The Arrangement: Book one in the Seattle Billionaires Series

by Nora Ford

  “I like Adam.” He said and closed his eyes.

  “I like him too.” I murmured and left the room.

  When I went downstairs, I found Adam waiting for me.

  “Ready to leave?” He asked.

  I smiled and nodded. We said our goodbyes to everyone and left.

  The drive to his house wasn’t long, and he drove in silence. He didn’t say anything about our kiss, and I was grateful for that. I wasn’t sure how to respond if he mentioned it.

  When we arrived at his house, it was late; the place was quiet. “Mrs. Smith must have retired for the night.” He told me.

  For a moment I was confused, I didn’t know who Mrs. Smith was. “Mrs. Smith is my Housekeeper, she takes care of everything here and also cooks for me. She has a separate apartment on the east wing. The guards are in the guest house in the garden.” He explained.

  When I nodded, he gave me the keys and said, “Welcome home.”

  I wasn’t sure what to say, this isn’t my home, was the first thing that came to my mind. But I didn’t want to sound rude. So, I smiled at him and just said, “Thank you.”

  “This is your home for the next twelve months.” He said as if he was reading my mind.

  “I’d better not get used to it, or it’s going to be hard to move back to my old apartment,” I said and took a few steps in the lounge. I looked around and took a seat on a near sofa.

  “You won’t need to go back there; you’ll be able to afford something better.” He reminded me and sat next to me.

  I didn’t answer I only nodded. Adam was close; I could feel his eyes on me. I tried not to look at him and kept myself busy admiring the beautiful furniture.

  “Do I make you nervous?” He suddenly asked.

  “No,” I said quickly. Though I wasn’t looking at him, I knew he was grinning.

  “Okay, maybe a little,” I confessed a moment later when I turned to face him, he was smiling.

  “You shouldn’t be, you have to get used to my touch. I’m going to do that often.” He told me, and his eyes were on my lips.

  I knew what he was going to do, but I was faster this time. I rose up before he could kiss me again. I gave him an innocent smile and said, “I am okay with that, as long as it is for the show.”

  “Good, because I won’t appreciate it if you jump back every time I touch or kiss you. In New York, I am going to do a lot of that. There will be two business dinners and a Gala that you have to attend with me.” He said, his tone was distant and professional.

  “Don’t worry I know how to act in public,” I said and tried to use the same tone he was using.

  I could see he was upset. But what was he expecting, we had a deal, and we have to stick to it. I have to keep my distance, and he has to respect that.

  “Fine, let me show you your room then.” He said and rose up to walk me to my room. He noticed my surprise when we stopped at the master suite. “You can’t expect to stay in the other end of the house, you’ll have your room, but we are sharing this suite.” He grinned and opened the room.

  The room was huge and had beautiful furniture. I could see my things were already there. When I came here a few days ago I left everything downstairs; I didn’t come up here.

  I wonder how many women slept in this bed. I thought when I looked at the bed.

  For the second time, he read my thoughts and answered my unspoken question. “You’re the first; I never bring women here, even my former fiancé didn’t come here. We lived together in the penthouse I own downtown.”

  I didn’t know what to make of this, but I was flattered. He didn’t give me a chance to say anything he just went on. “My driver is going to be here at eight in the morning to drive us to the airport. I have some work to do; I’ll be in my office. I’ll leave you to rest now, Goodnight.”

  “Night,” I said, but I wasn’t sure he heard me. He left the room as soon as he ended his last sentence.

  This is going to be a long year.

  Being Adam’s wife won’t be an easy job. I have to figure out the best way to deal with him, but not tonight. I looked at the massive bed in front of me and realized how exhausted I was. I quickly changed into my PJ and went straight to bed.

  Chapter Nine

  Adam

  After I left Talia, I went to my office. I didn’t lie when I said I had work to do; I have to go through some contracts before my meeting in New York. The problem was I couldn’t concentrate.

  All I could think about was Talia, who was sleeping in the room joined to mine. She was so close and yet so far. She noticed that I was upset when she jumped back before I could kiss her. I couldn’t hide it. But she was the one, who was sending me mixed signals here.

  When I kissed her at her parents' house she was responsive; I could tell she wanted me as much as I wanted her. Maybe she wants more money; it’s always about money I thought. She isn’t different from the others. Next time I’ll make it clear to her that new terms mean new price.

  Although I was satisfied with the conclusion I reached, I still couldn’t focus on the papers in front of me. At last, I gave up and packed the contracts in my briefcase to review them tomorrow on the plane.

  I didn’t want to go upstairs, Talia might still be awake. Instead, I went to the gym. I have a well-equipped gym in my house; I use it at least four days a week. Although I have already worked out this morning, tonight I needed some physical activity to be able to sleep.

  After running five miles on the treadmill, I finally went to sleep.

