Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 86(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 86(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
I do my best to read through all the legal jargon, but my mind goes back to his cock. It’s terrible how horny he makes me. I suppose it’s not terrible since he wants me in his bed. In his bed…am I going to have different sleeping arrangements? Will I be sleeping in my own room when he shows up to take what he needs and then leaves? Will he be sleeping with other women?
“You can read it in the papers yourself,” he growls. Shit. I said that aloud. I keep my head down and actually read the document. Mr. Masterson shall remain solely to Ms. Franks and Ms. Franks must remain solely to Mr. Masterson. If the paternity of the child should come into question, Ms. Franks will forfeit all assets. Ms. Franks must reside in Mr. Masterson’s residence for the length of the contract. Arrangements will be made one month prior to the end of the contract wherein Ms. Franks will receive one million U.S. dollars. If the union does not produce a child at the conclusion of the contract, Ms. Franks’ tuition will be covered thoroughly, and lodging will be provided.
As I continue to read, a feeling of sadness hits me, but I wash it away. Everything here is happening for the best. I click the pen and Grant spins around, anxious for me to sign on the dotted line. I do it. Strangely, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders which is silly because I’m adding to my stress with all this familiarity he wants to create.
“I have a meeting to go to. Please relax. Get comfortable. Tonight, we’ll put this contract into action. Oh and before I forget. This is for you as well. My number’s already stored in there. You can send the number to your friends and get rid of the burner phone.” He points to my purse.
“Um…you didn’t have to.”
“Yes, I did. I need to be able to get in touch with you when necessary and not worrying about you not answering because you’ll run out of whatever minutes or whatever it is those things do.”
“Well. Thanks.” He leaves without another word. I sit there, realizing he snatched up the documents. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I sigh, twirling the phone in my hand. Gosh, it has to be an expensive one. I’m afraid I’ll drop it, so I set it down on the coffee table in front of me. Just then it vibrates with a message from Grant: Don’t think of running out. Dinner will be delivered at six. See you tonight.
I don’t respond back because I’m too annoyed. My other cell rings and it’s my mom. We haven’t spoken since I left because she wants me home and to marry Ricky. He’s a good guy and all, but I have dreams that don’t include him. I feel for him. He’s hardworking, but there’s not much back home in Almont, Oregon except the Hatchery and the few little stores and farms around. It’s practically a ghost town. Maybe it should be.
Despite my reservations, I answer the call. “Hello, Mom.”
“Oh darling, I was wondering when you were going to answer my call. I heard about your silly plan. I’m not telling anyone because I’m not looking to get our family name disgraced by this.” What family name? We’re not rich. My dad has three bastard children with several of the ladies in the town. My name in Almont is ruined. It’s a wonder why Ricky would want me anyway.
“Mom, are we really going to go there? Our name couldn’t be more in ruin than it already is. Or do you choose to forget?”
“That’s uncalled for,” she hisses, ignoring reality completely.
“Mom, I’m trying to live my own life. I’m sorry that life isn’t what you expected. I’m hoping for the best and right now I’m getting ready to start school in two weeks. Everything’s going to work out.” Even as I say it, my heart breaks a little because I’m not sure that’s entirely true. My life’s written out in a contract. Temporary.
“I’m telling you. You need to come home and marry Ricky. He is going to be something someday and you’re going to be all used up for someone else’s happiness,” she says, annoying me even from far away.
“I’m searching for my own happiness, Mom. I’ll talk to you later.” I end the call and toss the phone into my purse. I look around, but I don’t see my suitcase anywhere. No time like the present to check out the rest of the condo.
Out of the main living area is the kitchen. White cabinets on steel gray walls and granite countertops. I’m not a great cook, but I could seriously work some magic in this room. It feels like I’ve stepped inside a magazine or even a Pinterest board. I can’t believe this is a condo. It looks bigger than my entire home back in Almont. Opening the fridge, there’s nothing to cook. I’m guessing my temporary baby daddy isn’t much for home cooked meals.