The Arrangement Read Online Free PDF Page B

together and we’re not going to. It’s not going to be a real marriage.”
    Erika’s eyes widened and she gestured to where Ash had had her backed up against the counter. “Then what was that all about?”
    “It was practice,” she answered, trying and failing not to become flustered at the memory of being in his arms. She sipped her water. “We’re going to have to pretend to be in love.”
    Erika shook her head. “Ari , this is Ash we’re talking about here.”
    “We’ve discussed this. It’s an arrangement, not real.”
    “So you’ll be fine with him sleeping with other women while the two of you are married?”
    “There won’t be anyone else for either of us or this won’t work for him.”
    “Don’t you see what he’s doing? He’s trying to get you into bed.” Ariadne shook her head, but Erika interrupted before she could speak. “Do you even know for sure that his dad is running for office? This could all be some elaborate scheme of his.”
    “Presupposing that you’re right, it would mean that Ash wanted me enough to bother lying to me and he doesn’t.”
    Erika opened her mouth and closed it several times. “This is Ash,” she said again quietly.
    “Yes, and I know if I offered, I couldn’t beat him to a bedroom, but he doesn’t want me anymore than the next woman.” Erika bit her lip and looked away, but not before she saw what she thought was a gleam of tears. Ariadne capped her water bottle and set it aside. “Erika, it won’t be real. I was hoping you were over him.”
    “I am over him, but I don’t know…as long as he’s single…he’s this dream. It’s kind of like lusting after a movie star. You want him to be happy and you know it’ll never be you, but you can dream as long as he’s available.”
    She grabbed her friend and hugged her. “Well, I’m merely tying him up for a few years.” She smiled. “Look at the bright side of this situation; he won’t be dating anyone while he’s with me.”
     
    ***
     
    “What the fuck ?” Ted whispered as soon as they were out of earshot of the girls. “Have you lost your mind? What are you thinking?” As though to ensure their privacy, he continued until they were on the back deck. He closed the sliding glass door behind them.
    Asher shrugged. “I’m helping her and she’s helping me.” Ted continued to stare at him as though he’d sprouted a pair of wings. Or more likely horns. Exasperated with the intense scrutiny, he threw his hands up. “ What? ”
    “I’ve seen you lie to your father, your girl friends and even suspected you might have lied to me a time or two, but I’ve never seen you lie to yourself. You’re shitting yourself if you don’t think you’re begging for more trouble by doing this.”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “You’re strung out on her.” He glanced over his shoulder before continuing. “What are you going to do when she wants out?”
    He tried to keep his tone casual as he said, “ This arrangement doesn’t involve forever. I know that. And who says I’m strung out on her?” Ted’s incredulous expression spoke volumes. Asher scowled at him. Though he’d never clearly stated an interest in Ariadne, as his best friend, Ted would have to have been an idiot to not pick up on how he felt about her. “Maybe this is my way of getting her into bed.”
    “It’s sad when I can say that I wish this was all that was. Don’t do this, Ash. You’re going to regret it.”
    “It’s done.” Nothing and no one was going to st op him from making Ariadne his. “She’s on board. We’re both adults. We don’t need your permission.” Having heard enough, he went back inside. He had work to do, starting with a call to his assistant.
     
    ***

    Erika had barely left her when Ted came in, disappeared inside the refrigerator for a second and emerged with a beer. She thought it was very early to be drinking, but she supposed he was stressed. Ted sat on the bar stool