Chapter 17
Working with Oliver was exhausting. Each night, I returned home feeling drained, ready to collapse into bed. We often had dinner in his office while he sifted through reports, the glow of his monitors casting a soft light across the room. Financial news played silently in the background, a constant presence in our evenings.
As I sat with him, I couldn”t stifle a yawn. It was nearing 8 p.m., and fatigue weighed heavily on me. The previous night, despite multiple orgasms, sleep had eluded me. It seemed like Oliver was trying to make up for lost time, admitting that he hadn”t been with many women over the past year and a half, despite numerous opportunities. If only they knew what they had missed.
”Am I boring you?” Oliver asked, breaking the silence.
”I”m ready to drop. Are you ready to leave?” I replied, longing for the comfort of my own bed.
”I have a couple of things to check, and then we can go,” he said, his focus returning to his work.
”I want to pack when we get home,” I mentioned, feeling a sense of excitement at the thought of moving in with him.
”I love when you say that,” Oliver said, a smile tugging at his lips.
”Home?” I echoed, feeling a flutter of anticipation.
”Yes. I want you to live with me,” he confirmed, his voice soft and sincere.
”Soon. I”ll talk to Sadie this weekend,” I promised, already imagining our life together.
”Is your entire family traveling with us to Southampton?” Oliver asked, shifting the conversation.
”I think so, though I haven”t heard from Matthew. He has to find a babysitter for Blackie since I”m unavailable,” I explained, thinking of my brother”s beloved pet.
”Tell him to bring him,” Oliver suggested, surprising me.
I raised my eyebrows in disbelief. ”You with a dog?”
Oliver furrowed his brow. ”Why do you say it like that? I like dogs.”
”I know you do, but I didn’t think you would want one running around your house,” I admitted, intrigued by this new revelation.
”I had one when I was a boy, a German shepherd,” Oliver revealed, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
”What happened to her?” I asked, curious about his childhood pet.
”Like all dogs, she died. Daisy lived until she was twelve,” he said, a touch of sadness coloring his words.
”Do you have any pictures?” I inquired, eager to see this side of him.
”Somewhere in my drawer. I’ll show you sometime,” he promised, his eyes softening.
I yawned again, feeling the exhaustion wash over me, and absently lifted my skirt to scratch my thigh. Oliver”s gaze followed the movement, and I could sense his admiration.
”Don’t even think about it,” I warned playfully.
”About what? I can look at your legs,” he said innocently, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
”I have no problem with you looking at my legs, but I’m sure it’s not the only thing you’re thinking about,” I teased, feeling a surge of desire.
”Just your sexy legs,” he replied, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down my spine.
Oliver straightened the stack of papers he was looking through and stuck them into a folder, signaling the end of his work for the night.
“You’re done?” I asked, a sense of relief washing over me.
“Yes. Let’s go home. Vlad is waiting for us outside,” Oliver replied, a hint of anticipation in his voice.
“Thank God,” I mumbled under my breath as I stood up, feeling the exhaustion of the day weighing heavily on me.
“I heard that,” Oliver said with a playful smile.
“Taskmaster,” I teased, though a part of me was grateful for all that I was learning.
“You’re learning a lot, are you not?” he remarked, his tone proud.
“Yes,” I admitted, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
I watched as Oliver slipped on his graphite gray jacket and straightened his tie with practiced ease. He grabbed his briefcase, and I retrieved my purse before we headed for the elevator. Most of the offices were dark, the hum of the empty workspace echoing around us.
Vlad was waiting for us with the limo when we stepped outside. He held the door open, and Oliver gestured for me to slide inside first.
“Why does he have the limo? We don’t need it until tomorrow,” I asked, curious.
“Because I’m planning to fuck you on the way home. I can’t do that in the sedan,” Oliver replied, his voice low and seductive.
I was speechless at his boldness, but a surge of desire ignited within me at his words. Within moments, I was wet with anticipation, craving his touch.
He pulled me onto his lap as soon as we were settled inside the limo, and I could feel his erection pressing against me.
“You make it hard for me to concentrate,” he confessed, his fingers sliding under the panel of my panties. “You’re soaked.”
“I want you,” I admitted, my voice breathless with desire.
“And you shall have me,” he promised, his words sending a jolt of electricity through me.
