Chapter 2
“I have to leave early today,” I said to Oliver as we went over a spreadsheet in his office.
“Why?” His voice was laced with concern, his brow furrowing.
“Doctor’s appointment.” I tried to sound nonchalant.
He put the spreadsheet we were looking at on the table so he could focus his attention fully on me. “Are you sick?”
“No. This is for my yearly check-up.”
“What kind of check-up? I could come with you.” He leaned back in his chair, eyes searching mine.
“To the gynecologist?” I raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress a smile.
“Oh.” He looked momentarily flustered. “You can join me if you like.”
“No, thank you. I’ll save those visits for when you’re pregnant.”
“That could be a while away.” I told myself to shut up because I really didn’t have a doctor’s appointment.
What I needed time to do was prepare for Oliver’s birthday the next day. He had kept me so occupied and busy since we got back from Los Angeles that I hadn’t had time to purchase a gift or plan anything. I wanted to make his first birthday with me special.
“I think I’ll pass. I have a conference call at four. What time is your appointment?”
“1:30,” I said, glancing at the clock.
Oliver looked at his watch and saw it was noon. “You could’ve told me this sooner.”
“I’m sorry. I forgot about it and just got an alert.”
“Don’t they usually call the day before?” he asked.
“They did, and I didn’t listen to my voicemail. Does it matter?” I tried to keep my voice steady, but I could see the skepticism in his eyes.
He narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure you have an appointment?”
I fidgeted in my seat and laced my fingers in my lap.
“What are you implying?” I asked, feigning offense.
“That you’re up to something since tomorrow is my birthday.”
“Birthday? I thought tomorrow was just another ordinary October fifth,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
“Uh huh,” he said, clearly unconvinced.
“I really do have a doctor’s appointment,” I insisted, hoping he wouldn’t see through my lie.
“Let Vlad take you. I don’t want you out on your own,” he said, his tone softening but still firm.
“Fine. It’s just a quick appointment.”
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Text me when you get there and when you leave. I worry about you.”
“I will,” I promised. “Thank you.”
I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for lying to him, but I knew it would be worth it when he saw what I had planned for his birthday.
“I love you,” he said.
“I know.”
He raised his eyebrows. “So confident.”
“You said I have you wrapped around my little finger. That’s why I’m confident.”
I pressed a hard kiss to his lips as I rose from my chair.
“You’re wrapped around my whole body. You own my heart and soul.”
“I love you, Oliver,” I said as I put my hand on the door handle to leave his office.
“I know,” he returned.
“Vlad, please take me to Schering Jewelers.”
“Yes, Miss Stewart.”
I ground my teeth. I had asked him to call me by my first name several times but he ignored me.
“You can just call me Ryleigh.”
“I prefer to call you Miss Stewart.”
“Uh, okay.”
Vlad didn’t give me an explanation but I was used to his silence. He rarely engaged me in conversation. I had searched for the perfect gift for Oliver that would show him my commitment to our relationship. I was already wearing his ring, but I wanted to return the favor. I spent my leisure time when I wasn’t with Oliver, searching for the perfect gift.
I found a gold wedding band with a thin ring of sapphires encircling the entire band. Inside, I had it inscribed with the words: My love, my life, I love you with all my heart, Ryleigh. I knew this ring would stir up his emotions.
He was stoic and solid when it came to business, but when we were in private, I got the best of him. It was expensive, and I had to dip into my inheritance, but it was well worth the cost. Oliver was well worth the cost.
From there, I had Vlad take me to a party store where I got several balloons, a card, candles, and a gift bag with tissue paper. Afterward, he took me home. I had ordered a cake, and Vlad would pick it up for me the next day before he got us from work. The other security members had entry to the penthouse, and I recruited Brenda to bring all the items there before we arrived.
Oliver wouldn’t be out of work for another hour, so I went to Boudoir Fashions to look at some lingerie. I usually slept in a short t-shirt and panties or nothing at all, but I wanted to surprise him. He had mentioned to me before that he would like to see me in lingerie.
I spent a half hour picking out a couple of see-through baby dolls in light blue and black. The sheer fabric left nothing to the imagination, but I was sure he would appreciate the effort. Maybe I would wear them to bed tomorrow since it was a Friday.
