Page 89 of Ruthless Heir

Embarrassingly, my eyes glue to his thick forearms as he rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt, revealing the Japanese characters for earth, warrior, and brave tattooed on each arm.

I only look away when he picks up the corkscrew to open the wine and I’m amazed how easily he’s able to uncork it.

“You make that look so easy.” I giggle. “I always have a difficult time opening wine. Even with my bar experience.”

“There’s an art to it. My grandfather taught me. I’ll teach you next time.” He glances over at me.

“Thanks. I look forward to you teaching me.”

He grins and pours our drinks. I watch him, getting lost in the way he looks at the glass as he focuses on the wine flowing into it. And the way his long fingers seem to caress the narrow stem.

How silly. I’m jealous. Jealous of the glass. I wish he would stroke me like that.

Asher gives me the glass and I take it, still thinking of him having his hands on me. “Thanks.”

“What did you think of tonight? You got to meet everyone.”

“They were great. Your parents especially are always amazing. And your mom is like my fairy godmother.”

“She likes you a lot. Let me guess, she’s invited you to go out hasn’t she?”

“Every weekend for the next year.” I giggle. “I’m going to see her on Sunday for afternoon tea at the Ritz. Then she’s taking me back to her house to try on all the dresses she got me. I can’t believe she still buys me dresses after so many years of not seeing me.”

“That’s my mom for you,” he grins. “Sorry she’s so crazy.”

“It’s fine. I love her craziness. I think my mom would be grateful to her too.”

A touch of sadness flickers in his eyes. “I think she would too, so it works out well then.”

“It does.”

I finish drinking the wine. He does too and pours us each another glass.

“Luna, Layla, and Autumn are all a great bunch too.” I try to keep the conversation going so that awkward silence doesn’t have a chance to step in and throw me off.

“They are.” Asher chuckles. “I knew you’d get on well with them.”

“I felt like I’d known them for years. It’s different with Beth because I’ve known her since we were kids. I’ve never metanyone else that I got on so well with right off the bat.” They all made an effort to talk to me. It took mere minutes for us to click.

“They were like that with each other too.”

“It will be great working with them. I guess I’ll see Layla more though. And Luna at the charity events.” I learned that Luna owns a charity which she and Hunter run. As Le Blanche Global are huge investors their PR team gets involved with various activities.

“You’ll love working with both of them. More wine?”

“Absolutely.”

After pouring more wine, he starts talking about Hunter and Luc. He talks about going to Luc’s hockey games and taking me along. Then he talks about sailing with Hunter next year after he and Luna have their baby.

This is the longest we’ve ever spoken and either not argued or offended each other.

I hang onto every word he says and I think he does the same with me. But when he talks I like looking at his lips and I keep thinking about all the kisses we shared tonight.

If I’m like this now, how will I feel next time?

Next time will be Sunday. His parents are hosting a dinner party at their home. Since I’ll be with his mom all day I won’t even see Asher for a regroup until he arrives with everyone else. The plan should be fine. It’s just me who’s nervous.

We continue drinking and talking until eventually we reach the last bit of wine in the bottle.

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