The Arrangement Duet Box Set

by Madison Quinn

  “Sounds very nice.”

  “What about you? What type of a wedding did you see yourself having?”

  “I never thought I would get married, so I never considered what my wedding would be like.”

  “Your… ex, she didn’t want to get married?”

  “Oh, I’m sure that was her ultimate goal, but we never discussed it.”

  “Oh.”

  “Assuming I can speak with Bridget tomorrow morning, are you able to come to my parents’ on Sunday for dinner? I thought perhaps we could announce our engagement then?”

  “Sure, I’m free all day.”

  “I know we have the charity dinner tomorrow night, but we should find a time to move your belongings in here as well. I will have Julie prepare the bedroom you stayed in when you were here for the weekend unless you have any objections to it?”

  “No, that room was perfect.”

  “Great, I’ll arrange for movers to pack—“

  “Ummm, no, I would rather pack my own things.”

  “Are you sure? It’s not an issue; we use movers at PFS all the time.”

  “I would rather pack my own stuff. I don’t feel comfortable having someone else pack my things.”

  “If you’re sure?” she nods. “Do you need much time to pack your things? I’m thinking maybe we should have everything moved in this weekend.”

  “No, I don’t have very much as you saw.”

  “How’s Sunday then? Ben and Hunter should be able to move everything when we’re at dinner?”

  “That will be fine. I can pack up everything tomorrow before dinner.”

  “Kenzie… I really can’t thank you enough for agreeing to this. I know this wasn’t an easy decision for you…”

  “If this is what it will take to help you save PFS, then it will be worth it. I’m happy I can help you do that.”

  “You amaze me sometimes. You could have asked me for anything, any amount of money, and I would have given it to you but you didn’t.”

  “Money isn’t everything, Nicholas.”

  “It certainly isn’t.”

  We fall into a comfortable silence as we eat dinner; I can’t help but watch Kenzie in amazement that she agreed to this whole arrangement. I had hoped she would agree to it, but I kept thinking the worst… that she would say what I knew all along, that what I was asking of her was too much. I wish I knew what was going through her head when she was reading the prenup last night; I was so tempted to bring her down the bottles of wine personally and offer to sit with her while she read the contract. Ultimately though, I knew that she wouldn’t want that; I knew that I had to respect her request for some time alone to process everything and to read through the contract.

  “Did you hear me, Nicholas?” Kenzie pulls me from my thoughts that I seem to have been lost in.

  “Oh, sorry… what did you say?”

  “Don’t you think people will find it odd that we are sleeping in separate bedrooms? I’m not trying to suggest… I just want to make sure we have our bases covered.”

  “Anyone who will come in here will know me, Kenzie. I… I have nightmares most nights and therefore I won’t share a bed with anyone. My family is aware of this, so they won’t suspect anything if they notice we are sleeping separately. Julie and Carter are used to it as well; that was the arrangement with… my ex.”

  “But you slept with me…”

  “I did.”

  Neither of us says anything next; the fact that I slept comfortably with her the night she woke up screaming still baffles me. I still don’t know if I had a nightmare when she was in my room the first night I was sick; she hasn’t mentioned it but then again neither have I. Although I’m dreading the first nightmare I have when she is living here…

  “So, we have the charity dinner tomorrow and then with your family on Sunday?” she knows the answer to her question, but I get the impression she is trying to change the subject.

  “Yes, when we come back here, after dinner on Sunday, everything should be moved into the bedroom upstairs. If you need other space in here, there are plenty of guest bedrooms that can be turned into an office or anything else you want.”

  “I don’t need much; the bedroom is fine.”

  “There’s one other thing we need to discuss…” I purposely waited until the last possible minute to bring this issue up. I don’t know if Kenzie has thought about it yet, but I feel we need to discuss it to make sure we’re both on the same page.

  “Okay…” she’s obviously cautious, not knowing what I want to discuss.

  “The press… You know they’re a thorn in my side and the entire reason for this new arrangement,” she nods in agreement. “They’re going to need to believe that we’re in love. I know our original agreement with Bridget didn’t include much physical displays of affection, but—“

  “I get it, Nicholas, and it’s fine. I already kind of assumed that would be part of this new arrangement. We’ll need to kiss each other in public and spend more time together than we have been, especially lately.”

  “If you’re uncomfortable with anything, Kenzie, you have to let me know. The press needs to be convinced we’re in love, but I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable in the process.”

  “It’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

  I walk her back to her apartment after we finished our drinks, and I realize tomorrow night will be the last time I do this. The idea of a living with a woman full time has me a little anxious, but I don’t think it will be an issue with Kenzie. I’ve never lived with a woman, though; I don’t consider Julie living with me because she and Carter have their own apartment that just happens to be within mine. My ex would spend a few nights a week at my old place but never really long term. It’s definitely going to be an adjustment having someone in my space twenty-four seven. But, it’ll be worth it to save PFS.

  “Thank you for dinner. Julie is an amazing cook,” once again Kenzie pulls me from my thoughts.