I leaned in and pressed my lips against his, feeling the rough stubble of his chin against my skin. Straddling him, I let out a soft moan as he fingered me to a fast orgasm, my pleasure mingling with the taste of his lips.
Once I came down from my orgasm, he held my limp body in his arms, whispering sweet nothings into my ear.
“I love you so much, Ryleigh,” he murmured, his words sending a surge of warmth through me.
As soon as I had the strength, I moved back onto his knees and opened his belt. Oliver leaned back against the bench seat, his cock hard and ready as I stroked him with eager hands, lost in the intimacy of the moment.
“Not too much or I’ll come.”
“I want to ride you.”
He didn’t move, letting me do all the work as I pulled my panties aside and sank down on him. His shaft stretched me in the most delicious way. I moved over Oliver as he leaned back and watched me, his eyes glazed with ecstasy. Only when he grew close did he participate, shoving his hips upward as he began to spurt into me. I didn’t worry about my own orgasm because I knew he would take care of me.
Once he finished, I put my head against his shoulder while he rubbed my clit. I came with a loud cry against his neck. He gently lifted me off him and put me on the seat, removing a white handkerchief from the inside pocket of his jacket to wipe between my legs. It didn’t help much since my panties were soaked with his semen and my juices.
“We’ll shower together when we get upstairs.”
He tucked himself in and zipped up his pants as Vlad pulled up to Oliver’s building.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“Fine.”
I felt as I always did after we made love, lazy and boneless. I recovered as Oliver got ready to open the door.
“I much prefer baths,” I confessed, sinking deeper into the oversized tub with Oliver”s arms wrapped around me.
“I think I do too,” he agreed, his touch sending tingles down my spine as he caressed my breasts.
I let out a contented sigh, feeling utterly relaxed in his embrace. But as the clock neared 9:30 p.m., the pang of hunger interrupted our tranquility.
“I think I’ll go to bed without dinner. I’m not hungry,” I murmured, feeling the exhaustion of the day settling in.
“You should eat something. You expended a lot of energy,” Oliver insisted, concern lacing his voice.
“I know. You’re hard to resist,” I admitted with a smile, leaning back against his chest.
“Wait until you’re trapped in a plane with me for hours,” Oliver teased, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin.
“The mile-high club?” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
“No, the six-mile-high club. We can sleep in bed the entire trip,” he suggested, his tone playful.
“I’m not sure I want to do that,” I replied, hesitating.
“The bed is very comfortable. You’ll like it,” he reassured me, his lips brushing against my ear.
“It’s not that. I don’t want to be groggy when we arrive,” I explained, voicing my concern.
“Then I’ll make sure you don’t sleep,” Oliver said, his voice laced with determination.
“You’re insatiable. Aren’t men your age supposed to be on the decline sexually?” I teased, unable to resist poking fun at him.
“Maybe some men, but not me—I’m in my prime,” he retorted confidently, a smirk playing on his lips.
“I’m glad,” I replied sincerely, feeling a surge of affection for him.
“I bet you are,” he said, his tone suggestive, a twinkle in his eye as he looked at me.
Oliver moved my long hair to the side and kissed my neck, gently biting my shoulder.
“You want to get out? My fingers are getting pruny,” Oliver chuckled, breaking the tranquil silence of the bath.
“Yes, I want to go to bed,” I replied, feeling the exhaustion of the day creeping in.
“Are you sure you don’t want to eat?” he asked, concern etched in his voice.
“No,” I responded simply, my hunger forgotten in my desire for sleep.
“Do you mind if I have something? I’m starved,” he inquired, his stomach rumbling audibly.
“Go ahead. I’ll meet you in bed,” I assured him, already anticipating the warmth of the sheets.
“Naked, I hope,” he teased.
“I’ll be naked, but I doubt I’ll have the energy to do anything,” I admitted with a weary smile.
“I just want your warm body against mine,” he murmured.
With Oliver”s gentle prodding, I reluctantly got out of the bath, the warmth of the water replaced by the enveloping embrace of a thick white towel. He helped me dry my hair with the blow dryer before we both slipped under the sheets, exhaustion pulling us into its embrace.
