The Contract

by Melanie Moreland

  I wanted to go to her, comfort her, but I was still unsure how to handle all the emotions I had when dealing with Katy. Should I leave her alone? Wrap her in my arms?

  She solved my dilemma, turning and holding out her hand wordlessly. I grasped it and brought her close.

  “Are you all right?”

  She looked up, her eyes damp. “I will be.”

  “Can I do something?”

  “You already are.”

  “I want to do more.”

  “Take me home, Richard. I’m ready.”

  “Okay, sweetheart.”

  After we left the beach, it hadn’t taken us long to gather the few things she had brought to the cottage. I packed up the remaining food and threw it all in the trunk. I waited, giving her some privacy in the cottage for yet another goodbye.

  The drive home was in direct contrast to the frantic pace I had set getting to the resort. Katy was beside me, her hand clasped in mine as we made our way back to the city. I drove leisurely, giving her a chance to relax. I stole glances at her frequently.

  “I know you’re looking at me.”

  “I like looking at you.”

  “I’m fine, Richard. Really, I am.”

  “Are you nervous about coming back with me? The difference in our relationship?”

  She leaned her head back, looking at me. “Nervous?”

  “It’s all changed now, Katy. We’re going home as a real married couple. For starters, as soon as we get home, your things are coming to my room. Our room. For good.”

  “I know. You get to snuggle me every night.”

  “And you get to listen to me snore.” Then I became serious. “We have a lot to face together.”

  “And we’ll do it.” She hesitated. “Are you nervous?”

  “In some ways, yes.”

  “Why?”

  I pulled over to the side of the road, draping my arm over the back of her seat. “I’m still me, Katy. Deep inside I’m still the same asshole. I have a temper. I’m not perfect—not by a long shot.”

  “I don’t expect you to be perfect, Richard. But I don’t think the asshole inside is the same as the one you used to be.”

  “You have a great deal of faith in me.”

  “I’ve seen the change in you.” She smiled. “Plus the fact, I love you.”

  “I’m worried I’ll let you down.”

  “What about when I get mad at you and I act like an asshole?”

  That made me chuckle. “Since I’m sure it will be justified, when it happens, we’ll deal with it.”

  “We’ll deal with it all together, Richard. Asshole behavior included.”

  “I swear I’ll try to be better.”

  “I know you’ll try, and even more, I know you’ll succeed.”

  “Why are you so sure?”

  “Because you love me.”

  Running my knuckles down her cheek, I nodded. “I do, sweetheart. Very much.”

  She covered my hand and kissed the palm. “We all have our moments, you know. Even me.”

  “Is that right?”

  “I used to get angry at the way you’d talk to me when you were being more . . . dickish than usual.”

  “You hid it well.”

  “I got even, in my own way.”

  “Now you’ve piqued my curiosity. Do tell me, how did you get even with me?”

  The ghost of a smile played her lips.

  “Katy?”

  “On the days you were extra pissy, I would swap out your low-fat cheese and mayo for the full-fat version on your sandwiches. I never cut the fat out of your foam in your lattes—ever actually. I just let you think I did.”

  “What?”

  “I forgot to ask one day when I was getting your sandwich and you never noticed. It was my own silent revenge.”

  “That was your way of getting even?”

  “I figured if your pants got tighter, you might have to work out a little harder. Maybe sweat the asshole out of you.”

  I started to chuckle. That turned into laughter. Deep, belly laughs that made my eyes water.

  “Such a vindictive bitch you are, sweetheart. I’m glad you’re on my side now. My treadmill trembles over your immense wrath.”

  “Go fuck yourself, VanRyan.”

  Leaning over the console, I kissed her. She had no idea how incredibly endearing she was in this moment, or how much my love for her increased every time she uttered those words. Once spoken in anger, and now in jest, they were a reminder of how far we had come together.

  “Take me home, Richard.”

  “Okay, sweetheart.”

  I pulled back onto the road, my nerves gone and a smile on my face.

