Chapter 03 OLIVIA
The sand is cold beneath my feet, misty spray from the Puget Sound stinging my skin, but Arya’s hand is warm enough in mine to chase off even the most frigid chill.
She swings our arms absentmindedly as we walk along the beach, waves lapping softly against the shore. Though the sky is still a bit overcast, sun rays peek through the clouds, dappling the earth in golden light.
I glance at Arya out of the corner of my eye. Her hair is still damp, dress wrinkled and tinted pink, mascara smudged beneath her eyes.
She’s beautiful.
And I don’t know how this happened.
I woke up this morning intending to struggle through a photography session, make pleasant conversation with a stranger, then go back to my apartment and catch up on all the missed work.
Instead, I kissed the woman who I spilled coffee on in my company lobby and now I’m holding her hand.
And she's an employee.
Arya giggles softly when the tide splashes over her ballet flats. “Would you look at that? Wet again.”
I laugh despite myself. “Seems to be a theme with us.”
“Could be worse. We could be dry.”
With a snort, I squeeze her hand gently. “I almost didn’t show up.”
“What, why?”
My gaze drifts across the water as I take a deep breath, dreading the inevitable. This is always the part where they leave. “My job is… demanding. I rarely get days off, so I'm not available much for the whole dating thing.”
And it's very lonely. But I keep that part to myself.
Arya hums as she cradles my hand against her chest. “Honestly, I'm not really looking for anything serious. I only just moved here, and I had something with someone back home that didn't end well.”
“What happened?”
“He wasn't a bad guy or anything, but he was a bit overbearing. And his friend group was super volatile, like to the point of physically hurting each other. They weren't very nice to me half the time. And…“
She cuts off, dropping her gaze to the sand. “There's no excuse, but I cheated on him with one of those friends. I mean, we’d technically both slept with him, but I went behind his back. I know that makes me a bad person. And I'd understand if you wanted to end this right here.”
Arya’s words hang between us, almost as heavy as the mist curling off the water. Her shoulders are tense, like she’s bracing for impact.
A slow breath leaves my lungs. “Thank you for telling me.”
Her head snaps up, green eyes wide. “That’s… not the response I was expecting.”
“I imagine not.“
Tilting my head, I study her face closely. “But I don’t think honesty makes you a bad person.”
She swallows hard. “I still hurt someone.”
“Yes, you did. But it also sounds like you were in something unhealthy long before that happened.”
Her lips part slightly, but I continue before she can speak.
“I’m not excusing it. But I don’t think most people cheat because they’re cruel. Sometimes, I think they do it because they’re drowning and nobody's around to offer a hand.“
The wind picks up, sending loose strands of hair whipping across her cheek. I reach up without thinking and tuck them back behind her ear as I lean closer. “I don’t want to end this. Not tonight.”
Her gorgeous eyes start to glisten. “You don’t?”
“No. We just kissed, and I’d like to do it again.”
A shaky laugh escapes her throat as she rests her forehead against my shoulder. “I don’t know what I’m capable of right now. But I know I don’t want to hurt anyone again.”
“Then let’s not promise anything we can’t give.”
Arya pulls back to look at me. “What are you suggesting?”
“Just this,“
I say, gesturing between us. “Conversation. Companionship. Maybe another slice of pie at my apartment if you're interested?”
Waves crash against the shore, seconds seeming to stretch while Arya’s breathtaking smile slowly curls her lips. “I think that sounds amazing. Lead the way.”
It takes us about fifteen minutes via rideshare to get back to my place.
Neither of us talks much on the drive. City lights blur past the windows, smearing gold across the rain-streaked glass. The driver has the radio on low, some indie rock song humming beneath the roar of tires on wet pavement.
Arya sits beside me, knees angled toward mine. Our hands are still linked, resting on the seat between us, and I keep catching her reflection in the window. Every so often, she'll open her mouth like she wants to fill the silence, but then her brows furrow and her lips snap shut. I'm absolutely dying to know what she's thinking.
My phone buzzes in my purse, probably Ryann or his twin brother Declan asking for something work-related, but I ignore it for now.
This feels more important.
The car slows as we near my building, a converted brick complex tucked between two newly built high-rises. Warm light spills from the lobby windows.
“Here we are,“
I say softly.
Arya nods, taking it in. “Looks really nice.”
