Chapter 15
We pulled up to my parent’s white colonial with gray shutters just before noon, the familiar sight triggering a rush of memories. Each of us piled out of the car, carrying gifts and anticipation. My mother, true to form, had gone all out for Christmas.
As we greeted everyone, the atmosphere was festive, but I couldn’t shake the sense that something was off. Sadie’s parents wore smiles, but their eyes betrayed worry. My best friend had confided in me that Finley had stepped in to help them financially until Mark found a new job. It was a gesture of kindness, but it spoke volumes about their struggles. Her mother’s job as an office manager barely covered the bills.
Amidst the chatter and laughter, I excused myself, feeling a headache building behind my eyes. The room was suffocatingly loud, and I needed a moment of respite. As I stepped out of the bathroom, Oliver was waiting, a determined look in his eyes. Before I could protest, he pushed me back inside, locking the door behind him.
“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice a mix of surprise and amusement.
“You’re too sexy for me to ignore,” Oliver replied, his eyes smoldering with desire.
“You weren’t ignoring me. You were socializing, which surprises me,” I pointed out, raising an eyebrow.
“Why?” he asked, stepping closer, his gaze intense.
“Because you’re usually more subdued,” I said, feeling a flutter of anticipation in my chest.
“I’m trying. I want a family again,” he confessed, his voice low and vulnerable.
“You have one,” I reminded him, reaching up to brush his cheek with my fingertips.
He leaned in, pressing his mouth to mine, a soft sigh escaping him as he deepened the kiss. I melted into his embrace, my hands tangling in his hair as he cradled the back of my head.
“That familiar flutter began in my stomach and moved its way down.” I whispered, feeling the heat building between us.
“Stop. You’re getting me hot,” I murmured against his lips, my breath coming in shallow gasps.
“Good. Then I haven’t lost my edge,” he whispered back, his voice husky with desire.
“Seriously? You’re very sexy and mine,” I teased.
“I see the way Sadie’s brothers are looking at you,” he said, his sapphire eyes flashing with jealousy.
“They’re seventeen. You’re jealous of teenagers?” I laughed, shaking my head.
“I’m jealous of anyone who thinks they have your attention,” he confessed, his tone serious.
“They don’t. I’m not into teenagers,” I assured him, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Who are you into?” he asked, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper.
“Sexy titans of the world,” I replied with a smirk, running my fingers through his hair.
“Titans?” he repeated, raising an eyebrow in amusement.
“Do you not own everything?” I teased, tracing the outline of his jaw with my fingertip.
“Not quite,” Oliver replied, a hint of mystery in his tone.
“But close enough,” I said with a small smile, feeling a surge of affection for him.
I had seen much of the accounting for Fox Asset Corporation and its subsidiaries. I knew Oliver was a billionaire, but I never felt compelled to check where he fell in relation to his counterparts. He wasn’t the type to discuss his finances, but he would if I asked.
“If you say so,” I said, letting the topic drop for now.
"Oliver, do you think you can do something for Mark?" I asked, changing the subject.
“I’m not sure. What does he do?” Oliver inquired, his brow furrowing in thought.
“Talk to him. I’m sure you’ll find he’s quite knowledgeable. He’s a budget analyst,” I explained.
“Do you have any idea why he was laid off?” Oliver asked, concern flickering in his eyes.
“He worked for Colson Electronics. They were downsizing,” I replied, a hint of frustration creeping into my voice.
“I’m well aware of their financial issues. Poor management is the problem with that company,” Oliver commented, shaking his head.
“Do you think you can help?” I pressed, hopeful.
“Why Miss Stewart, if I didn’t know better I would think you were asking me to give your sister-in-law’s father a job,” Oliver teased, a twinkle in his eye.
“First off, she’ll be your sister-in-law too, and he would be like a father-in-law once removed, which means family,” I retorted, matching his playful tone.
Oliver chuckled, “You would spin it that way. No promises, but I’ll talk to him.”
“We better get back before everyone thinks we’re up to something in here,” I said, feeling a surge of warmth at his promise to help.
