Arrogant Heir (The Heirs #2) - Michelle Heard Page 0,15

heart of CRC Holdings, Jase. If things had gone wrong between us, it would’ve been a huge risk to the company. She knows every trade secret.”

For him to admit something like that is huge. Warren Reyes is the most powerful man in America, and he took the risk to be with his personal assistant. Stephanie is still with the company, now serving as my father’s PA.

My grandfather raises an eyebrow at me as he takes a sip of his drink. “Now that I have your attention.” He sets the tumbler down on a table. “Is Mila West worth the risk of losing her family’s shares and probably the other members of Indie Ink’s, as well?”

I blink slowly as his question rattles between all the others in my head. “I don’t know. I don’t even know if this thing between us is worth risking our friendship for… or what’s left of it.”

“And you don’t know how you feel about the girl?”

I shake my head. “Of course, I love her like a friend. She’s been a huge part of my life.”

“But?”

“But… How do you know when you really love someone?”

Without missing a breath, Granddad answers, “You’re willing to risk everything for them. Remember what I taught you about being careful not to burn bridges?”

I nod, my drink forgotten in my hand.

“The West’s are one hell of a bridge to burn, son.”

“I know, Sir.”

He sits forward in the chair. “But if you’re unable to return Miss West’s love, and she holds it against you, I’m willing to make the sacrifice of losing their business for you.”

I glance up at the ceiling as his words sink in. He doesn’t say the words I love you a lot, but damn, he shows it every chance he gets.

I search through my chaotic emotions, then admit, “I don’t want to lose her, though. What do I do if I can’t be more than friends?”

“Then you be the best goddamn friend she’s ever had. You respect the love she’s given you. Just because she cares for you doesn’t mean your friendship is over, son.”

I nod, drinking in his advice like a man dying of thirst.

“It took nineteen years before I could be with Stephanie. Not once did I make her feel like she was less. Just respect Miss West for the amazing woman she is. You wouldn’t be sitting across from me if that was not the case.”

My attention returns to the chessboard as I nod. “You’re right. Thank you for the advice, Sir. I’ll do my best to salvage the friendship.”

He scoots forward and rubs his hands together. “Good, good. With that settled, I can now enjoy beating you again.”

As I continue to move pieces across the board, I try to sift through the emotions inside me, knowing I have to come to a conclusion soon, so I can save what’s left of my friendship with Mila.

MILA

After crying my eyes out, I went to shower, and now I’m keeping myself busy with my school work.

There’s a knock on my door, and thinking it’s Jade, I call out, “Come in.”

I finish typing the sentence I’m busy with before I glance up, and my eyes connect with Jase’s.

All the emotions I’ve managed to force down bubble back to the surface, and I suck in a deep breath.

He shuts the door but doesn’t come any closer. There’s a serious look on his face, which is rare, and I know it means nothing good.

“I managed to clear my head enough to realize one thing,” he begins.

It feels like we’re having a meeting. There’s no warmth of friendship.

Then he continues, “Your friendship means a lot to me but…”

My mom once told me whatever precedes a but is meaningless, and I scramble to steel myself for what’s to come.

“I don’t know if I’m willing to risk it to find out if there can be more between us.”

Not the sentence I expected.

I was expecting something along the lines that our friendship was unsalvageable. I let out the breath I’m holding. “So you would rather just remain friends,” I say to make sure I’m on the same page as Jase.

“Yes.” Then there’s a flash of indecisiveness on his face, and he adds, “I need to make sure what I feel for you isn’t just friendship, Mila. I can’t start something with you and not know for certain how I feel.”

“I understand.” I climb off the bed and ask, “How do we repair the damage done?”

“It doesn’t sound right…” he holds up a finger and begins