The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61

Olivia

“Right now? Two people enjoying wine under the stars. He set his glass down and leaned forward. “Tomorrow? Who knows. That’s part of the appeal, isn’t it?”

I considered his words, swirling the wine in my glass. “You’re very different here than you are at the office.”

“So are you,” he countered. “Less guarded. More yourself.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“I think so.” His eyes traveled over my face, lingering on my lips. “I like seeing the real Olivia.”

“How do you know this is the real me?” I challenged. “Maybe I’m just playing a part.”

“Are you?” he asked, his voice dropping lower.

I held his gaze. “No.”

Something shifted between us then, an acknowledgment of the truth. For all the complications of our arrangement, this moment felt genuine. I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, the questions that lingered in the air between us.

“Have you decided?” Alexander asked, breaking the silence.

“About what?”

“About staying in my penthouse.”

I sipped my wine, using the moment to collect my thoughts. “I haven’t decided yet. I need a few more days to think about it.”

Alexander nodded, his expression unreadable. “Alright.”

The simplicity of his response surprised me. I’d expected him to push, to try to convince me with his silver tongue. Instead, he accepted my answer and continued gazing at the ocean.

“Can I ask you something?” I ventured, setting my glass down.

“Of course.”

“Why do we need to stay together in your penthouse at all? We’re already meeting regularly, and after the wedding, I’ll be living with you at the estate anyway, according to the contract.”

Alexander turned to face me fully, his expression thoughtful. “It’s about building a foundation. Getting comfortable with each other’s presence, learning each other’s habits.”

“We could do that without living together, I pointed out.

“We could,” he agreed. “But it would be less efficient. And less convincing.”

“Efficient, I repeated, rolling my eyes. “You make relationships sound like business transactions.”

“Isn’t that exactly what we’re doing? A business arrangement with mutual benefits?”

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Chapter 61

“Fair point.”

“Besides,” he continued. “I want us to be comfortable around each other–not just for appearances but for ourselves. This will be easier if we’re not constantly walking on eggshells.”

I considered his words. There was logic to them, even if I was reluctant to admit it.

“And,” he added, his voice dropping lower, “I sleep better with you next to me.

The admission caught me off guard. It seemed too honest and vulnerable for the Alexander Carter I thought I knew.

“Is that so?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light.

“Surprised me too,” he said with a small shrug. “But yes. First good night’s sleep I’ve had in weeks.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. The idea that my presence could have any positive effect on this man who seemed to have everything was oddly flattering.

“I’ll think about it,” I said finally. “And let you know.”

“That’s all I ask.” He reached for the wine bottle, refilling both our glasses. “No pressure.”

“Everything about this situation is pressure, Alexander.”

True,” he admitted with a chuckle. “But some pressures are more enjoyable than others.”

The way he said it, with that hint of suggestion in his voice, sent a small shiver down my spine. I took another sip of wine to hide my reaction.

This place really is beautiful,” I said, changing the subject. “How often do you come here?”

“Not as often as I’d like. Maybe once a month, if I’m lucky.”

“That seems like a waste.”

He shrugged. “Better to have it and use it rarely than not have it at all.”

“Spoken like a true rich person,” I teased.

“Guilty as charged.”

The moon climbed higher in the sky, casting silver light across the water. I found myself relaxing more with each passing minute, the tension of the day melting away. The wine had left a pleasant warmth in my body, making me feel loose–limbed and content.

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