“Would that be so bad?” His eyes twinkle with mischief, but there’s a seriousness behind the question — a longing for time, just the two of us, without the demands of our bustling careers looming over us.

“Unfortunately, court waits for no one,” I quip, even as another kiss steals the breath from my lungs. “And the CEO of Wolfe Property Group needs to keep his empire thriving.”

“Empire can wait,” Oliver murmurs against my lips, his hands finding their way to my waist. “Right now, all I care about is this… us.”

Laughter bubbles up between us, light and easy, as we relish the few stolen moments before duty calls. It’s in these quiet seconds, wrapped up in each other’s arms, that I realize how much has changed since rekindling our college romance. We’ve gone from distant memories to inseparable realities, from what-if to what-is.

“Okay, okay,” I say eventually, pulling back with a reluctant sigh. “We really should get ready.”

“Fine,” Oliver concedes, his expression mock-serious as he rolls out of bed, the muscles of his back flexing in a way that momentarily distracts me from the task at hand. “But tonight, it’s just you and me. No interruptions.”

“Promise?” I ask, already looking forward to whatever plans he has in store.

“Promise,” he confirms with a nod, and then he’s off to the bathroom, leaving me to gather my thoughts and prepare for the day ahead.

As I sit up and swing my legs over the edge of the bed, anticipation for the evening intertwines with the thrill of the present moment. There’s something about starting the day here, in Oliver’s world — his penthouse, his life — that still feels surreal, yet right. And as I slip into my routine, I carry with me the certainty that whatever challenges await, they pale in comparison to the joy of having him back in my life.

After getting dressed and ready for the day, I perch on one of the high bar stools at the kitchen island, nursing a cup of steaming coffee and watching Oliver move around the space. He navigates his high-tech kitchen like he does boardrooms — confidently and without hesitation.

“Remember that tiny studio we used to cram into for study sessions?” Oliver chuckles, placing a plate of scrambled eggs in front of me. “Who would’ve thought we’d end up here?”

“Those were simpler times,” I muse, taking a bite and savoring the fluffy texture. Back then, our biggest concerns were finals and who could make the best instant ramen.

He leans against the counter opposite me, his blue eyes locking onto mine. “I’m grateful, you know,” he says earnestly, the timbre of his voice grounding me in the moment. “Having you back… it’s like finding a piece I didn’t realize was missing.”

I swallow, touched by his vulnerability. “Oliver, I…”

He reaches across the island, his fingers brushing mine. “We’re not just making up for lost time, Nora. We’re building something new, something strong. A future.” The promise in his voice fills the room, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.

“Sounds like a solid foundation to build on,” I reply with a smile, my heart swelling at the thought of creating a shared life with this man.

“Best foundation there is,” Oliver counters, his grin infectious.

Our breakfast passes in a blur of shared plans and laughter, the kind of easy banter that has defined us since our college days. But time, as always, is a relentless force, and soon Oliver is glancing at his watch with a reluctant sigh.

“First one in the office again?” I tease, knowing full well that his dedication to his company is what drove him to the top.

“Guilty as charged,” he admits, standing and adjusting the cuffs of his crisp white shirt. “Can’t let the team think the boss is slacking.”

“Never,” I assure him, standing to offer a quick kiss goodbye. His lips are warm, a brief but potent reminder of the passion we share.

“Try not to fight with the espresso machine,” he says with a wink, heading towards the door.

“I make no promises,” I call after him, half-joking. Once the door clicks shut, I turn to face the gleaming contraption responsible for my daily caffeine fix. It’s a behemoth of stainless steel, all buttons and knobs that seem more suited for piloting a spacecraft than brewing coffee.

“Okay, let’s do this,” I mutter to myself, rolling up my sleeves. I recall his instructions from yesterday, which knob to twist and which button to press. After several false starts and a minor flood, I finally coax a rich, dark liquid into my waiting mug.

“Victory,” I declare, though there’s no one to hear it. Taking a sip, I can’t help but laugh. Life in Oliver’s world is a whirlwind — a mix of luxury and challenges, both new and exhilarating.

As I gather my things to leave, I feel a surge of optimism. Balancing my demanding career with this blossoming romance won’t be easy, but as I take one last look at the penthouse before stepping out, I know it’s worth every confusing espresso machine and early morning goodbye. Oliver and I are building something beautiful together, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I step out into the crisp morning air, my handbag slung over my shoulder and a travel mug of hard-won espresso clasped in my other hand. The sun is just beginning to climb above the city skyline, casting a golden light that makes the glass buildings sparkle like jewels in a crown. I take a deep breath, ready for the day ahead.

My phone buzzes at that exact moment, a cheerful ringtone slicing through the hush of early dawn. Slipping my phone from my pocket, I glance at the screen — Lynn’s name lights up, bringing an involuntary smile to my face.

“Morning, sunshine!” Lynn’s voice chirps through the speaker, her usual exuberance making me grin.

“Hey, Lynn,” I reply, locking the penthouse door behind me and starting down the hallway. “What’s up?”