AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We’ll see. But we didn’t discuss the possibility that I might be pregnant. We should use protection.”
“Do you think I give a shit if you’re pregnant or not? I would love you to be pregnant.”
“Let’s talk in the tub,” I suggested, taking his hand and leading him toward the bathroom.
I scooped up a handful of lime basil-scented bubbles, blowing them gently into the air. "Mmm, now this is nice," I murmured, watching them float lazily across the steamy bathroom.
Oliver's deep chuckle resonated from the other side of the tub. "Yes, it is. I love taking baths with you." His eyes sparkled with contentment as he gazed at me through the fragrant mist.
The hot water enveloped us, soothing my aching muscles. We'd been making up for lost time in the bedroom, and though Oliver was regaining his strength, I was still doing most of the work. My sporadic gym visits hadn't prepared me for our passionate reconciliation.
Seeking connection, I extended my leg, pressing my foot against Oliver's. Without a word, he grasped it gently, his strong fingers working magic on my arch and heel. A moan of pleasure escaped my lips as I gripped the edge of the tub.
"You need to come closer," Oliver said, his voice low and inviting.
I laughed softly. "If I do, I'll slip under the water."
A mischievous grin spread across his face. "Then sit next to me or between my legs. I can massage your shoulders."
The offer was too tempting to resist. "I could use it. My neck hurts."
As Oliver spread his legs, I carefully maneuvered between them, acutely aware of his growing arousal pressed against my lower back. His hands found my shoulders, kneading away the tension.
"It doesn't take much," I whispered, feeling him respond to our proximity.
Oliver's breath tickled my ear as he leaned closer. "You make me crazy, Ryleigh. I dreamed about you so much when we were apart."
A pang of guilt shot through me. "I'm sorry, Oliver."
His hands stilled on my shoulders. "I'm not looking for an apology. I just wanted you to know that out of sight did not mean out of mind. I'd often wonder, What is Ryleigh doing now? while you were at work."
I tensed slightly, remembering the surveillance. "You knew because Henri was telling you."
Oliver resumed his massage, his touch gentler now. "He wasn't telling me everything, only about what was going on the business side. I wanted to be ready when I came back."
Suspicion crept into my voice. "And that's it?"
There was a pause before Oliver spoke again, his tone careful. "I know about Tim, Bryan, and Todd. I know what they said, and I'm thinking about replacing them."
I turned to face him, water sloshing around us. "Oliver, they're assholes, but they get the job done."
Oliver's words hung in the steamy air between us. "That's just it, their staff gets the job done. They just bark out orders. I don't need guys like that on my team. I was thinking of promoting Henri to Tim's job."
As I processed his words, my mind raced. Tim, Bryan, and Todd had been thorns in my side, their barely concealed disdain making every workday a challenge. Part of me relished the idea of seeing them ousted, but another part hesitated. Change always brought uncertainty, and we'd had enough of that lately.
"And what would you do without him?" I asked, studying Oliver's face.
He didn't miss a beat. "I would promote Anna or Sylvia. They're both quite capable. We can hire a few more people to fill in spots. I think you could also use an assistant of your own."
The idea was tempting, but a new possibility had been occupying my thoughts lately. "Why don't we wait until we find out if I'm pregnant? If I am, I won't want to work for a few months after I give birth."
Oliver's eyes lit up, a mixture of hope and excitement dancing in their depths. "I hope you are. I really do."
A teasing smile played on my lips. "Is that because you're old or because you want me to stay out of the office?"
"Neither," he scoffed, splashing water playfully in my direction. "And who are you calling old? I'm thirty-eight."
I couldn't resist pushing the joke further. "That's old for a first-time father."
