By The Contract

04. Project Jourdan

"Fine, I'll live with you." Kat took a deep breath. It was definitely a bad idea -- being close to him, living with him, seeing him every day. She wasn't ready to open the wounds she had tried so hard to heal, to get away from.

Freya Jourdan was already demanding a meeting and they hadn't even started work. There were other details that Rowland never mentioned concerning the project.

"But for three months, nothing more than that."

"This project requires our total dedication and concentration." His eyes rested on hers, causing her to look away immediately and focus on her bag.

"We'll talk about this tomorrow." She was careful not to say his name. Except during work, of course, anything aside that meant she was comfortable with him and that was the last thing she wanted.

Kat got out of the car before he could even say anything and closed the door. She didn't turn to wave him goodbye. Knowing where she lived was the height of it, they were not friends.

Tired and shivering from the cold, Kat wrapped herself in a towel and sipped some hot chocolate she made. She had to call Rowland, he had to explain why he didn't tell her everything about why she had to be transferred to GreyCorps.

"Kat!" Rowland's cheeky voice responded from the phone. "Tell me, how's GreyCorps? Are they as unfriendly as they say? Did you get to meet sweet, beautiful Daya?" He bombarded her with questions.

"You didn't even bother to ask how I am." She scoffed. "So much for being your 'favorite' team assistant." Even her best friend didn't call to ask how she was.

"Come on," he chuckled. "It's obvious you handled it well. You're still my favorite assistant. You didn't even miss us!"

"Of course."

Kat opened her laptop, going straight for the email he sent about the transfer. "I've got some questions, Rowland. About my transfer."

"Is Levi pestering you?"

"No!" Her voice was high. "No, not at all." She cleared her throat. She wasn't expecting the question. Levi pestering her?

Not that he wasn't but... "Focus on what's important Kat."

"Why was the project given to GreyCorps?"

"Freya said she wanted to create something different. As you know, she wants to create a smart clothing line as well as an application that brings people together. Something that brings loved ones together no matter the distance." Rowland explained.

"Like a dating app? But why was the project initially handed to Valtara in the first place."

"Yes, like a dating app. She needed a designer. I know that this might seem strange to you but this project is extremely confidential. Other companies will kill to have this idea and make it theirs."

Kat curled on the sofa, taking a sip from the chocolate.

"You are the best creative for this job. I've seen your designs and the way you bring out the beauty in every work. Miss Freya picked you herself and Levi put in a good word for you too."

"Levi? Why?"

"Seems he knows you before. He highly recommended you and I agree with him."

Kat didn't understand why Levi would do such a thing. She didn't even know when he moved back to the country or where he had even been for the past five years.

"But anyways Kat. Whatever it is that you need to do to make this a success, I believe you'll do a great job."

"Yeah... Even if it means living together with him." The thought of it was a headache.