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give away. She wanted to get to know him, and the better they got along the easier it would be, but what did he really want from her? Friendship, commitment, or an employee that follows orders? She knew it was a contractual obligation, but if they were going to spend five years together, she hoped he at least treated her well. When it came down to it, there was probably a reason he wasn’t close to anybody – and that came down to him.
    As the drinks flowed, more details came out; and sharing bits and pieces of one another, he realized she was a nice girl. Sure, she’d signed a contract and was willing to be paid to be his wife, but she was used to being paid for her appearance. At least her personality was better than the empty vessels he often met at the clubs.
    Paying the tab, the couple headed outside to catch a cab. Michael looked at Natalie. “I know this is crazy, but could I see you again?”
    Natalie laughed. “We’re about to get engaged, and then married. I’d say the answer to that question is yes. Yes, you can see me again.”
    Taking her hand, he lifted it to his lips, and kissed it tenderly. “I meant might I be able to go on a date with you, the real you, not the stand-in wife version of you?”
    “Aren’t they the same?”
    “Are they?”
    Natalie blushed. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”
    “I don’t know, but I really like you, and I’d like to know you better.”
    “Let’s sleep on it,” she said, not wanting to turn away from him. She didn’t want to jump in too quickly. She’d signed a contract, and things could get sticky.
    “That sounds like a good idea.” He raised his arm, calling a cab. “I’m going to walk.” He smiled, tucking her into the cab and handing the driver her fare.
    Natalie caught herself grinning like a school girl. Michael was interesting, attractive, and smart. He was a great catch in a normal circumstance, though he was honest about having major commitment issues. Isn’t it funny, she thought, that they’d be committing in a business arrangement, something he feared emotionally, but was okay with without strings attached.
    She replayed his words in her mind, his desire to see her again. Only he wasn’t asking for the contract, he was asking for himself. The look in his eyes made that obvious. What happened if they got involved? Would they fall in love? What happened if he got bored of her, like all the others, and she was stuck in that commitment for years? Would he be cold, making her pay out of resentment? It was probably best to keep things polite and friendly.
    Though, maybe they could be friends with benefits . Not getting emotionally attached, but enjoying each other time to time. Natalie’s cheeks flushed, worrying the taxi driver could read her thoughts. Maybe she’d be different. Maybe she could fix him, change his…she stopped the thought, knowing it was foolish to believe she’d be any different.
    Pulling up to her building, she thanked the driver, and found her way inside. She’d have to think carefully about this.
    She tossed it around all night long, and then finally falling asleep, decided it couldn’t hurt to give it a chance. Maybe these five years together would be something special, something loving and warm, and they’d been brought together by fate.
    Michael walked down the crowded sidewalk wearing a smile. He liked this woman more than he intended to. She was easy to talk to, beautiful, and willing to go after what she wanted. He wanted to touch her, hold her, and kiss her sweet lips.
    Only, he knew his pattern. He knew he’d bore of her like the others, and then what? They’d still be stuck together, and she’d grow resentful that he’d used her, and then moved on. She could make his life miserable – after all, they’d be married.
    Sucking in a breath, he realized it was a mistake to want more from the girl. They needed to keep things cordial. Getting involved wouldn’t do. It would only complicate things, and