Page 34 of Billion Dollar Vow (The Lincoln Brothers #4)

Karley

The soothing scents of lavender and eucalyptus greet us as we step inside the spa. Soft, ambient music plays in the background, blending seamlessly with the gentle murmur of the staff. The lighting is soft and calming, reflecting off the polished marble countertops and plush seating.

Eden whispers something to the receptionist before turning back to us. “We’re going to have a massage before we meet at the lounge.”

I hesitate, a sudden wave of anxiety washing over me.

“Liam paid for yours,” Eden says to Paige before turning to me. “And Oliver paid for yours.”

“He did?” I ask, blinking in surprise.

Eden tilts her head, confusion flickering across her face. “He’s your husband.”

I stammer, trying to recover quickly. “Of course. He just didn't mention that he already took care of it.” My fingers toy with the rings on my hand, hoping my fumbling excuse is enough to cover the slip.

Fortunately, the spa staff appear just in time to call our names, guiding us to private rooms. I follow a woman down a hallway. My shoulders tense as we enter the treatment room.

This is my first time in a spa, and the unfamiliar luxury makes me feel like an impostor. The room is dimly lit, with heated stone floors and a plush massage table draped in crisp white linens.

The massage begins, and the tension in my muscles melts away, though my mind remains restless.

My thoughts flick between Oliver, the embarrassing incident at the table, Oliver’s unexpected generosity, and the mountain of stuff I need to organize for the house.

It isn’t until the final ten minutes that I finally let go and drift into relaxation.

After the massage, I redress and wander into the lounge area. Eden is already seated, her legs crossed elegantly as she sips her tea with a satisfied smile.

“That was amazing,” I say as I sink into the seat beside her, rolling my shoulders. The tension from the past week feels like a distant memory, my body lighter than it has been in ages.

Eden leans in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “It’s the best part of golf,” she whispers with a wink.

I laugh softly, shaking my head. “So that’s why you play.”

Her smirk deepens as she eases back. “Yep.”

I lean back against the chair, letting my head rest for a moment as a sigh escapes me. “I could get used to this.”

The words leave my lips almost too easily, and the momentary indulgence feels foreign but tempting. This isn’t my life. My mind begins to shift back to all the things I need to do.

Like the new house. I’ll be knee-deep in setting it up soon, and there’s still so much to do. My thoughts spiral to how licensing a home for family meetups is way more complicated than I expected. It's not just about having an extra bedroom.

First, I need to complete mandatory training classes about childcare and trauma.

Then there's a ton of paperwork, like background checks for everyone in the household, FBI screenings, child abuse registry checks.

My home has to pass a super strict safety inspection with working smoke detectors, locked cabinets, emergency plans.

The state will investigate everything… My finances, my references, my entire life.

It's intense. The whole process could take months, but it's designed to make sure kids are going to a truly safe environment.

I make a mental note to follow up on the process as soon as possible.

The extra money I’ve managed to keep thanks to Oliver can help speed things up. It’s a small relief.

“You’re miles away,” Eden teases.

I smile, though it feels a little forced. “Just thinking about everything I need to do.”

She hums thoughtfully. “Don’t get too lost in it. Worry about it later.”

Paige nods in agreement from the plush chair beside me, her feet soaking in a small basin of rose-scented water. “That’s what spa days are for. Turning off your brain.”

Her words linger in the back of my mind, a gentle reminder to relax and breathe. For now, I let the soothing music bring me back into the present.

“We should do this more often.” Paige sighs, stretching out.

But all too soon, our time is up. I change back into my clothes and prepare to leave.

The lingering scent of relaxation clings to my skin, but the peace I’d found inside is already slipping away.

Eden is deep in conversation with someone she knows, her laughter light and carefree.

Paige disappeared into the bathroom a few moments ago, leaving me to find Oliver on my own.

Rounding a corner, I collide with what feels like a brick wall, stumbling back slightly before glancing up. My heart drops as I meet Liam’s hard, piercing gaze.

“You and Oliver aren’t real,” he says. The venom in his voice feels like a slap. I take a step to the side, attempting to move around him, but he shifts to block me.

I square my shoulders, crossing my arms over my chest as my heart races. “Yes, we are,” I reply firmly.