We both thank the driver and step out into the cool night air. Inside, the lobby is quiet save for the doorman, who rushes forward when he sees us.
“Got caught in the storm, Ms. Sinclair?“
he asks, his eyes taking in our water-logged appearances.
“Fifth floor, please, Danny,“
I tell him pointedly, placing myself in front of Arya when his gaze lingers on her chest a little too long.
The man smiles apologetically before calling the elevator, and Arya giggles once we step inside. “I feel so fancy, I've never been in a building with an elevator person.”
“Doorman,“
I correct, smiling. “He goes by Danny. He's one of the new ones, but he's pretty nice.”
She drops her gaze, letting go of my hand for the first time. “I'm not really a real adult. I've never technically lived on my own. There were the dorms in college, and then I lived with my ex for a while, but… mostly I've just stayed with friends.”
The doors open, and I lead her down the brightly lit hall toward my apartment. “Where are you staying now?”
“A hostel about ten minutes from CalTek.”
I freeze with my key in my hand. “A hostel?”
“Oh, it's pretty safe,“
she rushes out. “At least, so far. Everyone's super nice and I only had to beat off a creep once.”
“Once is enough,“
I gasp, unlocking my door.
Arya lets out another nervous giggle. “I mean, not beat off, obviously. But I chased him away with pepper spray.”
“You shouldn’t have had to do that at all.”
Her shoulders lift in a stiff shrug. “Yeah, well. Seattle initiation, right? I mean, Salt Lake City has its own crime, but compared to here, home feels… smaller.”
Finally opening my door, I usher Arya inside and step back only once she’s safely across the threshold. “What brought on the move?”
My apartment is dim, illuminated only by a lamp near the couch and the glow of the city lights filtering in through the windows. The rain has picked up again, streaking softly down the glass. Everything in the space is cool, neutral tones of grey and beige, right down to the modern upholstered stools beneath the island in my kitchen.
Arya slowly spins in place, shivering slightly. “Just needed a change. Like I said earlier, things weren't good. And I always wanted to visit this place, so now seemed as good a time as any.”
I kick off my heels and set down my bag before adjusting the temperature on the thermostat. “I'm not from here, either. Not originally. The company I owned had been based out of New Jersey and when CalTek acquired it, I moved. It's a bit of a culture shock for sure.”
“It hasn't been all bad.“
Arya runs her fingers over my white granite countertops. “I mean, okay mostly. But so far, I really like my new job and my new friends. KC is hilarious.”
“That's one word for him,“
I huff, but my smile drops when Arya shivers again. Approaching her from the side I try to rub some heat back into her arms. “Would you like a shower?”
Her green eyes widen, lips parting, and I stammer over myself at the realization of what I’d just offered. “I-I mean, not together, obviously. I have a guest bathroom. You can wash off and warm up under the steam if you'd like.”
Warmth of another kind floods my system when she licks her pretty lips. “You just want me wet again, don't you?”
My pulse quickens, and despite how much I know I need to behave, the corner of my mouth lifts wickedly. “It's become my new obsession.”
We gaze at each other for a few heavy moments before Arya snorts and dissolves into a fit of giggles. “A shower sounds amazing, thank you.”
Releasing an amused breath, I gesture toward the guest bathroom in the hallway. It's one I rarely use, so the double vanity is a little dusty when I turn on the lights. I quickly wipe it away with my sleeve before turning toward her. “Should have everything you need, and I'll bring you some clean towels and a robe.”
She nods, still smiling tenderly. “You’re very sweet, you know that?”
Not as sweet as you.
“I try,“
is all I respond.
She giggles again when I step past her, grabbing a stack of clean towels and a spare pink robe from the linen closet. Hesitating just a moment, I decide to grab a pair of fuzzy socks from my dresser as well.
When I return, she’s standing in front of the mirror, studying her reflection. The hollow look on her face stops me in my tracks, but it disappears as soon as she catches sight of me. “Okay, this might be the nicest guest bathroom I’ve ever seen,“
she says, plastering her smile back into place.
“That’s not a high bar. But thank you.”
Her fingers brush mine as she takes the towels. “I won’t be long. Promise.”
“There’s no rush. Take your time.”
She gives me a small smile before closing the door behind her.
A moment later, the shower turns on. The sound of running water fills the apartment, echoing faintly down the hall.
