Chapter 19

Valerie’s pov..

As I stepped into the house, my initial thoughts of murder vanished. The house was more than perfect, leaving me in awe. Despite the lack of personalization, it exuded a cozy atmosphere that made me long to live here. Imagining Oliver and me in this house together, hosting Sunday dinners with both our families, brought a worrisome look to my face.

Snapping back to reality, I took the last bite of the delicious Philly cheesesteak Oliver had prepared. "Dinner was tasty. I'm glad you didn't burn down our house," I teased, savoring the flavors.

"So, you've warmed up to the house then," he smiled, sipping his soda.

"What's yours is mine, baby." I winked, reaching for a cookie with generous amounts of peanut butter and chocolate. The heavenly taste melted on my tongue, reminding me of my love for cookies.

"What's mine is yours, baby," he murmured, taking a bite of the cookie as well.

"You outdid yourself, fiancé," I complimented, glancing at him and witnessing a smile forming on his lips.

"Should I rub your feet too? Give you the massage you mentioned in the interview?" he teased, causing me to rest my feet on his lap. Surprisingly, he didn't push them away but instead trailed his fingertips over my feet, providing a gentle massage.

"Oliver, okay, that's enough," I gasped as he rubbed circles in the middle of my feet. I pulled my feet away, and he smirked mischievously. "The pool looks so inviting. If you had told me, I would've brought some extra clothes," I admitted.

"The closets are stocked. I wouldn't dare give my wife an empty closet," Oliver mentioned, getting up to collect the empty dishes.

"Wife-to-be," I corrected him, noticing the grin on his face. "And why are you grinning like that?"

"No reason, wife-to-be. The clothes are in the master's room. Go get changed, and then we'll head into the pool. We have to test it out to make sure we like it," he informed me.

"I'll be right down," I told him, making my way to the master's room. As I entered the closet, I immediately understood why he hadn't shown it during the tour—it was immense. One side was filled mostly with his clothes, while the other side was dedicated to ladies' clothing. Most of the clothes still had tags on them, and I couldn't help but notice that they were much sexier than what I usually wore out in public at least. That's why he had been grinning. My fingertips glided over the clothes as I walked toward the end of the closet. Opening a drawer, I found bras and underwear—how did he know my size? It was a bit creepy.

In the next drawer, I discovered a collection of bathing suits, and to my surprise, they barely covered anything. Oliver wanted to tease me with these options. Well, he was in for a show. I selected a black bikini with multiple strings, struggling for a good five minutes to put it on. But when I stood in front of the mirror, it was all worth it. I even took the extra effort to style my hair to showcase the thin straps and open back of the bathing suit.

I descended the stairs, catching Oliver's attention. He stood there in nothing but a pair of snug swimming trunks, and my gaze couldn't help but linger on his chiseled torso. His green eyes locked onto mine, his focus shifting away from the phone call he had been on.

"I'll call you tomorrow," Oliver said, promptly ending the call.

"Everything good?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Just some work things. Come on then," he replied, his eyes never wavering from my figure as I walked past him, leading the way to the pool.

I let out a soft sigh as I dipped into the refreshing water. Its cool temperature eased my muscles, bringing a sense of relaxation. Turning around, I watched as Oliver joined me in the pool, his arm flexing as he ran his fingers through his hair. I swam to a spot where the tiled walls were slightly higher, allowing me to sit and unwind. The pool was perfect, and judging by the look on Oliver's face, he agreed.

"If this is how you'd dress for the pool, I would've taken you here sooner," Oliver finally broke the silence, his gaze shifting from the stars above to me.

"You know, once I win this thing and we divorce, you can keep all the clothes," I teased, adjusting one of the straps. How did this conversation turn in his favor?

"Do you truly think you'll get rid of me that easily?" Oliver's voice was laced with playful amusement as he moved closer.

"You'll get bored—" I began, but he interrupted.

"With you as my wife? I'd never get bored," he hummed, his arm brushing against mine, sending warmth through my skin beneath the cool water.

"I think you're forgetting this won't be a real marriage," I said, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Signing certificates seem pretty real to me, Valerie," Oliver teased, leaning in closer. I found myself reaching out, gently pushing a strand of hair away from his face.

