The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 91

Chapter 91

Chapter 91

Olivia

The gardens were spectacular, a carefully designed blend of manicured spaces and what appeared to be wild tropical growth. Stone pathways wound through flowering plants and fruit trees, with occasional benches or seating areas placed to take advantage of particularly beautiful views.

“Your mother did all this?” I asked, admiring a flowering vine that covered an elegant pergola.

“She designed it. Had landscape architects bring her vision to life. She visits twice a year to make adjustments.”

We continued walking, Alexander pointing out various features of the property: a meditation pavilion, a koi pond, hiking trails that led to different beaches and lookout points.

The sun grew stronger as the morning progressed, and I could feel perspiration beginning to form along my hairline.

“Hot?” Alexander asked, noticing my discomfort.

“A bit,” I admitted.

“Perfect time for a swim.” He gestured toward the main house. “The infinity pool has the best views on the property.”

Back at the house, Alexander led me to the lower terrace where an enormous infinity pool seemed to merge seamlessly with the ocean beyond. Lounge chairs and cabanas surrounded it, offering both sun and shade options.

‘I’ll change and meet you back here,” he said. “Swimwear is in your closet.”

In the bedroom, I found an entire section of the closet dedicated to swimwear, including bikinis, one–pieces, and cover–ups in various colors and styles. I selected a simple black bikini that offered more coverage than some of the more revealing options.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I felt suddenly self–conscious. The bikini fit perfectly (of course it did), but it had been a while since I’d been this exposed around a man, especially one as physically perfect as Alexander.

‘Don’t be ridiculous,” I told my reflection. “This is just swimming. Nothing more.”

When I returned to the pool, Alexander was already there, his board shorts slung low on his hips as he arranged towels on two loungers. He turned as I approached, his eyes widening slightly as they took in my appearance.

‘Fuck,” he said softly.

“What?” I crossed my arms over my chest instinctively.

“Don’t.” He stepped closer, gently pulling my arms away. “You look incredible, Olivia. Don’t hide.”

Heat that had nothing to do with the tropical sun flooded my face. “I feel a bit exposed.”

“You’re supposed to. It’s a bikini.” His eyes traveled slowly down my body, lingering on my breasts before continuing to my hips and legs. “And it looks fucking perfect on you.”

I swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of how little fabric separated us. “Shall we swim?”

Without waiting for his answer, I walked to the edge of the pool and dove in. The water was refreshingly cool against my heated skin. I surfaced to find Alexander watching me with an amused expression.

1/3

Eager

He surfaced just inches away, water droplets clinging to his eyelashes. “You know, most women appreciate being told they look good.”

“I’m not most women,” I replied, treading water.

“No, you certainly aren’t.” His gaze dropped to where my breasts floated just at the water’s surface. “Most women don’t have tits like yours, either.”

I gasped at his bluntness. “Alexander!”

“What? We’re married. I’m allowed to admire my wife’s body.”

“It’s inappropriate.”

“Inappropriate would be telling you all the things I want to do to those perfect breasts. Inappropriate would be describing how I want to suck your nipples until you’re begging me to fuck you.”

My body responded instantly to his words, my nipples hardening beneath the wet fabric of my bikini top.

“See?” he said, noticing my reaction. “Your body knows what it wants, even if you’re not ready to admit it.”

I splashed water in his face. “My body doesn’t know shit.”

“Liar,” he said, but he swam away, giving me space.

We swam laps for a while, the exercise helping to dissipate some of the sexual tension between us. Alexander was a strong swimmer, his powerful strokes cutting through the water with practiced ease.

After working up a good sweat or whatever the equivalent was when already wet, we both floated at the edge of the infinity pool, looking out at the ocean beyond.

“I’ve been thinking about our kiss,” Alexander said after a comfortable silence.

“Which one? The wedding kiss?”

“Mm–hmm.” He turned to face me, his back against the pool’s edge. “You kissed me back. Really kissed me.”

I felt my cheeks heat up. “It had to look convincing.”

“It did. Very convincing.” He moved slightly closer. “So convincing, I’ve been thinking about it ever since.”

“It was just a kiss, Alexander.”

“Was it?” His eyes held mine. “Because it felt like more. It felt like you wanted me.”

I broke eye contact, looking out at the horizon. “Maybe I did. In that moment.”

“And now?”

I could lie and say I felt nothing. Or I could admit that yes, I was attracted to him. That the kiss had awakened something in me I’d been trying to ignore.

“I don’t know,” I said finally. “This whole situation is complicated.”

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