The CEO's Contractual Wife

The bell dinged as we entered. Inside, fluorescent lights buzzed over checkerboard floors and red vinyl. booths. A tired–looking waitress named Dottie, according to her name tag, barely looked up from wiping down the counter.

“Sit anywhere,” she called out.

I led Alexander to a booth by the window, sliding onto the vinyl seat. He sat across from me, looking so out of place in his perfect suit that I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.

“What?” he asked, noticing my expression.

“Nothing. You just look like you’re afraid to touch anything.”

“I’m being cautious,” he countered, picking up a laminated menu with two fingers.

Dottie shuffled over, order pad in hand. “What can I get ya?”

“Double cheeseburger with bacon, extra pickles, fries, and a chocolate shake,” I said without hesitation.

Alexander raised an eyebrow. “I’ll have the same.”

When Dottie left, he leaned forward. “How did you decide so quickly?”

“There’s only one rule at a place like this: order the thing that’ll clog your arteries fastest.” I spread my arms. “Welcome to how the other half lives, Mr. Carter.”

“I’m not that sheltered,” he protested.

“Oh, really? When’s the last time you ate something that came in a paper wrapper?”

“Tuesday. I had a protein bar between meetings.”

I rolled my eyes. “That doesn’t count. I’m talking real junk food. The kind that makes your cardiologist cry.”

“Then it’s been a while,” he admitted. “My schedule doesn’t allow for many culinary adventures.”

“That’s sad. Everyone needs a good greasy burger once in a while.”

Our shakes arrived in tall glasses topped with whipped cream and cherries. I took a long sip, closing my eyes in appreciation.

“Good?” Alexander asked, watching me.

“Heaven. Try yours.”

careful sip, his

place by its sticky tabletops,” I said sagely, stealing his cherry. His eyes

shortly after, piled high on paper–lined baskets with golden fries spilling

I need utensils

laughed. “No! Just pick it up and embrace the

a bite that left a smear of ketchup at the corner of his mouth.

suddenly aware of the

His voice was lower, his eyes holding mine for a beat

throat, focusing on my burger.

he admitted, taking

usually am.” I popped a fry into my

of many,” he murmured,

diner creating a bubble around us. It felt strangely normal, sitting here with Alexander Carter

ask you something?” I

“Of course.”

have happened if we hadn’t

considered this, wiping his hands on a napkin. “Honestly? I’ve

“And?”

would have crossed eventually.

“You really believe that?”

nodded. “Some

burgers,” I teased, but

do you think you’d be if we hadn’t met?”

Enterprises, just climbing the ladder much more

Alexander said with surprising conviction.

but let’s be realistic. The corporate world

genuine talent

my shake. “What about you? Where would

into a wry smile. “Probably sitting through

mockingly pouted. “Forced to date beautiful, sophisticated

leaned forward. “Most people want something from me. It gets tedious

my

different, Olivia. I’m still trying to figure that

your fries.” I reached across and stole