Contract Wife-Closed

[OttawaGuy50s]

"Connoisseur," he corrected.

"Aspiring is indeed a good thing... but what pays the bills?" he asked. "Being a barista? Maybe that's where I met you," he smirked. "To be completely honest, Barb and I did not plan this in detail so it will be up to you and I to lay it out. But we have to remember, lies always have a way of getting found out."

"Dominant... taking control of a situation. NOT controlling, if that's any concern. Even as my real wife, you'd certainly be free to come and go as you please. You can share your survivor experience with me if you are comfortable doing so, but rest assured that will not be happening here. That said, do I need to be concerned about some nut-job of an ex showing up at the door?"

"Secondly, we are not 'elite'. My father, Michael J. Montana - "of Montana Sports", he always added when introducing himself - started the company 30 years ago. Blue collar history but here we are, more successful than we thought. I attended community college so there is no ivy in my background - I'm not even a fan of gardening," he joked. "Don't let the wine room fool you. I just enjoy wine, and I have a magnificent CabSauv to go with this meat, but you are on water so, more for me," he finished, smiling.

With that, he gently placed the tenderloin in the sizzling pan.

 

[Perplexia]

"then perhaps i should get a job as a barista, and you can come and meet me in public. It's not like i couldn't use the extra funds." she smiled "its not really a bad idea, staging a meeting. That way its verifiable. I can tell them i only can work days, so my nights are free. Or I could get a job as a waitress. Something simple and public.

"He's not the brightest bulb, I sent him looking in a different direction, he doesn't think I'm smarter than him. It will have never crossed his mind that i cut my hair. Even if he does some how find me. Its' not like i'm living here. So he'll have no reason to knock on your door." she fidgeted a little. "however with that topic in mind, I'd like to take a self defense course once we get our story started. I heard what you said about it not being like that here. I would love to just say okay good. But it may take me a while not to jump at loud noises, or flinch if you raise your hand, or shrink if you get loud with me." she sighed. "I really don't know what to say about it that you probably haven't already figured out. We met when I was in college, we dated, at some point I thought I loved him, but it was the idea of love i think. He was the first guy I ever dated seriously. The problems started when he wanted a more physical relationship. It just didn't feel right so i denied anything more than kissing and the occasional grope. He never forced me. But the fact that his beatings didn't work only seemed to make it worse. One day i'll let you see the marks that are covered beneath the shirt and concealer. Anyway, he was out to a 'meeting' , which was his speak for getting laid elsewhere since i wouldn't let him. I think for him, he wanted to break me. Other then the occasional bone, which he did. But with what he gave me for groceries and bills I managed to save a little at a time until i had enough to disappear on. I 'accidently' left a copy of my plane itinerary on the floor like i had dropped it. Then i took a bus in the opposite direction." she shrugged.

"I don't know what a cabsauv is " she said changing the subject.

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

"I am sorry you had to deal with that," he said, with genuine earnest. "Good for you for finding your independence - and smart move with the itinerary!"

"Love that idea, staging a meeting. I stop at the "Second Cup" on my way in to work often. You may have seen it down the street from here," he said. "A sexy young barista flirting with me would not be out of line," he added, winking. "I'd be happy to confirm salary, but your story would have to be that you have sufficient savings to afford a decent apartment on a barista salary."

"CabSauv is 'Cabernet Sauvignon', a widely popular wine, or grape actually, that can grow all around the world. No matter where you are in the world, you are likely able to get a CabSauv."

He rolled the beef over to sear the all sides. When satisfied, he placed it in the pan, nestled among the veggies.

"Dinner in 20 minutes," he said. "Medium rare."

 

[Perplexia]

"thank you, for your empathy, but its done, and over. and Thank you for the compliment as well, he always underestimated my ability."

"I can stop by there (Second Cup) in the morning tomorrow and see about getting a job. If not i'll find something close to your office that we can 'accidently' bump in to each other. " She smiled

"ahh I see" Christina said to the comment about the wine. "I'm not against wine, or alcohol, but I like to be in control of what comes out of my mouth."

"this may go against your principles of cooking, but could mine be medium well? I have a problem eating pink meat. So yes that does mean no sushi or salmon," she smiled sweetly

"Once I get a place and obtain some furniture I'll have you over for a meal. Would you like me to set the table?" Christina asked.

"Do you mind if I asked why you aren't already married?"

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

"Second Cup is busy in the mornings and would benefit an extra set of hands. Good luck there."

"Re: marriage," he continued. I never really had time. I dated a little after college but it was just fun stuff. Some clubs, dinners, casual sex, but no one I met was serious, nor was that something I longed for. Dad wants me 'married and stable'," he said, mimicking his father's voice.

