Chapter 12
I thought I was dreaming when I felt my panties shred. I woke up to Oliver’s tongue on my clit and I shuddered. Dawn was just starting to leak in the windows and I could see silhouettes of the patio furniture out the sliding glass door in Oliver’s bedroom.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Giving you a happy birthday wake up.”
I wasn’t going to protest because my climax was hurtling so fast that I knew it would be less than a minute before I was shredding apart like my panties. I moaned, grabbing a handful of Oliver’s thick hair. I kept him against my cleft, making sure he wouldn’t bring me to the edge and back away. He kept circling my swollen bundle of nerves until I slipped under the surface, floated for half a minute and popped back up.
“Fuck,” I sighed, “that was so good that it hurt.”
“I’m glad I could be of service,” Oliver said as he wiped his face and moved alongside me.
He kissed me, his tongue thrusting in my mouth. I sucked it with the urge to suck something else. My hand wandered down his taut stomach to the waistband of his boxers, sliding in and encircling his rigid penis. I stroked him, getting more excited at the prospect of having him in my mouth.
“Easy,” he hissed.
“I want to suck you,” I demanded.
“It’s not my birthday,” he protested.
“You said I could do anything. Why does it surprise you that I like to suck you?”
“I’ve never been with many women that did.”
I couldn’t imagine why not. It wasn’t a turn off to me. It made me feel powerful to see him unraveling as I sucked him off.
“Oliver, I like to give you pleasure and I’m not turned off by anything that’s part of you.”
“You want me to submit?”
“Only if you want to.”
He rolled to his back, and I pushed the sheet off, throwing my shredded panties onto the floor. I let his shaft go and tugged at his boxers until he lifted his hips, removing them. I loved seeing him naked and when he was hard, it excited me to no end. I still couldn’t believe we were together.
He kept his mouth shut as I climbed in between his legs, caressing his balls with my fingers. He moaned and fixed his pillow, so his upper body was partially propped up. His stare was intense as I place my lips on his wide head and sucked the pooled bubble of precum into my mouth.
I fisted him, squeezing his base while still massaging his balls. He hissed when I took him deeper, gently thrusting his hips upward as I bobbed on him.
“I’m close,” he groaned.
I was shocked since Oliver had staying power. I hollowed my cheeks as I moved as low as I could go without choking. He was almost to the back of my throat when he made a feral moan, and I felt the first splash of ejaculate hit my tongue. I kept moving as he fuck my mouth, swallowing all he had to give. After he finished, I licked him clean and moved to his side.
“Christ, that was wonderful.”
“I wish you would let me do it more.”
“You amaze me. I’m never letting you go.”
He cuddled me in his arms and pulled the sheet over us. We fell back to sleep, waking to the vibrating of Oliver’s phone on the bedside table. He yawned and reached over to look at the screen.
“Your first surprise is in two hours.”
I smirked. “I thought your first surprise was sunrise oral.”
”Okay, your second surprise,” Oliver announced, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
”What is it?” I asked eagerly, already brimming with anticipation.
”We have to get a move on. Vlad will be here in an hour and a half,” Oliver replied, evading my question.
”Tell me what we”re doing, or I don”t move,” I insisted, crossing my arms defiantly.
”I can make you move,” Oliver teased, a smirk playing on his lips.
”I want to know,” I persisted, my curiosity getting the best of me.
”Do you know the meaning of a surprise?” Oliver countered, raising an eyebrow.
”I”m curious. Indulge me,” I pleaded, unable to contain my excitement.
”No. Now get in the shower,” Oliver commanded, his tone playful yet firm.
”I refuse unless you tell me,” I declared, digging my heels in.
Without further ado, Oliver swiftly climbed out of bed, effortlessly pulling the sheet off me. Scooping me up in his arms, he carried me into the bathroom, my protests fading into playful laughter.
Setting me down on the bench in the shower stall, he turned on the water, the warm cascade enveloping us both. Though I pouted for show, deep down, I was bubbling with excitement for the surprises that lay ahead. Today was shaping up to be an unforgettable adventure.
“Can I soap you?” He asked.
“Only if you fuck me first.”
“Demanding little vixen, aren’t you?”
“I’m the birthday girl. I should get what I want.”
He came to me, stood me up and pushed me against the steamed glass of the shower, gently biting my neck.
“Vampire,” I whispered.
“I love sucking things on you.”
Oliver spread my legs with his hands and pressed his cock through my slick folds. This was another position we hadn’t tried.
