Olivia

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    Friday afternoon found us speeding along the Pacific Coast Highway, windows down and music ying. Alexander looked rxed behind the wheel, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel, the other asionally reaching over to squeeze my knee.

    “So, are you going to tell me more about this Malibu house?” I asked, watching the ocean glitter alongside the highway.

    “And ruin the surprise? Not a chance.” He grinned, sunsses hiding his eyes. “Just trust me.”

    “Thest time you said ‘trust me,‘ I ended up zip–lining across a canyon in the ind.”

    “And wasn’t it exhrating?”

    “Terrifying is the word I’d use.”

    Alexander’s phone buzzed with an iing call. He nced at the disy before silencing it. “Work can wait until Monday.”

    “Look at you, ignoring calls. Who are you and what have you done with my workaholic husband?”

    “I’m evolving,” he said with mock seriousness. “Bing a more bnced individual.”

    “Uh–huh.” I wasn’t convinced. “Let’s see how long thatsts.”

    “At least until Monday morning,” he promised. “This weekend is just for us.”

    The Malibu house, as Alexander had modestly called it, turned out to be a stunning oceanfront vi perched on the cliffs above a private beach. Modern architecture blended seamlessly with the naturalndscape, floor- to–ceiling windows capturing breathtaking views of the Pacific.

    “This is incredible,” I breathed as we stepped into the expansive living room. The space opened onto an infinity pool that seemed to merge with the ocean beyond.

    “d you approve,” Alexander said, looking pleased with himself. “Wait until you see the master suite.”

    He wasn’t kidding. The bedroom featured a king–sized bed facing the ocean, with a private terrace and an outdoor shower concealed by natural rock formations. The bathroom boasted a deep soaking tub positioned

    to catch the sunset,

    “This isn’t a house,” I said, running my hand along the smooth stone countertop. “It’s a resort.”

    “Only the best for Mrs. Carter,” Alexander replied, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

    “So, what’s the n?” I asked, leaning back against his chest. “Besides the obvious,”

    “I thought we’d enjoy the pool, have dinner on the terrace, maybe take a moonlight swim…” His hands slid up

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    to cup my breasts, thumbs brushing over my nipples through my shirt. “And yes, the obvious.”

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    “Sounds perfect,” I murmured, turning in his arms to face him. “But I think I’d like to explore the beach first.”

    Alexander looked momentarily disappointed but quickly recovered. “Your wish is mymand. Beach first, then pool.”

    We changed into swimwear and made our way down the private staircase to the beach below. The cove waspletely secluded, protected by natural rock formations that blocked it from neighboring properties.

    “How did you find this ce?” I asked, digging my toes into the warm sand.

    “A client mentioned it was avable for the weekend,” Alexander said, watching a seagull soar overhead. “I made a few calls.”

    “A few calls,” I repeated with augh. “Just like that.”

    “Being Alexander Carter has its advantages,” he said with a grin that was simultaneously infuriating and charming.

    “So I’ve noticed.” I started walking toward the water’s edge, feeling the cool spray against my legs. “Race you to that rock formation!”

    I took off running before he could respond,ughing as I heard him shout behind me. Despite my head start, Alexander caught up quickly, his longer stride eating up the distance between us. Just as I reached the outcropping of rocks, his arms wrapped around my waist, lifting me off my feet.

    “Cheater!” I gasped through myughter as he spun me around.

    “Says the woman who got ia /iten–second head start,” he countered, setting me down but keeping his arms around me.

    We stood there for a moment, catching our breath, the wavespping at our ankles. Alexander’s eyes were bright with something I couldn’t quite name, happiness, maybe, or something deeper.

    “What?” I asked, suddenly self–conscious under his intense gaze.

    “Nothing. Just thinking how beautiful you look right now.”

    Before I could respond, he pulled me into a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened, his hands sliding down to cup my bottom and pull me closer. I felt myself melting against him, my arms wrapping around his

    neck.

    “We should head back,” he murmured against my lips. “Before I’m tempted to take you right here on the

    beach.”

    “That would be scandalous,” I agreed, stepping back reluctantly. “Sand gets everywhere,”

    “Voice bof /bexperienceb?/bb” /bbhe /bteased, taking my hand as we started walking back.

    “Hardly. Justmon bsense/bb./bb” /b

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    Back at the vi, we spent the rest of the afternoon alternating between swimming in the infinity pool and lounging on the deck chairs with cocktails. By the time the sun began to set, I felt more rxed than I had in

    weeks.

    “Hungry?” Alexander asked, handing me a fresh towel as I emerged from the pool.

    “Starving,” I admitted, wrapping the towel around myself.

    “Good. Dinner should be ready.”

    “Dinner? Did you order something?”

    Alexander’s smile was enigmatic. “Something like that.”

    Inside, I discovered the dining room table had been set with elegant dishware, candles, and fresh flowers. A man in chef’s whites was putting the finishing touches on what appeared to be an borate meal.

    “Mrs. Carter,” the chef greeted me with a professional nod. “I hope you enjoy seafood. Mr. Carter requested a special menu for your weekend.”

    I turned to Alexander with wide eyes. “You hired a private chef?”

    “For tonight and tomorrow,” he confirmed. “I thought it would be nicer than restaurant reservations.”

    The meal was extraordinary: fresh lobster, perfectly seared scallops, and a chocte dessert that melted in my mouth. We ate on the terrace, watching the sunset paint the sky in spectacr shades of orange and pink.

    “This is amazing,” I said, taking a sip of the crisp white wine that paired perfectly with our meal. “Thank you for arranging it.”

    Alexander looked pleased. “You’ve been working hard. You deserve it.”

    “We both have,” I pointed out. “The Thompson ount has been consuming all my time, but I know you’ve been dealing with the acquisition.”

    “Don’t remind me,” he groaned. “The paperwork alone is killing me.”

    “Poor CEO,” I teased. “Having to sign your name on hundred–million–dor deals. Such hardship,”

    “Mock me all you want,” heughed, “but my hand actually cramped yesterday.”

    “Want me to kiss it better?” I offered, reaching for his hand across the table.

    His eyes darkened. “I can think of other ces I’d rather have your lips.”

    Heat bloomed in my cheeks. “Alexander! The chef might hear you.”

    “He’s gone,” Alexander said, nodding toward the now–empty kitchen. “Left after serving dessert. We’repletely alone.”

    “Oh.” I suddenly felt very aware of the thin fabric of my sundress, which I’d thrown on over my still–damp

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    bikini. “In that case…”

    …

    Alexander stood, extending his hand to me. “Shall we take that moonlight swim I mentioned?”