Contractual Obligation: The Trilogy by Lauren Keller Read Free Book Online

that was the last thing he needed in his personal life. He was doing this for the company, for their business, and he needed to keep it in perspective. If he ’d met her at a club any other night he would have simply taken her to bed and dumped a few days later. This isn’t any different.
    Keep your head in the game, Michael .
    He decided he’d tell her it was a mistake, and they’d only maintain a business relationship. She’d probably be relieved anyway. She didn’t sign up for love, she signed up for money.

Chapter 7
    Waking up, Natalie felt lighter, happier. She’d grown comfortable with the idea of blurring the lines, and letting the chips fall where they may. Should she call him, send him a text, or wait for him to contact her? She decided she’d wait for him to get in touch with her, and when he asked her again, she would say yes. Yes, they could get to know each other more, with the possibility of something happening. It was kind of exciting.
    Padding over in her pajamas to feed Emily, she filled her water and food bowl. As she bent down to pet the cat, she didn’t dart away like usual, but cautiously let Natalie pet her. Mrs. Burton would be home soon enough, but at least her cat wasn’t afraid of Natalie any more.
    Last night was a surprise. It was so much better than she expected. She thought there’d be stiff conversation, awkward exchanges, and a bit of anxiety mixed in, having to spend time with Michael, but it was anything but that. Instead, he was open, warm, charismatic, and oh so good to look at.
    Humming in the shower, she closed her eyes to picture him again. She could see him vividly: his short, cropped hair, his gorgeous eyes, and that body. Natalie exhaled deeply, letting herself bathe in his details. And that scent, his cologne, a mix of spicy cinnamon, she could drink him up…oh, this is bad. She realized she was way more attracted to the guy then she should be. Cool your jets, girl. Take it slowly .
    Michael woke feeling better that he’d made a final decision. Sure she was gorgeous, easy to be around, warm and friendly, but it would complicate things, and he didn’t need complications. He’d draw the line in the sand early on, apologizing that he asked for more. It was the smart thing to do.
    He’d send a text, short and to the point. That way she couldn’t read into it. With his gut twisting, he knew it was the right thing to do. Hitting send, he closed his eyes for a moment while picturing her. Keep it cordial, polite, and business-like. It’s the only way.
    Natalie’s phone buzzed. She hoped it was from Michael.
    “ Changed mind - let’s keep it business-friendly .”
    No emotion, no anything tied to it. It felt empty, and staring at the words, she didn’t know what to say. She sent back a simple, “ Okay ,” but wanted to say so much more.
    She wanted to tell him to take a chance, that it might be worth it, and that she was attracted to him and she knew he was attracted to her, and not to be afraid, and to take the leap.After all, they’d be spending years together; and yet, all she could send was an “okay.”
    Frustrated, she sat on her bed staring at the message. What had changed? She shook her head. “That’s fine,” she said to nobody in particular. “It’s a job, foolish girl.” Why did it hurt? She was so silly to have started falling for him last night over drinks. He’s just a smooth talker, knowing what buttons to push to get a reaction out of a woman. He was obviously a player.
    With a quick reminder of how much she was getting paid, the pain vanished. It’s a job, and a damn good one. There’s no reason to be upset.
    Michael wanted to set up a photo-op, showing up at a highly photographed restaurant patio, and asked her to dress to the nines. He’d had so many drunken photos splashed in the papers with women hanging all over him, that an attentive shot of him looking to be in love with a woman over dinner would be perfect. Of course, they would