The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 323

Chapter 323

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TO MARICHM

Olivia

We hit a few more balls before Alexander glanced at his watch. “We should probably head out soon. It’s almost noon.”

“Already?” I looked around, surprised to see the range had filled up while we practiced. “Time flew.”

“Always does when you’re having fun.” He started gathering our clubs. “There’s a place near here that makes incredible burgers.”

We returned the clubs to the pro shop, where the attendant complimented my improvement.

“She’s a natural,” Alexander said.

“Hardly.” But I couldn’t help smiling.

In the parking lot, Alexander opened the car door but didn’t step back. “You did great today.”

“Thanks for teaching me. Even if you were thoroughly distracting the entire time.”

“Me? Distracting?” His hand found my waist. “I was the picture of professionalism.”

“Your hands were all over me.”

“Teaching proper form,” he defended. “Completely innocent.”

“Nothing about you is innocent.”

“True.” He leaned in, his lips brushing mine. “Especially not what I’m thinking right now.”

“Which is?”

“How much I want to take you home and finish what we started this morning.”

Heat pooled low in my belly. “Burgers first?”

“Unfortunately.” He kissed me properly then, deep and thorough. “But after…”

“After,” I agreed, already anticipating it.

He drove to the restaurant, a casual place Alexander swore had the best burgers in LA.

Inside, the smell of grilling meat made my stomach growl. We grabbed a booth near the windows, and Alexander ordered for both of us.

“So,” I said after the waitress left, “golf. Not as terrible as I expected.”

“High praise.”

“I mean it. I actually had fun.”

“Good.” He reached across the table, lacing his fingers through mine. “We should make it a regular thing.”

“Really? You’d want to teach me more?”

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“Why not? Besides, it’s an excuse to put my hands all over you without anyone questioning it.”

I laughed. “Very strategic.”

“I’m a strategic man.”

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Our burgers arrived quickly, massive things piled high with toppings. I bit into mine, flavors exploding across my tongue.

“Oh my God,” I said around my mouthful. “This is amazing.”

Told you.” Alexander bit into his own burger with obvious satisfaction. “Worth the drive.”

We ate in comfortable silence for a while, the kind that only comes when you’re truly relaxed with someone. Around us, the restaurant buzzed with Sunday lunch crowds, families, and couples like us.

Alexander finished his burger first, leaning back with satisfaction.

I wiped my mouth with a napkin.

He signaled for the check. “Ready to head back?”

‘Do we have to?” The words came out before I could stop them.

He paused, studying my face. “What did you have in mind?”

‘I don’t know. Something. Anything besides going straight home.”

A slow smile spread across his face. “Spontaneous Mrs. Carter. I like it.”

‘Don’t get used to it. I’m usually very scheduled.”

Noted. He paid the check and stood, offering his hand. “Come on. I’ve got an idea.”

‘Should I be worried?”

‘Probably

Outside, the afternoon sun was warm but not oppressive.’Alexander guided me toward his car, his hand firm on the small of my back.

“Where are we going?” I asked as he opened my door,

“It’s a surprise

I don’t like surprises

“You’ll like this one. He climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine.

We pulled out of the parking lot. I watched the city pass by through the window, trying to guess our destination

“Give me a hint,” I said after several minutes.

“No.”

“Come on. One tiny hint.”

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“Nope. He was clearly enjoying this.

Jazz music played softly through the speakers, filling the comfortable silence.

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I watched the city pass by through the window, noting the familiar route. We were heading west, toward the coast. The buildings grew sparser. palm trees more frequent, the air carrying that distinct salt tang that meant ocean.

The beach?” I asked.

Alexander’s lips curved. “Close.”

We exited the highway and turned onto Pacific Coast Highway. The ocean sprawled to our right, endless blue stretching to the horizon. Sailboats dotted the water, their white sails bright against the afternoon sun.

You’re being very mysterious,” I said.

“Patience.”

We pulled into a private marina about fifteen minutes later, luxury yachts bobbing gently in their slips. The smell of sea spray and expensive boats filled the air.

Alexander parked near the dock, killing the engine. “We’re here.”

I climbed out, studying the impressive vessels lined up like floating mansions.

He grabbed my hand, leading me down the wooden dock.

Our footsteps echoed against the water, seagulls calling overhead. Boat owners and marina staff moved about their business, the whole place humming with quiet wealth.

We stopped at a sleek white yacht near the end, its name painted in elegant script: Morning Star.

“She’s beautiful,” I breathed.

Sixty–two footer. Grandfather had her custom built about five years ago.” Alexander helped me aboard, his hand steadying my waist. “Watch your step.”

The deck was pristine white fiberglass, polished to a shine. Comfortable seating areas were arranged under a covered section, and the helm gleamed with expensive equipment.

A man in his fifties appeared from below deck, dressed in crisp whites, “Mr. Carter. Everything’s ready as requested.”

“Thanks, Captain Reynolds.” Alexander shook his hand. “This is my wife, Olivia.”

“Ma’am” The captain nodded respectfully. “Beautiful day for a cruise. I’ve plotted a route along the coast that should take about 3 hours round–trip. There’s lunch in the galley, and drinks in the cooler.

‘Perfect.”

“I’ll be in the wheelhouse if you need anything Captain Reynolds retreated, giving us privacy.

I turned to Alexander. “You planned all this?”

“Figured we could use some ocean therapy after that golf game.” He guided me toward the seating area. Besides, you said you didn’t want to go straight home.”

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“This definitely isn’t straight home.”

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The yacht’s engines rumbled to life beneath our feet, a low, powerful sound that vibrated through the deck. The hum resonated in my chest as I watched the crew move with practiced efficiency, untying lines and preparing for departure.

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