  I woke up earlier the next morning; I heard a movement coming from Talia’s room at five thirty, half an hour later I heard her in the shower.

  I needed all my willpower and self-discipline to stop myself from joining her. Few moments after I heard her door close, I rose up to shower and get ready too.

  She was in the kitchen preparing breakfast and talking to someone on the phone. She heard me coming; she turned around to face me and ended her call. I took a look at my watch it wasn’t even seven o’clock. I frowned and asked, “Who are you calling that early?”

  “Good morning to you too, I was talking to Timo,” She said.

  “Morning, I was surprised that’s all, it’s weekend, and it’s not even seven,” I explained.

  “Timo is an early bird. It doesn’t matter if it is school or holiday, weekdays or weekend, he never sleeps past six thirty.” She said, and her eyes lit up as they usually do when she talks about her son.

  “So, are you an early riser too?” I wanted to know.

  “Well I got used to it, but to be honest, I wouldn’t mind sleeping in on the weekends. However, since Timo was born, this wasn’t an option anymore.” She said and smiled.

  I drank my coffee in silence; then I noticed that Talia was staring at my outfit and grinning. I took a look at my T-shirt to see if it got a stain or something when I didn’t find anything unusual about it, I looked at her and asked confused, “What’s so funny?”

  She shook her head and said, “Nothing, I just realized that this was the first time I see you wearing something other than a suit. I thought you sleep in a one.”

  I took advantage of the situation, I leaned closer and almost whispered, “If you’re interested, I’d be happy to show you, what I sleep in.”

  She almost choked in her coffee, I could see she was blushing, but she managed to say, “It’s tempting, but I’ll pass.”

  “Believe me; you’ll be missing a lot.” I shrugged.

  She chose to ignore what I said, and asked, “What time is our plane?”

  “Whenever we’re ready; we are flying in my private jet,” I told her.

  “Of course, you won’t fly like normal people.” She said almost to herself, and before I could say anything she rose up and said on her way out, “Well, I’d better get ready, we don’t want to keep your pilot waiting,” I could hear the sarcasm in her voice, but I chose to ignore it. I went to my office and took what I needed from there.

  An hour late
r we were on our way to the airport.

  Chapter Ten

  Talia

  The flight to New York wasn’t very long; only five hours. Adam private jet was impressive. It was designed to be his home away from home. It has a dining room, office desk, and lounge areas.

  The five large, luxurious cabin zones were big enough to fit twelve passengers. When we were on the air, he showed me the large master suite at the back. It had a queen-size bed and a walk-in shower. “I didn’t know that flying could be such fun,” I said and sat on the bed to try it.

  He closed the door and sat next to me, “If you let me I’ll show you how much fun flying can be. I am more than willing and completely available.” He whispered into my ears. When I didn’t respond, he continued in a low voice. “I know you want me as much as I do. I can feel it. Why don’t you give in to the moment?” He said hoarsely.

  I opened my mouth to object; I wanted to sound sarcastic and make fun of his overconfidence. However, the instant I did, his mouth captured mine and I was lost. He possessed me with his hands, mouth, and tongue.

  For the first time in years, my brain wasn’t functioning, and I didn’t want it to work, I wanted to let go and enjoy the ride. I didn’t resist when Adam pressed me gently back to the bed; I pushed myself more tightly to him in response. All this time, he was kissing me, touching me, his mouth and hands were everywhere. I could see that he was smiling when I moaned as he was opening the buttons of my blouse.

  His soft kisses, his warm breath and his capable, strong hands they were magic, I was lost in the moment until he ruined everything.

  “Twenty thousand more every month.” He said between kisses, at first, I didn’t understand what he was saying. But his words alarmed me, my brain cells started to work, and I realized the meaning of his words. I quickly pulled back and began to button my blouse down.

  He looked at me and was confused by my sudden action, “What’s wrong?” He asked.

  “Nothing wrong, this was a mistake that’s all,” I said and tried to hold my tears.

  Don’t cry, don’t cry. I kept telling myself.

  He was clueless; he didn’t even notice what he did wrong.

  “I thought you wanted this.” He frowned.

  “I did, but not anymore. Please, would you leave now? I’ll join you in a minute.” I said and jumped from the bed and opened the door for him. My tone was decisive, he couldn’t argue. He rose up, buttoned his shirt down and left the room.

  I closed the door behind him and sat on the floor. I remained like this for a few minutes; I didn’t know what to do or how to feel. He believes, I am a call girl, I thought. I was hurt, I was upset, and I was angry but mostly with myself.

  I heard the little voice in the back of my head saying, you did this to yourself.

  Finally, my anger took the upper hand, this was a mistake, and I am about to correct it.

  I went to the bathroom, washed my face, straightened my clothes and went out to join him.

