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.”

I’d expected him to push, to try to convince me with his silver tongue. Instead, he accepted

ask you something?” I ventured, setting my

“Of course.”

together in your penthouse at all? We’re already meeting regularly, and after the wedding, I’ll

his expression thoughtful. “It’s about building a

could do that without living together,

agreed. “But it would be less

repeated, rolling my eyes. “You make relationships sound

exactly what we’re doing? A business

1/3

23)

Chapter 61

“Fair point.”

for appearances but for ourselves. This will be easier if we’re not

to them, even

he added, his voice dropping lower, “I sleep better with you next

seemed too honest and vulnerable for the Alexander Carter I thought

I asked, trying to keep my tone

a small shrug. “But yes.

my presence could have any positive effect on this man who seemed to have everything was oddly

I said finally. “And let you

I ask.” He reached for the wine bottle, refilling both our glasses.

this situation is

he admitted with a chuckle. “But some pressures are more

a small shiver

place really is beautiful,” I said, changing the subject. “How often do you

often as I’d like. Maybe

like a

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

Comments ()

0/255