Randy,

>So I really don't see how I could be bound to anything since I would be working on a day to day basis with them.
>After I posted this, I started wondering if I didn't need a contract at all, because without a contract I wouldn't be bound to anything.

Just remember that in some cases, a simple conversation about your work can be construed in court to be a legal contract. Still better to bargain with your local lawyer for an hour of his/her time to advise you about the laws in your state before you proceed too far.