The Contract by Marsh, Nicola (read aloud books .txt) 📕

stroking with a tenderness that surprised her. “I know this union will be mutually satisfying.”

She ignored the raging butterflies in her stomach as he continued to caress her cheek. He’d effectively wiped out all her arguments and she couldn’t think of anything else to say. Except yes.

Though she’d be damned if she gave in that easily.

“Let me think about it,” she said, already knowing her life-changing answer and wishing her options weren’t so limited.

“That’s all I ask.” He dropped a chaste kiss on her cheek as she reeled from what had just happened. “Though I’ll expect an answer by the time I get back from Sydney in a day or two.”

She’d been kissed, fondled and propositioned all in the last hour and he expected her to think straight? She would keep him guessing.

“Fine. Can we head back now?” She needed to escape the confines of the boat and the overwhelming presence of the man who had turned her life upside down.

“No rest for the wicked, huh?” His gaze skimmed her body, leaving her in little doubt as to why he’d labelled her as such.

“For your information, I have a massage class to attend.”

“This gets better and better.” His smile widened as he focussed on her hands. By his expression, she could guess what he imagined her hands massaging.

“Wipe that grin off your face. I don’t need anyone to practice on. I’m quite competent.” Though the thought of running her hands over his bare skin, stroking the hard lines and sinews of his body, was far from detestable. In fact, it left her downright breathless.

“I’m sure you are. Yet another invaluable skill I value in a spouse.” He turned away, missing her killer look.

Amber didn’t speak on the return journey, lost deep in thought. Thankfully, Steve respected her silence and concentrated on handling the boat.

She could get used to this. She’d never had the experience of being pampered; she barely had enough money to buy her treasured crystals these days. Yet here she was, cruising with a man who set her world on fire, contemplating being joined to him in holy matrimony.

Things could be worse. And she could save her dad in the process. She would accept Steve’s proposal in a few days and make the most of it. After all, hadn’t she done that her entire life? The karma surrounding them felt right and she’d always trusted her sure-fire intuition in the past. Why would it fail her now?

However, despite her positive spin on the situation, one thought niggled. Children. She loved them and had planned on having three or four yet she would never bring a child into a loveless marriage. Ever. She wanted to emulate her parents’ feat of raising her with all the love and support they could give her.

Yet that would never happen now, unless she was foolish enough to fall in love with her husband when he’d clearly stated this would be a business arrangement, a marriage of convenience.

No, she wouldn’t put herself through that. She may be willing to sacrifice part of her life to assuage her guilt yet she wasn’t a sadist. This marriage wouldn’t last. He’d tire of her and their differences, she’d pay back her dad but at what cost? Then again, if she went into this with eyes open, expecting to divorce eventually, it might make the entire bizarre scenario easier to cope with. In the meantime, she’d take what she could from their union, put on a happy face and avoid the subject of children altogether. If he questioned her, she’d fob him off. End of story.

Studying the man about to become her husband from beneath her lashes, she knew one thing. Practicing the art of procreation with him would be a lot of fun.

* * *

Steve strode into the office of Byrne and Associates, eager to present his plan. He’d come straight from the airport, barely stopping for a brief shower and change of clothes at his apartment. What he had to say to his fellow partner and founder of the firm, Jeff Byrne, couldn’t wait.

As he greeted the receptionist, Matt Byrne approached.

“Hey, Rockwell. How did it go up on the Gold Coast?” They shook hands, as Steve schooled his face into a mask of indifference.

“Not bad, though there’s some unfinished business up there. In fact, that’s what I want to talk to Jeff about.”

Matt smiled. “Whatever you have to say, it shouldn’t be a problem. Dad just found out he’s about to be a grandfather.”

“That’s great. Congratulations.” He slapped Matt on the back. “You and Kara certainly didn’t waste any time, did you?”

“Yeah, well, she’s a wonderful woman.”

“I know.” Steve’s relationship with Kara had ended a long time ago and he didn’t begrudge Matt his beautiful wife. They had never quite gelled; in fact, Steve had treated her downright badly, a fact she occasionally teased him about these days. “Listen, could I run something by you?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

Steve ushered Matt into his office and closed the door. “I’ve got a plan and I have a feeling you’re about to become a major player in it.”

Matt sat, clasped his hands behind his head and leaned back. “Spit it out. I’m intrigued.”

Steve took a deep breath, hoping he wasn’t making the biggest mistake of his life. “I want to expand the firm up north and open an office in Brisbane. That would leave a position for a partner free here...” He trailed off, knowing Matt wanted a partnership in the firm more than anything. Hell, the guy had almost decked him over a year ago when Steve had got the job ahead of him.

“Sounds great, though I thought you didn’t like Queensland? What’s