“I’d like to be,” Oliver whispered, his voice low and suggestive.
“What is with you lately?” I asked, raising an eyebrow in amusement.
“I enjoy your body,” Oliver replied, his gaze lingering on me.
“I think you more than enjoy it, you’re obsessed,” I said, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks.
“No, not obsessed. In love,” Oliver said softly, pressing a gentle kiss to my cheek.
We made our way back to the living room, where Oliver immediately engaged Mark in conversation. At first, the man was reluctant, but as Oliver asked probing questions, a discussion began to unfold.
Meanwhile, I headed to the kitchen to help, where I found my mother speaking in hushed tones to Kristen, who was sniffling and dabbing at her cheeks. Sensing their need for privacy, I quietly backed out of the room, not wanting to intrude.
“Who wants to play touch football?” Anders called out, his voice carrying through the house.
I groaned playfully. “Go play your Neanderthal sport.”
“Come on, Ryleigh, play with us,” Perry urged, his voice cheerful and inviting.
He, like his brothers, was tall, lean, and rangy, with a mop of sandy brown hair and light gray eyes. Despite being triplets, each had their own distinct personality, and I found Perry to be the most endearing. He was always full of fun and told the silliest jokes. Peter and Paul were more reserved. Sadie had told me they were battling for the valedictorian spot of their graduating class. Both had received early acceptance to several Ivy League schools with almost full scholarships, which I was sure was a relief for Kristen and Mark.
Sadie and I followed the men out to the backyard, where the grass had turned straw-colored from the onset of winter. I bundled my coat around my neck as we settled into folding chairs to watch them play.
“Why are we out here?” I asked, pulling my coat tighter around me against the chill.
“To watch them play some ridiculous game with an oblong ball,” Sadie replied with a smirk.
“At least they’re not tackling each other. I worry about Finley,” I remarked, my gaze flickering to where Oliver was joining the game.
“Oliver is older,” Sadie pointed out. “Do you worry that he’s so much older than you?”
“No. He’s healthy and takes care of himself,” I responded confidently.
“But when he’s fifty, you’ll still be in your thirties,” she said.
“Age doesn’t matter to me. I love Oliver.”
She shrugged. “I was just wondering.”
Sadie and I were chatting absentmindedly when a scream pierced the air. I looked up to see Oliver clutching his hand, his pinkie bent at an odd angle. My heart lurched, and I immediately jumped up and ran to him.
“Fuck!” Oliver growled through clenched teeth, his face contorted in pain.
Mark, who was a volunteer fireman, approached Oliver. “It’s dislocated. You have two choices. Let me put it back or sit in the hospital for four hours to have them do the same thing.”
“I think I can take my chances with you,” Oliver replied grimly, his jaw set in determination.
Tears welled in my eyes as Oliver braced himself, and Mark prepared to reset the finger. Unable to watch, both Sadie and I turned our backs, but the men around us were fascinated by the process. I winced as I heard Oliver grunt in pain as Mark completed the procedure.
With the game over, everyone retreated inside the house so Mark could splint Oliver’s finger to the one next to it, which happened to be his ring finger. It held the sapphire ring I had bought for his birthday a few months ago.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“I’m fine. It stings.”
“You should take your ring off.”
“Stop worrying about me,” he growled.
I contorted my face. It stung and my heart hurt that he wouldn’t let me show him the same type of care that he always showed me when I didn’t feel well. I walked ahead of him and slipped through the sliding glass door, hurrying upstairs to my old bedroom. He couldn’t pursue me since Mark was splinting his finger. I shut the door and looked around.
It had been a while since I stepped into this room, but my mother's meticulousness kept it unchanged. Everything was exactly as I remembered from the summer before my senior year. My queen-sized bed was neatly made, adorned with a powder blue comforter. Matching curtains adorned the windows, offering a glimpse into the backyard. Above my small desk hung a full collage of pictures, each one a cherished memory.
I went to the closet and retrieved a shoebox-sized plastic container. Inside lay stacks of pictures and mementos from my childhood. Seating myself on the royal blue carpet, I delved into the box, lost in memories.