“Are you okay?” Oliver asked.
“Fuck me,” I whispered.
He wrapped his hand around my throat as we fucked, trailing kisses along my shoulder and the back of my neck. My hands were pressed against the thick glass. I was sandwiched between hot and cool. I reached back and dug my nails into his hip, wanting him to make me come.
He pulsed inside me as he backed away from the glass, taking me with him. Once he sat down on the long tiled bench, it was my time to do the work. I rode him, pressing my back to his chest until we had simultaneous orgasms.
“Marry me,” he whispered as he held me.
“Don’t ruin this,” I hissed.
“How am I ruining this?” He questioned.
I ground my teeth. “You’re pushing again.”
“I love you. I want you to be my wife. Is that such a bad thing?”
“No, but it’s too early. I’m committed to you.”
“But I want you to wear my name.”
As I contemplated the idea of being Mrs. Ryleigh Fox, I couldn”t help but wonder if I”d ever grow accustomed to Oliver”s wealth and the lifestyle it entailed. Would his long hours and frequent travel become too much for me to handle? Next week”s trip, the first time we”d be apart in weeks, loomed ahead as a test for our relationship.
”And I will. You have my promise,” I assured Oliver, trying to ignore the twinge of uncertainty in his voice.
”Why not soon?” Oliver pressed, his gaze searching mine.
”Why the rush? I”ve told you; things could fall apart if you find out something you don”t like about me,” I explained, hoping he”d understand.
”Like what?” he prodded, his brow furrowing with concern.
”I don”t know. Just...something,” I shrugged, unable to articulate my fears.
”I love everything about you, even the bad stuff,” he declared, his words stirring a warmth in my heart.
”What bad stuff?” I asked, genuinely curious.
”You whimper in your sleep,” he confessed, watching my reaction carefully.
”I do? Why didn”t you tell me?” My surprise was evident, prompting him to reassure me.
”It”s never led to anything serious, so I didn”t think it was a big deal,” he explained, feeling a pang of guilt for not discussing it sooner.
”Were you expecting it to?” I inquired.
”You mentioned screaming during nightmares,” he reminded me, taking my hand in his.
”I do. I don”t want to, but sometimes it happens,” I admitted, vulnerability seeping into my tone.
”I don”t care. I love every part of you,” he reassured me, guiding me towards the shower as we prepared for the day ahead.
As we washed and dried each other, the mystery of Oliver”s plans for the day lingered in the air. Opting for casual attire—a pair of jean shorts and a short blue t-shirt—I couldn”t help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension about what lay ahead.
”Is this all right?” I asked tentatively, seeking his approval.
”Fine,” Oliver replied, his tone betraying none of his hidden plans.
”Still no clue?” I inquired, a hint of frustration creeping into my voice.
”Nope. All I can say is you”ll love it,” Oliver teased, a twinkle of excitement dancing in his eyes.
”Says you,” I muttered under my breath, feeling a mix of anticipation and skepticism.
As I sat on the bed, watching the news, Oliver dressed in pressed olive-colored shorts and a tan polo shirt—making me feel somewhat underdressed in comparison.
”Should I change?” I asked self-consciously, suddenly aware of the disparity in our appearances.
”Wear whatever you want. This is a relaxed day,” Oliver reassured me, his easy confidence helping to quell my rising nerves.
”But you look nice—better than me,” I confessed, feeling a pang of insecurity.
”Nothing you wear could make you look bad,” Oliver insisted, planting a tender kiss on my forehead.
”We have a half hour. Want some coffee?” he suggested, diverting my attention.
”I”m hungry. I want breakfast,” I protested, my stomach grumbling impatiently.
”Be patient,” Oliver chided gently, though the twinkle in his eye betrayed his amusement.
”Oliver, where are you taking me?” I whined, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.
”You”re impossible. Let”s have coffee,” he deflected, leading the way to the kitchen where a small light blue gift bag and a stunning bouquet of red roses awaited me.
“For me?”
Oliver rolled his eyes and chuckled, “Of course. It’s not my birthday.”
I pulled the card out from the bag and read it. It was simple but to the point and contained a love poem by Lord Byron.
“It’s lovely. Thank you.”
He watched me as I removed the dark blue tissue paper. Inside the bag were two black velvet boxes, one larger than the other. I removed them and my heart began to pound because one was the size of a ring box. Oliver must have realized what I was thinking.
“No, one is not a ring.”
