Chapter 17

Asher takes my hand and it’s actually not that weird when he laces our fingers together.

“Mom, dad, I want you to meet Katherine?” Asher says, like he has not been my guest for the past two week.

“Oh wow! It’s lovely to meet you, dear.” Elizabeth eyes our hands, eyes sparkling in recognition. “We didn't know you and Asher were dating.”

“Oh, it’s somewhat recent,” I say. Well, it’s not a lie. He did just ask me. In the car. On the way

over. Giving me little choice and no time to wrap my head around it.

“Itm know I did not tell you guys earlier, but I just wanted her to myself for a little while, you know, before I have to share her,” Asher adds. I’m not sure I can hide my sneer well enough, so I opt for what I hope is a loving smile in his direction. He looks at me and, of course he knows. His twinkling eyes are challenging me not to laugh, and I may hate him a little for it, because I would be the horrible potential-daughter-in-law if I laughed now.“Oh, darling. Isn’t it wonderful to be in love, though?” Thank God his mom thinks my smile is because of the "honeymoon happiness".

“Mom, leave them alone.” I’m relieved to hear a voice behind us. It turns out to be Asher's sister, Paige. Also turns out that Asher’s parents always seem to disapprove less of him when his sister is around, and well, I may or may not appreciate her presence for other reasons.“Now there’s no need to be jealous, dear,” Henry says in what I’m sure is supposed to be a conciliatory tone. “Don’t begrudge your brother his happiness.” Paige bristles. Asher shifts. I tense. But we all nod and move on from the foyer.

“Honey, can you take Katherine’s bag to your sister’s room?” Elizabeth asks Asher. Apparently, female guests always stayed with Paige because the guest rooms are being renovated.

Or it would be, if I had discussed the specifics with Asher. But one does not simply discuss sleeping with one's friend's sister, does one?So now, here I am, facing an amused Paige. “Well, that was a surprise,” she mimics rubbing her chin in thought. “I'm not sure how to react.” That glint in her eye tells me I’m in trouble, and not for the reasons I may have been thinking off.“What are my options?” I stall, regretting not asking Asher in the privacy of the car.

“Depends,” she says, taking a step. “Would your boyfriend mind you kissing his sister?”“I take it you’re not dating anyone?” This is the arrangement – no cheating. We may not be emotionally involved but we’ve agreed to never do anything that all concerned parties had not knowingly consented to.“You know I have eyes only for you,” she jokes.

“The feeling is mutual,” I reply with a chuckle. “Your brother is cute and all, but he just doesn’t get me, you know…”“Mhmm,” she takes a step back. “That’s why he’s your best friend.”“Well, he’s sweet.” I grin when she arches a brow. “For a man.”She looks at me for a moment, mirth gone from her eyes.“I feel like you’re avoiding the question.”“Me?” I clutch my non-existent pearls. “Never!”That eyebrow is back up, along with some of the amusement in her gaze.“Well...” I pause. “We haven’t really discussed it. Any of it really.”She folds her arms. “He sprung this on you, didn’t he?”I smile at her outrage. “It’s fine, I doubt it’s gonna change anything.”“You don’t know my parents.” She sighs and lets her arms drop.She goes to sit on the bed, and I flop beside her. When she turns to me, she’s frowning in confusion. “But why did he ask you to do that? Why now? I don’t think my parents have been more insistent than usual...” she trails off.

“Apparently, your parents have invited his ex for Christmas this year.”“Ugh, that coward,” she huffs. “I sincerely doubt Gabriela would feel anything but awkward around him anyway.”“Maybe he wanted to spare her too?”She guffaws, and doesn’t dignify this with an answer.“Come on,” she pats my leg. “Let’s go help mom with dinner.”