The Agreement: Book two in the Seattle Billionaires Series

by Nora Ford

  “I need coffee,” I said out loud to no one in particular as I changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. The Starbucks around the corner was calling my name. A shot or two of espresso might help combat the tiredness nipping at my eyelids. After a long shift at the hospital, I usually sleep twelve hours at a stretch. However, this wasn’t possible last night. Not with Aron sleeping next door.

  Fifteen minutes later, I was sitting in my kitchen with a double espresso in my hand. After I took a few sips, the caffeine shooting to my extremities, I noticed the note on the kitchen table. I will pick you up at seven. He assumed I’d say yes. Who am I kidding? Of course, I’ll go out with him. I was pondering what to wear for my NOT a date dinner with Aron tonight when the doorbell interrupted my thoughts.

  Reluctantly, I went to open the door. “Talia, what are you doing here?” I was surprised to see her.

  “What? Can’t I just pop by and see my sister.”

  “Yes, but where is your key? Why haven’t you let yourself in?”

  “You’re not living alone now. I didn’t want to stand in the doorway and see you sitting on the kitchen counter with Aron between your legs,” Talia said cheekily.

  I rolled my eyes and took another sip of my espresso. “You’re not funny, you know?”

  She looked at the cup in my hand and gave me a disapproving look. “I don’t know how you manage any sleep with all the caffeine you consume.”

  “I sleep like a rock,” I said brusquely. Not last night though, I thought, but Talia didn’t need to know that last part.

  “What’s wrong? You look tense.”

  “Nothing, I’m just tired. It has been a long week.”

  “Tessa! I know you better than that. What’s bothering you?” Talia asked again.

  There was no point in hiding the truth. Talia would keep on drilling me with questions until I tell her everything. I hesitated for a tiny moment then told her what has happened last night between Aron and me.

  Talia sighed, and her shoulders flumped while a sly smile crept onto her face. “God, Tessa. . .You have a date. That’s new.”

  “This is not a date. We’re going to eat dinner together. Besides, a night in the sack isn’t new for me, Talia. It’s sex.”

  “If you say so,” Talia shrugged.

  “Now, would you stop interrogating me and help me choose a sexy outfit.”

  “Sure, but I have one more question: Is he a good kisser?”

  “God, you’re impossible. Yes, he is an amazing kisser. On a scale of one to ten, he’s like a twelve. Happy now?”

  “Yes, very. Come let’s pick something for your NOT A DATE date,” Talia said as she stood up.

  I ignored her last comment and followed her to my bedroom. After scanning my enormous closet, Talia suggested a red beaded cocktail dress and stiletto heels that went perfectly with it. “It’s daring, but Aron will swallow his tongue when he sees you in this dress.” She gave me a cheeky smile.

  “Um… but isn’t it a little bit suggestive?” I asked as I looked at the dress.

  “It has to be suggestive. You want to jump him the first chance you get.”

  “You make me sound like a slut.”

  She lifted an eyebrow. Talia was the opposite of me; she never had meaningless sex. She even waited for her wedding night to lose her virginity, which was a big mistake.

  Jeff, her first husband, was ten years older than her, but Talia didn’t mind the age difference. She liked the fact that he was experienced and mature. Shortly after they married, dad arranged a post for him in one of London’s hospitals, she left everything behind and moved there with him.

  Before long she realized that all he was after was dad’s connections and money. When she refused to ask our parents for money, he started to show her his ugly side. He didn’t abuse her physically, but emotionally. Although he was discrete about his affairs, he made sure that she knew about every single one of them. After she fell pregnant, things got worse. He didn’t want the baby; he said they couldn’t afford a baby on only one income.

  He demanded that she either end her pregnancy or ask our parents for financial support. She didn’t like the options he gave her, so she booked a ticket back to the States. They divorced a few months later after he took every cent of her trust fund. After her divorce, she’d sworn off men for good. It wasn’t until last year when Adam came in her life and swept her off her feet.

  I knew Talia wasn’t judging me. But as the rest of my family, she wasn’t happy with the way I’d been living. Still, I couldn’t live any other way. I didn’t want to get attached to anyone ever again. I knew I wouldn’t survive another loss. Talia pulled me out of my thoughts.

  “Wear some fancy earrings and leave your hair down.”

  “Down?”

  “It’s sexier down. Go for some smoke on the eyes and pale lips. I don’t have to add, wear sexy underwear.”

  I considered Talia’s overall vision. “I only have excellent underwear.”

  “I know. I’m often hit with underwear envy.” Talia said and managed to tease a smile out of me.

  “I’ve never done this before,” I murmured almost to myself, but Talia heard me.

  “Done what? Go out with a man?”

  “No, I’ve never bothered so long with my look when I went out to have some fun. I don’t even know where we are going. It just makes me more nervous, and I don’t like being nervous.”

