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.”

me. I’d expected him to push, to try to convince me with

ask you something?” I ventured,

“Of course.”

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

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

do that without living

it would be less

“You make relationships

what we’re doing? A business arrangement with mutual

1/3

23)

Chapter 61

“Fair point.”

comfortable around each other–not just for appearances but for ourselves. This will be easier

his words. There was logic to them, even if I was reluctant to admit

his voice dropping lower, “I sleep better with you

admission caught me off guard. It seemed too honest and

asked, trying to keep

me too,” he said with a small shrug. “But yes. First

say to that. The idea that my presence could have any

I said finally. “And

I ask.” He reached for the wine

situation is

he admitted with a chuckle. “But some

a small shiver down my spine. I took another sip of wine to hide my

beautiful,” I said, changing the subject. “How often

as often as I’d like. Maybe

seems like

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255