I drifted in and out of consciousness, unaware of when Oliver joined me in bed. But when a bad dream jolted me awake, I found him curled around me, his presence a comforting anchor in the darkness. It’s what I remembered as I drifted back to sleep.
“Sweetheart, wake up,” Oliver”s voice cut through the haze of sleep.
My eyelids fluttered open to see him standing over me, his shirt clinging to his sweat-drenched body.
Was it morning already?
“Where did you go?” I asked, confused by his sudden disappearance.
“To work out on my treadmill. I was hoping you wouldn’t hear it,” he explained, a sheepish smile playing on his lips.
“I didn’t. I slept like a rock,” I admitted, feeling grateful for the uninterrupted rest.
“You need to get up and pack. We’re leaving at lunchtime,” Oliver informed me, his tone businesslike.
I frowned, surprised by the change in plans. “I thought we were leaving tonight.”
“We were, but I just got Finley’s confirmation. He’s leaving the office early,” Oliver explained.
“What about everyone else?” I asked, feeling a pang of anxiety.
“All confirmed, even Sadie. She’ll meet us at the limo,” he reassured me, his efficiency calming my nerves.
“You called everyone and set this up?” I asked, amazed by his organizational skills.
“It’s what I do,” he replied simply, shrugging off the praise.
With a swift movement, Oliver peeled off his sweat-soaked shirt, revealing his glistening, toned physique in the morning sunlight filtering through the windows. I couldn’t help but marvel at his beauty, feeling a surge of gratitude for having him in my life.
He leaned down to kiss me softly before disappearing into the bathroom for a shower, leaving me to drift back to sleep in the warmth of our bed.
“Ryleigh, you have to get up if you want to shower.”
I opened my eyes to find a droplet of water falling onto my forehead from Oliver’s shoulder.
“You like me dirty, so I won’t shower,” I remarked playfully.
“I do like you dirty, and that’s your choice,” he replied with a teasing smile.
“I took one last night anyway,” I said.
I watched him as he dropped his towel, unable to tear my eyes away from his sculpted behind. The memory of the pleasure I felt when I dug my nails into it flashed through my mind. Oliver emerged from the closet a few minutes later, dressed in tan slacks and a light blue oxford shirt without a tie.
“Casual? Are you feeling all right?” I teased, raising an eyebrow.
“I don’t have any meetings today, and we’re leaving at noon,” he explained, his tone relaxed.
“What will the other employees say?” I chided, unable to resist poking fun at his departure from the usual formal attire.
“I don’t really care,” he shrugged, dismissing the concern.
“Can I wear jeans?” I asked, seizing the opportunity to dress down.
“If you want,” he replied, his gaze lingering on me appreciatively.
“You should have casual Fridays. Did you ever consider it?” I asked.
“No. We have too many clients in and out of the building,” he explained, his practicality winning over my suggestion.
“So that’s a no?” I clarified, a hint of disappointment in my voice.
“It’s a no,” he confirmed, his tone final.
“I guess I’ll have to wait to make changes when I become Mrs. Fox,” I said.
“You’re going to be a pain in my ass, aren’t you?” he joked, a playful glint in his eyes.
“Yes. I’m warning you right now,” I replied with a grin, enjoying the banter.
“Maybe I should reconsider and make you my personal assistant,” he teased back, his tone light.
“That would be wasted talent. Who would take over for you when you’re indisposed?” I countered.
“If I’m indisposed, it’s more than likely because of you,” he quipped, his smirk widening.
I giggled at his response, feeling the warmth of his gaze as his eyes traveled over my naked body. He approached me, pressing his body against mine and cupping my ass in his hands.
“We’ll be late. It will have to wait until later,” he murmured, his voice husky with desire.
“Later will be around nighttime. I’m not sure I can wait that long,” I teased, my own desire matching his.
“Patience, Mr. Fox,” I reminded him.
I left Oliver salivating like a dog and closed the bathroom door on him while I got ready for work. With a mischievous grin, I passed on showering, opting instead to tie my hair back in a ponytail, wash my face, and brush my teeth. Just to tease him a little more, I emerged from the bathroom still naked, sauntering into the closet with deliberate nonchalance. The look of pleading on his face was priceless.
”Two can play this little game,” I declared.
”I’m not sure I know what you mean,” I replied innocently, pretending to focus on selecting a bra and panty set from the drawer.