A few minutes later, the door creaked open, and Oliver stood there. Ignoring his presence, I continued sorting through the box. He entered the room and closed the door, sitting down beside me. When he reached out, I recoiled.
“Don’t touch me,” I said sharply, my voice tinged with frustration.
“I’m sorry,” Oliver murmured, his expression contrite.
“Fuck you, Oliver. Why can’t I care for you? Why can’t I worry about you?” I demanded, my anger bubbling to the surface.
“That’s not your job. It’s mine to worry about you,” he replied softly, his eyes searching mine.
“Why? Because you’re so bulletproof that nothing can hurt you?” I retorted, my tone laced with bitterness.
“No. I don’t need you to upset yourself,” Oliver said gently, reaching out again.
“Tough. If you don’t like it, then don’t be with me. I can’t change the way I do things. I worry about you just like I do anyone I love,” I snapped, my voice cracking with emotion.
I picked up a pile of pictures, attempting to distract myself. Oliver tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, and I felt a flicker of annoyance. His chuckle grated on my nerves as I stumbled upon a Halloween picture from fourth grade, dressed in a pumpkin costume with a green hat and face paint.
“Look how adorable you are,” Oliver remarked, his voice filled with fondness.
“I looked ridiculous,” I replied, feeling a flush of embarrassment at the sight of my childhood costume.
“I want to have a little girl just like you were,” Oliver confessed, his eyes softening with emotion.
His words caught me off guard. We had discussed children before, but this was the first time he had expressed such a specific desire.
“You want a little girl?” I asked, feeling a flutter of excitement mingled with apprehension.
“One just like her mama,” he affirmed, his gaze unwavering.
“Suppose I have boys?” I queried, curiosity tingeing my voice.
“I’ll love them just as much,” he replied without hesitation, his sincerity evident. He sat down next to me.
Leaning over, he gently licked around the rim of my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
“Don’t be upset with me,” he whispered, his breath warm against my skin.
I reached out, gently taking the hand with the dislocated finger and kissed his palm. My heart twinged as I noticed he had removed his ring, placing it on his other hand.
“You took off your ring,” I observed, a pang of sadness creeping into my voice.
“Mark advised me to. He said I might have some swelling. This ring is precious to me because of who it’s from,” Oliver explained, his tone tender.
Resting my head on his shoulder, I felt his arm slip around me, drawing me closer. Despite our recent disagreement, I couldn’t help but crave his warmth and comfort.
“You hurt me,” I murmured, unable to suppress the hurt in my voice.
“I know. I feel like all I do lately is apologize to you,” Oliver admitted, his voice tinged with remorse.
“Then stop being an ass,” I replied, unable to resist a hint of teasing.
“I might be an ass, but I love you. Remember that when I stick my foot in my mouth,” Oliver said.
Before we could dwell on our conversation any further, we heard footsteps approaching. Matthew poked his head in the door, announcing that it was time for dinner.
“Time for dinner. What are you reliving your childhood?” Matthew teased, gesturing to the box I had next to me on the floor.
“A little,” I admitted with a smile.
“She was a creepy kid, Oliver. She liked to play with worms and spiders,” Matthew added, teasing me further.
“Shut up. I did not. I didn’t want to hurt them,” I protested, rolling my eyes.
“They were her friends. She used to keep the worms in a box with dirt in her room,” Matthew continued, his grin widening.
I grabbed a small pink rubber ball that had Hudson Brook Seniors written on it in black print and threw it at him. He ducked and I heard it bounce against the wall behind him. He chuckled as he walked way.
“My brother is an idiot. I was just fascinated with crawly things when I was a kid.”
“Are you still? Will I find you with a box of worms in our closet?” Oliver asked.
“No, of course not. The dirt would mess up my manicure.”
He gave a kiss to my temple. “Let’s head down for dinner. I’m starved.”
I fixed the items in the box and Oliver stood up to retrieve the ball from the hallway. After I put the box back into the closet, we went downstairs together.
