After signing the check, Alexander stood and pulled out my chair. His hand found the small of my back as we navigated through the restaurant, and I was acutely aware of the warmth of his touch through the thin fabric of my dress.

Outside, the valet promptly brought Alexander’s car around. The cool night air was a refreshing change from the restaurant’s warmth, and I took a deep breath, enjoying the scent of night–blooming jasmine from nearby planters.

“Successful evening?” Alexander asked as we settled into the car.

“Very. I think we showed whoever was watching that we’re completely unbothered by their petty gossip.”

“And we ate extremely well in the process.”

“A win–win situation.”

As we drove through the quiet streets of Beverly Hills, I found myself reflecting on the day, from the triumph of securing the Thompson Hotels account to the unexpected confrontation with Penelope and the nasty gossip article.

“Alexander?”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you for handling the legal side of things today. With the article, I mean.”

He glanced over. “No need to thank me. It’s what any husband would do.”

The word “husband” still felt strange to hear, even after our weeks together. Strange, but not unpleasant.

I’ve never had

he said, echoing his earlier words.

Something to look forward

And for what it’s

“I did?”

you didn’t take

my coffee on her

didn’t is exactly

the engine, but neither of us moved to get out immediately. “You know,” I said, breaking the comfortable silence, “this

turned to me, one eyebrow raised.

should be. I had

glad I’ve exceeded your very low

awkward and uncomfortable, but it’s been… I

add that

his arm playfully. “You know

softening. “And for what it’s worth, I feel the same

of the garage. There was something intimate about the moment, not sexual, exactly, but private. A quiet acknowledgment that whatever this was

“We should head inside. It’s been a

my purse. “I’m exhausted. Who knew fighting off gossip columnists and evil exes would be

climbed out of the car and came around to open my door. “The glamorous life of a

I’d use.” I stepped out, my heels clicking on

the house was quiet, most of the staff having retired for the evening.

asked, heading toward the bar in the

I might start drunk–texting Victoria

“Now that I’d pay

with a sigh

Alexander called after me as I padded down the hallway

just the way I’d left it this morning. I flicked on the bedside lamp, casting a warm glow across the king–sized bed. The sight of it was too tempting to resist. 1 flopped face–first onto the plush duvet, letting out a dramatic groan

a day,” I

my back, staring at the ceiling. The events of the day replayed in my mind: securing the

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

Comments ()

0/255