The Billionaire's Offer

Chapter 7

Emma

It's been two days since my dinner with Asher.

My brother and I have been holed up in my kitchen for the past few hours, and I swear my head is on the verge of exploding. He's been listing all the reasons marrying Asher is a bad idea, and if I didn't adore him so much, I might have kicked him out of my house by now.

"Aiden, seriously–" I begin, but the doorbell rings, interrupting me.

"Ah, that must be José," he sighs dramatically, darting off to the living room to answer the door. "I'm counting on my husband here to talk some sense into your stubborn head."

Groaning, I trail after him. "No one is changing my mind."

"Hey babe." Aiden opens the door. "Could you please tell my sister she's making a big mistake by marrying Asher?"

"Honey..." José gives me a warm smile, pulling my brother into a side hug as he lets himself in. "Let's trust she knows what she's doing."

"But she can't just marry a guy who up and left her like she was nothing," Aiden insists, making me snort.

"It's not a real marriage," I say. "As my legal counsel, you've scrutinized the paperwork, so you know it's a solid arrangement."

"So, you're just going to sell yourself–"

"Aiden, leave her alone," José cuts him off. "Emma is an adult and perfectly capable of making her own choices. If she believes this is the path she needs to take, we should respect her decision."

"Fine..." Aiden sighs, turning his attention back to me. "We've got reservations at six for dinner. We better get going."

"Aiden..." I stop in front of him. "I know what I'm doing."

"And I'm always here for you." He pulls me into a hug. "Even when you drive me to the brink of insanity."

"Thank you." I chuckle, drawing back slightly to look at him. "Now, go enjoy your evening."

"Right..." he murmurs, a teasing grin on his lips. "Give my future brother-in-law my regards."

"Come on, honey, give her a break." José shakes his head. "I'm sure Asher is smart enough to know we'll both kick his ass if he messes with Emma."

"Well," Aiden starts, but I playfully nudge him through the door.

"Go!"

"Call me if you need anything," he calls out as he and José walk away.

Hurrying to hop into the shower, I feel a wave of questions going through my mind. The fact Asher and I are getting married is surreal. I've known this guy my entire life. He was my first love and my first heartbreak. And now he'll be my husband.

Memories of us together come flooding back as the hot water cascades down my back.

The time I first realized how much I loved his laugh when I saw his eyes crinkle as we played together as kids...

The moment I saw him in a different light when he stood up for me against a group of bullies at school...

The first time I realized he had grown taller and his voice had deepened...

Summer breaks where I'd keep ogling his body and noticing how much he'd grown up...

When I saw my friends fawning over him, and I felt jealous for the first time in my life...

The countless times we spent talking about nothing and everything...

The moment our lips touched for the first time and I knew there was something special between us...