Sadie and Finley managed to keep their secret until coffee and dessert were served. As Finley stood up to make a toast, he announced to everyone that Sadie was pregnant. Astonished looks were shared around the table, and those of us who were already in the know tried our best to feign surprise. Sadie’s parents didn’t appear thrilled, but they knew their daughter was an adult and ultimately couldn’t dictate her decisions.
Perhaps their concern stemmed from Mark and Kristen's situation. Mark and Kristen had tied the knot when Kristen was several months pregnant, much like my own parents.
Kristen, like my mother, was only twenty-one at the time, but my father, being older and well-established in his career, had provided a stable foundation. Sadie’s parents might have worried about Finley's fledgling company and the potential financial strain it could place on them.
Later in the evening, as I made my way to the bathroom, I overheard Sadie arguing with her mother in Anders’ study about her perceived poor decisions. My heart went out to my best friend, understanding the weight of familial expectations. While her mother was only expressing concern, she likely had no idea that Oliver's intervention had secured Finley's company with a fresh infusion of funds.
Returning to the living room, I found Oliver engaged in conversation with Mark while everyone else played with the dogs. I joined them, holding Trouble in my arms as he licked my hand affectionately. Gratitude swelled within me for Oliver's thoughtful gift of a puppy.
By the time we were ready to leave around 7 p.m., I was yawning, feeling the weight of the long day settling in. We still had presents to open, but exhaustion crept over me. Vlad arrived promptly to take us home, and thankfully, we had fewer items to transport back than we had brought. My mother had prepared an abundance of food, and we all departed with containers of leftovers.
As we were chauffeured home, I dozed against Oliver, feeling content and secure in his embrace. The effects of the hearty meal weighed heavily on everyone, inducing a sense of drowsiness. Despite feeling full long after dessert, Oliver pulled me onto his lap, peppering kisses along my neck as we headed home, cherishing the quiet intimacy of the moment.
“Still mad at me?” Oliver's voice broke through the quiet hum of the car.
“I’m over it. I don’t hold a grudge. You know that,” I replied, my tone softening.
“I offered Mark a job,” Oliver announced, his words sparking my full attention.
“You did?” I exclaimed, suddenly wide awake.
“He’s qualified, and we could use help with budgeting,” Oliver explained.
“Oliver, that’s the best Christmas gift you could ever give,” I said, feeling a swell of gratitude.
“Colson wasn’t paying him well. He’s worth twice what they gave him,” Oliver continued.
“Are you making up that difference?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
“I told him we can negotiate, but what I offer will be market. He was intrigued when I mentioned performance bonuses. He could triple his Colson salary just based on those,” Oliver revealed.
“When does he start?” I inquired, eager for the details.
“He’ll be at the office on Monday for a breakfast meeting. I want to introduce him to Tim Burrows in the Budget department. After that, he’ll head down to Human Resources to fill out paperwork,” Oliver explained, his voice tinged with satisfaction.
“You’re wonderful,” I said, unable to contain my admiration.
“He’s qualified. I couldn’t say no,” Oliver replied modestly.
“And he’s family,” I added, acknowledging the deeper significance.
“That’s beside the point. You’re just spreading the love,” Oliver remarked, a hint of playfulness in his voice.
“Contrary to my ruthless businessman persona, I’m anything but. You know that,” Oliver said, his tone softening.
“Yes, I do. I get to see your tender side,” I teased gently.
“Don’t spread that around,” he joked, though I could hear the affection in his voice.
“How’s your finger?” I asked, shifting the focus.
“It aches,” Oliver admitted.
“You should ice it,” I suggested, concerned for his well-being.
“When we get in. How’s Trouble?” Oliver inquired, redirecting the conversation.
Glancing into the carrier at my sleeping puppy, I smiled. “Sleeping. My mother wanted to give him turkey, but I told her no. He’s too young for that. If Blackie throws up tonight, I wouldn’t be surprised. He was given quite a few treats.”
Vlad pulled up to our building and double parked so he could help us inside with the packages, Trouble and leftovers my mother gave us. Before he left, Oliver reached into his coat and handed him a thick envelope, shaking the man’s hand before he got in the car. I questioned him in the elevator.