I inwardly breathed a sigh of relief that I wouldn’t have to ruin this day by saying no to his official marriage proposal. I know I already had in the shower, but I considered that a discussion rather than a proposal. I opened the larger box, finding a beautiful ruby tennis bracelet. In the smaller one were ruby earrings.
“These are gorgeous,” I gushed.
“Put them on.”
I took the teardrop diamond earrings out of my ears and put the ruby studs in. Oliver secured the bracelet on my wrist. His phone buzzed and he checked the screen.
“Vlad is downstairs. Time to go.”
“I didn’t have coffee,” I complained.
“Too late.”
He took me by the hand and led me to the door.
As we drove, I couldn”t contain my curiosity any longer, begging Oliver to reveal our destination. He pretended to ignore me until I dug my nails into the palm of his hand, eliciting a playful yet firm response.
”Be nice or I”ll give you a spanking,” he teased, his eyes dancing with mischief.
”That”s something we haven”t tried,” I quipped, a hint of excitement coloring my tone.
”This one will be for punishment,” Oliver warned, though I couldn”t help but tease back.
”I might like it,” I countered, a playful smirk tugging at my lips.
Oliver raised an eyebrow and chuckled before pulling me onto his lap, distracting me until we reached our destination. The orgasm he gifted me with his skilled fingers lightened my mood, leaving me breathless and eager for what lay ahead.
”Where are we?” I asked, taking in our surroundings as we arrived at the marina.
”The marina,” Oliver replied with a grin.
”Your boat?” I guessed, excitement bubbling within me.
”Yes. I told you I had one,” Oliver confirmed, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
”Where are we going?” I pressed, unable to contain my curiosity.
”For a little excursion,” Oliver replied cryptically, helping me out of the car as Vlad joined us.
I hoped Vlad wouldn”t intrude on our intimate time together. I longed to be alone with Oliver. What Oliver called a boat turned out to be a luxurious yacht, a breathtaking sight with its gleaming white exterior and sparkling windows.
”This is yours?” I asked in awe, unable to tear my eyes away from the magnificent vessel.
”It could be yours too if you would stop being stubborn,” Oliver teased, his words hinting at marriage again.
Ignoring his reference, I focused on the yacht”s beauty. Oliver led me onto the gangplank, where seven white-uniformed staff awaited us. Oliver introduced me to the captain, Jeffrey Conway, before leading me inside the yacht”s main salon.
The room exuded elegance with its polished wood, plush carpets, and light-colored furnishings. Oliver dismissed the stewardess, opting to give me a personal tour of the yacht. We explored the stainless-steel kitchen, the crew”s sleeping quarters, and the stunning dining area with its mahogany table.
Speechless at the yacht”s opulence, I followed Oliver outside to the deck, where a picturesque scene awaited us. A small eating area with a hot tub and dining table overlooked the ocean, inviting us to soak in the breathtaking views.
”Would you like to sit down? We”ll be eating soon,” Oliver offered, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
”We”re having breakfast here?” I marveled, unable to contain my delight.
”We”re having it in the middle of the ocean,” Oliver revealed, his words filling me with joy.
As Oliver sent a text and the engines roared to life, I couldn”t help but squeal with excitement. His thoughtful gesture filled me with happiness, and I couldn”t resist expressing my gratitude.
”You”re wonderful,” I whispered, my heart overflowing with love for the man who had orchestrated this unforgettable surprise.
“You’re happy?” Oliver asked, his gaze softening as he took in my expression.
“You’re wonderful,” I replied, my heart swelling with gratitude.
“Let’s sit. Breakfast is coming right up,” Oliver suggested, guiding me to the dining area as two white-uniformed stewardesses emerged with an array of breakfast delights.
As the stewardesses offered us coffee and took our breakfast orders, I couldn”t help but marvel at the luxurious setting.
“This is nice,” I murmured, a dreamy smile playing on my lips.
The yacht began to move, gliding gracefully out of the marina and into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The sun beamed down, warming my skin as I reveled in the sensation of the ocean breeze tousling my hair. Glancing at Oliver, I caught him watching me with a softness in his eyes.
“What?” I asked, turning to face him.
“You’re like a kid,” Oliver chuckled, his affectionate tone warming my heart.
“How so?” I inquired, curious about his observation.
“Full of wonder,” he explained, his gaze lingering on me.
“I’ve been on boats before but never one so large,” I admitted, a sense of awe washing over me.
“I rarely use it because I’m busy,” Oliver confessed, a hint of regret coloring his words.
