Page 73 of When I Was His

"You said breakfast, and I provided it," he replied with a shrug.

Despite my slight annoyance, I couldn't resist the temptation of the delicious spread before me. I cut into one of the pancakes, savoring the warm syrup that I dipped it in. Forgiveness came easily with each bite.

"I'll do my penance some other way," Oliver offered, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"How?" I inquired, curious despite myself.

Oliver took a sip of his juice before responding, "How about I buy you something? I saw a beautiful ruby tennis bracelet at a jeweler in midtown."

"I told you I don't need you to buy me things," I reminded him firmly.

"Your birthday is at the end of the month; call it an early birthday present," he suggested.

"Then buy it for my birthday or not at all," I said.

"I want to buy you something," Oliver insisted, his gaze unwavering.

"Take me to the park and buy me an ice cream," I proposed, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Is that what you want to do for today?" Oliver asked, leaning in to plant a kiss on my lips, his touch lingering.

"That sounds like fun. It's where I saw you when I was walking Blackie. I thought you looked so good in your running attire," I admitted, a blush creeping onto my cheeks.

He chuckled softly, his breath warm against my skin. "Don't."

"Why not?" I protested weakly, feeling myself succumbing to his charm.

"Because we won't get to the park if you continue," he teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Spending a Sunday in bed with you sounds perfect. I vote for choice two," his tone suggestive.

"Tough. We're going to the park, and I expect you to show me a good time," I replied, determined.

I chuckled as I took a bite of my bagel.

We strolled through the park, Vlad trailing a few steps behind us, his presence casting a slight shadow over our otherwise idyllic day. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease, wondering why Oliver felt the need for security in such a peaceful setting. He garnered plenty of looks, mostly from women, but it seemed like few recognized him despite his appearances in magazines and television interviews.

"Why does Vlad have to be with us?" I finally voiced my curiosity.

"He's my security. You never know who might be around," Oliver replied casually.

"Do you deal with terrorists or something?" I teased, unable to resist a smirk.

"Of course not, but I'm worth quite a bit. Security is necessary," he explained, his tone serious.

"You sound arrogant again," I teased, though I couldn't hide the affection in my voice.

Oliver pulled me closer, planting a kiss on the top of my head before indulging me with a chocolate éclair ice cream bar and a leisurely stroll to Central Park Lake. In that moment, happiness enveloped me, and I knew Oliver was the reason for it all.

By the time we returned to his apartment, the fatigue of the day settled in, and I began to pack my belongings into my small duffel bag. It was time to head home and prepare for work the next day.

"You know you can leave things here. I have plenty of room in my closet," Oliver offered, his voice soft with sincerity.

"Do I get a drawer too?" I teased lightly.

"You can have several. The dresser on the right side of the closet is empty. Bring whatever you want. In fact, maybe we should talk about more permanent arrangements," he suggested, his words catching me off guard.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, my stomach twisting with anxiety.

"I want you to move in with me," Oliver declared, his gaze unwavering.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com