The Arrangement: Book one in the Seattle Billionaires Series

by Nora Ford

  “Thanks, buddy, now go, Granny is waiting for you.”

  “Bye Adam.” He said and hung up.

  After I got off the phone with him, I felt so bad about myself. Timo was a great kid, and I shouldn’t use him to score few points with Talia.

  That was cheap. I thought and was determined to keep Timo out of my plans for his mother. However, I planned to make use of the tips he gave me.

  I drew her a picture and wrote down I am sorry. I hung it on the fridge so that she could see it when she enters the kitchen. I sucked at drawing, but I guessed she wouldn’t mind.

  Next morning when I entered the kitchen, I found her sitting there drinking her coffee, she had my picture in her hands and was staring at it.

  “Good morning, and thanks.” She said, as soon as, she noticed me.

  “Does this mean that we’re on speaking terms again?” I asked.

  She gave me a warm smile and nodded. Timo was right; Talia can’t stay mad for long. I thought.

  “I guess, I’ll have to thank Timo,” I said, when she looked puzzled, I pointed at the picture and said, “It was his idea.”

  “You talked to him? When? He didn’t tell me that.” She was surprised.

  “Well, I called him last night after dinner, I guess he didn’t tell you because he thought it was men stuff.” I grinned.

  Her smile got brighter, she looked at the drawing in front of her and told me, “That’s what he always does when he does something wrong, but I never really get mad at him.”

  “He said pretty much the same to me. However, he told me, you usually give him a kiss when he says, I am sorry.” I said and waited for her response.

  “You’re right, I guess I owe you a kiss then, but first you have to promise me to keep your hands to yourself.” She gave me a warning look.

  “I promise, I won’t touch you again. Not until you ask for it.” I teased.

  She shook her head and said, “Someone is so full of himself.”

  I didn’t answer, I only grinned. Talia took a deep breath before she came closer; I could feel her eyes were on my lips. I was waiting to feel her soft lips on mine again, but instead, she leaned and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.

  “That doesn’t count,” I complained.

  “That’s how I kiss Timo, and it’s all that you’re getting.” She said. On her way out, she gave me an amused smile and just left.

  I stayed where I was for a few more minutes after she left. I caught myself staring at her door like a teenager. Although her kiss wasn’t intimate, we were making progress.

  Soon she will give in, I thought.

  Chapter Twelve

  Talia

  The look on Adam’s face when I kissed him on the cheek was priceless. He wasn’t expecting that, he wanted a real kiss, and to be honest, I longed for it too. But if I kissed him the way he wanted, we would have ended up finishing what we started on the plane yesterday. I wasn’t ready for that yet.

  I wasn’t upset with him anymore, not after he apologized, but his words yesterday gave me a hint about how he felt and what he wanted, sex and nothing more.

  What’s wrong with that? I can’t believe I am considering it; I don’t even like sex.

  That was true; Jeff, my ex-husband was my first. Throughout our marriage, our sex life was always about him. At first, I didn’t mind, but after a while, I started to resent this part of our life, especially after I knew about the other women.

  He was the one who told me; he claimed that it was all my fault; I couldn’t satisfy him and I was never enough. I believed him; I thought I was one of those women, who didn’t enjoy sex, and I came to terms with that. After the divorce, I didn’t want to repeat this experience. So, I cut men out of my life.

  It wasn’t hard; I had my son and my work; they were more than enough. I never longed for a man’s touch not until recently, when Adam came into the picture. What I feel every time he touches me is new and confusing.

  I need to think about this, and I can’t do that when he’s around. Although I hate shopping, I was grateful for the shopping tour that I have to do today. It would distract me and give me some time alone to sort my thoughts.

  Once I showered and changed, I went to find Adam. He was in his office working when he noticed my presence, he looked away from the screen in front of him and asked, “Ready?”

  “Yeh,” I nodded.

  “Good, Robert will drive you,” He said shortly.

  I assumed Robert was his driver, “It’s not necessary, I can take a cab.”

  “Robert will take you; he knows where to.” He didn’t give me a chance to argue, when I didn’t answer he told me, “Ask for a Ms. Elliot, she will be waiting for you and going to help you find what you need.”

  He took his credit card out of his wallet and said, “Use this, the store where you’re going is very expensive, and you need to buy a few things for the events we have this week.”

  I shook my head, “I won’t take your card, we have already discussed that, but I’ll let Robert drive me and whoever this Ms. Elliot help me, happy now?”

  “No, but I know how to choose my battles, and I won’t win this one.” He said and put his card back in his wallet.

  “Good to know that you’re a fair loser.” I gave him a triumphed smile.

  He shook his head, and in two steps he was standing before me, “I never lose, I am only saving my energy for the right battle, the one I want to win.” He was so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body. I quickly took a step back and asked, “Is that a threat?”