  RICHARD

  THE CONDO WAS SILENT WHEN we arrived. I set down our bags and looked at the mess I had left behind.

  “I should have cleaned up. I was anxious to get to you.”

  She walked around, picking up a couple bottles. “You need to stop drinking so much scotch.”

  The words were out before I could stop them. “You need to stop leaving me.”

  Her eyes widened.

  I tugged on my cowlick. “Shit. Home five minutes and the asshole comes out.”

  “I’m going to give you that one. I shouldn’t have run. I should have stayed and talked it out with you.”

  Reaching out, I brought her into my arms. “You had no reason to trust me, then. I’ll make sure you won’t have that excuse next time. Not,” I added, “that there is going to be a next time.”

  She nuzzled close. “No.”

  “Then we’re good?”

  “Yep.”

  Glass crunched under my feet when I moved, and I looked down with a grimace. “Careful.”

  “Another asshole moment?”

  “A big one,” I acknowledged. “I was angry at you—but it passed quickly.”

  “I think you were allowed.”

  “I’ll get someone in to clean up.”

  She shook her head with a grin. “It’s not bad. We can get it done fast.” Bending, she picked up her bag. “But you’re ordering dinner and doing the dishes.”

  I grabbed my bag, following her through the condo. “There you go—issuing orders.”

  “Get used to it.” She turned her head and winked.

  I swatted her ass, causing her to yelp and try to hurry ahead of me. She tripped, almost falling on the steps, except I lunged, catching her around the waist. “Sorry, sweetheart. I forgot about your leg. Are you okay?”

  She wrapped her arms around my neck. “I’m fine. You can carry me the rest of the way, though.”

  Lifting her, I captured her mouth with mine and kept it there all the way to our room. Inside the doorway, I set her on her feet, releasing her lips. “Welcome home, Mrs. VanRyan.”

  She smiled up at me, running her fingers along my jaw. “You’re scruffier than normal.”

  “I’ll shave later.”

  “I kinda like it.”

  “Then I’ll leave it.”

  Rising on the balls of her feet, she pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Okay.” She glanced around. “Where do you want to start?”

  I sat down on the mattress, pulling her beside me. “I didn’t change the sheets. They smelled like you—like us, and I couldn’t . . .” My voice trailed off. “I couldn’t.”

  “I’m here now.”

  “I know.” I stood up. “I’ll get your things. I want them back in here. They never should have left.”

  “We weren’t ready. We are now.”

  “Yep.”

  “All right, then. Let’s get started.”

  I stepped out of the shower, toweling my hair. Entering the bedroom, I looked around with a low sigh. Katy had moved in. Her clothes were in the closet and dresser, her lotions and girly things in the bathroom. Her bedside table held her books, and her scent was already in the air. She’d been a little shocked when she saw the mess I had made in her room, but she had it straightened while I carried things back and forth. />
  I dragged on some sweats and a T-shirt and jogged downstairs. The bottles, papers, and broken glass were cleared away, the kitchen already back in order. She sat at the counter, a bottle of wine open, and a glass waiting for me. I took a sip, appreciating the bold flavor of the red wine.

  “Dinner?”

  She looked up from her book. “Pizza is in the oven, waiting.”

  I grabbed some plates and set down the box between us. We ate in silence, and although it wasn’t an uncomfortable one, I wanted to know what she was thinking. She seemed contemplative.

  I covered her hand with mine. “Where did you go, Katy? What are you thinking about over there?”

  She smiled, flipping her hand so our palms pressed together. “I was remembering my first dinner with you. We had pizza and wine that night, too.”

  “We did.”

  “I was incredibly nervous. I didn’t know what you wanted to discuss with me. You never spoke to me in the office unless it was to bark out an order or tell me what I was doing wrong. Sitting beside you, I had no idea what to expect. I couldn’t believe what you had to say.”

  I smirked. “I couldn’t believe I was asking you—Miss Elliott—the bane of my existence, to live with me and pretend to be my fiancée.” I shook my head. “I was a rat bastard to you, wasn’t I?”