”Don’t you? You’re teasing me,” Oliver insisted, leaning against the closet door with a smirk.
”I don’t think that’s what I’m doing,” I retorted, my own smirk matching his.
”Payback is a bitch,” he joked, his eyes twinkling.
I shivered at the memory of his teasing touches, the way he would bring me to the edge and make me beg for more. Those moments when I felt like I would combust from the intensity of my desire.
We quickly packed our suitcases in fifteen minutes flat before Vlad arrived to pick us up and transport us to the office. The playful banter and teasing glances continued throughout the morning, setting the tone for the day ahead.
I felt lazy as I worked on a few things in my office. Oliver had some phone calls to make before he left, and it wasn’t necessary for me to sit in his office for them. He came to get me just before noon. Vlad would be waiting for us with the limo. This morning, he transported us in the black sedan so the limo could be cleaned and stocked with ice and drinks for the ride to Southampton.
“Sweetheart, let’s go,” Oliver said as he poked his head into my office.
“Why did you call me sweetheart? You never did before,” I remarked, curious about the sudden endearment.
“Because that’s what you are. Do you prefer something else?”
“No, I like it,” I admitted with a smile.
He grinned. “Then stop giving me a hard time and let’s go.”
Vlad greeted us, opening the door so we could enter the limo. The dark interior smelled clean with a hint of coconut. I shuddered as I looked at the bench seat where we had made love the evening before.
“Are you chilly?” Oliver asked, noticing my reaction.
“No, just thinking,” I replied vaguely.
“About?” he prodded gently.
“Last night,” I admitted, feeling a flush creep up my cheeks.
I reached over and cupped his crotch. He quickly covered my hand with his own to stop me.
“We’re picking up your parents, Finley, and Sadie in fifteen minutes,” he reminded me.
“Then let me suck you. It won’t take that long,” I whispered, my tone suggestive.
“Ryleigh, stop talking like that,” he chided, though desire lingered in his voice.
“I’m just telling you what I want to do. Why is that so wrong?” I protested, pouting slightly.
“Because you’re making me hard,” he confessed, his breath catching slightly.
“Then let me suck you,” I persisted, my voice husky with desire.
“No. Behave,” he admonished, gently pulling my hand away.
I crossed my arms, pouting as I looked out the window. Oliver didn’t let me give him many blowjobs, even though I told him I enjoyed doing it. He preferred to give me pleasure.
“Don’t be angry. You can do what you want with me tonight,” he reassured me, sensing my disappointment.
“I’m not angry,” I muttered, relenting slightly.
“Then stop pouting. I want to enjoy the weekend with your family. This is a celebration. Now come here,” he urged, pulling me close.
I slid over to him, leaning into his embrace as he kissed the top of my head. Traffic wasn’t bad at this hour, and I hoped we could navigate the highway to Southampton with just as much ease. As we drove off, the anticipation of spending time with our loved ones filled me with warmth and excitement.
I was delighted to see everyone was ready and waiting when we arrived at Finley’s. Matthew would be picked up last with Blackie. Oliver and I got out of the car and exchanged greetings before Vlad began packing the trunk with suitcases. I left Oliver’s side to sit with Sadie while my parents and Finley engaged Oliver in conversation.
“How do you feel now that you’re engaged?” Sadie asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“Wonderful. I didn’t think this would happen so soon in my life,” I replied, feeling a rush of happiness.
“Well, when it’s right, it’s right,” she said with a warm smile.
“What’s going on with you and Finley?” I whispered, eager for some gossip.
“I really like him a lot. I wish we’d gotten together sooner,” Sadie confessed, her cheeks flushing slightly.
“So, it’s official?” I inquired, leaning in closer.
“Yes. We’re officially dating,” she confirmed, her voice filled with excitement.
“I have something to discuss with you,” I said, changing the subject.
“Uh oh. I’m not going to like it, am I?” Sadie teased, raising an eyebrow.
“Oliver asked me to move in with him,” I revealed, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation.
She frowned. “I can’t afford the rent on my own.”
“I would still pay my rent, and you would have the entire apartment to yourself,” I said.
“I’m not there that much. I’ve been spending time with Finley,” Sadie explained, a hint of excitement in her voice.
“Our poor apartment is abandoned,” I chuckled.
