Page 50 of The Fate Of Us

Why the hell would I change the number that I gave toAdaline Moore? I could probably sell this number fordouble my net worth just because you have it.

I don’t even know how you spend your networth right now. What on earth would youbuy with double?

A lot.

But now I’m curious what youspent that Defenders of Timepaycheck on. That was way more thandouble what I’m worth.

Have you seen the prices of books these days?I barely have any of that left.

Well then, I guess that answers your question.Looks like I’ll be buying books, too.

Can I ask my question now?

Or are you going to keep trying to buy me?

Ask away, Miss Moore.

Would you wanna get drinks sometime?

I know we've barely spoken since we were kids, and I don't know, I though it might be nice to catch up?

Are you asking me on a date?

Because if that’s the case I mightjust have to sell this number to pay for it.

What do you do on dates thatrequires billions of dollars?

The last I checked, flights toAustria are hellishly expensive.

Are you already drunk? Why on earth would we go to Austria?

I think you forget how much you confessedto me during that shoot, Adaline.

Especiallythe part where you sat me down and gave me avery detailed explanation about why youneed to visit the Admont Abbey Librarybecause you couldn’t stop dreaming about it.

You remember that?

I remember everything, Adaline.

But to answer your question, I would love to gofor drinks with you. Are you free tonight?

Tonight sounds great.

Text me your address, and I’ll pick you up at eight.

Shall I pack a suitcase?

Only if you want to make your dreams come true.

Chapter seventeen

Adaline

Ican’thelpbutwonder if I’m making a mistake.

Deep down, I know I’m not. Asking Asher Hartford on a date, as a single woman,isn’t illegal. In fact, it was probably well overdue.

Forgetting the outside world, forgetting the doubts and the voices and the demands forone evening might do me the world of good. Getting lost in eyes that I haven’t gotten lost in for years, unearthing those buried feelings I had for Asher once upon a time and basking in them like a warm towel after swimming in the iciest waters…

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