The Billionaire's Offer

Chapter 5

Asher

As the sun sets on the horizon, its golden light spills through the windows, enveloping everything in a warm and familiar amber glow.

Yet, as I stand in my old room, the comforting scene now feels like a bittersweet reminder of how much my life has changed in such a short time.

The simple task of knotting my tie becomes a battle with my nerves. I've been sticking to jeans and T-shirts for as long as I can remember. Dressing appropriately was never a concern.

It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that I'm getting ready for a date with Emma. The same Emma I've spent years trying to push to the back of my mind.

Just a couple of months ago, if you had told me I'd be crashing at my parents' place and contemplating marrying her to step into Max's shoes as CEO, I would've probably thought you were joking.

But here I am, cluelessly trying to figure out how to navigate through all of this.

A knock on the door breaks my focus. A second later, Max wheels himself in, his posture tense as he watches me. He's struggling, not just with his physical limitations, but also with the emotions he's grappling with.

He hates that getting Emma involved in our problems would benefit all of us. And his shock at learning that she is actually considering our proposition was clear. He's just too proud to admit that it's bothering him.

"You almost ready?" His voice carries a hint of frustration that tugs at my heart.

"Yeah..." I clear my throat, avoiding his gaze.

"Need help with that?" He gestures at my tie.

"Thanks." I sit in my bed so we're at eye level, my gaze flickering toward his steady hands. Max's journey toward adapting to his new reality is a testament to his determination. He refuses to be defined by his accident, a quiet strength I admire.

As he fixes my tie, he works on a hard swallow. "Are you taking her to that restaurant I told you about yesterday?"

"Yeah..."

He offers me a half-smile, his gaze lingering on mine. "I took her there when it first opened... She loved the place."

My throat tightens, and I find it difficult to muster more than a whispered response. "I'm sure she did."

"There you go." He pats my chest, his eyes locked on mine. There's an unspoken understanding growing between us, a silent conversation that needs no words.

Knowing Max as I do, this gesture speaks volumes. It's a subtle way of saying that my involvement with Emma is about business, not feelings.

He wants me to remember that marrying her is a strategic move, a calculated decision for the sake of our family's legacy.

Our brotherly connection runs deep, and his gesture carries weight. It's his way of showing that he's on board with this plan, even if it's not what he wants deep down.

His support is unspoken, but it's there.

I just hope I can honor the promise I made to help him without once again having our lives disrupted in the process.

*****

Standing at Emma's doorstep, my heart races as the door swings open. The warm light from within her house wraps around her, casting her in a seductive silhouette. For a second, all I can think about is how badly I want to capture this image; to freeze it in time.

The red dress she's wearing fits her like a second skin, outlining her curves. She's pulled her hair up, exposing the graceful curve of her neck. My pulse quickens, and it's taking all my willpower not to reach out and trace that enticing line with my lips; to taste the soft skin behind her ear that's been haunting my dreams for years.