  I could see that the hostess set the table and brought our lunch. Adam wasn’t eating; he was waiting for me. I took a seat opposite him and made myself busy with the food in front of me. The food looked and smelt excellent, but I didn’t taste anything, I was eating so that I don’t have to look at him.

  We ate in silence for a few more minutes then he finally broke the silence and said, “Listen, you misunderstood my words earlier.”

  Now I was furious; he didn’t even want to apologize. “There was nothing to misunderstand; your words were crystal clear. Anyway, thanks a lot for your generous offer but I’d rather stick with our old terms.” I said and gave him a fake smile.

  “That isn’t possible, we both know it. We have chemistry; I want you and you are attracted to me. I wanted to renegotiate our terms; I just chose the wrong moment.” He shrugged.

  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, “You just chose the wrong moment! You think that was all that you did wrong!” I said, my voice was loud. Before he could say anything more, I went on, “Well, you’re right about one thing though; we need to find new terms. It wasn’t realistic to expect you to keep your pants on for a whole year. You can do whatever you want as long as you keep it discrete.”

  “What does this supposed to mean?” He wanted to know.

  “It means you can have your affairs, I don’t mind, just leave me out of this. And before you ask, I won’t do the same if that is what is stopping you.” I said, and I managed to stay calm this time.

  “I don’t accept that.” He shook his head.

  “We had an agreement, and you should respect it. As long as we are in public, I’ll play my role as your loving wife. However, you have to keep your hands to yourself, when we’re alone.” I said and stood up and left the table.

  I returned to my seat, turned my laptop on and tried to focus on my work for the rest of the flight. Adam saw me and did the same.

  Chapter Eleven

  Adam

  Talia totally ignored me for the rest of the flight. She was busy with her work and didn’t even glance at me. I didn’t know, what I did wrong, I was offering her more money.

  What the hell was wrong with that?

  After we landed, my driver was waiting for us. She was silent the whole time. As soon as we arrived at my penthouse, she locked herself in her room. I didn’t like it, but I decided to give her time to calm down. I went to my office and did some work.

  By the time I finished going through everything for my meeting on Monday, I felt hungry. I wanted to ask Talia out for dinner, but I knew she would decline. Instead, I ordered pizza, one can never go wrong with pizza, I thought. And I was right.

  Talia came out of her room as soon as she smelled the pizza, I don’t know if it was the pizza or she was just hungry. Anyway, we ate together. Although she tried her best to sound normal, I could feel she was still upset.

  Why should I care if she’s upset? She is working for me. I am paying her to be my wife. So, she is an employee nothing more.

  I tried to analyze our situation, I did nothing wrong, the one who pays, is the one who sets the rules. It’s simple.

  However, I couldn’t tell why I cared. Maybe because I couldn’t have her and I am not used to that. She said I could have any woman I want, but I want her, and I always gets what I want.

  No one else will do, I get hard from just thinking about her. No woman has ever done that to me. Eventually, I will have her, she was melting in my hands a few hours ago, she wants me too. I was sure of that. All I have to do is to be patient and come up with another plan.

  I took a long cold shower and had a good idea; I was going to call Timo, he was her soft spot. If I get him, I get her. I wasn’t really proud of myself to use the boy to get his mother, but I couldn’t think of anything better.

  I called his grandma and asked her to put him through. She was concerned. First, she wanted to know if Talia was fine. I assured her that everything was great, and I only wanted to start a relation with Timo. Although she sounded suspicious, she let me talk to him.

  My initial plan was to chatter with him a little and make him like me so that I would score some points with his mom. But after we chatted for a few minutes, and he told me about his day with his friend Josh, I found myself telling him, “I need to ask you something buddy, I hope you can help me.”

  “Okay” I heard him saying on the other side.

  “I wanted to know, what do you do when mom is mad at you?” I asked him, and I thought; great now I am taking advice from some six years old kid.

  “Um… mom doesn’t get mad at me.” He said instantly, then he added, “Unless I did something really really bad. Did you do something bad?” He asked.

  “No, but she is upset with me, you know grown-up stuff,” I explained.

  “Okay, when she’s mad I draw her a picture and write down that I am sorry. I can write alone now, but in the past, Granny would help me. You know how to write, right?” He asked.

  “Yeh, I don’t need he
lp with that,” I said to him.

  “I don’t need help anymore.” He said proudly.

  “That’s it, you just draw a picture and write you’re sorry.” I wanted to know.

  “Yeh, mom can’t stay mad for a long time. After she sees my picture, she always smiles and gives me a kiss.” He said, and before I could respond he asked, “Do you want mom to kiss you too?”

  I want a lot more than that. I thought, but I didn’t tell him that, I said instead, “No, I only don’t want her to be upset.”

  “Just say sorry but wait until she drinks her coffee first.” He gave me a tip. I heard his grandma calling him to eat his supper. I realized that we’ve been talking for more than fifteen minutes. So, I quickly ended our call by telling him,