"Your wish, my command, but I really enjoy pink and juicy meat," he said, fighting off a smirk. "And sure, you can set the table for us. That'd be great. There are linen serviettes in the drawer there," pointing to the server by the dining table.

He took the beef out at when the timer went off, cut it in half. He tented that piece in foil to rest, and placed "her half" back in the over for 10 more minutes.

 

[Perplexia]

Christina nodded to his comment about Second cup. Here's hoping that i get to be a barista" she said with a smile and a mock toast with her water glass. Her eyes
followed his finger and got out the plates, linen napkins and silverware, and she then placed them on the table. She folded the linen into swans.

"I suppose I can understand a parents wish to see their children happy and settled. "I lost my parents in a car accident when I was young, then to my grandmothers, then when she passed I was lucky enough to be 18. She had set up her estate to be sold and the proceeds paid for my first year of colleges tuition, books, and housing. If the ex hadn't come along, i would have gotten a scholarship to pay for the next year" why was she offering up this information? she asked herself.

Her opinion of him had altered as well as her comfort level with him. Switching the topic she asked. "Was creating your own legacy with children something you thought of?" she asked as she placed the utensils the proper way on a table. "I never gave much thought to it myself, especially not with the ex. The last thing i would have wanted was to bring a child into that kind of toxic situation. But since I wasn't letting him have me, there wasn't a chance of that happening." she laughed a little.

"Dinner really smells good" she said as her stomach then let out a hideouts growl and she covered her blushing face.

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

"Did you ever work on a cruise ship?" he asked, looking at the swan napkins. "The only one who will know this is 'arranged' is Barb, and she is THE MOST trustworthy," he said.

He thought about her statement about children. "have me" was an interesting choice of words.

"Your body is giving away secrets," he said, referring to her growl. "Lucky for you, we are ready to eat."

Alex pulled her piece of tenderloin out of the oven along with the veggies. He served up both plates, his luscious pink piece, along with her firmer piece. A half dozen rolls appeared out of nowhere and he put them in a basket on the table along with a bottle of CabSauv, and a glass for himself.

 

[Perplexia]

"no I never worked on a cruise ship. Since I wasn't allowed out of the house unless it was grocery shopping, I had to find things to amuse myself with. But you are the first person I've ever made them for."

"Apparently so" she said laughing a little at her bodies reaction to dinner being ready. Do you have ketchup?" she asked sweetly. He opened the fridge and brought it for her. She sat down practically salivating over the food. As she cut her meat she said. "I assumed that this would only be known between the three of us. You're lucky to have an employee that cherishes you so. I could tell she really thinks highly of you."

She used her fork and knife and cut the meat. "Perfectly done, my compliments to the chef" she said pouring some ketchup on her plate. "I'm going to roll out of her" she said smiling at all the food.

Between bites she said "So tell me a little known thing about Alex Montana?"

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

" I am honoured, truly," he said of the swans.

The ketchup nearly killed him but he let it pass.

"I'd tell you I like to cook but you are already witnessing that," he said.

He pondered the 'little known' thing.... "Bird photography," he said. "Birding in general was a hobby I picked up in college from a girl I was seeing. Her dad was a big birder. When I could finally afford a real camera and lens, I took the bird watching thing to bird photography."

He took a bite of his tenderloin and followed it with a sip of his wine. "Mmmmph," he said, at the combination.

 

[Perplexia]

Christine nodded when he told her she was already witnessing his love for cooking, and had just finished chewing when he told her about photography.

"I use to love photographing landscapes , we'll have to make a day of it sometime. Well after i can buy a camera, but I think that would be a quality time spent doing something we both enjoy." She laughed "Are you trying to tell me Mr Montana, that the wine makes your cooking even better?' smiled teasing him. She ate the potatoes and carrots, a roll and almost all of her tenderloin.

"wow that was really good. Maybe instead of a CEO you should be a chef." she teased.

"So if you could have any superhero power what would it be?" she asked.

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

"The right wine goes a long way to enhancing a meal, trust me," he said. "But you have to enjoy wine to begin with."

"I have a variety of cameras and lenses you can use on an outing. That'd be fun. Being a chef is not as glamorous as you see on TV.. You get to cook yes, but you are also a business owner which entails staffing, marketing, business plans, and taxes - we can't forget taxes. Preparing food is the least of it. Cooking as a hobby is far more enjoyable. Are you free this Saturday morning? We could go to a trail that I love."

"I am not a superhero person. I like to make my own destiny. Super powers is cheating, really. Work for what you want. That's much more satisfying, I believe."

