But why would she ever want that with me when she has all of them?
“I’d actually rather not have the money.” She glares at him, and while it’s playful, I know she’s telling the truth. Kat is the only person I’ve ever met who truly hates gifts and the act ofgiving money. She about lost it when Nathan gave her access to his black card, and not in a good way.
“Yes, yes, that part isn’t negotiable, though, love. What do you mean by ‘write something up,’ though? What did you have in mind, like a contract?”
Father seems very intrigued by her suggestion, and honestly, so am I.
Why would she suggest this, unless…
No, that can’t be right.
“Yeah, a contract would be perfect. I don’t get any claim to anything, no matter what might happen with relations in the house.” Her cheeks turn the most adorable pink color as she says it, and I watch as Father’s eyes zero in on it, too.
“A contract sounds great.” The words are out of my mouth before I can think better of them. Her head snaps in my direction, and this time the smile on her face is radiant, her eyes wide and hopeful.
I’m so fucked.
“I’m not sure I like that. It almost makes this,” he waves a finger between the two of them, “sound like a business transaction.”
He's not wrong, but when her face falls, he’s quick to backtrack.
“But we can have Nate write something up to see. Maybe it won’t be so bad.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal, and it might not be to her, but I know better.
I know my father. I know just how stubborn he can be, and for him to give in so easily just to ensure she’s happy.
I’ve never seen him like this with a woman before, not once in my whole life.
She claps before throwing her arms around his neck with a happy little squeal that leaves him smiling that dopey grin they all seem to get with her. He doesn’t hesitate to wrap her up inhis arms, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her neck, which only makes her squirm and him laugh when she can’t escape.
Finally, he lets her go, looking more than a little proud of himself even when she smacks at his chest.
“You’re terrible,” she hisses as she pushes some of her loose hair from her face, and I hear the slight hint of laughter. Something tells me she isn’t used to any kind of PDA, much to her dismay.
“I sure want to be,” he says in a low growl, wrapping a hand around her waist and yanking her toward him until they're chest to chest and she’s once again squirming to get away. This time, he doesn’t let her go, instead pressing his lips to her hard enough that I know her lips will be red and swollen, but judging by her little moans, I’m going to go out on a limb and say she doesn’t mind.
In fact, I’d go as far as to say she’s enjoying it.
“Dinner,” she mumbles against his lips, the word coming out half jumbled.
“Dad.” My voice comes out deeper than it was a moment ago, thanks to their display, but it does the trick. Father pulls back, even if he does it with a huff of annoyance as he glares at me over Kat’s head before looking back down at her.
“After dinner, you're mine,” he tells her before gesturing her toward the stairs she’d only just come up a few minutes ago.
“Oh, um, Nathan said—”
“Nathan can share,” he assures her before swatting her ass to get her moving. She scurries down the stairs, and he only takes a moment to wink at me over his shoulder before he’s quick to follow her.
Katherine is nothing like Natasha; their relationships are unique as well.
Maybe there’s hope for the future we wanted after all.
I almost feel silly about needing something like a contract, but I can’t lie; it settled something in me. I guess now we just have to wait and see what Nathan can work up with that brain of his.
Dinner is delicious as always. Dale has been our chef for years, even cooks at Lavo, and while his meals are fantastic, there's something about having Kat and Addy prepare a meal for us that makes it taste that much better.
Tonight, though, I couldn’t even tell you what was on my plate despite eating every bit.
Something much more appealing—well, someone—occupies my mind.
