Olivia’s POV
"Sir?" I croaked, not believing my ears. My voice came out like a dying frog.
"I said we are both taking the bed. No one is sleeping on the couch after such a tiring trip."
*Tiring?* I wanted to laugh. The only tiring thing about this trip was trying to maintain my composure while sitting opposite him on that plane.
I tried wearing a smile I didn’t feel, as I managed to keep my voice steady. "Thank you for being so considerate, sir. But I’m not tired at all. The sofa would do just fine."
"We are not arguing this, Hopton. It is settled. You are sleeping on the bed. I want you sharp and alert tomorrow."
His tone was final. Cold. No room for argument.
Why was he so adamant about this? Other bosses would be delighted to have their assistant sleep on the sofa. Hell, other bosses would demand that their assistant use the sofa. So why was he so serious about this?
I was still trying to reason with him when he walked into the bathroom without another word, and a few minutes later, I heard the shower running.
*Great.* This was really happening. Not only was I stuck in a room with him, but also sharing the same bed. How would I even manage that.
I pulled out my phone and quickly texted Kira.
*Me: I need help, Kira. I’m Sharing a bed with Maxwell. What do I do?!!*
I paced the living room, impatiently waiting for Kira’s response.
When minutes passed and I didn’t get anything, I decided to call her.
I dialed her number, about hitting the call button, when I heard my name being called from the bathroom.
"Hopton!"
I froze.
What is it this time?
I hurried over to the bathroom door. "Yes, sir?"
"Come grab my towel. I forgot it."
Of course he forgot it. He’s probably used to a butler standing by with his towel while he showered.
I went in and spotted the towel hanging on a hook. I grabbed it, then took a deep breath.
Breathe, Olivia. You’ve seen a naked man before. This should be simple enough - just hand over the towel and leave.
I used one hand to cover my eyes, and with the other hand outstretched holding the towel, I started edging towards the shower carefully.
"Sir, I’m bringing your towel," I announced.
"Just leave it on the counter," he replied curtly.
But I was already moving forward, trying to be efficient. The shower had a glass door that looked closed, but as my shoulder bumped against it, it slid open easily.
My foot caught on something and I stumbled forward, crashing straight into the shower and directly into Maxwell.
The impact sent us both down hard. His back hit the bathroom floor with a grunt, and I landed on top of him. The towel went flying.
For a moment, neither of us moved. The shower continued running, soaking my clothes instantly. But that wasn’t what made me freeze completely.
I could feel everything. His hands had instinctively grabbed my ass when we fell, his fingers digging in as he tried to steady us both. And between my legs, pressed against me, was his very obvious, very large erection.
Oh God.
How could he be having an erection right now?
The realization hit us both at the same time. We stayed frozen like that, my breathing shallow, acutely aware of every point where our bodies touched, and how hot it made me feel. His grip on my ass tightened, and I had to hold a moan from escaping my lips even as he twitched against me.
Then, as if snapping back to reality, Maxwell’s hands moved to my shoulders and he pushed me off him roughly, his expression cold and distant.
"Get off," he said sharply, reaching for the towel and wrapping it around himself quickly.
I scrambled to my feet, my wet clothes clinging to my body. "I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to..."
"Just... get changed," he cut me off, his voice icy. "And next time, follow simple instructions."
He didn’t look at me as he spoke, his jaw clenched tight.
"Yes, sir," I mumbled, leaving the shower wet and ashamed even as I hurried to get changed into another suit before he comes out of the bathroom.
********
Later that evening, after we’d ordered room service and had dinner in awkward silence, I sat rigidly on the couch like someone prepared to bolt at the first sign of danger.
I couldn’t do anything. Couldn’t shower, couldn’t comfortably change into Oliver’s nightwear/disguise without having to haul my entire suitcase into the bathroom to maintain my cover.
Maxwell glanced over from where he sat with his phone. "Are you alright, Hopton?"
I forced myself to smile. "Yes, sir. I’m fine. Just... reviewing tomorrow’s schedule."
He studied me for a moment before returning to his phone.
Thank God.
Finally, it was time to sleep. Maxwell was already in bed, wearing dark silk pajamas and reading something on his tablet. He didn’t look up when I approached.
The bed was massive, but somehow it felt tiny knowing I’d be sharing it with him. I walked to my side slowly, trying to be as quiet as possible.
"Sir?" I ventured. "Which side would you prefer I..."
"Are you planning to sleep in your suit?" he interrupted, not looking up from his screen.
I froze. "Oh, um, yes sir. Actually, this suit is one of my most comfortable outfits. You see, I have this thing about hotel bedding - germs and allergens and such - so I always prefer to sleep in my day clothes when traveling. It’s actually quite practical because..."
"Hopton."
"Yes, sir?"
"Get in bed."
Damn. That command sounded so hot and sexy.
I slipped under the covers fully clothed, staying as close to the edge as possible without actually falling off.
Maxwell continued reading, completely unbothered. After a few minutes, he glanced over at me.
"You’re going to wrinkle that suit sleeping in it."
"I... I don’t mind wrinkles, sir."
"Hmm." He returned to his tablet. "If you say so."
I lay there stiff as a board, barely breathing, wondering how I’m ever going to get a wink of sleep in this damn suit.