"No," Marius admitted grudgingly. "Tera likes me because I make her laugh, I listen when she talks about her stupid yoga classes, and I do not try to impress her with fancy titles or expensive gifts." He ran a hand through his hair in frustration, clearly uncomfortable with the parallel harper had drawn. "She does not give a damn about my job title or back account. She just… likes me." He moved back toward his desk, leaning against it heavily as if the conversation had drained some of his usual energy. "So yes, Tera is probably just as guilty of falling for someone without caring about their status as you are."
"Yeah, it happens," Harper says with a light smile. "I am heading out." Marius's expression softened at her smile, the tension from earlier confrontations melting away. He nodded approvingly at her professional exit strategy. "Right, go home to your boyfriend," he says with a hint of amusement. "Tell Oliver I expect him to sign off on my campaign budget without arguing about the numbers too much." He gathered the folders she left on his desk. "And Harper? Good work today. Your organizational skills are impressive– something this department desperately needs." Harper smiles lightly and walked out of his office. Marius watched her leave, his eyes lingering on the sway of her hips beneath her professional attire.
The office door clicked shut behind her, leaving him alone in the suddenly quiet space. His gaze roamed over the folders she had organized with such efficiency, running his thumb over the crisp edges. "Damn," he muttered to himself, setting them down with more force than necessary. His gaze drifted to the empty doorway where she had just exited. "Three days with Oliver and she is already acting like she runs this company." He grabbed his own briefcase from beside the desk, slamming it shut with a frustrated grunt. The confrontation with Tera combined with Harper's unwavering professionalism had left him feeling strangely unsettled. "You are playing a dangerous game, Ms. Miller," he said aloud to the empty room, adjusting his tie in the reflective surface of his dark monitor screen. "Seeing how long you can resist using that connection of yours."
…
At 5:30 PM, Harper rode up the elevator to Oliver's penthouse apartment. she lightly knocks on his front door. the sound of footsteps approaches the door quickly, and it swings open to reveal Oliver standing there in loose-fitting dark grey sweatpants and a simple white t-shirt that hugs his athletic frame. his hair is slightly damp from recent shower, and he is wearing his black framed reading glasses perched on his nose. Harper is wearing a dark blue summer dress. she smiled warmly when she sees Oliver. "Hello there," she says lightly. Oliver's blue eyes light up when he sees Harper, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
"Hey," he replies, stepping aside to let her in. "I am glad you could make it." His gaze lingers on her for a moment, appreciating the way the dress hugs her curves. He closes the door behind her and turns to face her, his hands sliding into his pockets. "How was your first day as Marius's secretary?" he asks, genuine interest in his voice. he starts walking toward the living room, expecting Harper to follow. "Can I get you something to drink? I was just about to pour myself a glass of wine." His apartment is immaculate, as always– everything in its place and spotless. A book lies open on the coffee table, marking his place where he left off reading earlier. The soft glow of the setting sun filters through the large windows, casting a warm ambience over the room.
"It went well," Harper said casually and kissed him on the cheek as she entered. "I had to tell him about us." Oliver's breath catches as her lips press against his cheek, a warm, pleasant sensation that sends a jolt through him. He turns his head slightly to meet her gaze, his own eyes softening with affection. "You told him?" he asks, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Ho did he take it? Did he give you any trouble?" He wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her closer as they walk toward the sofa. His fingers trace small circles on her hip through the fabric of her dress. "I am glad you did. I was getting tired of sneaking around anyway." He gestures for her to sit down while he heads to the kitchen to grab their drinks.
Returning with two glasses of red wine, Oliver settles beside Harper on the sofa. He hands one glass to her before taking a sip from his own. She places the glass on the coffee table, without taking a sip. "He took it fine," she said simple, not sure how much she should share. "He knows I am all yours." Oliver's blue eyes darken with possessiveness at her words, a low growl escaping his throat. "Damn right you are," he murmurs, setting his wine glass down besides Harper's on the coffee table. He reached out to cup her face, tilting it up so their eyes meet. "Mine," he repeats, his thumb brushing over her bottom lip. His other hand slides up her thigh, fingers teasing the hem of her dress. "I have been thinking about you all day," he admits, leaning in closer.
"About having you in my apartment again. In my bed." His voice drops to a husky whisper as he closes the distance between them, pressing his lips against hers in a demanding kiss. The kiss is hungry and possessive, reflecting the intensity of his feelings. "Hey," she says quickly, breaking the kiss. "Food first, I am starving." Oliver chuckles, his lips curving into a playful smile as he pulls back slightly. "Food it is," he agrees, his thumb still caressing her cheek. "I was thinking we could order in tonight. There is that Italian place I told you about that I have been wanting to try." He stands up and moves toward the kitchen island where his phone lies. He turns the phone on, it is already open on the restaurant's menu on the website.