  “Yes, you were.”

  “I’m not sure I can ever apologize enough.”

  “Stop trying. That was then, this is now.” She laced our fingers together and squeezed. “I like now.”

  I lifted our joined hands, kissing her knuckles. “So do I.”

  “We still have to face the Gavin family.”

  Releasing her hand, I reached for my wine. “I know. I’ll call Graham in the morning. I’m sure we’ll be summoned to their house in due course.”

  “What do you think will happen?”

  “I don’t know. I expected him to fire me on the spot. When he told me he already suspected I was lying, I was certain of it.” I huffed out a laugh. “Of course, nothing is what I expect anymore, so I’m not the best judge of the situation.”

  “Are you prepared for him to fire you?”

  “I dread it, to be honest, but if it happens, then we move and start again. I certainly won’t get a reference from him or David. I can only hope my work speaks for itself. Brian can help me with his contacts and I have some of my own. Clients I’ve worked with in the past and such.”

  “And if he doesn’t?”

  “Then we stay. I want to stay. I want to work for Graham. It’ll take some time, but I’ll show him he can trust me. I’ll work my ass off for him and his company.”

  “I know you will.” She met my eyes, smiling sadly. “I hope Laura and Jenna can forgive me.”

  “Out of all of this, I regret that the most,” I admitted. “You already lost Penny, and I know how fond you are of both of them. I don’t want you to lose that as well.”

  “I guess we’ll know soon enough.”

  I nodded. “We will.”

  Running a weary hand over my face, I flipped through the documents I had printed from Brian.

  The day after we came home, I texted Graham to let him know I was back and Katy was with me. I didn’t receive a response. Katy also texted Jenna and asked if they could meet for coffee, but she was only met with silence. I knew she was upset, though neither of us was surprised.

  By the end of the second day, I contacted Brian for some leads in other cities. He seemed surprised by my request but sent along a few for me to look over. Two were in Toronto, one was in the States, and the last one in Calgary. It was by far the most tempting, even if it was the least dynamic of all the companies. At least we’d be surrounded by mountains and close to lakes and amazing scenery.

  Although I didn’t want any of them, I was sure the writing was on the wall, in regards to my place at The Gavin Group. It was time to look at my, our, options. I wanted Katy to be happy, and I knew she wouldn’t be in a large, crowded city like Toronto. Also, I had no desire to start commuting hours to get into the office. I had to put away my pride and choose what would be best for us.

  I stood up, heading to the kitchen. I needed coffee and to show Katy what Brian had sent over. She looked up from the huge cookbook she was studying and smiled at me.

  “What are those?”

  I tossed the pile of sheets on the counter and reached for the coffee pot. “Job leads.”

  “Oh.” She tugged the papers closer. “Okay. Anything good?”

  I tapped the top page. “This is interesting.”

  She looked it over, frowning. “It’s pretty small compared to what you’re used to.”

  I sat down, sipping my coffee. “I’m going to have to make some concessions.”

  “Do you have to jump right away?”

  “No,” I acknowledged. “I don’t want to be out too long, though. Financially, we’re fine; it’s more the staying on top of my game.”

  “Well, in case,” she drawled, “I have some money I can loan you, if you need it.”

  I quirked my lips. “Is that so?”

  “Uh-huh. I did a job for this asshole who paid me well. It’s just kicking around if you need it.”

  I wound my arm around her waist, tucking her close. “Are you still working for this asshole?”

  “No. The asshole disappeared.”

  “Is that right? Did a prince on a white steed replace him?”

  “No, a complex, demanding, but very sexy and sweet real man did.”

  “Sweet?” I snickered. That was a new one for me.

  She nodded. “You are, at times, very sweet.”

  “Maybe with you. I don’t think anyone else would ever call me sweet.”

  “I’m okay with that.”

  I rubbed my nose to hers affectionately. “Good.”

  Our eyes met, the warmth of her gaze distracting me. Heat bubbled around us, the way it did every time I was close to her now. Lowering my head, I brushed my lips over hers.

