Chapter 56: Cardio

“Which floor are we climbing to? Better hope it’s not the fifth floor or I might have to carry you up there.” His tone was teasing but his grip on her waist indicated he wouldn’t hesitate to follow through on the threat if needed. “The third floor,” Harper said with a soft smile. “And there is no need to carry me. I am very fit considering I have been going up and down these stairs for six months now.” Oliver’s eyebrows shot up in impressed surprise. “Third floor and you have been doing this for six months? Damn, I am starting to think my gym membership is useless compared to your natural stamina.” His hand squeezed her hip approvingly as they started up the first flight of stairs. the sound of their footsteps echoed in the stairwell, creating a sense of privacy despite being in a public building. “Good to know you are not one of those girls who expects me to sweep her off her feet literally,” he added with a dry chuckle. “Though I wouldn’t complain about having an excuse to hold you closer.” By the time they reached the second landing, Oliver was breathing slightly heavier than her, a faint sheen of sweat visible on his brow. He paused to adjust his tie casually. “Maybe I should invest in this building’s gym facilities if they produce results like yours,” he said breathless.

Harper laughed lightly. “You look better than I did the first day when I was moving in,” she said lightly and took her apartment keys out of her purse. Oliver laughed outright at the comparison, the sound echoing pleasantly in the stairwell. “Hey, I work out three times a week! But usually now so much cardio.” He watched intently as she fumbled with her apartment keys, stepping closer to her. “Need some help unlocking the door? Or should I just kick it in since I am your possessive boyfriend now?” His tone was teasing but his blue eyes held genuine affection as he waited patiently for her to find the right key among her collection. “You enjoy that label way too much,” she said teasingly. The third-floor landing was quite except for their talking and the distant hum of city traffic filtering through open windows somewhere below. Once Harper finally got the door unlocked and pushed it open, Oliver didn’t hesitate to follow her inside. His boots echoed against her hardwood floors as he surveyed her living space with obvious curiosity.

Beside the front door was a compact, modern kitchen with upper cabinets and tall side panels, finished with light natural wood. The lower cabinets are glossy while with simple metallic handles. A smooth, white, quartz countertop lined the corner of the room. On the far left, partially tucked under the counter, was a front-loading washing machine. Above it, there’s a built-in microwave, set into the cabinetry above the countertop. To the right, is a built-in oven with a black glass door and stainless-steel trim, topped by a flat electric cooktop and a white electric kettle and toaster sit nearly on the counter. Harper turned to hook her keys to a hook beside the front door. Then she walked further in, to place her purse on a round glass dining table with a metal base, situated across the oven. Around the table there are upholstered chairs in soft grey fabric. Harper placed her purse beside a teal-coloured book on the glass dinning table.

Oliver followed her inside, his boots clicking against the polished wood floors as he took in the cozy layout of his apartment. The living area has a light grey sofa, decorated with several cushions and a round coffee table with a black metal frame and glass top, holding a small decorative tray and a plant, adding a touch of greenery. Beside the sofa was a tall potted plant with glossy green leaves. Mounted on the wall opposite the sofa was a flat-screen TV, positioned above a wooden media console, which held a few decorative items– vases, small sculptures, and books. On the far end of the room was a large sliding glass door framed by long, light-coloured curtains, which opens up to a small balcony with black metal railings. “Nice place,” Oliver commented sincerely. “Feels like you. Warm and inviting without being overwhelming.” His gaze drifted toward the bedroom doorway visible from when he stood. Through it, he could see a neatly made bed with white bedding, textured throw, and a striking blue upholstered headboard.

Oliver’s gaze snapped back to focus on Harper. “So,” he began causally, moving to stand beside the kitchen counter and lean against the counter with crossed arms. “Since we are officially claiming each other now… should I start unpacking me toothbrush here or do you want to take this slow?” Harper’s mind drifted to the blue sport bag she left at Oliver’s place with cozy sweatpants in. “Well, I already left that sports bag with cozy clothes at your place,” she said casually. “So, a toothbrush is no big deal.” A slow grin spread across Oliver’s face at her casual admission, the implication hanging deliciously in the air between them. He pushed off from the counter and started moving toward her with deliberate steps that closed the distance rapidly. “A sports bag full of cozy clothes at my place?” he repeated, his voice dropping into that low register that always made her stomach flutter. “Fuck, you are really trying to move in permanently, aren’t you?” His hands found her hips again, pulling their bodies flush together as he backed her against the nearby wall. The hard planes of his chest pressed against her soft curves while his mouth hovered just inches from hers. “And here I thought I was the one being possessive,” he murmured against her lips before capturing them in a kiss that was equal parts hungry and relieved.

“My possession is just more subtle,” Harper said with a bright smile. Oliver’s laugh was a low rumble against her lips as he deepened the kiss, clearly delighted by her confident claim. His hands slid from her hips to grip the back of her thighs instead, lifting her effortlessly until her legs wrapped around his waist.