  “I know I said it earlier, but I can’t thank you enough for what you’re doing for me. I truly appreciate you doing this.”

  “You need to stop thanking me, it’s really not needed—“

  “You really are something,” I shake my head in disbelief that she can’t see what an amazing thing she is doing for me. She doesn’t see what she is giving up just to help me, something I don’t think anyone else who knows me would do.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she stands on her tiptoes and kisses me right on the lips.

  On instinct my arms wrap around her waist; my body wanting or maybe needing to feel her against me again. Her kiss is hesitant but soft and gentle at the same time. She doesn’t deepen the kiss and all too soon she pulls back just enough so our eyes can meet. She blushes the cutest shade of pink, the reason for which is a mystery to me. All I can think about is kissing her again, but I know that wouldn’t be a good idea. The last thing we need is to complicate this as we’re about to move into a new arrangement.

  “If you need help packing let me know. I’ll have Carter bring you boxes in the morning.”

  “Good night,” she kisses me one last time before finally pulling completely away from me.

  “Night, Kenzie.”

  Sleep finds me easily that night, and for once I don’t have a nightmare. I think knowing that I have found a likely solution to the press issue, and therefore my problems at PFS, has made it much easier to fall asleep tonight than recently. I’m up before my alarm goes off, ready and waiting for Carter in the foyer for our morning run.

  “Morning, sir.”

  “Carter.”

  We take our normal jog around the city, though I’ve noticed it now excludes the bakery since Kenzie stopped working there earlier this week. Prior to that, we would still jog past it despite her living only a few floors below me. I never questioned Carter why it was still on route, nor did I suggest he change it.

  “Kenzie’s going to be moving into the penthouse tomorrow,” I announce to him on the
elevator ride back from our jog.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I need you to arrange boxes to be delivered to her apartment as soon as possible today. As you know she didn’t have much when we moved her in here, so I doubt she will need very many. I would like Hunter and Ben to move everything while we’re at my parents’ tomorrow night.”

  “Of course, sir.”

  “And, Carter, I’m… I’m going to try to arrange something for tomorrow, but it’s short notice, so I don’t know if it will pan out. I just want to give you the heads up I may need you for most of the day.”

  “Not a problem, sir.”

  One of the many reasons I keep Carter around is because of moments like this—there is so much he could have said or questions he could have asked about Kenzie moving in, but he doesn’t. As long as my decisions do not impact security, he doesn’t question them.

  I quickly take a shower and change into a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt to begin my day. I have a lot to do before the charity dinner, so I immediately set up in my office with breakfast and coffee. There isn’t much time to put my plan into action but thankfully money talks. I learned early on in my career that anything can happen if you’re willing to spend enough money. Today is no different; my plans are beginning to become a reality as everything falls into place. Moving through my to do list for today, the next item is to contact Bridget and inform her that Kenzie and I will be breaking our contract.

  “Wilder Consulting Services, how may I direct your call?”

  “This is Nicholas Parker, I would like to speak with Bridget.”

  “One moment, please.”

  “Nicholas, how are you?”

  “I’m well, Bridget, and you?”

  “I can’t complain. Business is booming right now, which is always a good thing. How are things with Ms. Rose?”

  “That’s actually why I was calling—“

  “Oh?”

  “Mackenzie and I will be terminating our contracts with you, effective immediately.”

  “Both of you will be terminating the contracts?”

  “Yes.”

  “May I ask why?”

  “Kenzie… we have become very close with all the time that we have spent together under your contract, and we will be pursuing a more personal relationship.”

  “Wow… Nicholas I have to say this is very surprising. I knew the moment I signed Kenzie that someone would likely fall for her. She is a beautiful woman with such innocence that is so rare these days. I knew she wouldn’t last long with me; I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting you to be the one snatching her from me.”

  “Neither did I, Bridget.”

  “Just to make you aware, I’m going to need to speak with Kenzie to verify that she wants to terminate her contract before the process can be finalized.”

  “We understand; she is available today to speak to you if you contact her before four this afternoon.”

  “Assuming she is in agreement to this contract termination, when can I expect the termination fee to be sent?”

  “I will send the payment as soon as we end the call.”

  “Perfect. If for some reason your relationship doesn’t work out, you are always welcome to come back to Wilder Consulting. I have many other girls that I’m sure would be able to meet your needs.”

  “I appreciate that, Bridget, but I don’t think it will be necessary.”

  Keeping my word, upon disconnecting the call, I transfer the money to Bridget’s off-shore bank account, effectively terminating the contract. I never thought I would see the day that I would have paid someone to accompany me to events, but with the press situation, it was needed. I sit back reflecting on how things have changed with Kenzie since the day I first met her at The Summit. Neither of us had any idea what to expect from this arrangement but having at least ran into each other previously, I think made the entire arrangement a little less awkward. Never did I think that the contract with Bridget would have led to marriage. I mistakenly thought if I was seen with the same woman over the course of a few weeks, that the press would leave me alone and let me focus on PFS.

