The weekend getaway was just what Olivia and Alexander needed-time away from the city, from the pressures of their lives, and, for Olivia, time alone with Alexander. The drive to the cabin had been peaceful, the scenery around them shifting from urban sprawl to rolling hills, dense trees, and the serene quiet of nature.
They'd chosen a secluded cabin near the lake, far enough from anyone else to truly feel like it was just the two of them. The air was crisp and cool, the perfect backdrop for a quiet weekend.
As they unloaded the car, Olivia stretched her arms out, smiling as she took in the view. "This place is beautiful," she said, glancing over at Alexander.
He nodded, his gaze soft as he looked around. "It's peaceful," he agreed, though there was a distant look in his eyes, as if his mind was elsewhere.
Olivia didn't press him. She had learned by now that Alexander would only share as much as he was comfortable with. Instead, she made it her mission to help him relax, to make this weekend about enjoying each other's company without the weight of their secrets hanging over them.
Once they had settled in, unpacking their things and making the cabin feel like home for the next few days, Olivia realized something as she rummaged through their supplies in the kitchen.
"Alexander, we forgot something important," she called out, holding up the empty s'mores ingredients bag. "We're missing marshmallows! How can we have s'mores without marshmallows?"
He raised an eyebrow from where he stood by the window, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Is that really a crisis?"
"Of course, it is! It's a s'mores emergency!" Olivia teased, her hands on her hips as she dramatically shook her head. "We need to make a store run."
Alexander chuckled softly, the sound low and warm, and nodded. "Alright. I'll drive."
---
The small convenience store wasn't far from the cabin, and the drive was filled with lighthearted teasing. Olivia watched the way Alexander relaxed behind the wheel, his usual stoic demeanor replaced with a softer expression. She couldn't help but smile, grateful for these moments when the walls he had built around himself seemed to come down, even if only a little.
"So," she said, turning in her seat to face him, "do you think you'll be able to handle the rest of the weekend without running back to the city for some fancy five-star meal?"
Alexander glanced at her with a playful glint in his eyes. "You underestimate me. I'm perfectly capable of surviving off campfire food."
"Sure, sure," Olivia teased. "Just wait until I make you cook over the fire. Then we'll see how 'capable' you really are."
He shook his head, but the smile stayed on his face. "You really think I'm that out of touch?"
Olivia grinned. "We'll see."
They pulled into the convenience store parking lot, the old, dim lights flickering as they stepped out of the car. The store was small and quaint, with shelves filled with snacks, drinks, and all the basic necessities. Olivia grabbed a bag of marshmallows, along with a few extra items she thought they might need, while Alexander followed her through the aisles, amused by her enthusiasm.
"Are we really going to eat this much chocolate?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as she added more bars to the basket.
"You can never have too much chocolate," Olivia replied, her tone completely serious. "It's a weekend getaway rule."
He chuckled softly but didn't argue. As they approached the counter, Alexander's phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen, and Olivia noticed the brief shift in his expression.
"It's my grandfather," he said quietly. "I'll take this outside."
He handed her his wallet with a small smile. "Can you handle paying?"
Olivia nodded, watching him step outside to take the call. She turned to the cashier, but her curiosity got the better of her as she opened his wallet. Her eyes immediately landed on his ID photo, and she stifled a laugh. He looked so serious, his hair slightly disheveled, and his expression caught in that in-between moment where you don't quite know if you're supposed to smile or not.
She scanned through the rest of the wallet, but what caught her attention next was his driver's license. His birthday was listed there, and as she read the date, her eyes widened slightly.
**It's so close... he didn't even mention it.** Olivia thought, a small smile forming on her lips. **I'll have to plan something special.**
She quickly paid for their items and slipped his wallet back into her bag, her mind already racing with ideas for how to surprise him. When Alexander returned, finishing his call, he gave her a curious look.
"What's that smile about?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Nothing," Olivia said, her voice light and teasing. "Just thinking."
Alexander narrowed his eyes, but the smile playing on his lips told her he wasn't going to press. They packed the groceries into the car and made their way back to the cabin.
---
Back at the cabin, the night was settling in, the sky darkening as stars began to twinkle above. Olivia set up the fire pit outside while Alexander brought out the food and drinks. The fire crackled to life, casting a warm glow around them as they sat together, the peaceful quiet of the forest surrounding them.
For a while, they just enjoyed the simplicity of the moment, roasting marshmallows over the fire, sharing stories and laughs. It was easy, effortless, and Olivia cherished every second of it.
As the night grew colder, Olivia wrapped a blanket around her shoulders, scooting closer to Alexander for warmth. He didn't say anything but shifted his arm around her, pulling her gently against his side.
"Thanks for coming with me," Olivia said softly, looking up at him. "I know this isn't really your thing, but... I'm glad you're here."
Alexander's gaze softened, his eyes locking with hers. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Her heart skipped a beat at his words, and for a moment, everything else faded away. It was just the two of them, sitting under the stars, sharing a quiet moment of closeness.
Suddenly, without warning, Alexander leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, tender kiss. Olivia's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing as she melted into the kiss, her hand instinctively reaching up to rest against his chest.
When they finally pulled away, Alexander's forehead rested against hers, his hand still cradling the side of her face.
"You're incredible, you know that?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Olivia's heart fluttered, but she couldn't help the teasing smile that formed on her lips. "I could say the same about you."
They sat there in silence for a while longer, the warmth of the fire and the comfort of each other's presence wrapping around them like a blanket. For once, everything felt perfect, and Olivia knew that this weekend was going to be one they'd never forget.
As she rested her head against Alexander's shoulder, her mind wandered back to his birthday. **He has no idea whats coming.**
YOU ARE READING
The Billornaire's Secret
RomanceOlivia Thompson is a down-to-earth college student juggling her studies, friendships, and a part time job. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with the enigmatic Alexander Grey, a quiet and mysterious student who keeps mostly to...