After I paid for my purchases and waited for Vlad to bring the car around, I noticed a dark-haired, stocky man staring at me with black, brooding eyes. He seemed familiar, but I couldn’t place him. I looked away and was glad when Vlad double-parked and helped me with my bag.
The man continued to stare as we drove by. I decided not to mention it to Oliver. It could be that this man saw me on the news or the internet and was just curious. I called my fiancé on my way home.
“How did the doctor go?” I could hear the smile in his voice.
“It went fine. You’ll be happy to know I’m healthy down there.”
“I know you are.”
“I should be at your place in a little while. Vlad might be late picking you up,” I said, trying to keep my tone light as I juggled the party supplies in the backseat.
“That’s okay. I have a last-minute call I need to take at 6 p.m.,” Oliver replied.
“For what?” I asked, curiosity piqued.
“It doesn’t concern anything you’ve been working on.”
“So, you don’t want to tell me?” I challenged, my frustration seeping through.
He sighed heavily. “Do you want to have a full discussion about business right now? We can talk when I get home for dinner.”
“Perfect,” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes.
“Ryleigh, don’t be upset. Not all things concern you.”
“You want me to learn your business, right?” I shot back. “Isn’t this part of it?”
“Yes and no. We can talk later. I’ll see you at the penthouse.”
Anger started to well up in me. He was treating me like a little girl. “Maybe I won’t be at the penthouse. I haven’t spent much time with Sadie in the past two weeks. We could spend the night apart.”
“No,” he growled. “I want you with me.”
“Possessive asshole,” I mumbled under my breath.
“I heard that.”
“You were supposed to,” I said, hearing him sigh deeply.
“This conversation is getting nowhere,” Oliver huffed.
“Then I’ll see you later, maybe.”
“If you want to have a tantrum, then it’s better you stay at your place.”
He was giving me an ultimatum and I would take that challenge. Some time away would give me a chance to figure out everything for his birthday. Right now, it wouldn’t be good for us to be together. I was afraid I would lash out and say something I shouldn’t, ruining his birthday celebration.
“Good, I will.” I hung up on him and powered down my phone, fuming. I stared out the window at the bustling pedestrian traffic below, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
Vlad’s cell phone rang, breaking the silence. He answered and then handed the phone back to me. “Mr. Fox is on the line.”
“Tell Mr. Fox I don’t want to talk to him right now,” I said icily, pushing the phone back to Vlad.
He relayed my message just as we pulled up to my apartment. I stepped out, dragging the balloons, bag of lingerie, and party supplies from the car before Vlad could even open my door. If I knew Oliver, he would try to have Vlad take me straight to the penthouse instead.
“Miss Stewart, will I be waiting for you?” Vlad asked, concern evident in his voice.
I shook my head. “No. I’m staying here tonight.”
“You should have security with you.”
“I don’t need it. I’m fine.”
“Mr. Fox insists,” Vlad said.
“Tell him I don’t need his help right now.” I slammed the door and hurried to the lobby as fast as I could with the packages and balloons.
The concierge, a light-haired woman with an elfin face, nodded at me and smirked when she saw the balloons. I almost lost one of them as the elevator doors closed but managed to pull it inside.
It had been a few days since I’d last seen Sadie. With as little free time as my brother, Finley, had, she was spending most nights with him. Their relationship was real, and I was positive they were in love even though they had only been dating for a short time. I wondered if they had more than just a few romps together over the years.
As the elevator ascended, I sighed, leaning back against the wall. The tension with Oliver gnawed at me, but I pushed it aside. Tonight was about planning his birthday, not stewing over our argument. I’d make his birthday special, no matter how stubborn he could be. The doors slid open, and I stepped into the hall, heading to my apartment.
I fumbled for my keys from my purse, juggling the packages I had in my hand. The key stuck, and I had to wiggle it to fit in the lock. It was odd because I never had trouble before. When I finally pushed the door open, what I saw made me drop everything I held.
My apartment was ransacked. Pictures on the wall were topsy-turvy, cushions and pillows littered the floor, and papers were strewn about. And that was only the living room. I dreaded to think what the bedrooms looked like. My heart pounded as I backed out, abandoning all the packages and the balloons floating aimlessly around the entryway.
I jammed my finger on the elevator button several times, tears leaking from my eyes. When the doors finally opened, I dashed inside and pressed the lobby button repeatedly, willing the elevator to move faster.
