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 silver tongue. Instead, he accepted my answer
ask you something?” I ventured, setting my
“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 the
me fully, his expression thoughtful. “It’s about building a foundation. Getting comfortable with each other’s
that without living together, I pointed
could,” he agreed. “But it would be less efficient. And less
eyes. “You make relationships
what we’re doing?
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Chapter 61
“Fair point.”
other–not just for appearances but for ourselves.
logic to them, even if I was reluctant
lower, “I sleep better with you next
admission caught me off guard. It seemed too honest and vulnerable for the Alexander Carter I thought
that so?” I asked, trying to
shrug. “But yes. First
say to that. The idea that my presence could have any positive effect on this man
about it,” I said finally. “And let
all I ask.” He reached for the
about this situation is pressure,
with a chuckle. “But some pressures are more
said it, with that hint of suggestion in his voice, sent a small shiver
I said, changing the subject. “How often do you come
often as I’d like. Maybe once a month,
like a
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