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

He pulled a face, thankful none of his clients could see him now. His mother always brought out the worst in him and he often resorted to childish behaviour to cope. “I haven’t got time for this. Is there any particular reason you called, apart from slandering my wife?”

This time, the sniff sounded forced. “I’ll be flying to Brisbane next month for a fashion show. Just thought you’d like to know.”

Great. Now he’d be obliged to escort her.

“Of course, you’ll be accompanying me?” She made it sound like an order, not a question.

“Of course. Anything else?”

“Your grandmother seems to be a lot perkier since your visit. Perhaps you should visit more often?” With her emphasis on ‘you’, he knew the invitation didn’t include Amber and he could have throttled her for it. How his mother was the progeny of Ethel St. John, he’d never know.

“We’ll try to get down to Melbourne soon, though Amber’s starting up a business and the law practice is starting to thrive up here.” As soon as he said it, he knew he should’ve thought of some other excuse to deflect his mother’s invitation. He must be more tired than he thought.

Predictably, she fastened on Amber’s venture. “Your wife is starting up a business?” She made it sound like his wife planned to become a stripper.

“Yes, in retail. Now, if you don’t mind, I really need to get back to work.”

“Retail?” He held the phone receiver away from his ear, anticipating the shriek. “As if you working isn’t bad enough, you’re encouraging her to be a shop girl? Have you lost your mind?”

For the first time since he’d heard his mother’s voice, he smiled; imagine if he told her the shop promoted aromatherapy and other alternative products? She’d need a week to recover in some day spa, maybe even a month. Not a bad idea, if it coincided with her proposed trip to Brisbane...

“Steven, are you listening to me?” Her high-pitched octaves had subsided to a dull roar.

“Goodbye, Mother.” He hung up without waiting for a response and wondered if he could schedule an emergency conference in Sydney around the time of the fashion show.

Feeling decidedly cheerier at the thought, he flipped open the folder of contracts on his desk and started the serious business of representing the best interests of his clients.

* * *

Amber threw away the packet of contraceptive pills a few weeks after they returned to Brisbane. Much to her amazement, Steve had changed in ways she’d only dreamed about; he talked about his business with her, he seemed more affectionate outside the bedroom and most importantly, he actively supported her dream of opening Harmony. Thanks to his input, the grand opening was scheduled for next week and funnily enough, it coincided with the launch of her other dream, to have a child.

The timing had been perfect and once he’d urged her to stop taking protection, she knew her life was almost complete. Though he hadn’t said it in so many words, she knew he’d grown to care for her, perhaps even love her. Why else would he have changed? Why would he ask her to stop taking the pill unless he wanted a child as much as she did?

As she arranged the crystals on the counter, she marvelled at her happiness. How had it happened so quickly? And what had she done to deserve it?

The shop had lived up to expectations, stocking everything from oil burners, pure essences and candles to self-help books, jewellery and tie-dyed silk scarves hand-made in Byron Bay. She looked around, amazed at the transformation from empty storefront to a cave of goodies to tempt any inquiring soul and mind. It was everything she’d dreamed about and one man had made it possible.

As if on cue, the back door opened and Steve strolled in, looking every bit the consummate businessman in a killer suit.

“How’s my favourite fortune teller?” He didn’t wait for an answer, covering her lips with his in a bruising kiss that snatched her breath.

She braced her palms on his chest, revelling in the feel of hard muscle hidden by expensive cotton and cool wool. “I already told you. That was only a one off.”

“But look where it got you. All that stuff you said about me when we first met stoked my fire and I had to have you.” He leaned into her, lending weight to his words. “Are you sure you aren’t a witch as well?”

She rubbed against him, loving the feel of him. It empowered her, to know she aroused him. “Sorry to disappoint. I travel by car, not broomstick.”

He trailed his hands down her back, cupping her butt. “Sweetheart, nothing about you disappoints me.”

“So, what do you think?” She waved in the direction of the stacked shelves surrounding them.

The passion in his eyes as he stared at her did little to calm her racing pulse. “Incredible.”

Her breath caught as the familiar heat sizzled between them. “I mean the shop.”

“Oh, that.” He barely glanced around, though she could read the pride in his face. “Later.”

With one hand holding her close, he reached behind her and pulled a stack of silk-covered cushions off the shelves.

“Hey. No touching the merchandise.” She playfully slapped his arm while snuggling against him.

He quirked an eyebrow before lowering his head and nibbling on her neck in the one spot known to drive her crazy. “Doesn’t this shop have a try-before-you-buy policy?”

“Are you interested in the cushions? They’re hand-embroidered in India, you know...” She trailed off as his lips descended to the gap of her shirt.

“I’m interested in everything this shop has to offer.” His tongue flickered out, dampening her skin before