In the lobby, I rushed to the concierge desk. "Call the police," I gasped, my voice trembling. Without waiting for a response, I dialed Oliver. He answered immediately.
“Over your tantrum?” Oliver’s voice was strained with exasperation.
“Someone broke into my apartment,” I blurted out, my voice quivering.
“What?!” he screamed. I heard him directing someone in the background before he came back on the line. “Where are you?”
“In the lobby. I told the concierge to call the police.”
“Stay there, I’m on my way.”
“I’m afraid,” I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes.
“Don’t be. You’re safe. Brenda should be there in two minutes.”
Where was she that she would be here so quick? Sure enough, Brenda walked out of the fire stairs less than two minutes later. Did Oliver have her living here? I quickly recounted what happened, and she sat me down in one of the mustard-colored upholstered chairs in the lobby. Brenda, a pretty, petite woman with dark chocolate skin and close-cropped hair, soothed me while we waited for the police to arrive.
“Was there anyone in the apartment?” she asked, her voice calm and reassuring.
“Not that I could see,” I replied, my hands trembling in my lap.
Brenda noticed and placed one of her hands over mine. Her touch was reassuring, and I began to calm down until the police arrived. Then, my anxiety surged, and I became hysterical. Two officers went upstairs to check my place while a detective questioned me. Oliver arrived a few minutes after the officers. Brenda got up so he could comfort me.
He put his arm around my shoulders and reached into the pocket of his gray pinstriped jacket for a handkerchief. I dabbed at my eyes while the officer spoke with me. The two uniformed policemen came downstairs to report that the apartment was empty and my jewelry, some cash, and other valuables were still there.
I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking of the gold bracelet my father gave me before he was murdered. It held immense sentimental value. After the officers left, Oliver, Vlad, and Brenda escorted me up to my apartment. The sight of my bedroom was even worse than the living room. It was a mess, and pillows were sliced open, more than likely with a knife.
“What the hell were they looking for?” I muttered, surveying the destruction. “And how did they get up here without being seen by the concierge?”
Oliver’s jaw tightened. “We’ll find out,” he said, his voice resolute. “This won’t go unanswered.”
Vlad was already on his phone, likely coordinating with additional security. Brenda started tidying up the living room, moving with efficient precision.
I sat on the edge of my bed, feeling the shredded pillows beneath me. The chaos around me was overwhelming, but Oliver’s presence was a steady anchor.
"This is why you can't stay here," Oliver said, his voice a mix of concern and frustration as he surveyed the wreckage.
"Obviously. I don’t want to stay here. Who would do this?" I demanded, my voice trembling with both fear and anger.
"Let the police figure that out." He turned to me, his eyes softening. "Do you have some things you want to take to the penthouse? You're not staying here until we catch this person."
"Then I might never come back. What about Sadie? I have to call her." I walked to her bedroom, pulling out my phone and dialing her number.
She answered on the second ring, the noise of my brother, Finley, evident in the background. "Hey, stranger."
"Someone ransacked our apartment," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Oh my God! When?" she yelled.
I exhaled loudly. "Today, sometime. I came here, and it was a mess. I called the police."
"What did they say? Was anything stolen? Are you all right?"
"Our apartment is a disaster. They sliced open pillows in my bedroom."
"Did you look in my room?"
I glanced around her room, which looked relatively untouched. "It’s not as bad as my room. Oliver doesn’t want me to stay here."
I hadn't told Sadie about the threat against me that Oliver had discovered. If I did, my whole family would know, and I didn’t want to worry them.
"I don’t want to stay there alone if someone broke in. I don’t feel comfortable."
"Maybe we should let this place go. You’re always with Finley, and I’m always at Oliver’s."
She sighed, and I heard her footsteps as she walked into another room. "I can’t ask Finley if I can move in."
"Sadie, bullshit. Put him on, and I’ll ask him. You can’t stay here alone."
I heard her footsteps as she walked back out, and hand the phone over to Finley. "What happened? Someone broke into your apartment?" he asked, his voice tense.
"It’s ransacked. The police took a report, and Oliver doesn’t want me to stay here."
"I don’t want Sadie staying there by herself," Finley said firmly.
"She can’t afford to stay in a hotel, and most of our friends live in Westchester or Long Island," I reasoned.
"Who said she should go to a hotel? She can stay with me."
"Thank you, Finley," I said, relief flooding through me.
