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
I ventured,
“Of course.”
your penthouse at all? We’re already meeting regularly, and after the wedding, I’ll be living with you at the estate anyway, according to
to face me fully, his expression thoughtful. “It’s about building a
without living together, I pointed
would be less efficient.
“You make relationships
exactly what we’re doing? A business arrangement
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Chapter 61
“Fair point.”
“I want us to be comfortable around each other–not just for appearances
to them, even if I was reluctant to admit
lower, “I sleep better with
seemed too honest and vulnerable for
that so?” I asked, trying to keep my tone
shrug. “But yes. First good night’s sleep I’ve had in
idea that my presence could have any positive effect on this man who seemed to have everything
I said finally. “And
ask.” He reached for the
this situation is
“But some pressures are more enjoyable
suggestion in his voice, sent a small shiver
really is beautiful,” I said, changing
like. Maybe once a month, if
like
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