“How many staterooms are on this boat?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
“Five besides the crew’s,” Oliver replied, his tone thoughtful.
“Do you have guests often?” I probed, sensing there was more to his story.
“I have, but it’s been a while,” Oliver admitted, his gaze drifting towards the horizon.
“Oliver, why do you bother having things with so many bedrooms if you never seem to use them?” I questioned.
“I might have a reason to use them now. Suppose we took a trip somewhere down the eastern seaboard? We could take some of your family with us. Finley and Sadie seem to be very cozy,” Oliver suggested, his eyes sparkling with possibility.
The idea of embarking on an adventure with Oliver and my loved ones filled me with excitement, and I couldn”t help but smile at the thought.
“I need to talk to them about that. I was totally unaware they were seeing each other. You would think they would’ve said something,” I mused, my thoughts drifting to Finley and Sadie.
“They make a nice couple,” Oliver remarked.
“I just hope she isn’t with him for his money. I would have to take his side and lose a best friend,” I confessed, my worries bubbling to the surface.
Our conversation was interrupted as the staff brought out our meal. I ordered a vegetable omelet with cheddar cheese, while Oliver opted for sunny side up eggs. Platters of crispy bacon and petite bagels, accompanied by an array of jellies, were placed before us, igniting my appetite. I requested some orange juice, watching as one stewardess went to fetch it while the other refilled Oliver’s coffee cup.
We savored our breakfast in leisure, basking in the tranquility of the ocean. Once we had finished, I retreated to the couch to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, Oliver joining me with a tender nuzzle.
“This is the life. I could get used to it,” I sighed contentedly, reveling in the moment.
“You can have it anytime you want if you grant me my request,” Oliver suggested, his gaze lingering on me expectantly.
“Oliver, I love you. Can’t I enjoy these things without the ring on my finger?” I countered, a flicker of resistance in my tone.
“You can, but you would make me very happy if you would wear it,” Oliver persisted, his eyes pleading.
“Suppose I said yes right now?” I teased.
“Then I would have the good captain turn this boat around and take you to my jeweler to pick out your engagement ring,” Oliver replied, his smile widening at the thought.
“I really do have you wrapped around my little finger,” I chuckled, feeling a surge of affection for him.
He smirked, his expression playful. “From the world congratulations.”
“Congratulations?” I echoed, confusion flickering across my features.
“When I handed you your diploma. I saw you in line but when I shook your hand, that was it. I wanted you,” Oliver confessed, his words filling me with warmth.
“Kiss me,” I whispered, unable to contain the rush of love that flooded my heart.
Oliver pressed his lips to mine, not moving them. He cradled my head and stroked the side of my breast with his fingers. I was growing heated by the time he pushed my mouth open with his tongue, softly moaning as he licked mine.
“You’re teasing me, Mr. Fox,” I chided playfully, a hint of anticipation in my voice.
“I can deliver. I haven’t shown you the staterooms yet. Would you like to see them?” Oliver suggested, his eyes twinkling.
“I’m afraid if I do, I won’t be able to enjoy this glorious day,” I confessed.
“How so?” Oliver inquired.
“You have a way of exhausting me,” I admitted with a playful grin.
“You’re all of twenty-three,” Oliver pointed out, his tone teasing.
“But you’re that good—and don’t give me that arrogant look,” I countered, feeling a blush creeping onto my cheeks.
Oliver smirked before he thumbed my nipple. I felt my face heat when I noticed one of the stewardesses was at the bar wiping the counter until I realized Oliver’s body hid what he was doing.
“Stop trying to seduce me,” I whispered, trying to maintain a semblance of composure.
“Just an hour,” Oliver pleaded, his eyes sparkling with desire.
“Ha, an hour turns into three and then the day is over for me because I want to sleep,” I teased, shaking my head.
“You lead. I promise to obey,” Oliver suggested, his voice laced with amusement.
“Since when has that ever worked? I get started, and you finish it,” I retorted, unable to suppress a giggle.
“It’s your fault for being so irresistible,” Oliver said, his grin widening.
“That’s right, blame me,” I quipped, unable to resist a playful jab.
He placed a wet kiss on my cheek before leaning back against the couch, closing his eyes as the breeze ruffled his hair. I reached over and traced his nose with my finger, feeling a rush of affection for this man who knew just how to make me smile. He sucked my finger into his mouth, gently biting the tip, and I couldn’t help but laugh at his playful antics.
”Do you have more to show me?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
”You want the rest of the tour?” Oliver replied.
