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.”

sip, his eyes widening

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

arrived shortly after, piled high on paper–lined baskets with golden fries spilling over the edges. Alexander stared at his with a

need

Just pick it up and embrace the

at the

I said, suddenly aware of the intimacy of

be.” His voice was lower, his eyes holding mine for a beat too

throat, focusing on my burger.

he admitted, taking another bite. “You

fry into my

of many,” he murmured,

the late–night emptiness of the diner creating a bubble around us. It felt strangely normal, sitting here with Alexander Carter eating burgers, despite the absurdity of

you something?” I said

“Of course.”

have happened if we hadn’t

wiping his hands on a napkin. “Honestly? I’ve thought about it

“And?”

think our paths would have crossed eventually. Maybe not in

“You really believe that?”

nodded. “Some connections seem

teased, but his words warmed

do you think you’d be if we

thinking. “Probably still at Carter Enterprises, just climbing the ladder

risen quickly regardless,” Alexander said with surprising

you to say, but let’s be

But genuine talent

“What about you?

His mouth curved into a wry smile. “Probably sitting through

I mockingly pouted. “Forced to date

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

what’s my angle?”

eyes sparkled. “That’s what makes you different, Olivia. I’m still

snorted. “Maybe I just wanted your fries.” I reached across and stole one from