“No, thanks,” Erica says, rising from her chair. “I should get going.”
Fred stands up, too. “Let me walk you out,” he offers. “I have a lot to do today. I should get going as well.”
Erica smiles politely, her cheeks flushing a light shade of pink. “Thanks for the offer.”
“Anytime,” he breathes. “See you later, everyone. Oliver, keep your phone close just in case we get another call about Jas–” Fred starts, but Oliver shoots him a look. Immediately, Fred clears his throat. “I mean, to get our mind off the Bethany Hotel deal.”
Oliver gives him a thumbs up as the two of them start for the living room.
After they’ve gone, we head into the kitchen just as Alice finishes up her pancakes. She gets up and puts her plate in the sink.
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” Oliver says, wiping up any crumbs that are left on the table.
Alice suddenly glances up at the clock and gasps dramatically. “It’s almost time for my favorite cartoon show to start.” She turns to Oliver with pleading eyes. “Can I be excused?Please?”
Oliver laughs softly and nods his head. “You can go ahead, Alice,” he tells her kindly before looking over at me with a smirk on his face.
“Is everything all right with work?”
Oliver’s face darkens for a moment before he forces a smile. “Just some complications with the deal, but I’m working on it,” he says, avoiding eye contact.
I can sense that he’s not telling me everything, but I don’t push it any further. Instead, I grab a dish towel and start on the dishes while Oliver finishes wiping down the table. “Does that mean the deal isn’t completely off the table?”
“I don’t think so.” He peers up at me. “Why do you ask?”
I pause for a moment, considering my response. “Just wanted to make sure you’re okay,” I say finally, hoping it doesn’t come across as too random. “You seem a little stressed.”
Oliver nods, still not meeting my gaze. “I am,” he admits quietly, his tone serious. “But it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
I nod, not wanting to push the topic any further. We finish cleaning up in silence, and once we’re done, Oliver turns to me with a small smile.
“So, what are your plans for today?” he asks.
My cheeks flush as I remember his words from last night. Taking a deep breath, I nervously bring up the topic. “I was wondering if your offer was still on the table,” I blurt out, my eyes wide with anticipation. “About giving me lessons.”
Oliver’s face shifts, clearly taken aback by my sudden request. For a moment he stands there motionless, then he walks closer to me. His voice is gentle when he speaks. “Is that what you want?”
I can feel my heart pounding against my chest, but I nod in agreement.
Oliver smiles softly before reaching out and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Why don’t we try tonight after Alice goes to bed? We can have our first lesson then.”
My heart flutters at his words. Finally, I’m able to take a deep breath and answer him. “That sounds great,” I say, a smile slowly spreading across my face.
“All right then, let’s do it,” he says, his voice strong and tantalizing.
My response seems to settle something in him, his smile mirroring my own. As we part ways, the anticipation sits heavily in my chest, a mix of excitement and the unknown.
Throughout the day, I find myself drifting off, my mind circling back to Oliver. The work I’m doing feels automatic, as I’m consumed by thoughts of the evening ahead. The moments with him replay in my mind—his smile, the intensity of his gaze, and the undeniable connection that pulls at me, drawing me in.
With each passing minute, the air feels more electric, the tingling anticipation a constant reminder of the unresolved tension between us. The questions whirl around in my head, possibilities and doubts mingling, creating an intoxicating cocktail of nervous excitement.
Chapter 14
Oliver
“JasonHallisinvestinghowmuch?” I groan, my fists clenching around my pen as I stare at the documents Jamie has just handed me. “That asshole is trying to get back at me after yesterday,” I mutter to myself.