"You don’t have to thank me. I think I love her," he said quietly.
"You’re saying that right in front of her?" I asked, surprised.
"She went to the bathroom."
"We should have dinner together sometime."
I missed my brother and I barely saw Sadie ever since I got involved with Oliver.
"That sounds good. The next two weeks are busy for me. I have a couple of deadlines I need to meet. After that, I might have some time."
"Sounds good. I’m happy for you. Put Sadie back on."
A moment later, Sadie came back on the line. "I heard. I guess I'm moving in with Finley," she said with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"Yes, you are. And I’m moving in with Oliver for now. We’ll figure out the rest later."
I spoke to Sadie at length while I sat on her bed. When I came out, my living room was straightened as well as the pictures on the walls. Vlad, Oliver and Brenda had put the shredded pillows in my bedroom in a garbage bag and fixed my dresser as well as my bed. I felt violated that someone would go through my things let alone a stranger. I wanted to get out of here as quick as possible.
“Are you okay?” Oliver asked.
“I just want to get out of here.”
“Let’s pack a suitcase. We can come back if you need anything further.”
Oliver helped me pack and when we walked out to the entry, he commented about the balloons that were now floating freely.
“Were these for me?”
I nodded. “Yes. It was supposed to be a surprise, now it’s ruined. I’m sorry.”
He stroked my hair. “Sweetheart, it’s not your fault. Let’s go home.”
Oliver carried my suitcase and Brenda helped me gather the bags and balloons while Vlad went to retrieve the car.
“Do you feel better?” Oliver asked softly, pulling me closer to him as we cuddled in his bed. It was barely 9:00 p.m. but the events of earlier in the evening took a toll on me. I wanted to tell Oliver about the man I saw when I came out of the store but I was hesitant.
I sat on the edge of the bed, my voice barely a whisper. "A little."
Oliver held me tighter. "You’re safe here. I won’t let anything happen to you."
I looked up at him, my eyes searching his face. "Oliver, where does Brenda live?"
"I got her an apartment in your building," he replied, his tone calm and reassuring.
"But why? I’m not there much."
"It’s a home base for when you are," he explained, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
It didn’t surprise me. Since we started dating, Oliver had become increasingly protective, and with the break-in, his concern had only intensified.
"I won’t be for a while, if ever," I admitted, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Does that mean you’re moving in with me?" Oliver asked, a hint of hope in his eyes.
"I want to, but I should talk to my parents first," I said, glancing away.
"Ryleigh, you’re an adult and we’re engaged," he reminded me, gently lifting my chin so our eyes met.
"Don’t you think it’s better if I discuss it rather than spring it on them? You wouldn’t understand because you’re older," I replied, trying to make him see my perspective.
"And I have no parents," he said softly, a shadow passing over his face.
"I wasn’t going to say that," I protested, but guilt twisted in my stomach.
"But you thought it, didn’t you?" Oliver's voice was steady, but I could see the hurt in his eyes.
He was right; I had. My parents' opinions mattered to me, but given the circumstances, moving in with Oliver felt like the best option.
"I didn’t, and I’m sorry if you thought I did. I want my parents to be proud of me," I said, my voice earnest.
"They are proud. How could they not be when you’re so wonderful?" Oliver replied, his eyes softening.
"You’re just saying that because you love me," I said, a small smile playing on my lips.
"You don’t think you’re wonderful?"
"It’s not for me to think. It’s for others to think," I said with a shrug.
"I’ve already got compliments from other employees at work about you," Oliver said, a note of pride in his voice.
"By a bunch of ass-kissing employees?" I retorted, raising an eyebrow.
"That’s ridiculous. Why would my employees compliment you? You think because I’m the boss they need to stroke my ego about my choice for a mentee?" Oliver asked, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice.
"And because one day I might help you run your company. I highly doubt they would want to get on my bad side," I replied, crossing my arms.
"You will help me run my company. I’d be more than willing to share the duties," he assured me.
"I want to discuss what happened between us before I got to my apartment," I said, my tone shifting to serious.
"I can’t teach you everything at once. I’m sorry if I upset you. The call didn’t concern anything we’ve dealt with so far," Oliver explained, his brow furrowing.
"But I want to know everything," I insisted.
"In due time. I haven’t even touched the tip of the iceberg with you. You’ve seen my real estate business, but I have so many more," Oliver said, his voice full of promise.
