Chapter 10: Lonely?

Oliver leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest as he studied Marius. “An art exhibition?” he repeated skeptically. “Since when do you care about art, Marius? Last I checked, your idea of culture involved neon lights and overpriced cocktails.” His eyes flickered towards Harper still standing in the doorway, taking in the way Marius’s presence seemed to put her slightly on edge. A protective instinct flared within him, though he kept it carefully hidden behind his usual gruff demeanor. “And what exactly is ‘interactive’ about this party?” Oliver pressed, his tone laced with suspicion. “Are we expected to paint each other’s faces or something?” Marius laughed dismissively, not picking up on the underlying tension in the room. “Something like that. Let’s just say it will be a sensual experience. One accompanied by attractive women,” Marius said suggestively.

Oliver’s icy blue eyes narrowed at Marius’s suggestive tone, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the arms of his chair. The mention of “Attractive women” sent a sharp pang of jealousy through him– a feeling he had not experienced in years. “Sensual experience?” he repeated coldly. “I am not interested in your cheap pickup attempts, Marius. I have real work to do.” His gaze flickered pointedly towards Harper, who was still hovering in the doorway. The implication was clear– he was not interested in anyone else’s company tonight. Marius either did not notice or chose to ignore the hint. “Oh, come one, Olie! Live a little. When was the last time you got out and had some fun? Your secretary here looks like she could use a night out too.” the casual way Marius referred to Harper as “Your secretary” grated on Oliver’s nerves. He stood abruptly. “I said no,” Oliver says clearly. Marius lifted his hands in defense. “Alright, alright. But one day you will regret over working this much and find you are lonely,” he warned and backed out of the office.

Oliver watched Marius retreat, his jaw still clenched tightly. The warning about loneliness hit a nerve he had been trying to ignore for years. He turned back to face the empty doorway where Harper had been standing, and he ran a hand through his wild black hair in frustration. “Lonely, that guy has no idea what he is talking about,” Oliver muttered to himself, the word tasting bitter on his tongue. But even as he said it, Oliver knew Marius was not entirely wrong. His entire life revolved around this office, around meetings and endless responsibilities. When was the last time he had done something just for himself? Something that did not involve spreadsheets or profit margins. His eyes fell on the closed drawer where Harper’s bra was hidden. The reminder of what he had almost had earlier sent a fresh wave of desire and frustration through him. Nine o’clock could not come soon enough.

Oliver’s gaze remained fixed on the closed drawer, his mind replaying the image of her seated on his desk, her auburn hair falling around her shoulders while he kissed her breasts. The memory was both infuriating and exhilarating– infuriating because it had been cut so short, exhilarating because it proved he was not as isolated as he had convinced himself. “Nine o’clock,” he murmured aloud, the words sounding more like a promise than a plan. He straightened his tie with deliberate movement, forcing his thoughts back to the present. Turning from the drawer, he returned his attention to the accounting report again. But instead of reading it, he simply held it in his hands while staring blankly at the wall. Every few seconds his icy blue eyes would drift toward the doorway where Harper had disappeared moments before. Five minutes before nine o’clock, Harper lightly knocks on Oliver’s office door and opens the door slowly.

Oliver’s head snapped up from his desk at the sound of her knock, his heart rate instantly increasing. For the past hour, every minute had crawled by agonizingly slowly as he waited for this moment. She stood in the doorway and said, “Is there something else you need before we go sir?” he stood up quickly, nearly knocking over his coffee mug in the process. The professional face he had managed to maintain throughout the afternoon evaporated instantly upon seeing her in the doorway. “There is definitely something else I need,” he said, his voice dropping to a husky register that held none of its usual CEO authority. He rounded the desk with purposeful strides, closing the distance between them until he was standing directly in front of her. His eyes drank in every detail– the way her auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders, the subtle curves outlined by whatever she wore underneath his jacket which she had apparently kept on all evening. “The car is waiting downstairs in the underground parking area,” he informed her unnecessarily, reaching out to brush a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Oh, I thought...” Harper said and hesitated. “I thought the car would pick me up at my place,” she whispered and looked down, a blush creeping up her cheeks. Oliver’s expression softened at her flustered admission, a rare smile touching his lips. The blush creeping up her neck was endearing, reminding him of how young and inexperienced she was compared to his own jaded world. “Of course not,” he said gently, his thumb brushing along her jawline. “I am not letting you walk home alone this late. Besides,” his voice lowered conspiratorially. “I would rather have you in my car where I can touch you without worrying.” He stepped closer, invading her personal space until the heat from his body radiated against hers. His free hand came to rest on the small of her back, guiding her out of the office and toward the elevators. “The driver knows to take the scenic route. Gives us more time before we get to my place.”

“Oh, so were going right now...” Harper said clearly a little nervous. Oliver’s smile widened at her nervousness, finding it utterly charming. He leaned down to press a quick kiss to her forehead, the gesture surprisingly tender for a man known for his cold demeanor. “Yes. There is no work more important that getting you out of this building and into my apartment,” he assured her firmly. “The company can survive one night without its CEO.” the elevator door dinged opened, revealing an empty cart. Oliver gestured for her to step inside first, following close behind and pressing the button for the underground parking garage. “Besides, I have been thinking about this all day. My patience has officially run out,” he added as the doors slid shut, trapping them in the confined space together.