  He closed the distance between us, his eyes were on my lips, I thought he was going to kiss me, but he didn’t. Instead, I heard him saying, “It’s a promise.”

  I didn’t know whether I should feel intimidated or excited, but one thing was clear though I was disappointed that he didn’t kiss me. Before I could decide what to say, he told me, “You should leave now if you don’t want to be late.”

  I nodded and quickly turned around and rushed out of the room. I was sure everyone could tell that I was blushing. On my way down, I was thankful for the private elevator; no one is going to see me like this.

  Adam’s driver, Robert was waiting for me, when he saw me coming out of the lift he instantly hopped out of the car and opened the car door for me. I took my place in the backseat, and we drove in silence. The relatively short drive helped me to cool off.

  The store wasn’t a massive department store as I assumed, it was rather a big boutique, which was well stocked with designer items. A nice lady welcomed me at the entrance and locked the door behind us. I gave her a questioning look, and she explained,

  “I normally don’t open on Sundays; I am Jade Elliot. It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Grant.” She smiled and shook my hand.

  I smiled back at her and said, “Talia please and I am sorry I interrupted your day off.”

  “It’s okay; I own this place. I’ll compensate myself later.” She told me and smiled.

  I liked her; she was an elegant lady in her early forties. From the look of the store, I could tell she has an excellent taste.

  Two hours later I had everything I needed; I bought a cocktail dress, three customs and the accessories that went with them. For the Gala on Friday, Jade talked me into buying a daring evening dress.

  Although I never wear red, I liked the way I looked in that dress; I felt sexy and confident. I realized that I was blushing when I imagined the look on Adam's face once he sees me in that dress. Jade must have noticed, she gave me a knowing smile and said, “This dress will have its desired effect, and you’ll need these under it.” She was holding a red sexy underwear set.

  I wanted to tell her that Adam won’t see them, but I quickly realized that I would be lying. It wasn’t a question of whether he’s going to see them it was a question of when he’s going to see them.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Talia

  After I left the store, I was in a good mood. I never spent that kind of
money on clothes before, but I didn’t feel bad about it; I loved every item I bought, and I wondered if Adam would like them too

  Then I found myself thinking about Adam and our arrangement.

  We need to set new rules, but they have to be my rules this time. I have to talk to Adam, and I will do it tonight.

  On the way back to Adam’s place, I had a plan. We were supposed to go out tonight, but I had other things in mind. I asked Robert to drop me at the nearest supermarket and got the ingredients I needed to prepare my famous Lasagne.

  Back at the penthouse, I put my shopping away in my room, the lasagne ingredients in the kitchen and I went to change. Twenty minutes later I was ready to start. I took a look at the clock on the wall it said three o’clock. I realized that I still have three hours before Adam returns. So, I called my mom and Timo first.

  After I hung up with my son, my mood got even better; I was smiling the whole time while preparing dinner. Once I put the lasagne in the oven and set the timer, I went to take a quick shower and change into something more suggestive. I went for a black cocktail dress that I rarely wear; I chose one of the crazily expensive underwear sets I bought today. I felt sexy and confident.

  I was setting the table when I heard the front door closed. A few moments later, Adam came in when he saw the table, he frowned, “I thought we were going out tonight.”

  “Change of plans,” I smiled at him and went on, “We are going to eat out every night for the rest of the week, I thought it would be a nice change if we ate here tonight.”

  "Yeh, but we could have ordered something, you didn't have to cook." He was surprised.

  “I love to cook; I had time I didn’t know what to do.” I shrugged.

  That was true; I didn't want to go out again, although it was spring, it was cold outside.

  Adam stared at me for a moment, I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but I didn't give him a chance to brood any longer; I went and took a seat by the set-up table, "Let's eat before it gets cold." I said.

  He nodded and followed me after taking off his suit’s jacket and tie. “How did you know that I love lasagne?”

  “I didn’t, but Timo loves my lasagne, and he is a real picky when it comes to food. I thought if he eats it you’d like it too.” I told him.

  “Well, you guessed right.” He said and put a large portion on his plate.

  I put a portion on my plate too; I was about to start eating when he said, “I didn’t know you’re a great cook, this tastes great.”

  I could tell he wasn't just paying me a compliment; he actually liked it.

  “Glad you like it.” I smiled.

  We talked a little during our meal, I told him about my day and asked about his. His answers were short, but we kept the conversation going. By the time we finished eating, I drank my wine glass empty and poured myself another one. I rarely drink alcohol; only on occasions, but tonight I needed a drink.

  “We need to talk,” I finally said what I was thinking the whole time.

  “What about?” Adam asked amused.

  He wasn’t going to make this easy for me; I thought “You know what about.”

  “No, I don’t,” He grinned.

