The CEO's Contractual Wife

Olivia

Alexander stood by the window, his back to me. He’d changed into a simple gray t–shirt and black shorts that hung low on his hips. The casual clothes did nothing to diminish his commanding presence.

He turned at the sound of the door, his eyes immediately taking in my bare legs. “Feel better?”

“I’d feel better in my own clothes in my own apartment,” I replied, crossing my arms over my chest. The movement only emphasized my breasts beneath the thin fabric.

His eyes darkened slightly. “I usually sleep naked, but I thought that might make you uncomfortable.”

“How considerate,” I said dryly. “This whole situation is your fault you know. Who arranges a date without planning for overnight accommodations?”

“Someone who doesn’t have the luxury of time,” he replied, running a hand through his hair. “I have less than four months to make this marriage happen, or I lose controlling shares in Carter Enterprises.”

“I thought your grandfather gave you six months.”

“He did. Two months ago.” Alexander moved to sit on the edge of the bed. “I’ve been evaluating potential candidates since then.

“Lucky me, making the final cut,” I muttered.

“You have no idea how lucky you are,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. “There were over thirty women on my initial list.” I rolled my eyes. “Should I be flattered?”

“You should be practical.” He patted the bed beside him. “Come sit”

“I’m fine standing.”

“Olivia.” Just my name, but said with such authority that I found myself moving toward the bed before I could stop myself.

I perched on the edge, keeping a good foot of space between us. The mattress was ridiculously comfortable, sinking just enough under my weight.

“You’ll sleep here tonight,” he said, nodding toward the king–sized bed.

I don’t think

you to share the bed,” he clarified. “It was merely a suggestion to improve our chemistry. We’ll need to

problem,” I blurted, then immediately regretted it when his lips curved

agreed. “It

cleared my throat. “The couch looks

making my

reminded him. “And the couch might be uncomfortable for you. You’re…” I

big?” he supplied, amusement dancing

cheeks heat. “Tall. I was going to say

“So,

Chapter 28

+25 BONUS

big enough for two people to sleep without touching. And I didn’t want to sleep on the couch, no matter

finally. “The bed’s big enough. Just… stay on your

eyes darkened. “I can control myself,

“Excuse me?”

me like you

ignoring the heat creeping up my neck. “That’s

me. “Your pupils dilate when I get

my chest instinctively. “That’s–that’s just the

“If you say so.”

so,” I insisted, standing abruptly. “And I’m going to sleep on

bed is more than large enough for both of us.” “Fine,” I relented, too exhausted

promised I would.” His voice held a hint of amusement. Unless you’re

the bed. The mattress felt like heaven, soft yet supportive in all

the room into darkness broken only by the city lights filtering through the windows. I felt the

said, his voice a low rumble in

curling onto my side facing