”As long as you don’t get me into a compromising position,” I muttered.
”Like what?” Oliver inquired, his tone suggestive.
”Like on my back with my legs spread,” I quipped, unable to resist poking him.
”Fuck,” he hissed, his reaction catching me off guard.
”What?” I asked, puzzled by his sudden shift in demeanor.
”That got me hard. Stop talking about sex,” Oliver confessed, his cheeks flushing slightly.
I chuckled as he stood up and took my hand, leading me to explore the rest of the yacht. He showed me all the staterooms on the upper floor, each one more luxurious than the last. The master stateroom, in particular, caught my eye with its king-sized bed and plush gray carpet.
I couldn”t resist bouncing on the corner of the bed, earning a bemused look from Oliver.
”Let’s get out of here before we get into trouble,” Oliver suggested, a hint of playfulness in his voice.
”It’s your boat. How could we get in trouble?” I countered.
”You know what I mean. You want to enjoy the sunshine, then let’s go,” Oliver insisted, tugging gently on my hand to lead me back outside.
With a laugh, I followed him, feeling grateful for this carefree day on the ocean with the man I loved.
We spent all morning and early afternoon on the yacht, soaking in the sun and sea breeze until it docked back at the marina. Oliver behaved surprisingly well, leaving me wondering what other surprises he had in store for the rest of the day.
Vlad chauffeured us back to the penthouse where Oliver had lunch served on the patio. Despite the tempting spread, I didn”t have much of an appetite, still feeling full from breakfast.
”Are you serving me dinner too?” I asked, glancing at Oliver as I pushed my food around my plate.
”Do you want me to serve you dinner?” he countered.
”I’d rather have something light. I’m not very hungry,” I admitted, feeling a pang of guilt for not fully indulging in the birthday festivities.
”Light? Like what?” Oliver inquired, raising an eyebrow.
”A sandwich,” I replied, shrugging nonchalantly.
”That’s what you want for your birthday dinner?” Oliver seemed surprised.
”It’s fine. I don’t need anything special,” I reassured him, not wanting to make a fuss.
”I thought we would relax this evening,” Oliver suggested, his tone softening.
”What you did for me today was wonderful. I don’t need anything else,” I insisted, smiling gratefully at him.
”Want to take a nap?” Oliver suggested.
”How did you know?” I chuckled, feeling a yawn escape me.
”You look sleepy,” Oliver replied with a grin.
”I am a little,” I admitted, feeling the fatigue settling in.
Oliver scooped me up in his arms and carried me to his bedroom. As he opened the door, I let out a surprised squeal and jumped out of his arms. The entire room was filled with blue balloons of all shades, reminiscent of the balloon-filled surprises my parents had arranged for my eleventh birthday.
”Oh my God, this is awesome,” I exclaimed, my heart swelling with joy at the unexpected gesture.
There were so many balloons that they obscured the furniture in the room, creating a whimsical atmosphere that filled me with nostalgia. I hadn”t anticipated Oliver repeating such a cherished childhood memory, and I couldn”t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for his thoughtfulness.
“Do you like it?” he called.
“I love it.”
I pushed my way through the balloons, looking for him. This might have been a childish gesture, but it meant the world to me because Oliver was listening when I talked. I bumped into him at the center of the room and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“Thank you for this. Who did it?” I asked, admiring the sea of balloons that filled the room.
“My assistants,” Oliver replied with a grin.
“You owe them a bonus,” I teased.
“I’ll take it under advisement,” Oliver replied.
I hit balloons into the air, attempting to clear a path through the room. Opening the door, I let several balloons spill out into the hallway, and Oliver followed me as I kicked a few along the way.
“This is fun,” I remarked, feeling a surge of childlike excitement.
“I have a question,” Oliver said, his tone turning more serious.
“What?” I asked, turning to face him.
“How exactly did you dispose of all these?” he inquired, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
“We popped them. It was just as much fun as playing in them,” I admitted with a laugh.
We were like two little kids as we kicked and filled the hallway with balloons. Eventually, Oliver got me on the floor and covered my body with his own amid the rubber chaos. He made love to me passionately while we were surrounded by the blue latex, and I held onto him tightly as waves of pleasure washed over us.
“Don’t fall asleep,” Oliver whispered as we lay tangled together on the thick wool carpet.
“I’m tired,” I confessed, a yawn escaping me.
“We have to clean this up,” Oliver reminded me gently.
“Later,” I murmured, already feeling sleep beckoning me.
