Page 84 of Billion Dollar Vow

“I don’t know… I think it’s better now. We actually got to know each other first.”

He sighs. “Yeah… we did.” His gaze lingers on mine, something tender in it. “Maybe that’s what makes this feel so good right now.”

Before I can say more, he discards the condom before coming back, lifting me effortlessly, pulling a startled squeal from my chest. I laugh as he carries me down the hall, holding me like I weigh nothing. He lays me down on his bed, his gaze never leaving mine as he kisses me, and everything else fades away. His arms wrap around me, strong and steady, holding me to this moment. I melt into him, feeling safe, wanted, and cherished ina way I never have before. As I curl into his side, I close my eyes, hoping with everything in me that when I wake, he’ll still be here. That this is real.

Chapter 23

Karley

“Ihaveanidea.Let’s go out,” he says, sitting up with me still in his arms. I twist in his embrace, my brow furrowed in confusion. Here I was, thinking I was about to fall asleep, but the excitement in his eyes tells me there’s something else going on.

“What idea? Where are we going?” I ask, watching him closely.

“Come on, let’s get ready. I have a surprise for you.” He tugs my hands gently, his excitement infectious.

“What am I wearing?” I ask, a little amused by his sudden energy.

“That’s my girl.” He grins. “Anything you're comfortable walking around in.”

I slide the blankets off, my feet brushing against the cool wooden floor as I swing my legs over the edge of the bed. Before I can step out of the room, his voice stops me.

“We need to move your clothes in here.”

I freeze, turning toward him with a raised eyebrow. “You have no room for them.”

I don’t own much, never have. But Oliver? He has everything. A wardrobe full of suits, shoes, and shirts. All perfectly pressed and folded. His life is organized in a way mine never was. I saw it myself when I explored the house.

“I’ll make room.”

“It’s only upstairs.” I shrug, not thinking much of it.

He steps toward me, his hands resting gently on my waist as he gazes down at me, his eyes both soft and intense. “I want to make sure you're all the way in. No half foot out the door, waiting to run when our arrangement is up.”

My lips part, but I can’t find the words. He’s right. He’s completely right. Something flutters in my chest: surprise, hope, fear. I hadn’t expected this from him.

“If you make room, I’ll move my stuff,” I offer, despite the swelling in my chest. “Is that proof enough?”

He doesn’t answer right away. His thumbs brush slow circles against my sides, grounding me. “It’s a start. But I need more than just your stuff here. I needyouhere.”

The words hang between us, heavier than I expect.

“So, what are you asking for?” I whisper.

“I’m asking if this is real for you,” he says, swallowing roughly. “I want to know if you’re willing to date?”

Feeling the gravity of his words pulling me closer, it’s hard to take a full breath. “This is real for me too,” I whisper back, my chest tight with everything I feel. “I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to be here… with you.”

The confession leaves me feeling strangely exposed.

His breath catches slightly, and then he pulls me closer, his forehead resting against mine. “Then let’s stop pretending this is temporary. Let’s not just be convenient for each other. Let’s be real. Whatever you want to call it, just as long as it’s us.”

I nod, my heart racing. “Okay. Us.”

It feels terrifying and freeing all at once. But mostly? It feels right. A shadow of worry crosses my mind as I think about Declan and what he would think about this. Would he see this as a betrayal or understand that something real has grown between us?

I rise onto my toes, my lips meeting him in a kiss that’s both tender and eager. “Are you sure you want to leave?”

A deep laugh rumbles from his chest as his hands tighten around my waist, pulling me closer. I can feel the beat of his heart against mine, steady and comforting. “You make me want to never leave. But I promise to date you first.”