“I know about you Oliver. I’ve read about the areas your company is in. You have software, green energy, healthcare, you own a string of upscale bars, a beef farm and thousands of acres of property in the Midwest. And that’s only in this country.”
“I underestimated you.”
“I’m well versed in what’s under the Fox umbrella. Don’t treat me like I’m stupid.”
“I could never. You’re brilliant. It’s one of the many things about you I love.”
"So, you didn’t fall for me because of my beautiful face and hot body?" I teased, a playful glint in my eye.
Oliver chuckled, shaking his head. "Is that a joke? Of course I did. I was mesmerized as you approached me on stage. My mind was going in a thousand directions about how to score a date with you."
I snorted. "Are you serious? All you had to do was ask."
"I wanted to get to know you first," he said, his voice softening.
"Oliver, I was wondering, when did you love me?" I asked seriously.
"At first sight."
"Don’t be ridiculous."
He pressed a kiss to my neck. "I’m not. I saw you walking from your seat and my heart jumped in my chest."
"Then why didn’t you find me? Suppose we didn’t work in the same building?"
He kept his lips against my skin, nuzzling my ear. "I thought about it, but wouldn’t you consider that a bit creepy? I didn’t want to seem like a stalker."
"There was a man watching me when I came out of the lingerie store," I blurted out.
He withdrew and his soft expression changed instantly. He let me go and pulled me to my back so he could look at me directly. "When? Was Vlad with you?"
"It was only for a few seconds. He was staring at me."
"You’re not to go in stores by yourself from now on. Brenda will go with you."
"I don’t want to be babysat," I protested.
Oliver looked down at me with his brow furrowed. "It’s for your own good. I won’t risk some lunatic hurting you or worse."
"What about the threat you said was made against me?"
He shook his head. "It turned out to be nothing."
I pursed my lips. "Nothing or you won’t tell me the truth?"
"Nothing. Just some crackpot who saw your picture on the internet."
Oliver pulled me against his chest, and I almost knew he was lying to me.
"I’m tired," I yawned.
"Go to sleep then. I have a few things I need to take care of before I come to bed. Will you be all right by yourself?"
"I think so," I mumbled.
Oliver planted a tender kiss on my forehead, lingering for a moment before slipping out of bed. He was only wearing a pair of black silk pajama pants, and I couldn't help but admire the way his muscles rippled in his back as he walked out of the bedroom door. The sight was both comforting and disconcerting, a reminder of his strength and the intensity that lay beneath his calm exterior.
I turned onto my stomach, snuggling into my pillow. The warmth of his kiss lingered, lulling me into a sense of security as I drifted off to sleep.
But my sleep was anything but peaceful. My dreams were filled with vivid, unsettling images—shadows lurking in corners, whispered threats, and the sensation of being watched. I snapped awake, my heart racing, just a half hour later.
From down the hall, I heard Oliver’s voice raised in anger, just like I had in the hotel room the week before. The intensity of his tone sent a shiver down my spine. I strained to catch his words, but they were muffled, lost in the distance and the walls between us. His voice finally stopped, replaced by a loud bang as if he had thrown something against the wall.
Curiosity and concern gnawed at me, but I decided against interrupting him. Whatever battle he was fighting, it was one he needed to face alone. I took a deep breath, willing my racing heart to slow, and tried to push the disturbing thoughts from my mind. Turning onto my side, I pulled the covers tighter around me and forced my eyes closed, eventually succumbing to a restless sleep.
"Sweetheart, wake up," Oliver's voice was a gentle command, pulling me from the depths of my nightmare. My eyes fluttered open to see him leaning over me, his face etched with concern. My heart was pounding, my skin clammy with sweat.
“I’m… I’m sorry,” I stuttered, my voice shaky.
Oliver reached for the sheet and tenderly wiped my face. I started to cry, overwhelmed by the nightmare's lingering dread.
“Shh, it’s not your fault. I was expecting it after what happened yesterday,” he murmured, his touch soothing.
“Yesterday?” I glanced at the clock and saw it was 3 a.m. in the morning. “Shit, it’s your birthday.”
“Yes, it is,” he grinned, the light from the bathroom casting a soft glow over his face. He always left it on so I wouldn’t stumble if I got up.
“Happy birthday,” I whispered, leaning in to kiss his cheek. My lips trailed down to his neck, inhaling the lingering scent of his cologne.
