Contractual Obligations: Closing The Deal *B2*

Chapter 10

ೋღ♥ღೋ Chapter 10. ೋღ♥ღೋ

Natalie went over her words again and again in her head. Each time she practised them, she was certain she could pull it off. Was this what she wanted or what she needed? There was a deep ache in her belly, like a pit that was some vacant black hole. There was no way she could pull it off any longer, and she needed to make a decision before it was too late. She knew what she was going to do. She hated that it had to be this way, having to choose like this, but this was her future. she had to keep a clear head.

Natalie got in the taxi, giving the driver her address. Her stomach lurched, reminding her she was much closer to having to say the words out loud. As the cab pulled up, her heart was heavy. There was no stalling, no putting it off until tomorrow. It had to be done - now.

Natalie tipped the driver and got out of the car. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed her shirt and made her way to the building entrance. They were expecting her. She'd called ahead and said she was on her way.

When Michael opened the door to greet her, he pulled her close. "I'm so glad to see you this morning."

This was going to be harder than she thought. " Michael, we need to talk."

" Sure, have a seat, Do you want something to drink?"

No, no, I'm fine." Why did he have to look so good? His chest was bare, muscled and strong, and he wore faded jeans that clung to his body perfectly. He looked like a chiseled sculpture and as he smiled at her, flashing his white teeth and that adorable dimple, Natalie sighed. There was no easy way to say it.

"The thing is," she started, "I've been offered a great opportunity."

" Thats great! you should grab it. I'm not sure how long this is going to drag on. What's it for?"

"It's for a luxury line, a year long modeling and spokesperson gig. They want me to be the face for their new watch line."

"Natalie, that's exciting! I know things aren't turning out how we planned. Together we can have it all, you modelling, me starting a business. We can be a team," he laughed. "I feel like we can really do this, start fresh, and make an impact. You've already started."

"Michael," she stopped his as he rambled on excitedly. "They want me to move to Europe."

"What?"

"For a year," she finished.

"Wait, what?"

"It's a European line theyr'e launching, and I'd have to go for there for appearances."

"You can't go to Europe," he said, panic in his voice. "A year? Absolutely not; it's out of the question. How would i function? what about us? Youv'e come to mean to much to me, and wer'e a team, right Natalie? A team. Together, we can tackle any of this, but we need to do it here, with you by my side. Can't you just shoot pictures some weekend and then stay here? Why would you have to be there? There's no way; you can't do it."

"I can't do it? She arched an eyebrow, a little taken aback by that.

" We're suppose to get married, share a life, and move in together. I'm going to start a business. I'll need you here with me. We had a plan, or were starting to put one together. Europe wasn't in the plans."

As she opened her mouth, she stopped, watching him as he continued.

"I love you, Natalie. I'd be lost without you. I truly love you. I want you to be my wife."