All Chapters of Paperwork and Hearthbeats: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Harper nodded again. “Right, I never knew I could feel like this. So, alive and distracted.” She bit her lower lip seductively. Oliver’s blue eyes followed the movement of her teeth against her lip, a visible reaction tightening his jaw. The casual atmosphere of the sandwich shop suddenly felt charged with unspoken tension. “Alive and distracted,” he echoed softly, his thumb pressing more firmly against the back of her hand under the table. “That describes exactly how I have felt every time you walk into my office wearing one of those pencil skirts that drives me crazy.” He leaned forward slightly, lowing his voice so only you could hear over the restaurant’s ambient noise. “I have been telling myself to focus on quarterly reports and supply chair logistics, but all I can think about is what colour panties you are wearing underneath.” The confession came out rougher than intended, betraying the control he usually maintained over his own desire. He ran a hand through his messy black

“Well, luckily I am very good at filling in paperwork and paying attention to boring lectures,” Harper said casually as they make their way to the human resources department. Oliver’s lips quirked into a genuine smile at her confident remark, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as they navigate the familiar office corridors. The prospect of Tanja’s inevitable lecture seemed less daunting with Harper beside him. “Good, because I have a feeling today’s lecture will include diagrams and flowcharts,” he replied dryly. “Tanja loves visual aids when explaining corporate regulations.” They approached the human resources department wing, where the walls were adorned with motivational posters about teamwork and ethical decision-making. The fluorescent lighting cast everything in a sterile glow that contrasted sharply with the warmth between them. As they reached the door leading to the human resources department, marked by a nameplate in precise gold lettering, Oliver paused with hi

He squeezed her hand gently as they walked, his earlier tension melting away not that the official hurdle was cleared. The familiar office environment felt different somehow– less like a cage and more like shared territory. “Either way,” Oliver continued, steering her around a group of junior analysts huddled by the copy machine, “Our relationship is now officially company sanctioned, which means we can’t get fired from making eyes at each other during staff meetings.” His tone held a mix of relief and playful sarcasm as they approached their respective workspaces.“Yeah, we are officially company sanctioned. We can celebrate after work,” Harper said with a light smile. She takes his wrist gentle and lifts it upward, so she can check the time. “Fifteen minutes before you have financial reviews.” Oliver glanced down at her hand on his wrist, the warm contact sending a pleasant jolt through him. The gold watch face showed 2:45 Pm, leaving just enough time for a quick celebratio

Oliver and Evan continued discussing business and Harper left Oliver’s office. As Harper left, Evan glances at her backside, watching her hips sway slightly as she walked. A flicker of desire crossed his brown eyes, before his gaze return to Oliver. Oliver’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the edge of his desk, catching the fleeting glance Evan directed at Harper’s retreating form. The subordinate’s obvious appreciation for her figure sent a jolt of someone dangerous through him– a primal instinct to stake his claim that bordered on irrational. “Evan,” Oliver’s voice dropped to a dangerously low register. “Your attention should be focused on the quarterly reports, not my secretary’s assets.” He slid a folder containing sensitive financial projections across the polished mahogany surface, his movements deliberate and controlled despite the storm brewing behind his icy blue eyes. “There numbers show a twelve percent increase in market share since last quarter. Your team’s projections

“So, do we have a deal?” Harper asked in a challenging tone of voice. Oliver’s jaw worked silently for a long moment, the weight of her challenge settling between them like a physical presence. His blue eyes searching hers intensely, gauging whether this was truly a game she was willing to play– one that carried serious consequences if discovered. “We have a deal,” he finally said, his voice low and firm with finality. “But if you back out or change your mind, I swear to God, I will tie you to my chair myself.” He stepped back reluctantly, adjusting his suit jacket with deliberate movements that belied the turmoil inside. The CEO mask snapped back into place with practiced ease, though his cheeks remained flushed and his breathing slightly uneven. “Get back to your desk,” he commanded gruffly, pointing toward his office door. “Act normal. Pretend we didn’t just negotiate oral sex in my office while I prepare for Andrew.”“First, Mrs. Felix,” Harper reminded him. As if on cue,