  “Tessa?” Talia glided a hand down my ponytail as our eyes met in the mirror. “Aron isn’t like the guys you meet in a party or a bar. With those men, you know what to expect from minute one. They don’t make you nervous.”

  “But I wanted it this way. I’m not looking for a romance, Tal.”

  “I wasn’t looking for romance either when I married Adam. But I found it. Maybe you find the love of your life too.” She gave me a warm smile.

  “I’ve already found the love of my life, and he’s gone,” I said in a weak voice.

  Talia turned and laid her hands on my shoulders. “I love you, Tess. Take a chance, be open for new possibilities.”

  “I love you, too.” I sighed. “I’ll wear the red dress.”

  “You won’t be sorry. I have to go now. Have fun tonight.”

  Of course, I’d have fun. Why wouldn’t I? I knew how to have fun. I wasn’t unhappy as Talia and Liv claimed. Maybe not very happy but I was satisfied with my life the way it was.

  By sheer force of will, I got through the rest of the day by overthinking the whole thing. I realized that I wasn’t worried because Aron wanted more than one night, but I was scared because I, too, longed for more. What is wrong with that? A few months of guilt-free sex. I thought. That was all I could offer. I was sure Aron would love that. He’s never had a long-term relationship. Maybe he was commitment phobic too.

  Nothing relieved me more than the ring of the front door. At least now I could stop overthinking. “Easy,” I said to myself as I walked to the door. “No stress, no pressure. I can do this.”

  I took a deep breath and opened the door. Aron stood there, in a pitch-black suit, a white dress shirt, a deep purple tie and a smile on his face. God, he wasn’t making things any easier by being so damn sexy.

  Aron gasped when he saw me. The hungry look in his eyes made my stomach clench. “You look absolutely edible.” He whispered into my ear as he leaned down to kiss my cheek.

  “We can always skip dinner and go straight to dessert?” I challenged.

  “No, I have plans for you tonight,” His hand trailed along my waist as he led me out of my apartment. A shiver ran down my spine filling me with energy and life. A simple touch and every nerve in my body was on fire. I took a deep breath and forced my body to relax.

  Aron’s black Porsche was parked next to my Audi. When he opened the door for me, I got in the car and enjoyed the sense of the cool dark grey leather on my glowing skin. Although I was aware of Aron’s closeness, I leaned back in my seat and enjoyed the ride.

  Chapter T
welve

  Tessa

  Aron was silent the whole drive. But I caught him looking at me. Pleased with my effect on him I glanced through my passenger-side window and didn’t speak either. I didn’t even ask him where we were going; I assumed he was taking me to a fancy restaurant. But when he turned toward a gated drive, I looked at him. “I thought we were having dinner.”

  “We are, but the restaurant is coming to us. I don’t want men ogling you all evening,” Aron said as he stopped in front of the house.

  “What if I want them to ogle me?” I gave him a sassy smile.

  Aron ignored my question. He went to the front door and unlocked it. “After you.” He held out an arm, gesturing for me to lead the way inside.

  Once I stepped inside the house, I was distracted by its beauty. Aron had furnished it in masculine dark woods and sturdy textures. The artwork was impressive and had obviously been carefully chosen. One could see a combination of sophistication and culture that spoke of old money.

  “Oh,” I gasped as Aron escorted me to the living room. Aron wasn’t exaggerating when he said the restaurant would come to us. A table for two was set at the bay window at the other end of the room. Pillar candles in varying heights were staggered throughout the table creating an intimate feel. Crystal wine glasses were pre-set alongside silverware.

  When we sat my thighs grazed his, sending arrows of electricity through me. I squeezed my legs together as I felt the tingling in all my lady bits. “I didn’t know you could do this?” I said and gestured at the menu in front of me, it belonged to one of the most exquisite restaurants in town.

  “I can do a lot of things,” he gave me a sexy grin.

  “Do you do this often?”

  “First time.”

  “I should be flattered then,” I smiled cockily.

  “You should,” Aron paused and looked into my eyes. “I never bring a woman to my house. You’re the first.”

  I didn’t know how to react, but everything was overwhelming. I wanted to regain some control. I leaned over and whispered into his ear, making sure that my lips touch his earlobe. “You know I’m a sure thing tonight. You didn’t have to impress me.” Deliberately I touched my lips just under his ear teasing him with the tip of my tongue. Aron took a sharp breath and stiffened. His eyes were filled with lust. Hot, exciting, sexy images filled my head. Suddenly, I felt a rush of warmth and dampness between my thighs. There was nothing that was going to prevent me from drowning in him tonight.

  A few moments later a waiter came to take our orders and fill our glasses with fancy French wine. I ordered the first thing I saw on the menu; I wasn’t hungry for food. I imagined all the naughty things that I wanted to do to him tonight. I couldn’t believe that I was thinking this way about Aron. I’ve known him for eight years now. I never came to his house or thought about starting anything with him. Of course, I found him attractive, but every time I saw him, he managed to infuriate me with his hostile attitude.

