Adam, Jenna, and Adrian walked in. I stood up, extending my hand. Both Adam and Adrian shook it, however, Jenna stood back, gazing at me coolly. Understanding her anger, I nodded and sat back down. She was slow to join in the discussion, but soon was arguing with me as she always did over concepts and ideas. I was grateful for the normalcy of the moment, knowing we’d be having a far more personal discussion later.