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re the first one to wish it to me,” he replied, his voice a warm rumble in the quiet room.
“We should go back to sleep,” I suggested, though sleep was the last thing on my mind.
“I don’t want to go back to sleep,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Oh? What would you like to do?” he asked, a curious eyebrow raised.
“Something for you,” I said, a mischievous smile playing on my lips.
He raised his eyebrows, “Such as?”
“I want to suck you,” I said huskily.
“No. Go to sleep. You can do that tomorrow.”
“It is tomorrow. Why do you always deny me? I like to do it and you taste good,” I insisted, my hand slipping between us to touch him.
Oliver groaned, his body responding instantly. “Fuck, Ryleigh, you’re going to keep pushing me.”
“I want to do it. Lie on your back,” I commanded, the need to please him driving me.
He moved to his back, and I pushed the covers off us, releasing him from his pants. By the time I had him free, his penis was rock hard, and my mouth watered with anticipation. Oliver lifted his hips so I could pull his pants down further. I positioned myself between his legs, teasing his head with my tongue, swirling it around his thick crown.
I was rewarded with several beads of precum bubbling to the top. I lapped at it before taking him into my mouth, sliding down as far as I could go without choking. He moaned, his hands grasping at my hair, gathering it in a bunch which he held firmly.
"Ryleigh," he groaned, his voice thick with desire. The sound of his pleasure spurred me on, and I knew there was no place I'd rather be than right here, making him feel this way.
I sucked him hard, pulling on his hot flesh. I loved Oliver’s taste and knew when he was getting close to his release when he tugged too tightly at my hair. A few more hard sucks and a squeeze of his base had him exploding down my throat. When he released my hair and went slack, I cleaned him with my tongue before I moved up beside him.
“How was that?” I said with a grin.
“Jesus Christ, you’re going to be the death of me,” he panted out.
He kicked off his pants, discarding them on the floor before he sat up to pull the covers over us. Down below, my clit throbbed with desire but Oliver was already asleep when I snuggled against his chest. It would have to wait until we woke up for work.
“Come for me, Ryleigh,” Oliver commanded, his voice a husky whisper.
Two hours later, I awoke to the sensation of his lips trailing kisses across my body. His hand slipped into my white lace boy shorts, skillfully bringing me to a fast orgasm. Before I could catch my breath, he yanked my panties down and buried his tongue between my legs, paying me back for earlier in the morning.
Now, he had me on all fours, hammering into me with his long, hot cock. His fingers curled around my hips, and he rocked against my ass with a relentless rhythm. I was so close.
“Come on, baby, I can’t hold on much longer,” he urged, his voice strained with need.
I let out a howl as I began to come, my body convulsing with pleasure. Oliver pounded into me, his climax hitting hard as he spurted deep inside, filling me with his hot semen. I collapsed onto the bed, sliding off his still hard penis. The intense satisfaction made me wish we could stay home all day and make love.
“Want to shower with me?” he asked, his breath still heavy.
“I need time to recover,” I replied, my body trembling with aftershocks.
He crawled over me and pulled me against him, his warmth soothing. It was still early, and we could afford to doze for a little while longer.
“I have a gift for you,” I mumbled into the pillow.
“Your love is all I need,” he murmured, his voice soft and sincere.
“That might be true, but I still wanted to get you something,” I insisted.
I went to move, but he held me tightly, refusing to let go. “Oliver, let me go.”
“It can wait for a few minutes. I want to hold you,” he said, his voice filled with a quiet intensity.
I indulged him because it was his birthday. He kissed me several times before I tucked my head under his chin, our bodies entwined. The next time we woke, it was nearing 6:30 a.m.
“Shower with me,” Oliver mumbled.
I ran my fingers over his chest. “Can I make you breakfast?”
He stretched. “If you want to. It’s not necessary. I’d like some Eggs Benedict with a side of Canadian bacon.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Seriously? Pick something normal.”
“That is normal, I love it.”
I felt stupid. We’d been together for a few months and there was still so much we didn’t know about each other.
I bit my lip. “You never said anything.”
“You can make it for me tomorrow.”
“So, shower?” he asked.
“Will you behave?”
“It’s my birthday. Shouldn’t I be able to do whatever I want?”
“Is that a no?”
“Do you want me to behave?” he asked seductively.
I chuckled. “No.”