We chattered on until we stopped to pick up Matthew. He had Blackie in a brown soft sided carrier.
“Bring him here. I want to see my little chubby boy,” I exclaimed eagerly.
Matthew handed me the carrier, and I opened the top, taking Blackie into my arms. The Frenchie went wild, showering me with kisses and whines of joy. I cuddled him close, feeling a rush of affection for the adorable dog. Oliver smiled at me, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I could persuade him to get a dog of our own. After all, I had always dreamed of having one as a kid.
“Spoiling him already,” Matthew remarked with a grin as he watched me dote on Blackie.
“I love this baby. I want to take care of him for a weekend,” I replied, my heart melting at the sight of the adorable French Bulldog in my arms.
“I always take him with me. Everyone loves him,” Matthew shared proudly, his affection for Blackie evident in his voice.
“That’s because he’s such a sweet boy,” I cooed, scratching behind Blackie’s ears as he wagged his stumpy tail happily.
Blackie licked my hand affectionately, and I couldn’t help but shower him with kisses on his head.
“I’ve been replaced already?” Oliver’s playful voice interrupted, drawing my attention.
“No one could replace you,” I assured him, smiling warmly at Oliver.
“I hope not,” Oliver replied with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with affection.
“Are you getting up? Snacks are being served on the patio,” Oliver called out, interrupting my lounging on the bed in the master bedroom. The trip to Southampton had been smooth, thankfully devoid of much traffic that might have soured Oliver”s mood.
“I’m not sleeping,” I replied, stretching lazily across the king-size bed.
“Maybe I should take this opportunity while everyone is downstairs,” Oliver suggested, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“You have guests,” I reminded him.
“No, we have guests. This is your house too,” he countered, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Not yet.”
“As long as you wear any ring of mine on your finger, you own this house too,” he added. “Now get up before I strip you naked and fuck you senseless.”
“Promises, promises,” I teased back, though my heart raced at the thought.
Oliver took a step toward the bed, and I quickly scrambled off it. If he touched me now, we wouldn’t be joining my family for at least an hour.
“Hmm, I’m not sure if your actions are flattering,” Oliver mused.
“We have guests,” I repeated, trying to quell the electricity between us.
He took my hand, and we headed downstairs, both changed into our bathing suits. I wore my black bikini under a pair of pink shorts and a dark blue t-shirt. My family was already seated on the patio, enjoying the sunny weather under the large umbrella while waitstaff served drinks and snacks. I was relieved that Oliver had arranged for a caterer for the weekend—I was looking forward to some relaxation.
“About time,” Finley greeted us.
“We had to change,” I replied with a grin.
“I’ll bet,” he muttered under his breath, his eyes dancing with amusement.
I settled down next to Sadie and helped myself to some guacamole and homemade tortilla chips. Meanwhile, Oliver engaged in a conversation with Matthew about the financial markets, and I rolled my eyes at their typical banter.
“Want to go to the beach?” I asked Sadie, sensing her restlessness.
“Yes. Is it private?” she inquired eagerly.
“Yes, we won’t have to share with anyone,” I assured her, already eager to escape the chatter.
We wiped our mouths and pushed our chairs back in unison. Oliver paused his conversation to shoot me a questioning look.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“The beach,” I replied nonchalantly.
“Wait a few minutes. We can go together,” he said.
I chuckled, knowing how long his conversations could last. “You’ll be here talking for an hour.”
“Want to take Blackie?” Matthew asked. The dog, who’d been sitting at his feet, jumped up at his name.
“Does he like the water?”
My brother nodded. “Loves it. Get his leash. I left it on the counter inside.”
“Sweetheart, I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Oliver said.
I bent down to kiss Oliver’s cheek before I went inside to get Blackie’s leash. Snapping it on before Sadie and I headed down the long expanse of perfectly manicured lawn to the sand.
“This is the life,” she said as she stepped onto the warm sand.
I shivered. “I know. I can’t believe it’s mine.”
“You’re lucky.”
“It will happen for you, and you always can enjoy what we have. I plan on having some parties here when we marry.”
She sighed. “I want it permanently.”
I placed the towels I brought with me on the sand under an oversized blue umbrella Oliver had set up. Blackie sat next to me and put his face on his paws. We had to be careful with him because Frenchies didn’t handle the heat well.
