Contractual Obligations: Closing The Deal *B2*

Chapter 5

ೋღ♥ ღೋ  Chapter 5. ೋღ♥ ღೋ

The morning offered the same negative results as the day before, and Natalie felt like a free woman. Her step was lighter knowing she'd gotten lucky, fate offering her another chance. There was no way she was messing up again - she just wasn't ready to be a mother. She was just barely taking care of herself these days. She'd focus on losing those extra pounds that Victoria would tell her about, and look for more high profile work, maybe even a new agent.

She hated that it came down to a few pounds - but if that's what they wanted, she'd let go of the pasta and bread, and slim down even more. She came to New York to model, and it was damn well time she got better paying gigs - whatever it took.

She had no idea what she was going to say to Michael or how she'd break it to him, but she wanted her life back. The clarity she finally had told her what she needed to know. She needed to find that loophole and take back her life.

Michael's day could have started better, but it seemed each day was getting worse. At least he still had Natalie. The more he thought about her, the better he felt. She was more than just "some girl" that had signed a contract; he was truly starting to fall for the girl. She was real, sweet, gorgeous, and had a way of making him feel comfortable.

They'd found friendship in the process of this journey and he knew that in the next few years, they'd truly be able to rely on each other.

Was it possible he was falling in love with the girl? A small smile spread across his face. She was the only bright spot in his life right now. There was no way he could have planned this. He'd just picked her from a pile of pictures, and yet something felt right. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was meant to be - either way, he was grateful she was still going to stand by his side. He needed her more than ever. He'd been lonely for too long, and with "Natalie he knew he wouldn't be alone anymore.
He wanted to tell her how he felt, but she'd think it was some ploy to keep her by his side. He understood the circumstances, but knew his heart had grown when she entered his life.
He was pleasantly surprised when the text came through. "Can I see you?" It looked like she was on the same page, and wanted to be around him as much as he wanted to be around her. He was grateful they'd worked it out.
"Late lunch at 2pm," he texted back.
"Ok, where?"
"Ramone's on Fifth, over by the Art Museum?"

Besides, there were hundreds if not thousands of other women who would jump at the chance to be Mrs. Michael Davidson.

Natalie watched the clock as the hours and minutes ticked by painfully slow.

One conversation, one horribly awkward conversation, and then it would over. She'd have her life back.

He'd release her from the contract on hearing her words, and she'd be free.

There was no way he'd hold her to it. She was sure he'd understand. Things had changed.

Deep breaths, she reminded herself, as her pacing quickened. It was only noon and with two more hours to pass, she thought she'd go absolutely crazy if she didn't do something to pass the time.

She found herself outside of Mrs. Burton's door, knocking. The woman was pleased to see her. "I was wondering how you were feeling, and how Emily is doing?"

"She's good, thank you so much. I'm feeling much better too, thank you for asking. Would you like to come in?"

"Sure, just for a short bit." She knew nothing about the woman, but now was as good of a time as any to get to know her neighbor.

They spoke of Mrs. Burton's situation, and Natalie admitted she'd grown fond of Emily. The cat was curled up on a windowsill. She missed talking to the cat; maybe be On seeing Michael, her resolve softened. There was something about the man that got to her. No. No, do not let him get to you. You made a decision and need to stick with it. It's the right thing to do.