  I took a deep breath and told him, “About our arrangement.”

  “What about it?” He frowned.

  I couldn’t believe he was doing this to me; he wanted me to spell the words.

  “Fine, you were right, I am attracted to you too. I want to finish what we started yesterday.” I took a large sip of my wine and went on, “No feelings, just sex, but with no extra money and no expensive gifts.” Before I waited for his response, I left the table and took few steps to face the massive window in the room. I didn’t turn around, but I felt him right behind me. He turned me to face him, and looked me in the eye “Are you sure?”

  “I am sure” I nodded.

  Adam hesitated for only a fraction of a second before he wrapped me into his strong arms and pressed his lips against mine. He tasted like wine, the scent of his expensive cologne was spicy and masculine, and his kiss was passionate and demanding. I knew I was risking my heart but after lying dormant for so long, having a man as powerful as Adam Grant devouring me wasn’t something I wanted to resist.

  Not anymore.

  I opened my mouth to welcome his tongue. Adam ran a hand down my back and backed up to touch my hair. He growled and pushed both hands into it. Without letting go of my hair, he held my face, and his gaze finally met my eyes. “I’ve never wanted a woman as much as I want you.”

  I didn’t know what to say after this confession, but he didn’t give me time to respond. He squeezed his lips against mine in desperation. When I let one hand fall to his hip, the other to his butt, Adam pressed me against the massive window and gathered my hands in his. He lifted them above my head and leaned into me. He was trying to slow this down by keeping me from touching him. It was frustrating and erotic.

  Though we were both still fully clothed, I could feel the extent of his desire pressed on my belly, close but not close enough. He went on kissing me, hot, desperate kisses that left me completely breathless.

  Adam was still restraining my hands, so I ran one leg up to him.

  He pulled back. “If you keep touching me like this, I am going to take you right here, with all of New York watching.”

  I turned my head and caught the lights behind me. “Then let’s find a proper bed,” I suggested and then asked. “Your bed, or mine?”

  One moment I was bound to the window, the next I was in his arms. “Mine’s closer.” He laid me on the white sheets. I welcomed him back into my arms and continued our kiss. The weight of him and his strength made me giddy. I pulled his shirt out of his slacks.

  When my fingers met his bare skin, Adam moaned. I couldn’t believe that I could make him lose control. The moment my dress came off, Adam froze in his place, “God, Talia. What are you wearing?” His reaction to my lingerie was worth every cent I’d spent on it.

  After a few moments Adam stopped staring and leaned forward to touch me everywhere, I tugged at his shirt, and it was on the floor with my dress. I knew Adam filled out a suit, but under it was something worth looking at. Everything about him radiates confidence and strength. He left the bed to shack his slacks, a few seconds later he came only in his boxer shorts.

  He cupped my breasts with his hands, before moving back to unhook my bra. Adam replaced his hands with his mouth. I never felt so entirely ready to accept a man into my body; I never felt this cherished.

  Adam took his time; he wasn’t merely trying to get inside me, like my ex-husband used to do. I quickly pushed the memories from my mind and leaned back against the pillows to enjoy the feel of him.

  I clenched the sheets with my fists when Adam touched my most needy parts. I was thinking I couldn’t take it anymore when I heard him tearing the condom wrapper. Once he rolled the condom on, he was inside me and started to move, slowly at first and then faster.

  I clung to him while my body trembled. Adam followed me a second later with a growl. I waited a few minutes for my mind to process what just happened, I realized I just had my first orgasm, no, I had two of them if I wanted to be accurate. I felt incredible. From the smile on Adam’s face, I could tell he was pleased too.

  The weight of Adam’s body pressed me into the bed, the sound of his breath was as rough and irregular as mine. I stretched my leg and ran down the back of his. I couldn’t stop smiling.

  How could this be possible, I never thought sex could feel so good. I've read about it, but I didn't believe that I would ever experience it. Not after what I went through with my ex-husband. I quickly pushed away the memories and focused on the sense of Adam who was still buried inside my body.

  “That was…”

  "Spectacular," He finished my sentence and rolled off me, so we laid. side by side, dazed and entirely sated.

  I wanted to ask him if it was really good for him, but my own uncertainty stopped me. Adam had a lot o
f lovers, from the photos I've seen, they were gorgeous. How could I compete with any of them?

  Adam interrupted my thoughts, “What are you thinking?”

  I didn’t want to sound like a needy, emotional moron, but I was dying to know, how he felt. “Was it… was it really good for you too?”

  "What kind of question is that? Didn't you feel how well we fit together?" He asked, and I could see that he was surprised by my question.

  Adam’s astonished look made me blush. I regretted that I asked, he must have noticed my embarrassment because he gently lifted my chin so I could look into his eyes, “It was perfect, you are perfect. More passionate than I ever fancied.”