“It will happen,” I said.
“I want it to happen with Finley.”
“You’ve only been dating a short time.”
“But we’ve been with each other before.”
I looked at Sadie as she tucked her long blonde hair behind her ears. What was she saying?
I frowned. “Huh?”
“I slept with Finley before,” she said sheepishly.
I was shocked that I was just finding this out now. “When?”
“Junior year and a few times after that.”
“I don’t understand.”
Sadie shrugged. “It just happened. Remember we met him in that bar with one of his friends? You didn’t feel well that night and went home early. One thing led to another, and I ended up in his bed.”
I clawed at my memory, trying to think of the time she was talking about. It came to me, and I remembered Sadie had walked in the door close to dawn.
“It was just sex?” I asked, hoping she would tell me it wasn’t.
She shook her head. “No. We saw each other for a few weeks.”
“Why the fuck didn’t you say anything?” I demanded.
“Finley wanted it that way and I promised not to say anything.”
“Why didn’t it work out?”
“Finley didn’t want to hurt me. He was working on his business and had so little time. He already canceled a couple of dinners with me. We mutually agreed to end it.”
“And now?”
She smiled dreamily. “When we went out to dinner together, it just clicked, and he has more time now to cultivate a relationship.”
“So, this isn’t new?”
“It’s a renewal. Come on, Ryleigh, your brother is fucking hot. He’s handsome and built.”
“And rich.”
She frowned. “Money is not my motivation. I really like Finley. I think I love him. I had a crush on him from the time we met during your freshman year. But I figured, what would a guy like him want with a silly little teenager. He used to flirt with me when he came to see you. I’m surprised you didn’t notice.”
Was I that blind and unaware that my brother and best friend had a thing for each other? I guess I was.
“I didn’t. Shit, what does that say about me?” I asked, feeling stupid.
“It says you were busy. Don’t sweat it.”
Blackie whimpered at my side, eager for a walk. I secured his leash and together with Sadie, we strolled towards the water. As soon as we arrived, I released him, and he dashed gleefully into the waves lapping at the shore. By the time the others caught up with us, Blackie was already drenched, his fur glistening in the sunlight.
Oliver shed his shirt, revealing the toned muscles underneath, and I couldn”t help but admire my stunning fiancé.
”I think I should take Blackie back to the house,” Matthew suggested.
”Probably. He”s been out in the heat long enough.” I handed Matthew the leash, and he took it, getting a bit wet as Blackie shook off his coat.
”You”re lucky I love your dog,” Matthew joked, earning a round of laughter as he carried Blackie back home.
My mother and Anders wasted no time stripping down to their bathing suits. Mom, at forty-seven, could easily pass for twenty-something with her toned body, elegantly filling out her green bikini. Anders, too, showed off his fit physique as he peeled off his white t-shirt.
They raced towards the water, my mother pausing for a moment before Anders dove in. He accused her of cheating, prompting her to laugh as he pulled her into his arms. It was heartwarming to see their bond still strong. Sadie and Finley joined them, while Oliver settled beside me on one of the colorful towels.
”What were you and Sadie chatting about?” Oliver inquired.
”Oh, nothing much. Just some girl time.”
”Well, I need some Ryleigh time,” he grinned, pulling me closer.
”Later, sex fiend. You act like we never have sex,” I teased.
”I should have let you suck me,” he retorted.
”I”m glad you”re suffering,” I replied with a smirk.
”You”re so cruel to me,” Oliver pretended to pout.
”Wait and see how cruel I can be tonight,” I countered playfully.
”I can hardly wait. Come swimming with me,” Oliver suggested, extending his hand.
”I”m not really in the mood,” I hesitated.
”Oh, come on. Let”s swim together,” he insisted.
I took his hand and stood up, letting him watch as I stripped off my clothes and adjusted my bikini bottoms.
”You look beautiful,” he complimented.
”Yeah, yeah. Flattery will get you everywhere,” I teased back.
”Even in your panties?” he asked with a mischievous grin.
”You know it will,” I replied, chuckling.
Our banter was interrupted by Anders and my mother emerging from the water. They claimed our spots on the towels, prompting Oliver and me to head towards the water. I dipped my feet in the surf, but Oliver urged me further in.
