Contractual Obligation: The Contract by Lauren Keller

Chapter 1
    Kent Davidson slammed the paper onto the conference room table. “You made the god damn front page of The Times.”
    Pulling the paper closer, Michael examined the photo. He didn’t remember the girl’s name; last night was all a blur. “At least they got my good side,” he said.
    “ Every flipping night you’re with another woman and another embarrassing photo surfaces. I refuse to let you run Bowman Industries into the ground with your reputation. I’ve worked too damn hard building this company. Either settle your ass down and get married by the time you’re thirty, or go find another job. I’ve had enough.”
    “ You’ve been married enough for both of us,” Michael spat at his father. “Besides, that only gives me one year, that’s ridiculous, I’m not ready to settle down.”
    “ You leave me out of this; I don’t get my picture splashed all over the papers in shameful drunken poses. I’m as serious as a heart attack. Get your shit together, Michael - the game is over. You can have a lifetime of success with Bowman Industries, take over when I retire, or you can go build your own god damn empire.”
    “No, you just make the papers for all of your divorces,” Michael yawned. “What are we up to now, wife number five?”
    “Get your shit together, boy. It’s time to grow up and take responsibility. How do you expect me to advance your career when all you do is piss off the board and our stockholders? You’re primed and ready, you’ve got your business sense about you, you’re a natural, but until you get your personal life in order, I refuse to give you any more power in this company. I’ve spoken to James - he’ll be dropping a file in your office later. Pick out a wife, Michael, and pick a good one.”
    Kent ran his fingers through his silver hair, huffing and walking away before he went off on his son again. Michael was a damn genius in business, but his personal life was holding him back. He’d had enough. It would pain him to cut him loose, but after enough years of this nonsense – Kent Davison was done.
    Bowman Industries was his baby, and had grown leaps and bounds in the last ten years. He’d worked his ass off, and he refused to let his son tear it down with a lousy reputation, with his picture splashed across newspapers on a daily basis.
    Michael excused himself, shaking his head. His dad will get over it, just like he always does. He’d let him blow off his steam like usual, and things would calm down soon enough.
    Rounding the corner to his office, he smiled at his assistant. He’d bedded her the first time he took her out and then once again for good measure. He was grateful she wasn’t clingy, since she already had a husband. She was in for the good time, and the better position as his first assistant. The money was worth it, and the occasional romp in bed was simply a bonus.
    Sure Michael was a charmer, a total playboy, and with hands that had never worked a day of hard labor in his life, but he was also a great lover and had a big…well, you know.
    Allison followed Michael into his office, dropping some files. “I separated what needs immediate attention, highlighted emails you should take a look at, and freed up a slot on your schedule for your meeting with James. Your father said it was a priority.”
    “James?” His eyebrow arched, “He wasn’t serious was he?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Nothing,” he shook his head. He didn’t have time for this nonsense, and he wanted no part of settling down. Settling down did nothing for you anyway – women were gold diggers looking for an easy life, and he’d never find one woman that would satisfy his needs. Boredom always set in, and he was out sniffing around for something fresh.
    “If you need anything,” his assistant walked toward the door, “just say the word.” What she wanted was another lunchtime quickie like they’d had a few months ago. Things at home were stale, and with the small fling, she