  Speaking of marriage, the next item on my agenda is the wedding. Over the course of the next few hours, I manage to secure a location for the wedding and honeymoon. Everything is tentative pending Kenzie’s approval, but I wanted to at least secure an option, given the tight time frame we are under. I don’t want to let too much time pass before we get married; the longer I wait the bigger the risk is for PFS. Before shutting down my laptop, I send an email to Melody alerting her to the week I will need cleared in my schedule. I don’t provide a reason, but like Carter, Melody will just do as requested and very rarely will ever ask questions.

  “Sir, we should be leaving shortly,” Carter informs me.

  “I’ll be ready in ten minutes.”

  I take a quick shower before putting on the Armani tux that Julie had the cleaners deliver earlier today. For the first time in a week, I no longer feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. I’m confident in my plan; marrying Kenzie will finally get the press off my case, allowing my focus to be primarily on PFS once again.

  “You look beautiful,” I say as soon as Kenzie opens the door to her apartment. She stands in the doorway wearing a gorgeous dark blue, floor length gown that sits just off her shoulders. The front of the gown hugs her breasts tightly; I can’t keep my eyes away from her cleavage or my mind from wondering what she was wearing underneath the gown.

  “Thank you, you look handsome,” when I look up, I realize that Kenzie is blushing, having clearly caught me staring at her chest. I’m tempted to demand she change into something different, something that won’t have the entire male population staring at her tonight but I know we don’t have time for that, and it’s unlikely she even has something else to wear tonight. When Kenzie turns to close the apartment door, I nearly groan at the back of the dress. A thin strip of dark blue lace holds the pieces of the dress together which is otherwise open to her waist. Her soft brown hair is swept up, with a few pieces curled along her neckline.

  “That dress… you really do look amazing tonight, Kenzie,” I can’t help but compliment her again as we walk together to the elevator, my hand on the bare skin of her back.

  “Thank you. It’s not something I normally would have chosen, but Cara insisted I get it. You don’t think it’s too much for tonight, do you?”

  “No, I think it’s perfect.”

  And it is—the dress is absolutely perfect for the dinner tonight. It doesn’t reveal too much skin and only accentuates Kenzie’s amazing body even more. I inwardly curse Cara, who I’m sure chose a dress like this just to drive me crazy. The only thing I can think of on the ride to the country club is that it’s going to be a very long eighteen months.

  “Kenzie, Nicholas! It’s so nice to see you both again,” my mom greets us as soon as we enter the ballroom.

  “Vivienne, how are you?” Kenzie hugs my mother.

  “I’m good, dear, how are you?”

  We are seated with my parents, Cara and her date and Austin who decided to come single tonight, which I notice he has been doing more and more lately. Once this wedding is behind us, I make a note to plan a day with Austin to find out what’s going on with him lately. A few months ago, he wouldn’t have been caught dead attending one of these events alone. Whether he brought a former one night stand or some random chick he met earlier that day, he always managed to bring someone.

  “Nicholas, are you and Kenzie joining us for dinner tomorrow night?” my mom asks.

  “Yes, we will be there.”

  “That’s wonderful!”

  “Dance with me?” I whisper to Kenzie just as a song finishes and there is a lull in the conversation at our table.

  “Sure,” she answers quickly.

  I lead Kenzie out to the middle of the dance floor and pull her close to me just as the music begins. As I shift us, my hand slips to just above the fabric of her dress, allowing me
to caress her soft skin.

  “There’s a photographer just to your left; I think he’s taking pictures of us,” Kenzie whispers and I swear feeling her warm breath against my ear goes straight to my dick, which has already been twitching since I saw her in this dress.

  “Oh?”

  I turn us around, casually glancing in the direction she mentioned. I realize she was right, there is a photographer for the event with his camera pointed directly at us. Lifting her chin, I look at her plump lips and then back to her eyes, letting her know my intention. She doesn’t say anything, but as I lower my lips to hers, I watch her eyes close in anticipation of the kiss. The moment our lips meet, I swear a jolt of electricity goes through my body. I wrap both my arms around her waist, pulling her closer to me until our bodies are flush. When she lets out the softest moans, I once again lose myself in the kiss. Parting her lips for me, she grants me the access I request. When her tongue finds mine, I don’t hold back the groan.

  “Ladies and Gentleman, please take your seats for our meal tonight,” the announcer unfortunately forces me to pull away from Kenzie. The blush on her face tells me she was just as caught up in the kiss as I was. Once again, the only thing I can think is what an awful long eighteen months this is going to be.

  Chapter 5

  Kenzie

  Knock knock knock knock

  A loud knock on my door has me running from the shower with only a towel wrapped around my wet body. I look through the peephole, wondering who in the world could be knocking on my door so early on a Sunday morning.

  “Nicholas, what are you doing here?” I quickly open the door.

  “Kenzie… I…” he stammers and I can feel the heat rushing to my face when I watch his eyes roam over my barely covered body. “Can I come in for a moment?”

  “Of course,” I open the door further to allow him to enter before closing and locking it behind us.

  “I apologize for stopping by unannounced, but I would like to take you out today,” he says.

  “Okay... where will we be going?”