Chapter 32: Back to Business

“I have a feeling our baths are going to become a regular thing,” Oliver continued, pressing a soft kiss to her shoulder blade. “Maybe even and after-work ritual. To help us unwind properly.” He shifted slightly, settling Harper more comfortably against him in the tub. “After-work,” she repeated and took a deep breath. “That is probably for the best or we will constantly be late for work. We might already be late for work,” she said softly, her voice lacking urgency and she cupped his cheek gently. Oliver’s expression softened at her reminder, a wry smile tugging at his lips despite the obvious desire still simmering between them. He leaned into her touch, rubbing his cheek against her palm like a cat seeking affection. “We probably should get dressed and head to work soon,” he agreed reluctantly, though neither of them made any real move to leave the comfort of the tub. “But I am not sure I am ready to let you go just yet.” His arms tightened possessively around her waist underwater, holding her captive on his lap. The water around them had cooled slightly but still provided a warm barrier from the rest of the world waiting outside this steamy sanctuary. “What time is it anyway?” he asked idly, making no effort to check his watch which was likely still sitting on the counter. Right now, time felt irrelevant compared to this stolen moment together.

“I don’t know,” Harper said with a light laugh. She looks deep into his icy blue eyes then leans forward to kiss him. Oliver met her kiss eagerly, his lips parting instantly to deepen the connection. One hand moving from her waist to tangle in her damp auburn hair while the other slid down to cup her ass underwater, pulling her flush against him. The water around them sloshed as he shifted positions slightly, positioning her more comfortable on his lap. “I don’t want to stop,” he murmured against her lips between kisses. “I could stay here with you all day and forget about work entirely.” His hands roamed possessively over her wet skin, memorizing every curve and contour of her body now that he had permission to touch freely. The initial urgency had faded into something slower and more intimate, exploring rather than chasing release.

“Don’t temp me mister,” Harper said with a playful sternness. “We will have plenty more moments like this in the future, right now we have to get ready for work.” Oliver let out a low chuckle, his arm still wrapped securely around her waist as he rested his forehead against hers. “Alright, alright. I surrender. You are too responsible for your own good.” He reluctantly began to move, his hands sliding from her skin with obvious reluctance. The water around them sloshed as he stood up slowly, giving her space to follow suit. “Fine, but I am holding you to that promise,” he said with a smirk, grabbing a beige towel from the rack nearby. “This is not over just because we have to go back to being professional.” He started drying himself off while keeping his gaze locked on her appreciatively. “And for the record, I am already planning our next ‘after-work’ activity. Dinner at my place tomorrow night. No work talk allowed.” Oliver wrapped the beige towel around his hips and extended a light blue towel toward her.

Harper rinses the soap still on her body off with a bit of cooled water, then she stood up and took the light blue towel from Oliver. “Thank you,” she said softly and stepped out of the tub. “I think I can squeeze you in for tomorrow night,” she said with a bright smile, and she started drying herself off. Oliver’s face lit up at her acceptance, a genuine smile spreading across his features that made the tired lines around his icy blue eyes seem to disappear. He leaned against the counter while she dried off, watching her movement with open admiration. “Perfect,” he said, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction. “I will have dinner waiting when we get off work. No need to bring anything, just yourself.” The steam from the bathroom had begun to dissipate, revealing the clean lines of his muscular frame in the overhead lighting. “I should probably get dressed before I actually start planning what to cook,” he added with a soft laugh. “I am not much of a chef, but I make a decent steak. And maybe some wine? Or would you prefer something else?” his icy blue eyes followed her every move as she wrapped the light blue towel around herself, clearly enjoying the view despite trying to focus on practicalities.

“I don’t drink much, maybe some fruit juice instead,” Harper said softly and walked past him into his bedroom. Oliver went over to his charcoal painted wardrobe, opening the middle door and looking at the hanging garments inside. Oliver nodded in agreement, his gaze following her figure as she walked out of the bathroom and into his bedroom. “Fruit juice it is then. I think I have some orange juice in the fridge, or maybe some apple juice. Whatever you prefer.” He turned back to his wardrobe, selecting a crisp white shirt and dark trousers, both on hangers, for the day ahead. The sound of drawers opening and closing filled the brief silence between them as he prepared to dress. “I will go change in the guest room really quick,” she said softly. “I will get dressed quickly and then meet you in the living room,” Oliver called out toward the bedroom doorway. “Take your time changing though. There is no rush.” A small smile played on his lips as he imagined what it would be like having dinner together tomorrow night just the two of them.

Harper walks into the living room and grabs the light blue sports bag on the floor. Then she goes into the guest room and changes into a dark red professional outfit. Oliver emerged from the bedroom just as she stepped back into the living room, and his movements faltered mid-step. His icy blue eyes widened almost imperceptibly as they scanned over her professional attire, taking in the way the dark red fabric hugged her curves and accentuated her figure.