Page 69 of Not In The Contract

I nodded. “It’s only changed now to incorporate your research and Jamie’s birthday party.”

Whatever Devon wanted to say weighed heavy on her shoulders but she kept it to herself. I was glad for the momentary lull in conversation.

“Speaking of which,” I said, stifling a groan as I got to my feet. “I’m going to head to bed. See you in the morning.”

“Oh, yeah uh, good night.”

Her gaze seared into my back and just before I turned the corner, I looked back, my throat dry. “Thanks for listening, Devon.”

I allowed myself enough time to see her eyes widen and her lips part before I turned and made my way upstairs to my room. I wasn’t stupid, I knew the affection curling in my chest was more than just attraction. Devon had surprised me, and continued to do so, and my heart was paying the price.

I wasn’t sure it was something I could afford.

“You are here exceptionally early this morning.”

“Good morning to you, too, Katya.” I hummed, scrolling through my emails. Katya chuckled, set a mug of fresh coffee on my desk and whisked away the one that had turned cold. “Thanks.”

“Is there a new deadline I haven’t been made aware of?” she asked, busying herself with her iPad. She sat in the chair Devon usually occupied, and my gaze lingered there for a moment too long. I’d left earlier than usual on purpose.

After practically baring my soul, I’d woken up with the need to put as much distance between Devon and me as I could. There was no way I could face her after that. Not to mention the feelings that had steadily developed into something far more frightening. No, I was better off burying myself in work and party plans.

Step one: bump up the orphanage sign off. Easier said than done, but I was motivated.

“Actually, there may be,” I said, watching Katya’s smile fade.

“Oh God, please tell me it’s not the Kane resort.”

“No, are you kidding?” I chuckled. “That’s going exactly as planned. No, I’m talking about the orphanage.”

“Oh,” she said, brightening immediately. “That’s great, you set a really long ETA on that.”

“Exactly.” I nodded. “And it can be bumped up significantly.”

“Noted,” she muttered, adding it to her personal planner. “And what about Jamie’s party?”

“No change there, but have you reached out to our events department?”

“I have and they’re on board,” she said. “They’ve cleared Harriett’s schedule.”

“Perfect, Harriett has worked with Jamie’s requirements.” I sighed in relief. “That should make things a little more bearable.”

“Will Jamie be involved in the decision making this year?”

Katya wasn’t around for the previous year’s party. Or the panic it caused.

Catering to Jamie’s outlandish and lavish tastes had been a feat that I didn’t think could be pulled off. Somehow, with the rallied help from my events department and a few of Jamie’s closest friends, it went off without a hitch.

But it wasn’t something I was looking to experience ever again.

“No, this one is strictly a surprise party,” I told her. “I want everything handled without her, and I need to be present for every decision.”

“Roger that,” Katya murmured, typing it into her planner. “No change to the day’s schedule, then. You and Devon are due at the orphanage site at ten, and you have your usual follow up meetings after that.”

She dismissed herself and I wondered briefly if there was a polite way for me to tell Devon to stay behind.

“Katya,” I called. “See if the girls can meet for brunch today.”

“I’m surprised you were the one to bring us all here,” Hayden said, taking a long sip of her iced tea.