Ryleigh?” Oliver called out softly, but I was already drifting off into a peaceful slumber.
When I woke up, I found myself in Oliver’s bed. The room was no longer filled with balloons, and I was naked under the sheet. Calling out for Oliver, I waited as he appeared at the door a few seconds later, his presence comforting and familiar.
“Sleeping beauty awakens,” Oliver greeted me with a smile as I stirred from my slumber.
“Where did all the balloons go?” I asked, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and taking in the now-empty room.
“I cleaned them up,” Oliver replied, his voice carrying a hint of mischief.
“How? I didn’t hear any pops?” I questioned, puzzled by his method.
“You were passed out,” he chuckled.
“I’m sure I would’ve woken up if I heard popping,” I retorted with a smirk.
“I used scissors,” Oliver explained matter-of-factly.
“Wait, you cleaned everything up yourself?” I asked.
He crossed his arms. “You sound surprised. I’m self-sufficient when I need to be,” he replied, his tone laced with amusement.
“Lay with me,” I requested, feeling a sudden urge to snuggle up to him.
“I have something to finish up. Are you hungry?” Oliver inquired, changing the subject smoothly.
I shook my head. “No more.”
“Not even for cake?” he teased.
“You got me a cake?” I exclaimed, feeling a surge of excitement.
“Of course. You can’t have a birthday without cake,” Oliver replied with a grin.
“Maybe later. I need a shower,” I said, feeling the need to freshen up after my nap.
“Can I watch?” Oliver asked, waggling his eyebrows.
“Why don’t you join me?” I asked.
“I already took one,” Oliver said as a smile tugged at his lips.
“What exactly do you do when I’m sleeping? You cleaned up about two hundred balloons, did some work, and took a shower? How long was I asleep?” I questioned, curious about his activities in my absence.
“About three hours,” Oliver answered, his gaze softening as he looked at me.
“My birthday is almost over,” I remarked, feeling a twinge of sadness at the thought.
“Yes, it is. Did you enjoy it?” Oliver asked.
He sat down at the edge of the bed and I held my hand out for his, squeezing it as a silent gesture of gratitude. This man had changed my life in so many ways.
“It’s number one on the list of birthdays,” I replied with a smile, feeling truly grateful for the wonderful day Oliver had planned for me.
“I guess I have all year to figure out something to beat it,” Oliver mused, his mind already racing with ideas.
“I hope it will be more subdued,” I teased, though secretly intrigued by the prospect of another extravagant celebration.
“Nope. More extravagant. Maybe I’ll take you to Europe for the weekend,” Oliver proposed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
“That would be a lot of traveling,” I remarked, feeling a mixture of thrill and apprehension at the thought.
“I have two company jets, so we don’t need to worry about commercial flights. We could fly out Friday night and Sunday night to come home. One has a full bedroom. You could sleep on the plane and be into work on Monday morning as fresh as a daisy,” Oliver explained, his confidence in his plan evident.
“Don’t remind me about work,” I groaned, the thought of Monday morning already dampening my spirits.
“Still hating it?” Oliver asked, concern etched in his features.
“It’s not what I expected, and it’s only gotten slightly better,” I admitted, feeling the weight of dissatisfaction settle in my chest.
“You know the solution,” Oliver stated simply, his gaze steady on mine.
“I’m not sure if I want to work for you,” I confessed, my hesitation clear in my voice.
“Why?” Oliver asked.
“Because familiarity breeds contempt. We’re together almost every night and you want to be together all day too?” I explained, my concerns bubbling to the surface.
“I could never dislike you. I love you too much,” Oliver declared, his sincerity melting my resolve.
“I’ll think about it,” I relented, surprising both him and myself with my admission.
Oliver raised his eyebrows, clearly taken aback. “Really?”
“Yes. I’m getting close to the end of my rope. If things don’t change, I think I’ll look for a new job,” I affirmed, feeling a sense of liberation in my decision.
“You already have one if you want out,” Oliver reminded me, his offer still open.
“I heard the boss is a really pain in the ass at Fox,” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
“He is but not if you do him special favors,” Oliver said.
I raised my eyebrows. “I can’t believe you just said that. You know you can be sued for sexual harassment making those types of statements,” I scolded him, though unable to suppress my laughter.
“Then become my fiancée so I don’t end up scandalized,” Oliver suggested, his grin widening.
“All in due time Mr. Fox,” I replied, feeling a rush of warmth at the thought of our future together.
He grinned and pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me. In his embrace, I found solace, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.