 

[Perplexia]

"Oh i don't disbelieve you. I have nothing against wine. I have a tendency to not be so poised when i drink though." Christina smiled.

"Yes one cannot forget about the taxes" she said smiling.

"We'll have to see if I get the barista job tomorrow, before I know if I'm free on Saturday. I'll let you know my schedule when I know. But I would love to see that trail as long as my schedule is open. I appreciate you offering to lend me one of your cameras for the day"

"Hmm, I don't know that i would count it cheating, i mean what superhero buys their powers. In a way they also do work for what they have, saving the world from super villain's." She was quite proud of the point she made.

"Since you cooked, i should do the dishes, are you done eating?"

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

"I am done indeed," he said. "If you care to wash, I'll dry. I know where everything goes. We can take our wine/water into the living room afterwards, if you want to stay a little while, that is."

Alex sipped the last of his wine while Christina started clearing.

There was no denying she was cute, and sexy. Those jeans were totally happy being on her young form. Even though it had only been a few hours, he found himself wondering what life would be like with her as a wife, contract or not. This evening was so.... easy. There were no forced conversations like "How about that weather eh?" or "Any trips planned?". Just two adults (even though she barely me the criteria, age-wise) enjoying each other's company. He was having a fucking enjoyable evening.

 

[Perplexia]

"Albright, I'll let you dry, this time." Christina said with a smirk "But only because you know where things go" then she gave little giggle. "I can stay a while" she said in reference to the question about the living room. Tonight was so easy, there seemed to be no forced conversations, they just enjoyed and fed off each others conversation. 'This was what it was meant to feel like with a man' she found herself thinking. He was handsome, and even handsomer when he smiled.

She coughed slightly to get herself out of her mind. They washed dishes and chatted. It went quicker with two people then it would have if she'd done it on her own. She had accidently brushed against him and felt her face grow warm. When the dishes were done, he refilled their glasses and they went to the living room. Christina listened as he talked, and nodded and even added her own two cents worth. Why couldn't her job interview with him gone this smoothly? she wondered.

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

He felt a stirring when they brushed against each other in the kitchen. The same stirring he had in the shower just last night. Following closely behind was a little warm rush, a flush perhaps.

There were two love seats in the living area.He sat on one, with his clean glass half filled with some of the remaining CabSauv, and she sat across from him with her water, on the other. "You got the old one," he said, laughing. "I bought that love seat and two chairs. I never liked the chairs so a year later I bought this love seat. It's a little firmer," he said, pressing on the cushion beside him. "I considered the matching couch, but figured I'd just lay on it and crash likely. I prefer the bed, but in a pinch, the couch would do. The two-seater love seats are not codusing to sleeping or napping."

 

[Perplexia]

"Good to know" Christine said not exactly sure what he was getting to. "it's not too terrible to sit on. But i agree, not nap worthy." she added. "So is this what you do when you get home from work, Cook , dishes, and consider which couch is nap worthy?" she laughed teasing him again.

"They look good, you wouldn't know they weren't originally matching. I'm afraid I've never been much of a decorrelator. I see something, I like it, if its comfy then I buy it. Depending on the price of course. A home should be comfortable and reflect your personality, or at least that's my theory. Though I will say I do love things with a bit of mileage on them. Especially if I find an antique that was well loved, used, and has a story. Of course doing the research for the story is the fun part." she smiled adding "yes i know i have an odd outlook on things." Christine shrugged and smiled.

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

"Not much on decorating either but I know what I like when I see it. You are right up my alley on the research part," he said. "Research is like solving a puzzle. Some nights I'm up way too late doing just that."

"When I get home from work, the first thing I do is take a shower. After a long day in a suit and tie, that nice warm shower just makes the break from work day to relax time for me. Out of the shower I pour a glass of wine, if I haven't taken one in with me, and start dinner. That's usually about 7:00. The odd time I will go out for dinner but that's not a regular thing."

 

[Perplexia]

She smiled as they continued to find more in common as she listened to him talk about research. "So on the nights you're not going out to dinner, what is one of the quick things you make yourself?" Christina asked curious what his guilty pleasure was.

"I will admit, there's times I'll simply skip a meal, because its easier then standing trying to figure out what I want. Instead i'll play a game on my laptop, watch a movie or read a book. Depends on how long i get to escape from reality." a half smile crossed her face this time.

"So Mr. Montana, Ceo of Sports , do you enjoy sports?"

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

"Shrimp and rice is simple, or pasta," he replied. "But I do like taking my time and savouring everything, but a good pizza cures the desire once in a while."

"Hell yeah. I grew up playing hockey, and golf. Those are the two I enjoy the most. Hiking, with my camera in tow of course. What bout you? You look great so I assume you are active?" he added, hoping that was not too invasive, the 'you look great' part.

