CHAPTER 7.

The morning sunlight slipped through the curtains, brushing Olivia's face. She turned away from it, pulling the covers above her head, trying to steal a few more minutes of quiet.

Then it hit her.

Taylor Walker.

Theo had done a good job getting her mind off everything last night, but that was how long it could last. She was swimming in the thoughts of what awaits her today. The entire week has been a roller coaster of events, and she needed a break.

The past three years that Olivia had spent trying to build her fashion empire, she had not, for one day, missed work for any reason and today seemed like the perfect day for her to rest in.

But she just couldn't help herself.

Olivia got up from her bed and went into the shower.

Steam curled around Olivia as the hot water hit her skin, washing away the stiffness in her shoulders. She closed her eyes, letting the water run over her face, trying not to think.

But her mind wouldn’t stop wandering.

Taylor Walker.

Alex.

The heaviness that settled in her chest whenever she thought about it.

She sighed, leaning her head against the cool tile.

Then her phone buzzed on the sink.

She turned off the water, stepping out, wrapping herself in a towel before checking it.

Theo

Get ready. I’m taking you out.

She stared at the message, blinking.

Taking me out?

She replied. Where?

He texted back.

Just get ready.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile pulling at her lips.

Fine.

She walked into her room, pulling open her closet. She didn’t know where he was taking her, but somehow, she felt like dressing up.

She pulled out a black backless halter neck silk dress. Simple, but elegant. She tied her hair up, leaving a few curls to fall loosely around her face.

A car horn sounded outside.

She glanced at herself in the mirror, taking a breath, then grabbed her bag and walked out.

Theo was leaning against his car, phone in hand. He looked up when he heard her heels on the pavement, and for a moment, he just stared.

“What?” she asked, adjusting her bag on her shoulder.

He shook his head, a small smile tugged on his lips. “Nothing.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“You look…nice.”

“Nice?” she teased, a small smirk forming.

He let out a low laugh. “You look beautiful.”

She looked away, trying not to smile too hard. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” He opened the passenger door for her.

She narrowed her eyes at him but slid in. “I hate surprises.”

“You would love this one.” He closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side.

The drive was quiet but comforting, too. Olivia stared out the window, the city moving around them while her mind stayed stuck.

After a few turns, Theo pulled into a small, clean parking lot. Olivia’s eyes moved to the sign in front of them.

A spa.

She turned to look at him, blinking. “A spa?”

“What, you thought I was taking you to dance class?” he teased, his eyes glancing down at her dress.

She looked down at the silk fabric, then back at him, letting out a small huff. “I had no clue.”

He smiled, opening her door. “You look beautiful, even if it’s a bit much for a spa.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile as she got out. “I had no idea where we were headed.”

Inside, the air was warm and smelled faintly of eucalyptus.

Theo checked them in, and they were handed robes and slippers before being led to the changing rooms.

Olivia glanced at Theo, who gave her a small nod. “Go on.”

She changed into the robe, tying the belt loosely around her waist, her hair falling around her shoulders, and stepped out to find Theo already waiting, dressed in his robe.

“Ready?”

She nodded, pulling her robe tighter.

They started with a foot soak, the warm water easing the weight and tension in her legs. Olivia leaned back in the chair, closing her eyes, letting herself breathe.

“Better?” Theo’s voice was quiet.

She didn't open her eyes. “Yeah,” she admitted.

They moved to the sauna next, Theo sat on the bench, and Olivia settled beside him, the warmth soaking into their skin.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

“What’s on your mind?” Theo said eventually, his voice low.

“Everything.” she whispered, her eyes still closed.

“You don’t have to think about it now.”

She let out a small breath, turning her head to look at him. “I wish it were that simple.”

His gaze was steady, grounding, and for some reason, it made it easier to stay still.

When she looked back, his eyes were on hers.

She didn’t look away.

He moved closer, the steam swirling around them, brushing a curl from her face and tucking it behind her ear, his fingertips grazing her skin.

Her breath caught, chest rising and falling as she met his eyes.

Slowly, he leaned in.

She didn’t move, didn’t even blink, her lips parting just slightly.

His lips brushed against her cheek, lingering for a minute before moving lower, pressing a gentle kiss to the side of her neck. She inhaled sharply, her eyes slightly shut as his breath grazed her skin.

Then he pulled back and stared into her.

And then he kissed her forehead, slowly, letting his lips rest there for a moment before moving down, pressing another kiss to the bridge of her nose, then just below her eye, then her cheek, each kiss soft, slow and gentle.

By the time he reached her lips, she was trembling, her hands gripping the edge of the bench beneath her.

The sharp beep of the timer cut through the tension.

Theo pulled back immediately, clearing his throat as he looked away, running his hand through his hair.

Olivia let out a shaky, slow breath, brushing a hand over her flushed cheeks, her heart still pounding in her chest.

“Well,” she said softly, “it's time to go.”

“Yeah,” he replied, his voice a bit lower.

She stood up carefully, adjusting the robe around her shoulders, her eyes flickering to him before quickly looking away.

Theo stood up, then exhaled. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” she nodded, tucking a curl behind her ear, forcing a small smile. “Fine.”

“Good.” He glanced at her again, then gave a small nod.

It was quiet for a moment, an awkward silence where they both avoided eye contact, the air still tensed after what had just happened.

Then Theo cleared his throat again, rolling his shoulders back. “Well, that was…needed.”

Olivia let out a small laugh, breaking the tension a little. “Yeah. It was.”

“Come on.” He gestured toward the exit, a playful glint appeared in his eyes. “Before they kick us out.”

She chuckled, following him out of the sauna, the cool air brushing against their flushed skin, grounding them both.

As they walked back toward the changing rooms, Olivia felt like the weight was lifted off her shoulder. But something still lingered in her mind.

WHAT THE F*CK JUST HAPPENED?!