“What was that?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
“Bonus. I give cash,” Oliver replied, a smirk playing at his lips.
“How much?” I asked.
Oliver took the carrier with Trouble from me which I was thankful for since my arm was getting tired.
“A lot. Vlad works hard and he deserves it.”
“You won’t tell me how much?”
Oliver shook his head. “Does it matter? I give all my employees bonuses.”
I laughed. “Funny, I didn’t get one.”
He leaned in closer, his eyes glinting with amusement. “You need one?”
“Oh, so I’m special and get excluded.”
“You get me. Now stop fussing.”
Once we were in the penthouse, I switched on the tree lights and put out a training pad for Trouble. Oliver was right; Trouble was smart and knew what to do. After he finished, I cleaned up and put him in his bed where he promptly fell asleep. He had eaten puppy chow at my mother’s house, and I would feed him again later.
I found Oliver in the bedroom, changing. His muscular back came into view as he slipped on a t-shirt. I couldn't help but admire his physique.
“Do you want me to make you an ice pack?” I offered.
“I’d rather sit in bed and kiss you until you beg me to stop,” he said, his voice low and enticing.
“Can I change first?”
He smirked. “Sure. Skip the panties.”
I put my hands on my hips. “You said kiss.”
Oliver cleared his throat. “I might have other things in mind.”
“I’m sure you do.”
“Forgive me for wanting to touch my fiancée. What a horrible man I am.”
“You said it,” I teased, giggling as I headed to the closet. I changed into one of his white t-shirts and nothing else. It hung just below my ass.
Oliver was flipping channels when I returned. He held his arms open, inviting me onto his lap. I obliged, and he immediately dropped the remote, his hands and mouth claiming me. He gently licked my lips before pressing his tongue against them, seeking entry.
I was stubborn, making him work for it. He tickled my ribs, and when I laughed, he took the opportunity to thrust his tongue inside. Oliver kissed me deeply, his tongue probing and teasing until my core ached with need. He was intuitive, his hand roaming down my belly to the hem of my t-shirt. I spread my legs, giving him better access, and the pad of his finger skated over my clit.
I gasped into his mouth as he repeated the motion, again and again, until I was panting. Silently, I begged him to make me come. When he slipped two fingers inside me, I exploded instantly, clenching around him until my body went lax. My head lolled back against his arm as he claimed my neck, sucking at my pounding pulse before diving in for round two.
He was hard, like hot steel against my hip. I didn’t want his fingers; I wanted his cock. I protested when he started again, craving more.
“Let me do this,” he whispered.
“I need you.”
“After this. Come for me once more.”
Oliver was faster this time, slicking my swollen tissue with my juices as he rubbed in fast tight circles. I came within seconds as my body went rigid and I spiraled through my second orgasm.
“Your turn,” I said as I moved off his lap and clawed at the waistband of his black silk pajama pants. I couldn’t release him fast enough. I didn’t want him inside me, I wanted to suck him. I knelt in front of him to lick his thick crown
“Ryleigh, what are you doing?”
“Sucking you.”
“I thought you wanted something else.”
“That will be your second time.”
He smirked, leaned back and gave into my will. I took him deep, almost to the back of my throat and he let out a loud guttural moan as he shifted his hips. I bobbed hard on him and massaged his balls. I loved everything about Oliver, his scent, his taste, him. I heard his breathing pick up and I knew he was close when he gathered up my hair and held it from my face so he could watch what I was doing.
“Shit, shit,” he groaned as the first splash of cum hit the back of my throat. I kept moving; milking him dry before I cleaned him with my tongue then released him. He was leaning against the headboard with his eyes closed and a silly little grin on his face. I stroked his cheek with my knuckles and his eyes fluttered open.
“You’re special,” he said.
“So are you,” I whispered.
His gaze met mine. “I still can’t believe I found you.”
“You just needed to look.”
“I did look, for years. I almost turned down the graduation speech.”
“I’m glad you didn’t.”
“My heart would still be empty if I hadn’t found you.”
I moved beside him and placed my head against his chest. My heart would’ve been empty too if I hadn’t found him. He filled my soul and made me complete.