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 eyes widening slightly. “That’s

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

baskets with golden fries spilling over the edges.

I need utensils

Just pick it up

my lead, taking a bite that left a smear of ketchup at the corner of his mouth. I reached across without thinking, wiping it away with my

said, suddenly aware of

his eyes holding mine for a

on my

disgustingly delicious,” he admitted, taking

usually am.” I popped a fry into my mouth. “It’s one of my

of many,” he

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

you something?”

“Of course.”

wondered what would have happened if

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

“And?”

our paths would have crossed eventually. Maybe not in the same

“You really believe that?”

“Some connections

teased, but his words warmed something in

think you’d be if

Enterprises, just climbing the ladder much

would have risen quickly regardless,” Alexander said with surprising conviction. “Your talent is

you to say, but let’s be

talent usually finds a

my shake. “What about you? Where would

Working too much.” His mouth curved into a wry smile. “Probably

mockingly pouted. “Forced to

leaned forward. “Most people want something from

what’s my angle?” I

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

wanted your fries.” I reached across and stole one