Miles approached, making sure to keep eye contact with me. It held me in my place in the middle of the soccer field. When he landed next to me, he was smack dab in the middle of my personal space, intoxicating me with his smell and the thunderous aura that surrounded him.
“Hello, darling,” he said as if he hadn’t left me crying just hours earlier.
“What are you doing here?” I stuttered. I thought we had already hashed out our fate, yet here he was. Was he chasing after me?
“I promised Chloe I would be here.”
“Oh.” Of course. I was never worth the chase.
His lip twitched. “I also brought something for you.” He held up the black folder. “It’s a new contract I drew up. I hope you find the terms amenable.” He handed it to me.
I stared at it, not sure what to make of this. “I told you, I quit.”
“I don’t accept your resignation.”
“I can’t work for you. I need to get back to the girls.” I turned to leave.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me to him. We are talking up-against-his-body, sharing-body-heat close.
“Please don’t,” I begged him. “I can’t be close to you and know I can’t have you.” I started to pull away.
He wasn’t letting go. “Aspen,” he whispered my name as if it was a secret he wanted to keep. “If you truly want me, I am yours.”
I blinked an inordinate amount of times trying to let what he said sink in. “I thought you didn’t want to try.”
“No,my love,” he ran a finger down my tear stained cheek, “I’mafraidto try; there is a difference. But I’m more afraid to be without you. I don’t know if I can be me without you anymore.”
That was probably the most beautiful thing anyone could say to me. “Why the change of heart?”
“I realized it was the first time in my life I couldn’t walk away. No woman has ever affected me the way you have. If you give me the chance, I will doanythingandeverything in my power not to muck this up. Though I fear I will hurt you on occasion, but never on purpose.”
I ran my hand across his stubbled cheek. “I’m not expecting perfection.”
He took my hand and kissed my palm. “That is a good thing, because if you accept the new contract, you will need to sign a clause stating you acknowledge that I’m getting the better end of the deal.”
“When did you have a new contract drawn up?”
“Darling, I am a writer; I wrote it myself, today.”
Was that why he locked himself in his office? I took the folder from him, eager to read it. I opened it up to find a single sheet of paper.
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of NOW and going forth FOREVER between Miles Wickham and Aspen Parker, whose last name may be subject to change upon further review.
WHEREAS Miles Wickham desires Aspen Parker to be employed as his Nanny and Personal Assistant and Aspen Parker agrees to render such services, she must agree to the terms and conditions set forth.
Ms. Parker will agree to never call Mr. Wickham her boss. She may use the following terms: Lover. Boyfriend. Darling. My Love. Dear. Secret pet names are also acceptable.
Mr. Wickham requests one child-free night per week for adult only activities that will be decided upon by both parties. Mr. Wickham reserves the right to request more than one night when the occasion calls for it. Ms. Parker may also request child-free nights.
Ms. Parker will agree to use proper language when teaching Mr. Wickham’s nephew. This includes but is not limited to: Pantswill be called trousers. Soccer will be called football. The bathroom is the loo.
Mr. Wickham will provide kisses on demand as well as other types of physical affection. A complete listing will be provided upon acceptance of the contract.
Ms. Parker will promise to, as she has most capably done already, keep her employer and lover from being a complete arse. She will voice any and all concerns as they may arise.
Mr. Wickham will promise to do his utmost to be a man of his word and faithfully keep all the terms and conditions set forth in this contract, and any others the lovely Ms. Parker would like to negotiate.
By initialing here, Ms. Parker acknowledges that she is by far superior and that she is doing this of her own free will and choice. In return, Mr. Wickham will do his best to deserve her, climb any wall for her, and risk it all, even his heart.