”I need to get used to the water. It”s cold,” I protested.
”Just hop in. Sadie and Finley are doing fine,” Oliver encouraged.
My brother was holding Sadie in his arms, spinning around with her. They looked happy together, and I silently hoped it was genuine. They both deserved happiness.
”No, I want to go in slowly,” I insisted.
Ignoring my protest, Oliver hoisted me over his shoulder and charged into the water until it was too deep, then dropped me in. I spluttered as I went under, then resurfaced, glaring at Oliver before swimming hard to catch up with him.
“I can’t believe you did that,” I yelled.
“Aww, baby got her hair wet,” he said as he splashed me.
“You idiot!” I screamed as my brother and Sadie watched us.
“But I’m your idiot.”
I snorted. “Unfortunately.”
“Take that back,” he growled.
I swam toward shore, but Oliver was faster, grabbing my ankle and pulling me against him.
“Take it back Ryleigh.” He sounded and looked so serious.
I scowled. “I was kidding. I love you, Oliver.”
Sometimes this powerful, successful man showed his vulnerable side, like now. I wondered what would happen if we ever broke up. Oliver needed me.
”I hope so. You mean the world to me. You are my world,” Oliver whispered tenderly.
”You have so much more than me,” I replied softly.
”But it would mean nothing without you. You have me wrapped around your finger,” Oliver insisted.
”I know. You already said that before,” I teased lightly.
”It”s true,” he affirmed, sealing his words with a deep kiss.
As Finley and Sadie swam towards the shore, we found ourselves in deeper waters, hidden from view. Oliver slipped his hand into my bottoms, skillfully finding my clit with his index finger and gently rubbing.
”You can”t do this here,” I whispered, trying to maintain some sense of propriety.
”I can, and I will. Just enjoy it. I love getting you off,” Oliver murmured, his breath hot against my skin.
”Why should I? You wouldn”t let me suck you when I wanted to,” I retorted.
”Shut up, Ryleigh,” he interrupted, silencing me with another kiss before redoubling his efforts to pleasure me.
I gasped, my body responding to his touch, and as I reached my peak, I moaned his name. When I opened my eyes, Oliver was grinning like a fool.
”Bastard,” I muttered, though there was a hint of affection in my tone.
”It was my pleasure,” he replied.
”Let me go,” I demanded, pushing him away playfully.
Just for good measure, I reached down and stroked his semi erection, causing him to hiss and swam away. He let me go this time and I walked out of the water with wobbly legs, plopping down on the towel next to my mother. Oliver stayed in the ocean, slicing his powerful arms through the waves as he swam the length of the jetty and back.
”Have you made any decisions about your wedding?” my mother inquired.
”No, we”ve only briefly discussed it,” I replied.
”Only briefly? I remember you used to dress up your dolls and plan their weddings when you were a girl. I would”ve thought you”d have a whole folder of ideas by now,” she teased.
”I just haven”t had much time. Oliver has been keeping me busy at work. We”ve been getting home late most nights this week,” I explained.
”Are you enjoying it more than your previous job at Blaze?” Anders asked.
”Yes, very much,” I confirmed.
As Anders continued the conversation with my mother, I grabbed a towel to dry my hair. A few minutes later, Oliver emerged from the water, looking every bit like a Greek god with droplets of water tracing the contours of his muscular body. He took the towel from me, drying himself off before planting a kiss on my lips.
When everyone else decided to head back to the house, Oliver leaned in close to whisper in my ear.
”It would be my pleasure to make love to you out here tonight,” he murmured.
”Are you crazy? What if someone from my family comes down here?” I whispered back.
”I was thinking of a midnight rendezvous. We could bring a bottle of wine,” he suggested.
”Maybe,” I replied cautiously.
”Are you suddenly shy? This coming from the woman who let me give her an orgasm in front of her family?” he joked.
I slapped his arm. ”That was different. They couldn”t see me in the water,” I defended.
”You were still in front of them,” he countered.
”I”ll think about it,” I conceded.
I tried to stifle a yawn but failed.
”Want to head back to the house? We can shower and take a nap before dinner. I asked them to serve at six.”
”Sounds good to me,” I agreed.
We gathered up the wet towels, closed the umbrella, and made our way up the sand towards the lawn.