  “Now, about that sexy part . . .”

  The intercom buzzing startled us both.

  “Damn it.” I growled.

  “Rain check,” she whispered against my lips.

  I wrapped my hand around her neck, holding her close, kissing her hard. “Not a long one. I’ll deal with whatever they want, and then you’re mine.”

  I hit the speaker button. “VanRyan.”

  “You have visitors, Mr. VanRyan. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin are here to see you.”

  I met Katy’s shocked gaze, reaching for her hand.

  “Send them up.”

  I paused prior to opening the door, still holding tight to Katy’s hand. “No matter what, we’re okay, all right?” I said quietly.

  “Yes.”

  Steeling myself, I swung open the door and was met with Graham’s serious countenance. Laura was beside him, her expression somber, as well. The real kicker was the box Graham held. The last time I’d seen it, I had been packing up my desk.

  Even though I wasn’t shocked, and I had suspected this would happen, the rush of disappointment in my chest was crushing. I inhaled sharply, tightening my grip on Katy’s hand. Beside me, she uttered a muffled gasp, her eyes on the box Graham held. I leaned down, pressing a kiss to her head.

  “We’re okay,” I reassured her. “Remember?”

  “Okay,” she repeated.

  I stepped back, not wanting this to happen in the hallway outside our home. “Come in,” I managed.

  Graham set down the box on the floor beside the sofa. I was grateful when Katy spoke up, giving me a few extra seconds to gather myself.

  “Can I get you coffee?”

  Laura smiled and sat down. “I would appreciate a cup.”

  Graham nodded. “As would I.”

  I followed her to the kitchen and watched numbly as she set out cups and napkins on a tray, pouring the coffee. “Should I add cookies?” she whispered.

  I shrugged. “I, uh, have no idea what the protocol is when your
boss comes to fire you, Katy. Cookies seem too nice for the occasion, though.”

  She worried at her cheek, and I tapped the side of her face.

  “Joke. That was a joke, albeit a bad one. Put out some cookies, sweetheart. We might as well be civilized about this. It’s not as though we weren’t expecting it.”

  “Are you going to yell?”

  I shook my head. “No. To be honest, I’m too sad to yell.”

  She flung her arms around my neck, tugging my head down to her shoulder. “Thank you for telling me. I love you.”

  I lifted her, the warmth of her body needed to calm my racing heart. Her feet dangled high above the floor, and I held her close. “That makes this all bearable.” Setting her down on her feet, I picked up the tray. “Let’s go get fired.”

  I passed out the mugs of coffee with hands that were not as steady as usual. Laura directed a few comments to Katy, inquiring how she was coping in regards to losing Penny. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder when Katy’s voice quivered talking about scattering Penny’s ashes.

  Graham watched us closely, setting down his mug.

  “I assume the two of you have reached an understanding?”

  “There is no understanding, Graham. I’m in love with Katy, and thankfully, she feels the same about me. We’re going forward on equal ground.”

  “So this is no longer a marriage-for-show?”

  I resisted the urge to tug on the back of my neck. “It ceased being that a long time ago. I was just too obstinate to see or admit it.”

  He turned his gaze to Katy. “And you?”

  She lifted her chin, the stubborn cleft prominent. “I love him. I have for a while. I was too afraid to tell him, in case he didn’t return my feelings.” She threaded her fingers through mine. “But he does, and we’re ready to face the future together.”

  “Good.” Graham bent down and picked up the box, setting it on the coffee table. From his pocket, he withdrew my contract, tearing it in half, and placing it on top of the box.

  “Well, then,” I muttered. “That hurt more than I thought it would.” I held up my hand as Graham started to speak. “Let me finish. It hurts, but I understand. I came into your business on false pretenses, so I recognize you have to let me go. I want you to know how much I enjoyed working for you. With you. You showed me how a person should run their company.” I swallowed the thickness in my throat. “You and your family came to mean a great deal to both of us. I hope one day you can forgive us.”