Chapter 184
Olivia
I thought about this, considering how to answer. “He’s more relaxed. Funnier. Still commanding and intense, but in a different way. Sometimes he likes to be barefoot.” I smiled at this small detail I’d come to find endearing.
“Barefoot?” Ariana repeated. “I can’t even picture it. Alexander Carter without those Italian leather shoes?”
“It humanizes him,” I explained. “Makes him real.”
“And what about his family? How are they treating you?” Claire asked.
I took another sip of my drink before answering. “His grandfather, Harold, is actually pretty sweet to me. Victoria is… well, Victoria.”
“Still a bitch?” Emilia asked bluntly.
“She’s not thrilled that I’m the new Mrs. Carter.”
“Screw her,” Ariana declared. “You won the prize, not her.”
“It’s not a competition,” I reminded her, though in many ways, it was exactly that. “Anyway, enough about me. What’s new with you guys? Claire, how’s your job?”
As Claire launched into a story about her latest workplace drama, I felt my phone buzz in my purse. Discreetly checking it under the table, I saw a text from Alexander.
Alexander: How’s girls‘ night?
I smiled and quickly typed a response.
Me: Girls are grilling me about married life and our Europe trip.
response came
taking you shopping
my lip to hide my
might actually
Good. Coming home
Another hour or so. Save me some
save you
rise to my cheeks at
voice broke through my thoughts. “Who are you texting that’s making you blush
put my phone away.
“It’s Alexander, isn’t it? Can’t even make
to know when I’d be home,” I said
Claire cooed. “That’s actually sweet. Ryan never cared when
is nothing like Ryan,” I stated
“Otherwise I’d have
though, marriage is good. It’s busy, but good. The Thompson Hotels account
Ariana prompted. “Any
too exciting,” I lied. “Just normal family
family stuff,” Emilia repeated skeptically.
change everything,” I pointed
enough,” Claire replied. “Seriously, though. Are you happy? Really
guard with its sincerity. I took a moment to consider my answer, not just for them
felt. “It’s not what I expected for my life, but
dramatically.
you’re talking about a man, Olivia. Not even during the early days with Ryan
my drink. “It’s different with Alexander. More intense. More
Europe,” Claire sighed dreamily.
my ass off at the office.
the chauffeur when you don’t want to drive your Porsche,” Claire teased, raising
are perks,” I admitted with a laugh. “But I’m still the same person. I just happen to sleep in a ridiculous mansion
Alexander Carter.” Ariana sighed dramatically. “That’s
the devil,” Emilia said, draining her cocktail. “Is he picking you up
my watch, surprised to see how late it
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