I glanced around at the small group of women she was talking to with a wide smile. “She worries constantly about that, yet every day, I find her eating a peanut butter and jam sandwich.” I shook my head, looking back down at her. “I keep telling you, sweetheart, you need to eat more protein. You are far too tiny. I could put you in my pocket, I swear.”
There was a collective sigh among the women in the group. I had obviously said something right.
“Don’t hate the PB&J, my darling,” Katharine insisted. “Being your assistant, I was lucky to have time to eat a sandwich.”
I kissed her again. “My bad, baby. You shouldn’t be so invaluable to me.”
As the women around her all laughed, Jenna patted one on the shoulder with a smile.
“Look out, Amy, you’ve been warned. If Richard comes on board, no more lunch hours.”
Amy laughed. “I’ll find out all his secrets from his fiancée to keep him in line.”
Ah, Amy Tanner, Brian’s girlfriend, and the way things seemed to be going, my next assistant. I smiled at her—she was exactly his type: tall, pretty, and polished.
“Hello, Amy. Brian away this weekend?”
She nodded. “Another trip. He said to remind you about golf next week when he gets back.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“I hope I’m not a disappointment as an assistant after having your fiancée at your side. If, of course, you come on board.”
I stiffened a little, but Katharine laughed, patting my arm. “Richard is brilliant,” she enthused. “He is amazing to work with. I’m sure the two of you will get along famously.”
Jenna winked at Katharine. “Spoken like a woman in love.”
Katharine relaxed back into me with a small sigh. She glanced up, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Her hand traced my jaw, her voice low and husky. “Because I am.”
It was an Oscar-worthy performance.
The afternoon waned away. We ate, talked, and met many people. Often when we were with other people, I would look up to find Katharine’s eyes on me. Because it amused me to watch her reaction, I would blow her a kiss or send her a wink, simply to see her cheeks flush. She did it every single time. She did the same thing when I would walk up to her, wrapping an arm around her waist, dropping a kiss to her shoulder or cheek. She played her part well, never reacting in any way except welcoming. In fact, a couple times she sought me out, leaning up on her toes to whisper in my ear. It was easy to imitate the way Adrian bent his head low to hear whatever Jenna was murmuring, with an indulgent look on his face. I had no doubt the words Jenna whispered were far more intimate than what Katharine had to tell me, but no one else knew that.
At one point, Graham drew me to the side and asked if I was available for another discussion on Monday. It was all I could do not to fist pump the air, knowing we had done it. Instead, I told him Katharine and I had an errand on Monday morning, however, I was available after lunch. I didn’t want to appear too eager, but as soon as he nodded knowingly and informed me the license office was always busy on Monday so we should hold off until two o’clock to meet, I realized my mistake.
He thought we were going to apply for our marriage license. Rather than correct him, I agreed two o’clock would be a good time and shook his hand. I noticed a few other people had left, so I thanked him for his hospitality. When he reminded me of the donation, I told him we could take care of it Monday—in actuality, I didn’t have a clue the name of the shelter.
Laura was talking to Katharine, when I approached. “Ready to go, sweetheart?” I asked. “I know you want to go see your aunt this afternoon, as well.”
“Yes, I do.” Katharine turned to our hostess. “Thank you for the lovely afternoon.”
Laura beamed, and pulled her in for a hug.
“Your aunt is very lucky to have you. It was good to meet you, my dear girl. I look forward to seeing more of you. Remember what I said about your wedding!”
Katharine nodded, taking my outstretched hand. It wasn’t unpleasant when Laura stretched up and pressed a kiss on my cheek. “So happy to meet you, Richard. I look forward to seeing more of you, too.” She winked. “Both here and at the office.”
I grinned at her. “Likewise.”
“Did Graham give you a check for the five thousand?”
I blinked at her, then at Katharine.
Five thousand?
Apparently, I had been generous. I smirked, deciding it was well worth it.
“He’s giving it to me on Monday.”
“Excellent. Now you two lovebirds, enjoy the rest of your day.”
I gave a low laugh, making Katharine’s cheek darken and Laura’s smile wider. “I plan to,” I assured her with a wink as I tugged my fiancée away.
I chuckled all the way to the car.
Inside, I was celebrating. It had worked.
RICHARD
MONDAY MORNING, KATHARINE LOOKED AT me as if I had two heads.
“We’re doing what?”
I sighed, folding my paper and setting it on the counter. “I didn’t want to appear too eager, so I told Graham you and I had an errand to run this morning. He assumed it was to go get a marriage license, and I never corrected him.”
She picked up our plates and carried them to the sink. I had to admit she was a damned good cook. I couldn’t remember the last time I had eaten breakfast at home that didn’t come out of a box. Yesterday she had taken her car to do “errands,” and when she returned, it took two trips with me helping to bring up all the groceries she bought. I had thought she was crazy, but I was having second thoughts. Dinner last night had been some kind of delicious chicken and her scrambled eggs today were stellar. So was her coffee. I fully approved of the purchase of the new coffee maker.
She slumped against the sink, scrubbing her face. “You can let him think it, but we don’t have to do it.”