I collapse against the wall and drop my head into my hands.
What are you doing, Olive?
Father's voice again. Not in a bad way, just… in a this wasn’t part of the plan way. And hell if I even know what the damn plan is at this point.
After throwing on some dry leggings and a loose T- shirt, I busy myself in the kitchen with tea. Steam begins to curl from the kettle as it heats, fogging the air slightly.
From down the hall, I hear Arya humming softly. The sound settles somewhere deep in my chest, activating a deep and familiar longing. I've grown used to my solitude, actually gotten comfortable with it. But what I wouldn't give to come home to something like this after a long day. To someone like this.
The bathroom door opens as soon as I set two mugs of tea on the coffee table. Arya steps out in my robe, hair damp and curling around her shoulders, and I swear my heart jumps into my throat.
Of course, she's stunning. I thought so when I spilled my coffee on her, and even when she showed up for the photo shoot today drenched in rain and makeup tracking down her face. But right now, standing in my living room wrapped in my clothes, fresh-faced and cheeks scrubbed, Arya is downright gorgeous.
“Okay,“
she says with a relieved sigh. “That might’ve saved my life.”
“Tea’s ready,“
I offer with a smile.
Her features light up. “You’re an actual angel.”
“Don’t go spreading that around. I have a reputation to uphold.”
She pads toward the couch and curls into one corner as I hand her a mug. “Oh my god, this is like a sleepover!”
My brows jump despite myself, and she turns to me in horror. “Like, without the actual staying over part. I just meant, like, you know when you'd have those as a kid? Not that I'd say no if this was a sleepover, but I'm not trying to assume anything.”
I let out a breathy laugh, tucking my legs beneath me. “I mean, it can be. If you'd like.”
She sips her drink quietly for a moment. “You’re really easy to be around, Olivia.”
Those words catch me off guard.
“I don’t hear that very often,“
I admit. “And please, call me Liv.”
“Liv.“
Arya smiles at me over the rim of her mug.
We sit there in companionable silence, rain tapping against the windows as warmth slowly returns to the room—and to her. After a few moments, she sets her mug on the coffee table before turning mischief-laced eyes my way.
“You know,“
she says slowly, “most sleepovers I had involved ice cream.”
“Oh, did they? Well.“
Setting down my own cup, I shove my feet into a pair of slippers and shuffle to the freezer. “I'd hate to be a disappointing host. Please tell me you like vanilla.”
“Never been called that in my life, but it's necessary sometimes.”
I snort and grab the carton, along with two mismatched bowls from the cabinet and—conveniently—cherry syrup.
When I return to the living room, she’s cuddled deeper into the couch with my robe tucked around her legs, her curly hair frizzing as it dries. Our fingers brush again when I hand her a bowl, still electric.
“You were very prepared for this,“
she says suspiciously, eyes flicking between the ice cream and the spoons.
“I’m not. This is purely coincidence.”
“Sure it is, Liv.”
I sit beside her and leave just enough space to be polite. The couch dips beneath our combined weight. “I swear it. I don't normally get very much company due to my busy work schedule, so most nights it's dessert by myself and then alone in bed.”
“Well, that sounds… lonely.“
Arya slips a bite of ice cream into her mouth before moaning around the spoon. “Okay. Yeah. This absolutely qualifies as the best sleepover ever.”
The sound has me squirming in my seat, attempting to cover the way I press my thighs together. “You’re very easily won over.”
“Listen, I’ve had a long day. I got rained on twice, kissed my very hot boss, and I've been uncomfortably wet ever since”
I choke on my own bite, and Arya blushes faster than I’ve ever seen anyone do so before.
“I didn’t mean it like that! I just… God, that sounded bad. I meant, like, corporate hierarchy-wise. Not like boss boss. And by wet, I mean the rain—”
Bursting into laughter, I wave off her babbling. “Arya. Breathe. I know what you meant. And for the record, I don’t supervise you. Different departments.”
Her shoulders slump in relief. “Oh, thank god.”
“But you’re right about a few things."
“Yeah?”
Deciding to throw caution to the wind and see where this will lead us, I hold her gaze as I take a scoop of ice cream and lick my spoon very thoroughly. Her pupils start to dilate.
“It has been a long day. I've also been uncomfortably wet since our kiss, and I'd really, really like to taste you now.”