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.”

him to push, to try to convince me with his

I ventured,

“Of course.”

at all? We’re already meeting regularly, and after the

turned to face me fully, his expression thoughtful. “It’s about building a foundation. Getting comfortable with each other’s presence, learning each other’s

that without

agreed. “But it would be less efficient.

I repeated, rolling my eyes. “You make

what we’re doing? A business arrangement

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Chapter 61

“Fair point.”

around each other–not just for appearances but

There was logic to them, even if I was reluctant

“I sleep better with you next

honest and vulnerable for the Alexander Carter

I asked, trying to keep my

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

my presence could have any positive effect on this

I said

for the wine bottle, refilling both our

situation is pressure,

chuckle. “But

his voice, sent a small shiver down my spine. I

said, changing the subject. “How often do you

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

seems like a

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