I shook my head. “Nope. We’re doing it. I want a paper trail. We don’t have to get married, just have the license.”
“Richard.”
I lifted the check I had written off the table. “Consider it fair trade for my donation.” I arched my eyebrow at her. “My very generous donation.”
She had the grace to look embarrassed. “I told you, I had no idea what someone in your financial bracket would consider generous. When Laura was talking about it, one of the other women was a little catty and said she wouldn’t consider anything under a thousand generous.” She shrugged. “Before I realized what I was saying I had blurted out you had donated five thousand. It certainly shut her up.”
“I bet it did. And it’s fine. Except, you owe me, so I get one real-fake marriage license.”
She dumped her coffee in the sink. “Fine. I’ll go get ready.”
She stomped past me, and because she made me want to make her angry, I grabbed her wrist, dragging her to my lap. She gasped, pushing me away, and I laughed at her ineffectual struggle.
“Want me to come scrub your back?”
“No!”
“I’ll make another donation.”
She elbowed me in the ribs, making me lose my grip, and she stumbled to her feet. “Be careful, Richard, or I’ll take you with me to the shelter and have you neutered!”
I burst out laughing at her indignation, letting her march away, muttering under her breath.
I had no idea why I enjoyed her outrage—but I did.
Graham shook my hand, offering me a seat at his private conference table. His office, like the rest of the building, was one of understated wealth. The furniture was the best quality, the artwork tasteful and elegant. More awards and small versions of winning campaigns filled the shelves that took up an entire wall. The need to have a campaign of mine displayed there burned within me.
We waited until his assistant brought us coffee and left, shutting the door behind her. Graham smiled at me, helping himself to a cookie off the plate. “From what I hear, these are nowhere near as good as your Katy’s, but help yours
elf.”
“I’ve been spoiled, I’m afraid. Hers are amazing.”
He chewed and swallowed, wiping his mouth. “I hope your errand was a successful one, Richard?”
I patted my pocket, trying to look smug. “The paperwork is all done. I’ll have the license in three days.” I snickered a little. “I only have to convince Katharine to run off to Vegas with me and make it official.”
Graham frowned as he took a sip of coffee. “Forgive me for saying this, but your Katy doesn’t seem the Vegas type.”
I drank my coffee, stalling for time. I had no idea what “type” she was, but I couldn’t tell him that. I decided to go with the shyer side of her nature.
I cleared my throat and nodded. “You’re right, she isn’t. Still, neither of us want a big wedding. We’ll do it in private one day. Katharine is a firm believer in keeping it small—only between us.”
“She has no family, except her aunt?”
“That’s right.”
“Laura mentioned she’s in a home?”
I nodded. “She’s elderly and not well. Katharine visits her a lot.”
“Ah. What a shame.” He looked past me to the window. “Laura and Jenna were quite taken with your girl.”
I wasn’t certain what to say. I didn’t really want to talk about Katharine, yet it seemed I had no choice.
“That happens a lot.”
He smiled wide. “I can see why. She’s delightful.”
“She is.”
He switched gears, tapping a file folder in front of him. “I shared your idea with our team about the campaign.”
“And?”
“They agreed with me. They thought it was a stroke of brilliance.”
I tipped my head down, his praise making me feel good. “I’m glad.”
He relaxed back in his chair, studying me. I sensed I was being judged for the final time. I met his steady gaze, waiting for him to speak.
“It’s taken me many years of hard work and dedication to build this business. The work we do here means something.”
I nodded silently.
“It’s rare I hire outside my firm, Richard. Those who aren’t family have been with me for a long time. They become part of my family. Here at The Gavin Group, we care about our family.”
“It’s a unique concept, Graham. Most employers don’t treat their staff the way you do. I admit, I’ve never experienced it.”
“I know. I have to say, I was wary when I heard your name, Richard. Your, ah, reputation precedes you.”
I had the grace to look ashamed. “I can’t change my past, Graham, except I can tell you, I want something different now.” I hunched forward, earnest and eager. “I want to work here. I want to prove to you I belong here. Give me a chance. Let me show you what I can bring to the table.”
“We work as a team here. We celebrate the victories and accept the defeats as a team.”
“I know. I look forward to seeing that in action. Being part of something—not only being expected to bring in money and shut up.”
“When did you change your mind, Richard? Was it Katy who made you want something different?”
“Yes,” I answered without hesitation. “She was the catalyst. I want more now.” That, at least, was the truth.
He rubbed his finger over his chin. “I think you’re very talented and you could bring in a new perspective we’ve been missing. I still have my doubts, but Laura has been lobbying for you ever since she met you.”
That surprised me. “Oh?”
“She thinks anyone as wonderful as Katy would only love someone with a huge capacity for giving. She thinks you are that person. She sees something in you.”
I had no response. I wasn’t sure anyone had ever “seen” something in me.
He slid the file folder toward me. “I have an offer for you, Richard. I want you to take this with you, look it over, and come see me on Friday morning.”
“You don’t want me to look it over now?”
“No. I want you to look it over, make sure you read all the stipulations, and reflect if this is what you really want. If you agree, we’ll sign on Friday, and you can start the following Monday.”
