Harper smiles softly. "God, you are hot when you are being all possessive," she breathes out before clearing her throat softly. "But we have to think logically. Like you said there is more at stake in this situation. If you just fire him or make his life hell. He could sue. But if I make a report to HR, then there will be official grounds for termination." Oliver's expression shifts from fierce determination to something more calculating as her logical points sink in. the practical side of his brain, the CEO who built this empire on strategic thinking, begins to war with the possessive man who wants to eliminate any threat to her. "You are right," he admits reluctantly, running a hand through his black hair in frustration. "Legally, you are absolutely correct. HR provides formal documentation, protects both parties from false accusations…" he steps back slightly, creating distance between them even as his hand lingers on her waist. The professional mask slips back into place gradually, though his jaw remains clenched. "But I hate it," he confesses quietly, his voice losing its authoritative edge. "The idea of trusting this process instead of handling it myself makes me physically ill. What if they do not take you seriously? What if Marius convinces them, it was mutual flirtation?" his blue eyes search her face anxiously now, vulnerability cracking through his controlled exterior.
"I will deal with that if and when it comes to it," she says calmly. "Like I said nothing has happened yet. And maybe nothing ever will." Oliver nods slowly, accepting her reassurance even as doubt lingers in his expression. "Maybe," he agrees finally, his tone still laced with uncertainty. "But I want daily updates. Text me if he tries anything remotely inappropriate, even if it seems minor to you." He moves back to his desk, picking up his sandwich again though he barely touches it. The lunch break has clearly extended far past professional boundaries, yet neither of them seems eager to end this conversation. "And tonight," he adds looking up at her through his lashes. "My place. Half past five. Do not be late." It is not a request– it is a command wrapped in the familiar intimacy of their relationship outside these office walls.
Harper moves back around the desk and sits down. "Can I bring some clothes?" she asked before taking a bite of her sandwich. Oliver's lips twitch into a half-smile at her practical question, the mundane request cutting through the tension of their earlier discussion. "Clothes? Of course, Harper. Bring whatever you want." He leas back in his chair, watching her eat with a mixture of affection and exasperation. The way she can switch from discussing legal precedent to asking about wardrobe options without missing a beat is one of the things he finds simultaneously frustrating and endearing about her. "Though I can't promise I will not be tempted to keep them off once you arrive," he adds with a wry grin, his voice dropping suggestively. "Bring comfortable things– I plan of ordering us dinner in and spending zero energy on appearances tonight."
"There is still a pair of comfy sweats that I left there," Harper says casually. "I am just thinking a few suits for the next day. So, I do not have to rush home in the mornings." Oliver's grin widens at the mention of her abandoned sweatpants, a flicker of memory crossing his feature. "So that is what is inside the blue sports bag." He shakes his head slightly, picking up his own sandwich again. "Keep them there permanently if you want. My closet has plenty of empty space." The casual domesticity of the conversation– planning ahead for morning routines, discussing shared wardrobes– feels both foreign and perfectly natural in this context. Their professional lives may have diverged, but their personal connection continues to deepen with each passing day. "Speaking of mornings," he continues between bites. "Stella will be bringing me coffee tomorrow. Try not to look too jealous when hers taste better than yours."
"Maybe I will tell her you like those modern caramel drinks," Harper says playfully. "Because I know how much you hate those." Oliver's blue eyes narrow playfully at her threat, his lips curling into a smirk that does little to hide the amusement in his expression. "You would not dare," he says, his voice carrying a note of challenge. "Because if you do, I will make sure Stella thinks you like your coffee black with two sugars, just like mine." He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest in a way that stretches the fabric of his shirt across his broad shoulders. The movement draws attention to the defined muscles of his arms and chest, a reminder of the physical power he commands even when sitting still. "Besides," he continued, his tone turning more serious. "Stella is already trying too hard to impress me. If she starts bringing me sugar drinks every morning, I will think she is trying to poison me." His blue eyes study her face as she finishes her sandwich, watching the way her lips move as she chew.
Harper puts up her arms defensively. "Alright, I will not say anything," she said with a bright smile. "What time will you be getting off work?" Oliver glances at his watch, his expressions softening at her question. The reminder that soon they will be leaving these professional roles behind for something more intimate seems to ease some of the tension from his shoulders. "Five o'clock," he answers immediately, his tone firm but carrying a hint of anticipation. "No matter what Marius throws at me today, I am not staying late." He pushes his chair back from the desk and stands up, stretching his arms overhead in a movement that highlights the muscular definition of his torse beneath his tailored suit. The motion causes his shirt to pull taut across his chest and abdomen. "I will text you when I am heading home so you can time your arrival perfectly," he adds with a wink. "Do not be early– I need time to change out of these ridiculous clothes and pour us some wine." His blue eyes sparkle with genuine excitement at the prospect of their evening together, the promise of shared relaxation after another stressful ay in the office.