Liam’s lips curl into a sneer. “So it’s just a coincidence that Dan mentioned one of us should settle down, and suddenly, Oliver’s married? That doesn’t add up.”

I shrug, forcing a nonchalant expression. “Maybe you should focus on your own life. You’re way too invested in ours.” I try to sidestep him again, but his hand darts out, gripping my arm firmly.

“I’m going to figure this out,” he says.

Anger flares in my chest as I yank my arm free, my voice steady despite the unease tightening my stomach. “Let me go before I tell my husband.”

He laughs, a hollow, chilling sound that makes my skin crawl. The unease turns to outright fear as I push past him, practically sprinting down the hallway.

When I see Oliver waiting by the reception desk, a relaxed grin on his face, relief washes over me. But as soon as he spots my expression, his smile vanishes, replaced by concern.

“What happened, Petal?” he asks, pulling me into his arms. His embrace is warm, strong, and grounding, exactly what I need after Liam’s unsettling words.

I melt into him, letting the tension seep out of my body. My arms wrap around his waist, and I press myself closer, burying my face against his chest. His scent, a mix of cedarwood and something distinctly him, fills my senses and helps steady my nerves.

“Liam,” I mutter, my voice muffled against his chest. “He gave me a warning.”

Oliver stiffens, his body taut with anger. He tilts his head back to look down at me, his eyes blazing. “He what?”

I shake my head quickly, tightening my hold on him. “It’s fine. Forget about him,” I say, though my voice wavers. I don’t want him to let go just yet. For once, I allow myself to lean into someone else’s strength, even if it feels dangerously vulnerable.

His hands smooth up and down my back in soothing strokes, the rhythm calming my ragged breathing. I focus on the steady beat of his heart, letting it settle me, as his chin rests lightly on the top of my head.

After a few moments, I take a deep breath and step back, though part of me doesn’t want to. His hands linger on my waist as he studies me, his piercing eyes searching my face.

“You okay?” he asks gently.

Our eyes lock, and for a second, the world around us fades away. But I feel too raw, too exposed. I need to pull myself together before I fall even further into something I know I can’t keep.

“Yeah,” I say with a small nod, forcing a smile. “I’m good. What’s next?”

He narrows his eyes slightly, clearly not convinced, but he doesn’t push. Instead, he reaches for my hand, linking his fingers with mine. The simple gesture feels more intimate than it should.

“It’s time to go,” he says, offering me the reassurance I desperately need.

I nod. Paige and Eden are back. Across the lobby, I spot Liam talking to Mr. Warne, his expression tense. My stomach twists as I wonder what he’s saying; if he’s sharing his accusations about Oliver and me.

I’ve never wanted Oliver to get something more in my life, so I do something stupid…

I lift onto my tiptoes, grab Oliver's face, bring my lips to his, and I let go. I kiss him like I’ve always wanted to.

His mouth is already slightly parted, so I take advantage and sweep my tongue in and passionately kiss him.

His hands move to my lower back, pulling me flush to his body as his tongue tangles with mine.

The room fizzles out, and all I feel, taste, and smell is him. I tentatively bite his lower lip, and he moans. We’re lost in our own world as we kiss and explore.

A sudden clearing of a throat startles me. I spin around, my cheeks instantly heating as I realize everyone is staring. My gaze lands on Liam, his jaw tight and his eyes narrowed. My lips curl into a smug grin. Take that, Liam.

Mr. Warne steps forward, his warm smile easing some of the tension. “We’re heading off. Thanks for joining us today. You should come out with us again sometime.”

I untangle myself from Oliver and offer my hand. Mr. Warne shakes it firmly, then turns to Oliver with a playful wink. “She’s amazing. You’re a lucky man, Oliver.”

Oliver’s gaze meets mine, sincerity shining in his eyes, as he replies, “I am.”

The words feel like sparks skimming across my skin, leaving a trail of heat in their wake.

We exchange goodbyes with the group, and I give Eden a quick hug. “Thanks for including me today.”

She squeezes my shoulder with a smile that says she understands more than she lets on. Paige offers a wave.