“I can start today.”
He stroked his chin with a small laugh. “I love your enthusiasm. Except I want to be here your first few days, and I’m taking Laura away. She’s been a bit blue, so I’m taking her to her favorite little resort for some R&R time. We’ll return Thursday night, and I’ll see you on Friday.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s fine. She needs a little alone time. It’s what we do for the women we love, am I correct?”
“Of course.”
He swept his arm, indicating the room. “This is my business and I love it, Richard, but Laura is my life. Be sure you always know the difference. Katy will be around a long time after your career is over. Make sure you pay close attention to her needs.”
Dumbfounded, all I could do was stare at him.
He stood up. “Look it over, make notes, and we’ll talk Friday. Spend a couple days with your pretty girl, and then I hope we’ll start on a new, exciting venture together. Deal?”
I shook his hand. “Deal.”
I opened the door, frowning when I heard the sound of female voices. Obviously, Katharine had someone over I didn’t know. I listened carefully, and when the woman laughed, I knew.
Jenna Davis had come to visit.
Interesting.
I reached behind me, reopened the door, letting it shut with a bang.
“Katharine! Where are you, sweetheart? Come give your man a congratulatory kiss!” I shouted with a smirk.
She appeared from around the corner, looking startled. “Richard?”
I opened my arms as I went toward her. “Get over here, you.”
She hurried forward and I grabbed her, swinging her around. She laughed at the unexpected move, and before she could say anything I set her on her feet, cupped her face, crashing my mouth to hers.
A strange warmth filled my chest—no doubt gratitude that she was playing along—as she tugged on the back of my neck, bringing me closer. She whimpered softly as my tongue slid in, tangling with hers, and I couldn’t help the groan that escaped. Kissing her wasn’t a bad perk.
The clearing of a throat behind me made me smile against her lips, and I acted startled, jerking back. “We have company?” I asked, knowing Jenna could hear everything I said.
“Yes.”
“I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not. I was too excited, sweetheart.” I ran my finger down her cheek. “I couldn’t wait to get home and share with you.”
She stared up at me, looking every bit the loving, hopeful fiancée. “Jenna is here,” she breathed out.
I turned and smiled. “Hello, Jenna.”
She smirked at me. “Sorry to break up your moment. I can leave.”
I wound my arm around Katharine, tucking her close. “No, it’s fine. I was just . . .”
“. . . excited,” she finished for me. “Does that excitement have anything to do with a meeting you had with my father?”
I grinned and nodded. “I need to go over some paperwork and talk to my girl, but I think we’ll be working together.”
She clapped her hands and beamed at both Katharine and me. There was no other word to describe it—her face lit up like the morning sun. “I’m so pleased.”
“I am, as well.”
Katharine stretched up, cupping my cheek, pulling my face down toward her. “I’m proud of you,” she declared, and kissed my mouth gently.
Even I bought it.
Jenna laughed. “I’m going to head out. I think you two need to be alone.”
“You don’t have to leave,” I insisted.
“No, it’s fine.” She slipped on her coat. “I wanted to give Katy some decorating magazines. She had mentioned now she had time, she wanted to add a few touches to the place.” She glanced around with a grimace. “Really, Richard, you
should have made her do it sooner. It’s so obviously a man’s place.”
I looked around.
It was? It looked fine to me.
“She can do whatever she wants. I keep telling her that.” I hoped my reply sounded sincere.
“Excellent. Look over the magazines, Katy, and we’ll go shopping.” She giggled. “Maybe the other ones will inspire you, too.”
Katharine’s cheeks flushed, which made me curious why magazines would embarrass her.
Amid air kisses and laughter, Jenna left. Katharine and I stood, looking at each other.
“Do you want some coffee?”
“That would be great.”
I followed her to the kitchen, sitting by the counter. Idly, I picked up the pile of magazines, looking at the covers. My hand froze at the bottom two. They were thick, glossy, and the words “The Perfect Wedding” were featured prominently on both. I glanced up at Katharine, understanding her reaction.
“Something you want to tell me?”
“She asked what our plans were. I told her we hadn’t made any yet, with everything else we’d been dealing with. She thought these might help.”
I took a sip from the steaming mug she handed to me with an appreciative sigh. She did make excellent coffee.
“Graham asked me about our plans, too.”
“What are we going to do? They’re going to keep asking. Applying for a fake wedding license was bad enough; I’m not planning a fake wedding.”
I scrubbed my face with my hands. “I know. I hadn’t anticipated this.”
“This, meaning what?”
“I actually like Graham. I want to work for him. To make him proud. For some reason, it’s important to me.”
She studied me for a moment. “What are you saying?”
“I thought it would be easier,” I acknowledged. “He’d meet you on the odd occasion, and that would be it. I hadn’t anticipated you and his daughter becoming friends—or his wife adoring you.” I pushed the magazines, toppling the neat pile. “I hadn’t expected them to be part of my life outside the office.”
“And?”
“I think this arrangement is going to have to go on a little longer than I expected. Three months isn’t going to work.”
The Contract Page 9