  “I can hear you thinking. Having second thoughts?” Aron asked.

  “Oh, no. I was just thinking, this is the first time I’ve come here.”

  “Yeah, that’s right. You never came with Seth. Why?”

  “Back then, I never really liked you. You were always arrogant and sometimes even rude so I kept my distance,” I said causally.

  “And now?”

  “Now what?”

  “Do you like me now?”

  “Um… I’m not sure. You confuse me all the time. It’s easier to hate you.”

  “And do you want it easy?”

  “I don’t know,” I paused for a moment and stared into his eyes. “But I know one thing for sure: I want you.”

  Aron didn’t say anything. He leaned forward and pulled his hand up to my neck. With the tips of his fingers, he traced the column of my neck. His hand ran from my ear down to the thin strap at my shoulder holding up my dress. I shivered and gasped at his touch. When his hand wove into the hair at my nape. My gaze traced his features, leaping from his eyes to his lips and back. His mouth was so close to mine, I could feel his warm breath on my face. I closed my eyes waiting for his kiss.

  Aron knew exactly what I wanted; he kissed me softly and slowly. I opened my lips just enough for our tongues to graze one another’s in a sensual, flirtatious dance. When he pulled back, my eyes stayed closed for a moment until I heard the waiter approaching with our dinner.

  During dinner, we made small talk. I realized that Aron knew a lot about me. But he didn’t really know me. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to change that. The sexual tension between us simmered as we ate, steadily bubbling just under the surface.

  “Thank you for the lovely evening,” I said coyly as I laid my napkin over my plate.

  “You’re welcome, but the evening is about to begin.” Aron stood up and held out a hand. A brief moment of uncertainty came over me as I put my hand in his.

  “You’re frowning again.”

  “Just thinking about what happens next?” I managed to maintain an even tone of voice. I was trying to hide the fact that I was actually somewhat nervous he’d reject me like he did last night.

  “We go up to my room where I plan to make you scream my name for hours. Then you’ll make me breakfast in the morning.”

  He held me tightly against him. My body pulsed with warmth and need as I felt the steel of his erection pressed against me. I lifted my head. He met my hot gaze. “I won’t kiss you now, or we’d end up on the floor. Come to bed, Tessa.”

  I swallowed hard and let Aron lead me to his room. When he opened the door of his bedroom, he kissed my hand and drew me in. Instead of turning on the light, Aron lit the candles that were scattered around the room. I walked across the room looking around. It was like the rest of his house, masculine and sturdy, but warm and attractive at the same time. In the center of the room was a king-sized bed with a massive, masculine walnut frame.

  My eyes flew to him as he walked over to the end of the bed. Aron turned and looked at me, almost torturing me with the heat in his eyes. I knew that I was about to cross the line I’d drawn for myself a long time ago. However, before there was no turning back, I had to be sure we were on the same page. “I am starting to like you, Aron. I really do. And clearly, I’m attracted to you . . . But you have to understand that whatever is going to happen between us, it has to be casual. I have no intention in falling for you or anyone else.”

  Aron’s answer was to take off his jacket and tie and throw them on a nearby chair. His fierce gaze locked on mine. “Tessa, there is nothing casual about how I am feeling right now.”

  I opened my mouth to say something, but Aron crushed his mouth on mine and kissed me until it was impossible to protest. I melted into him as the kiss turned wild. I didn’t want it to end—it was hungry, wet and hard. I didn’t even realize Aron had moved us to the bed until he lowered himself on it. When he pulled back from the kiss, we both gasped against each other’s mouths. I looked into his caramel brown eyes, they seemed brighter than ever as he said in a hoarse voice, “I want to see you.”

  Without breaking our eye contact, I slowly rose up, my fingers slipped under the tiny strap at my shoulders, I pulled them down, and my dress slipped to the floor. I sashayed toward him in nothing but a strapless red bra and high cut matching panties.

  Aron’s breathing grew heavy as I approached and started unbuttoning his shirt, planting light kisses along the bare skin I exposed. I lifted my head to look into his eyes, at the desire shown in them.

  “You’re beautiful,” he murmured and brushed his lips over my cheeks then brought them back to mine.

  When I was under him, I arched up and pressed desperately against him. “Now,” I gasped. But Aron shook his head and kissed his way across the sensitive skin of my neck. I wasn’t sure who removed my bra, but he took his time devouring my breasts. He drove me crazy when he touched, kissed, licked and bit me everywhere. I yanked my hands and pulled to free him of the rest of his clothes.
r />   Skin to skin, our mouths joined together in heat and hunger as we rolled over the bed to find more of each other.

  When Aron moved to get a condom, I stopped him. “I’m on the pill, and I’m clean.” He stared into my eyes. “Are you sure?” I nodded. The only man that I let finish inside me was Seth. And it wasn’t until we were together for months that I let him. But I wanted to feel Aron bare inside me. “Come inside me. I want to feel you.” With my eyes locked to his, we both gasped as he drove into me.