<b>When </b>I reluctantly opened my eyes, he was staring at me <b>with </b><b>an </b>unreadable expression.
“Please, say what you came here to say,” Alexander said and gestured for me to sit down on one of the blue patio chairs.
Even though my legs were trembling with nervous energy, I sat down and let out a long sigh. Then, I put my heart’on my sleeve for Alexander to see even though it scared the hell out of me.
“Listen, I know that the only reason that Ava and I were sessful this weekend, and even in the past, was because of your help from the sidelines. I know that you don’t want to take credit for it, but that just makes your help mean so much more to me because you don’t want me to feel like I owe you.” I paused and looked out at the bright city lights. “But I couldn’t ignore the help that you have given me anymore. I just… wanted to thank you.”
The whole time I was talking, Alexander stared at me, not betraying any emotion on his face. “And you thought that the way to thank me was with a bottle of wine?‘ he asked dryly.
My palms began to sweat. “Well, that’s just the start of it,” I exined quickly. “I know that it’s not enough, but I didn’t have anything else at my immediate disposal. I know that you’re a man who doesn’t want much, so all I can do is promise to work my ass off for you while we work together.”
I held my breath as I waited for his response.
*Olivia*
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Olivia, how could you thank <b>me </b><b>properly </b>for doing your job <b>Alexander </b>pointed out <b>and </b>crossed <b>his </b><b>arms</b>. “Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of the paycheck that I give you each week? Shouldn’t you <b>always </b>strive to be a good employee?”
As he stared unblinking at me, a hot blush spread like a forest <b>fire </b>through my body. Of course, why hadn’t I thought of that? Alexander always messed with my logic. I hadn’t gotten the image of him <b>dripping </b>wet and wrapped in a towel out of my mind. That picture was burned into my brain and definitely messed with my ability to think clearly.
All I could do was stare at him speechless, trying toe up with another way that I could repay him for all of the help that he had given me. But my mind was sluggish. It felt like someone had filled it with mush. My shoulders slumped, and I decided that the only thing I could do was be honest with him.
“I “I know that I owe you way more than I could ever repay you,<i>” </i>admitted in a soft voice. “But other than a bottle of wine and my promise to be a great employee, I don’t know what else I can give you.” Alexander leaned away from me and steepled his fingers together- something he always did when he was thinking. “There are always other ways that you can repay me.” He raised his eyebrows, and my stomach lurched. Was he implying that I repay him with my body? Before I could overthink things, Alexander continued. “But, there’s no need to repay me, Olivia. I didn’t help you because I wanted to be repaid. I didn’t even want you to be aware of my help. I did it because I saw that you were struggling, and I wanted to take some of the burden off of you. It’s as simple as that.”
His words made the pressure in my chest loosen slightly. “How are you so good at knowing exactly what I’m thinking?” I murmured.
Alexander’s face softened, and he put his warm hand on my thigh. I
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was wearing shorts, and his hot skin against my bare leg made <b>my </b>pulse quicken. “Please, Olivia. Stop trying to figure out ways to repay me. I’m more than satisfied with the knowledge that I helped you. Please believe me when I say that is more than enough for me.”
We were slowly leaning in toward each other, but we jumped away when the balcony door swung open, and Mike walked out with a tter full of freshly cut fruit and clotted cream. “Dessert,” he announced proudly.
Alexander and I mumbled thank you. Mike seemed to sense the tension between us and made a hasty exit, closing the door behind him.
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