Read Online Contractual Obligation: The Contract by Lauren Keller - Free Book Online Page B

felt off. They kept trying to connect, but having that hanging over their heads was weird.
    Yes, she’d signed the contract, yes, she’d follow through and take the job, but she wanted something real. She hadn’t felt this kind of chemistry in ages – and what if that stupid contract ruined things? It forced her hand, and the pressure of knowing they’d be locked into this overwhelmed her.
    It was great if things worked out between them, but what happens if the chemistry fizzles, or they can’t stand to be around each other. He made it clear that monogamy wasn’t part of the deal, and the thought of getting involved with somebody with that sitting on the back burner turned her off.
    She couldn’t get involved with others, she needed to look the part, and that meant looking like an adoring wife. Being seen with other people wouldn’t do, not that she had anybody in mind. She wanted this to work if she’d be stuck in the marriage – five years felt like forever.
    On seeing him, she’d know – she’d have to trust her gut. It was all she could do at this point.
    Natalie chose a short black skirt with sexy heels and a black camisole, layered by a lace sleeveless shirt. She’d give it one last shot tonight, and see how it went. If nothing happened, she’d take it as a sign that she needed to keep things platonic.
    Michael dressed for their date, slipping on jeans and a white button-down. They’d decided to go to a small corner tavern that was known for their amazing fondue. He needed to make a decision, because this back and forth wasn’t working for him. They’d either move forward as a couple, or he’d keep things platonic.
    Calling for a car, he went to pick up Natalie. On seeing her, his jaw dropped. She looked insanely hot, not that she didn’t always. She’d played up her sex appeal, and it more than made an impact.
    “Wow, you look incredible,” he said, barely able to take his eyes off of her.
    Natalie blushed, “Thank you,” she didn’t need to tell him what was on her mind, her outfit more than spoke for itself. She wanted a reaction, and she got it.
    Michael stood unmoving. “There’s a car downstairs, and the fondue at Manny’s Pub is top notc h, but I’m not sure I’m ready to leave.”
    Natalie smiled, “You don’t want to show me off?” She teased, spinning for him.
    “What I want to do is strip your clothes off and…”
    Her grin told him what he needed.
    “One second,” he said, dialing. “I won’t need the car to wait.” Hanging up, he turned to the girl before him.
    One look, it took one look, and he couldn’t help himself. “I can’t wait any longer.”
    Natalie swallowed hard, and then nodded.
    Michael pulled her into his arms, unable to control his urges. His large hands rested on her lower back, and then slid lower . Their mouths came together in a heated kiss. The scent of his cologne aroused her as the spiced cinnamon teased her.
    Natalie felt safe in his strong arms and loved how powerful he was, his hands gripping her, knowing exactly what he wanted. One of his hands slid down the length of her short skirt, and played with the edge of the material, before sliding beneath it and resting on her bottom. A finger crept along the elastic of her panties, and slipping below, Michael squeezed her bare flesh.
    Natalie’s heart raced with excitement, her body tingling with electricity. His kisses were full of desire and need. His mouth moved from her lips to her neck. Tipping her head to the side, she let him have full access. Moving her hair aside, he traced kisses along the length of her neck, and then milked her skin, pulling soft moans out of her.
    His hands worked diligently as he kissed her, and were shifting the material of her skirt up over her hips. Natalie pulled back, looking at Michael, and started to unbutton his shirt, her gaze locked on his.
    Each button undone revealed more of his muscular chest. She wanted to run her hands over his hard body, feel his