The farewell with Liam is particularly strained. He extends his hand, and I force myself to take it, maintaining eye contact as we shake briefly. I keep my smile firmly in place. No way am I letting him see how much he got under my skin earlier.

As Oliver and I walk hand in hand to his car, a strange warmth settles over me. It’s been years since I held a man’s hand like this. We’ve held hands a few times since the arrangement began, but this feels different, like this isn’t just for show anymore.

As we reach the car, Oliver’s phone rings. He glances at me, his brow furrowing slightly. “Do you mind if I take this? I tried calling her earlier, but she didn’t answer.”

I nod, curiosity flickering. Her?

Settling into the soft leather seat, I buckle up and let my head rest against the window as Oliver presses accept via Bluetooth.

“Hey, Grams,” he says softly.

A smile tugs at my lips as I look out at the scenery. The lingering relaxation from the massage and tea wraps around me like a cocoon.

“I heard you’re not coming on Sunday.” His grandmother’s voice crackles through the phone. “Are you okay? I haven’t seen you much.”

“I’m sorry,” Oliver replies with an apologetic chuckle. “I have an important dinner.”

I know he means dinner with my family and Evelyn.

“It better not be for work,” she fires back.

I bite my lip, holding back a laugh. She’s giving him a proper scolding, and it’s… adorable.

“It’s not,” he assures her, shaking his head with a grin that makes me frown slightly. What’s so funny?

“So, it’s a woman,” she presses.

I hold my breath, waiting for his answer. His eyes flick to mine, and he drops to a quiet, almost shy tone. “Yes.”

“I couldn’t hear you. Speak up, Oliver. Where are you?”

I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing. She’s relentless and reminds me of how much I missed having grandparents growing up.

“Sorry, I’m in the car. I just left the golf course,” he explains patiently.

“Well, I’ll let you go for now,” she says after a moment. “But call me later. We need to discuss this woman.”

“Alright, Grams. I love you,” he says.

“Love you too, Oliver.”

She hangs up, and we spend the rest of the drive in comfortable silence, my mind replaying the day's events.

Climbing out of the car after we pull into the driveway, I glance at Oliver, feeling an unexpected softness toward him.

Hearing him tell his grandmother he loves her melts something inside me.

I hadn’t anticipated this side of him, the one who cares deeply for others, including showing kindness toward me.

Each gesture has been changing my initial opinion of him…

He isn’t the selfish, rich playboy I assumed he was.

“I get the feeling she’s going to grill you about me.”

He laughs, running a hand through his hair. “Oh, she will. She’ll have my ass hanging out by the end of it.”

His grin is so infectious that I laugh, the tension from earlier fading into the background.

As we step inside, the familiar warmth of the house wraps around me like a comforting embrace. Dropping my bag onto the kitchen counter, I kick off my shoes and stretch out my arms. “Thank you for booking me a massage at the spa.”

Oliver’s lips quirk into a crooked grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You’re welcome. Though, if you want to return the favor, just try to be gentle next time.”

I squint at him, unsure what he’s implying until it clicks. My cheeks heat instantly. “I’m not putting my hands on you.”

“But you did,” he teases, his grin widening into a full-blown smirk. “I’ll admit, I was a little surprised. But if I’m being honest, I didn’t hate the bold move.”

His words strike a nerve, and my face flushes hotter. Gritting my teeth, I walk past him, shaking my head and muttering, “Not to get rejected again.”

I turn, but only take a few steps before I feel his hand wrap around my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. His grip isn’t tight, but it’s firm enough to spin me back toward him. His expression is unreadable, his gaze sharp and questioning.

“What did you just say?” he asks.

I stare at him, my heart thudding loudly. There’s no one here to witness this moment, no audience for the roles we’re supposed to play. It’s just us. And for once, I speak honestly. “You would push me away. You’ve done it before.”

His eyebrows knit together, and he steps closer. I back up until my spine presses against the counter. The cool surface does nothing to ground me; it only adds to the heat of his presence.

“Is that what you think?” he asks.

Heavy and loaded, his question hangs in the air between us. I meet his gaze, searching for a hint of what he’s thinking, but his expression remains unreadable. My breathing quickens, my pulse hammering as I try to find the courage to answer him… or the strength to look away.