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 and continued

something?” I ventured, setting my glass

“Of course.”

We’re already meeting regularly, and after the wedding, I’ll be living with you at the estate anyway,

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

do that without living

agreed. “But it would

eyes. “You make relationships sound

doing? A business arrangement with mutual

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Chapter 61

“Fair point.”

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

them, even if I was reluctant

dropping lower, “I sleep better with you next

seemed too honest and vulnerable for the Alexander Carter I thought

that so?” I asked, trying to keep my tone

he said with a small shrug. “But yes. First

didn’t know what to say to that. The idea that my presence could have any positive effect on this man who seemed

said

I ask.” He reached for the

about this situation

“But some pressures are more enjoyable than

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

I said, changing the subject. “How often

Maybe once a

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