Page 68 of Ruthless Heir

Of all the women I’ve met she best fits the bill and I think that just maybe she might be the one.

I’m trying here. Really trying. If I pick her the problem is solved. At least to some degree. I’d just need to wrap my head around the idea of being married to her.

“My father taught me to sail,” Alexis says with excitement, her voice pulling me back to our date. “Our family is Greek sonearly everyone can sail. We meet in the summer in Mykonos and sail to every island in the Cyclades.”

“That is fantastic. My brother and I do something similar but he’s more into sailing than I am. I swear he’d live in the water if he could.”

“I guess I’m like that, too. I spend most of my time near water. Maybe I can entice you to leave the office more often.” The look of seduction she gives me is unmistakable.

At least I know she likes me. I never had a problem with that, though, with any of the women. It was everything else.

“I’m sure you could.” I genuinely mean that.

“I see why Layla thought we’d be a good match.” She dips her head. “I know the circumstances of your arrangement but it was important for me to like you, too.”

“And do you?”

“I do. No pun intended.” Her smile widens and her eyes sparkle. “And me? Do you like me?”

“I do,” I reply but… it doesn’t feel right to give her hope.

“That’s good to hear.”

“I think so.” I nod.

“How about one last drink for the road? And to celebrate liking each other.”

“Sure. Sounds like a great idea.”

We order two more cocktails. I’m driving her home so I’ve kept an eye on my drinks.

There was a night when I was so drunk I had to call a taxi. I drank too much that night because I had another boring date. But that was my fault. I hadn’t tried to have fun.

Tonight was what I’d call a success.

An hour later I drop Alexis home and make my way back to mine.

On the drive back I reflect on everything.

If tonight was a success it means I found a girl. On Tuesday morning I can go back to my father with a name.

I won’t have to worry about marrying Portia as I have a feeling that Alexis and I could work.

So why am I not more enthusiastic?

Maybe I just need the idea to sink in and be grateful I have a choice now.

Or rather a name.

Picking Alexis would also wipe out the plan to get Harper involved with something I know could be a disaster. It’s too risky.

And, if Josh found out and there was nothing I can do to absolve myself, I don’t know what would happen to us.

All those reasons make sense, yet when I think of introducing Alexis to Harper as my fiancée a knot tightens within me.

A knot that tells me that maybe I’m still not ready to make that choice yet.

When I reach home I discover Harper isn’t back. She’d sent a message letting me know she’d be home late.

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