Page 119 of Ruthless Heir

Yes, I’ve lost my mind.

But I can’t turn back now.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Harper

“Oh my God,my heart.” Beth stares back at me from across the park bench, looking utterly mesmerized.

I've just told her about what happened between Asher and me last night.

I've only ever seen my best friend look that way when watching one of her classic chick flicks, likeOnly YouorWhen Harry Met Sally.

Honestly, I feel like I've been walking around in a romantic movie. Things seem to have flipped around for me to get the guy—even for one night.

I've had a busy day but I couldn't wait to see Beth to talk to her.

“So, what happens now?” Beth squeaks.

My shoulders slump and I gaze out to the swans swimming in the river. In the waning afternoon sun they look like sailboats sailing on the open sea.

I shake my head and look back at her, feeling the doubt I experienced earlier stirring in my heart. “Asher promised to pick up where we left off, but I don’t know if he means it. Of course, that’s exactly what I want but there's a lot to think about.”

The excitement in Beth's eyes dims and she nods. “Like the fact that he has to get married to secure his position in the company.”

“Exactly.” My heart feels just as heavy as it did earlier when I first thought about themarriage thing. The bubble of last night popped the instant the thought slithered into my mind.

“Maybe you could talk to him about it.” Beth bites the inside of her lip.

I laugh without humor. “Really, Beth? We spent one night together and you want me to ask him about marriage?”

“You don’t have to talk to him about it right away. But as this is an unusual circumstance it’s a conversation you’re going to have to have at some point.”

I hate to admit it but she’s right. “Yeah, I guess I should see how everything plays out first.”

“Yes, absolutely. I wish you could have gotten together before.”

“Me too. That’s the other thing that's troubling me. Asher made it sound like he'd always wanted to be with me. So why didn’t he try? He knew how I felt.” I keep hearing his voice telling me that he always wanted me.

“Maybe he had his reasons.”

“Like Josh?”

She narrows her eyes. “I doubt that.”

“There was something Asher said when we first agreed to our arrangement that made me think he believed Josh wouldn’t approve of us being together. I didn’t think too much into it at the time but now I am.”

“But Josh left you in his best friend's care because he trusts him. I'd say he'd be happy if you and Asher got together.”

“I don’t know. Throughout this whole time Asher has been careful to make sure there were no pictures of us that the press could use to confirm we’re dating.”

Outside of when we’re around his family we don’t hold hands, kiss, or anything like that. We do just enough to make sure people don’t ask questions.

“If Josh is the reason then perhaps Asher never tried to be with me because he doesn't want to ruin their friendship.”

“If that’s true would you really step aside for their friendship? I think it would be quite selfish and controlling on Josh's part to stand in the way of you being with the guy you want.”

“It would. While I don't want to upset my brother or disrespect him, I wouldn't allow Josh to stop me from being with Asher. Of course, that’s if we do get together.” Asher could still change his mind.

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