Chapter 61

Olivia

“Right now? Two people enjoying wine under the stars. He set his glass down and leaned forward. “Tomorrow? Who knows. That’s part of the appeal, isn’t it?”

I considered his words, swirling the wine in my glass. “You’re very different here than you are at the office.”

“So are you,” he countered. “Less guarded. More yourself.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“I think so.” His eyes traveled over my face, lingering on my lips. “I like seeing the real Olivia.”

“How do you know this is the real me?” I challenged. “Maybe I’m just playing a part.”

“Are you?” he asked, his voice dropping lower.

I held his gaze. “No.”

Something shifted between us then, an acknowledgment of the truth. For all the complications of our arrangement, this moment felt genuine. I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, the questions that lingered in the air between us.

“Have you decided?” Alexander asked, breaking the silence.

“About what?”

“About staying in my penthouse.”

I sipped my wine, using the moment to collect my thoughts. “I haven’t decided yet. I need a few more days to think about it.”

Alexander nodded, his expression unreadable. “Alright.”

to try to convince me with his silver tongue. Instead, he accepted my

I ask you something?” I ventured,

“Of course.”

regularly, and after the wedding, I’ll be living

his expression thoughtful. “It’s about building a foundation. Getting comfortable with each

that without

it would be less efficient.

eyes. “You make

what we’re doing? A business

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Chapter 61

“Fair point.”

around each other–not just for appearances but for ourselves. This will be easier if we’re not constantly walking

logic to them, even

his voice dropping lower, “I sleep

honest and vulnerable for the

that so?” I asked, trying to

me too,” he said with a small shrug. “But yes. First good night’s sleep I’ve had

to say to that. The idea that my presence could have any positive effect on this man who seemed to have everything was oddly flattering.

about it,” I said

for the wine bottle,

about this situation is pressure,

a chuckle. “But some pressures are more enjoyable

way he said it, with that hint of suggestion in his voice, sent a small shiver down my spine. I took another sip of wine to hide my

changing the subject. “How often

as often as I’d like. Maybe once a month, if I’m

like a

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