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.”

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

something?” I

“Of course.”

in your penthouse at all? We’re already meeting regularly, and after the wedding, I’ll be living with you at the estate

about building a foundation. Getting comfortable with each other’s presence, learning each

without living

would be less

rolling my eyes. “You make relationships sound

exactly what we’re doing?

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23)

Chapter 61

“Fair point.”

us to be comfortable around each other–not just for appearances but for ourselves. This will be easier if we’re

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

his voice dropping lower, “I sleep

me off guard. It seemed too honest and vulnerable for

I asked, trying to keep my

a small shrug. “But yes. First

to that. The idea that my presence could have any positive effect on

I said

the wine bottle, refilling both our glasses. “No

situation is

chuckle. “But some pressures are more enjoyable than

said it, with that hint of suggestion in his voice, sent a small shiver down my spine.

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

Maybe once

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