"You know what I mean," I said, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Oh, you mean the times you've kissed me?" Oliver teased, his tone filled with mischief.

"I only kissed you once, and that was because I was drunk," I playfully splashed water in his direction. "What's your excuse?"

"I don't need any," Oliver replied, his hands sliding around my waist as he pulled me closer, making me straddle him in the water. I gasped as his fingers traced a slow path up my sides.

"And I don't need any, Valerie," he said, cupping my face and drawing me nearer until our lips were mere centimeters apart. Our eyes locked, and the tension between us grew stronger.

Without restraint, I ran my fingers through his soft hair, pulling him closer as our lips met. I could feel Oliver smirking against my mouth, one hand moving to the back of my neck as he deepened the kiss. Our lips moved in perfect harmony, igniting a passionate rhythm between us.

Lost in the moment, I hummed into the kiss, savoring every touch and reveling in the strength of Oliver's arms. As our connection intensified, desire surged through our veins like a symphony.

Oliver's lips tasted heavenly, and each touch sent waves of pleasure coursing through my body. His tongue swept over my bottom lip, seeking entrance, and I eagerly granted it. Moaning softly, I savored the sensation as he sucked on my tongue, my fingers tugging at his hair, guiding him deeper into the kiss.

We broke apart momentarily, both panting for air. But as our eyes met, I sensed Oliver leaning in for another kiss. Just as we were about to rekindle the passion, a loud thunderclap resonated, followed by a sudden downpour of rain.

"We should... get out now," I whispered, pressing my forehead against Oliver's and closing my eyes.

"Of course, come on," Oliver helped me out of the pool and led the way inside. We stopped by the door, and he handed me a towel before getting one for himself. As I looked at him, an urge to run my fingers through his hair tugged at me, and my body craved the warmth he provided. But I managed to resist any impulsive decisions and headed straight for a shower. Wrapping the towel around my body, I made my way to the closet.

"Valerie, it's raining too heavily. I don't think you should leave," Oliver called out from the other side of the door.

"If you want me to stay the night, just ask," I teased. I knew driving in this weather would be dangerous, and I had already planned on staying. But it was fun to tease him about it. I glanced at the sleepwear Oliver had bought for me and shook my head. Did he think I'd wear those flimsy dresses to bed? Not when he was around. Instead, I chose one of his sweaters from the other side of the closet and put it on. The moment my head emerged from the collar, I could smell his scent lingering on the fabric.

Leaving the closet, I found Oliver sitting on the bed, legs crossed, and engrossed in his phone. His eyes met mine, and a smile graced his lips. "Spend the night with me," he said, pulling back the covers to reveal the inviting bed.

"If you insist," I hummed, walking toward the bed and climbing in slowly. "No funny business, okay?" I warned, snuggling into the pillow and pulling the blanket over me. Before Oliver could respond, a loud thunderclap startled me, and I found myself moving closer to him.

"No funny business," he repeated, keeping his promise as he put away his phone and settled into bed beside me, his smile shining.

I kept tossing and turning, searching for a comfortable position while Oliver peacefully slept. The only time I felt truly at ease was when I had my arm and leg wrapped around him, my face nestled against his neck.

***

I was awakened by the sound of my alarm, and I quickly rolled over to turn it off. Frowning, I looked around, not expecting to find an empty bed. I sighed and proceeded to get ready for the day, choosing one of the more business-appropriate outfits from our closet.

When I reached the downstairs area, I noticed the table set with food, covered by a silver platter. I lifted the cover and discovered a decently warm breakfast waiting for me. As I saw a note nearby, I reached over to pick it up.

'Aren't you glad I didn't burn down the kitchen while making you breakfast? Had some work-related things to take care of. Your husband-to-be,' read the first note. There was a second one below. 'Also, cuddling and bear hugging when sleeping seems pretty real to me.'

Damn it, his notes made me feel giddy and happy. This was bad. All I could think about now was the sensation of his soft, warm lips moving against mine, his hands holding me securely, and how he allowed me to hold him so close throughout the night, lulling me to sleep with his intoxicating scent.

Okay, this was officially bad. I thought I might be falling for Oliver, but surely it was all part of his plan, and he wouldn't seduce me. I'd get you back, Oliver. You'd not be winning this — or my heart.