Chapter 1
We were on our way home, or at least I thought we were, when Joshua threw a curve ball at me.
“A surprise? You know Joshua, technically our contract has expired.”
“Actually, our contract doesn’t expire until tomorrow. But I have been thinking. I want to amend our contract.” He fixed his gaze on me. “I need more.” His voice took a sexy dip.
More? More what? More time with me? I gave him a quizzical look.
“Isn’t it obvious Sarah?” Joshua held my gaze as his eyes smoldered with desire.
I didn't know how to answer him, and my heart was starting to beat faster.
"I need more time with you."
My mouth was suddenly dry. Is he saying what I hope he's saying? Is he professing his feelings for me? I started to feel extremely giddy at the thought of this gorgeous man finally admitting he has feelings for me that had nothing to do with the bedroom.
"Thirty days is not nearly enough time to teach you what you need to know about the fast track to partnership. I need more time with you."
My happiness quickly deflated and I realize he was referring to work.
"I have a new proposition for you. I will arrange to have you shadow a junior level partner for six months if you do everything I desire for the same amount of time. But this time, I will be introducing new elements into the agreement. Like before, if at anytime you are uncomfortable or don't want to do something just tell me to stop. Our contract expires tomorrow night at 11 PM. You will have until that time to think about my revised offer."
I was speechless. First of all, the opportunity to shadow a partner was unheard of. Second, Joshua wanted to be with me for six months! That has to mean something, right?
"Wow, Joshua. I don't know what to say."
"Think about it and let me know tomorrow. The contract has already been sent to your tablet. We only have an hour left until we land so you can feel free to look it over now. You will also have time tonight before bed and then tomorrow after dinner. We will be occupied at all other times."
"Do you think you can tell me where we're going?"
"It's a surprise." That was all he would say.
I don't know why, but I was extremely nervous.
He looked at me with an amused grin. "That is all."
I took his cue and went back to my seat. So much was swirling around in my mind. But the thing I thought about most was that Joshua had figured out a way to spend six months with me. I was basking in my blissful feelings when I had a sobering thought. Were we supposed to be exclusive for the six months? He had a very jealous streak so I doubted he would want me to even look at anyone else. But what about him? What were the rules for him? Whatever they were I was willing to accept them. He was the man I really wanted to be with. I had to figure out a way to get him to open up to me. The sex was already incredible. I wanted a deeper, more meaningful relationship with him and…I wanted him to yearn for me.
It was nearly 6:00 AM when we landed and I still didn't know where we were. Jake and Vivienne must have been instructed not to tell me anything because I couldn't get any information from them at all. Once I stepped onto the tarmac I saw the huge LAX sign and knew we were in California. I didn't think anything of it, I just figured we were here for business in the company's Los Angeles office.
We were all able to sleep during the flight so we were pretty well rested. We were in the limousine for about an hour when I started to wonder exactly how far the Los Angeles office was from the airport. I had never been there but I had heard that the traffic was miserable and it took forever to get anywhere. I was working on my tablet when I sent Joshua an electronically signed copy of the new contract. I would do whatever it took to get more time with him.
It was just about 7:00 AM when we pulled up to this exquisite mansion. I had never seen anything like it in my life. There were massive wrought iron gates separating us and the magnificent home. The driver had to press the buzzer on the intercom to announce our arrival. We were instantly buzzed in and the enormous gates parted allowing our entrance. The driveway leading up to the home must have been 400 feet long. As the limousine pulled up to the front door, my jaw dropped in awe.
The limo slowed to a crawl and I assumed we were picking up a business colleague. Maybe there is an early meeting we all have to get to. But then I remembered Vivienne was with us so I was utterly confused. I looked at Joshua silently asking why we were here. He just gave me an amused smirk as he stepped out of the limo. He offered his hand to help me out and when I stepped outside the limo, what I saw took my breath away. The home was situated on a cliff and the views were stunning. The mansion was enormous and surrounded by statuesque palm trees and what I think were magnolia trees. Lush foliage and gorgeous plants also surrounded the property. There was a swan pond and a magnificent swimming pool fit for a king. To say I was in awe is an understatement. I had never seen a more amazing property in my life.
A man dressed in a butler's uniform met us at the front door.
"Mr. Hunter and Mr. Hunter, welcome back. David will see to it that you and your guests’ things are taken to your rooms."
Our rooms?
"Thank you Simon. I would like for you to meet Sarah Vaughn. And you remember Vivienne Worthington."
"Hello Miss. Yes, of course. It is nice to see you again, Ms. Worthington."
Just as we were getting ready to go inside, a stunningly beautiful older woman came rushing outside.
"Oh Joshua! Jake! It's so good to see you!!" She gave them both a huge hug and looked like she didn't want to let them go.
"Hello mother! We're not leaving just yet, you can let go," Joshua chuckled.
Mother?? He could have warned me!
Eleanor "Bunny" Hunter, was a strong, no-nonsense woman. I had done my research on the company when I began my internship and found a small bit of information about her. She was widowed quite a few years ago and leaned on her sons for support and to keep the company thriving. I didn't know that she had moved to California. I was under the impression that she lived in New York.