 

[Perplexia]

"Not really all that active. I do enjoy walking and hiking, but I'm not graceful enough to enjoy sports. I like watching a live hockey , baseball , and football game, but only because of the loud slamming against the partition of the hockey players, the crack the bat makes when it hits, and the tackles of foot ball. Honestly, most of my day was spent running around being sure everything was the way he liked it so he didn't have a reason other then no sex." She shrugged.

"I think that was probably over compensating on my part, just waiting for my exit, and to be in one piece for it " she smiled lightly. "So once i get my apartment, I'm going to have to figure out what to do with me." she laughed. "Its been a long time since i could just be me, that included tonight as well. I had a great time, thank you for inviting me over." She slowly rose taking her water glass to the kitchen.

"I will reach out if i get the job at Second cup, and let you know my schedule" Christina said offering him her hand to shake again. She couldn't afford to get caught up in his charm, and the ease it was to spend the evening with him. This was a contract marriage, and she needed to find her own feet.

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

"Christina," he said, taking her hand firmly yet somehow still gently, "it was my pleasure indeed. I loved this evening and I hope we can do it again very soon."

He followed her to the kitchen with his empty wine glass and they 'accidentally' brushed against each other again. The stirring rose, again. He turned to walk her to the door, slowly.

 

[Perplexia]

Christina genuinely smiled "me to Alex, and once we can arrange a couple 'accidental' meetings and you ask me out, and I say no.. i mean maybe " she started laughing. "well I can't look too eager can I? I mean you're handsome and all but I just moved here, a ladies got to keep her options open." she laughed again teasing him. "If they're as in need of help as you say, then I'm sure we'll have an answer with in the next couple of days of what my schedule will be." she smiled genuinely. She took her phone out of her pocket and set up her uber. "the uber should be here before i get down stairs." She added smiling again.

"Talk to you soon" she said reaching for the door.

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

He reached for the door at the same time, covering her hand with his.

"I will text you my number. You only have Barb's office number, assuming you saved it. I will look forward to your call."

 

[Perplexia]

"A call it is Mr. Montana" Christina said sliding her hand out and letting him open the door. "until our meet cute" she said with a smile. and some how managed to walk to the elevator without falling . Once last smile to him while the doors were closing. Once shut she grabbed the rails of the elevator. She needed to get a grip on whatever emotions where causing her to giggle like a school girl and blush at his touch. 'its simply a business arrangement, it is a job to look cute, and make small talk. All you're doing is the preliminary ground work for the dating, meeting family an close friends, and getting engaged, then married. That's it, thats all he wants from this. There's no need to be nervous, you're a silly girl to him, that will look cute on his arm. When things settle, and he's ready to divorce it will be the end of this. Until then, you need to suck it up and be professional.'

She wasn't sure how many times she repeated that in her head from the car ride to her motel. In side her motel room, and into the shower. "Its only a contract" she told herself as she laid down. Don't go getting any stupid ideas. "

Christina turned over on her bed yelling into her pillow and beating it with her fists. She set her alarm and let the food coma lull her into sleep. The next morning she took the bus to second cup, and put in an application to become a barista or server or cashier. Anything to get her in there. The manager took a moment and came out asking if she could start the next day, She'd be off on the weekends as it was their down time.. "Absoltly, i'll see you first thing tomorrow, thank you." she told the manager.

On her way out of the coffee shop she sent Alex a text message. 'I start tomorrow morning, and have weekends off. C.

 

[OttawaGuy50s]

Alex watched her walk down the hall to the elevator, still doing those jeans a favour, and waved his fingers at as she smiled back at him when the doors were closing. He stood there for a few moments afterwards, pondering life in general.

He closed the apartment door, walked over the kitchen and put their glasses in the dishwasher. He set up the coffee station for the morning and walked down the hall to his room.

"Cold shower," he said out loud, but when he was taking his clothes off, his cock had other ideas. It was already dripping a little so he just crawled into bed, naked, and took care of it.

"Good night young lady," he thought as he drifted off to sleep.
--------

The next morning, Alex stood in the kitchen at the coffee station, making his coffee to take in the shower.

"Great night," he said to himself, realizing it had been a long time since he enjoyed an evening like that. He was a little surprised at the emotions (and stirrings) he felt. He had always thought the whole idea was an administrative annoyance, his father wanting him to be married before taking over the company. Just something that would distract him from actually working, but as it turns out it was a very enjoyable distraction.

He placed his coffee on the shelf just outside the shower and turned on the water. He was just about to step in when his phone 'dinged'. "I start tomorrow morning, and have weekends off. C."

That made him smile.