Chapter 22: Not here for Money

“Noted, healthy stuff, fruits, veggies… and nuts. Got it. I will make sure we are never short on snacks for my girlfriend.” He said with a nod. The word ‘girlfriend’ slipped out naturally this time, feeling less foreign on his tongue now that the reality of their relationship had settled in overnight. His hand moved from her jaw to brush through her auburn hair affectionately. Harper smiled brightly at his use of the word, ‘girlfriend’. “So, tell me more about these nut preferences,” he teased playfully. “Almonds? Cashews? Something exotic like pistachios or macadamia nuts?” Oliver asked curiously. “I don’t have a preference. Mostly it is whatever I can afford,” Harper said casually, turning to look at him. “This feels natural, like I have been here my whole life, it is a little weird…” she admitted softly.

Oliver’s expression softened completely at the vulnerability in her voice, his thumb brushing gently over her cheek. The fact that she felt comfortable enough to share her financial struggles with him spoke volumes about how quickly they both were adjusting to this new dynamic. “It is not weird,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “It is natural because we fit together. Like pieces that were always meant to click into place.” He set aside his own bowl of oatmeal and pulled her fully onto his lap, wrapping both arms securely around her waist. “I hate thinking about you worrying about money for stupid things like nuts. From now on, that is my job to take care of.” He pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder through the oversized fabric of his shirt. “You don’t have to afford anything ever again if you don’t want to. Your only job is to keep being yourself– smart, funny, gorgeous… and mine.”

Harper’s blue green eyes widened slightly at his words. What he said was terrible romantic and sweet, but she worried he would think she was a gold digger. “Oh, no. I don’t want you to think I am here because of the money or anything like that,” she explained nervously and sighed softly. Oliver’s arms tightened around her waist instantly, his expression turning serious as he searched her face. The idea of her thinking he believed such a thing sent a pang of irritation through him. “Hey, stop right there,” he commanded gently but firmly, tilting her chin up to meet his icy blue eyes. “Money has nothing to do with why I want you here. Nothing at all.” His thumb stroked along her jawline reassuringly. “Last night wasn’t about money or status of any of that bullshit. It was about me finally finding someone real– someone who sees past the CEO crap and just wants me.” His voice dropped lower, becoming more intense. “If I thought for one second you were using me for my back account, I would not be holding you like this right now. You would be gone.” He shifted her closer onto his lap until there was no space left between them.

“Good, because I am here for you,” Harper said seriously. “I don’t even know why I brought up the nut thing, I guess I just imagine sitting in the living room working on my laptop and snacking on nuts…” she added feeling slight awkward. Oliver’s entire body relaxes at her words, the tension leaving his shoulders as he pulled her into a firm hug. A genuine, relieved laugh escaped him as he buried his face in the crook of her neck. “Thank fuck,” he breathed out, his arms wrapped around her possessively. “Because sitting in the living room eating nuts while you work sounds like the best part of my life now.” He pulled back just enough to look into her bleu green eyes, his icy blue eyes shining with something resembling relief. “I have been picturing that exact scene since last night– you curled up on my couch with your laptop while I try to focus on paperwork but can’t stop watching you.” His hand moved to hold the back of her neck gently. “So, yes– nuts are officially part of our relationship requirements. Along with regular grocery shopping and maybe stealing my shirts whenever you want.”

Harper nods and relaxes in his arms. “That sounds lovely,” she says with a soft smile. Oliver’s entire demeanor shifted at her relaxed agreement, the last traces of sleepiness fading from his expression. A genuine, boyish grin spread across his face, making him look younger than his forty-three years. “Lovely is exactly the right word,” he confirmed, his arms tightening around her waist securely. “I have been imagining this– waking up with you in my bed, having breakfast together without checking our watches.” He leaned forward to press a soft kiss on her forehead, lingering there for a moment. “Maybe after we finished eating, we can actually test out that living room scenario. I can show you where everything is…” His hand began tracing idle patterns on her back through the over sized fabric of his back shirt. “And I promise not to stare to obviously when you are focused on your laptop. Probably.”

Harper laughs lightly. “Well, if I am to be less distracting, I should probably change into some proper clothes first. I hope you don’t mind I message my roommate and asked him to bring me some clothes,” she said casually and kissed him lightly. Oliver’s arms tightened around her instinctively at the mention of her roommate, a flicker of something possessive crossing his features before he caught himself. The casual way she spoke about it– as if this were already a normal part of her shared life– sent a strange mix of jealousy and satisfaction through him. “He is bringing you clothes?” he repeated, his voice slightly tighter than before. “Good. I was starting to think I would have to buy you a whole new wardrobe just to keep you here longer.” He leaned in to deepen the kiss she had started, his lips moving against her with more purpose now. One hand slid from her back up to her auburn hair, holding her in place while he explores her mouth thoroughly.