Chapter 322. A New Arrangement
Chapter 322: A New Arrangement
The kiss felt different this time.
There were no reservations behind it. No frustration, no argument either of them was trying to win, and no pretending it meant nothing.
Nicholas’s arms tightened around her waist, pulling her closer, while Harper’s remained wrapped around his neck, drawing him just as close.
Neither of them was fighting what was happening between them anymore.
Instead, they were finally allowing themselves to show just how much they wanted each
other.
Nicholas slowly broke away, but he didn’t move far. A faint, almost disbelieving smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“Say it again.”
Harper frowned, confused for a moment before realizing exactly what he meant. Her cheeks immediately heated. “I already said it.”
“I know.” His smile widened slightly, clearly enjoying her sudden discomfort. “But I want to hear it again.”
Harper rolled her eyes and turned her face away, suddenly too embarrassed to face him. It was ridiculous how flustered she felt now that the words were actually out, and the way Nicholas was looking at her certainly wasn’t helping.
“Don’t push your luck,” she muttered, gently pressing against his chest to create some distance between them.
She barely managed a step before Nicholas caught her around the waist and pulled her right
back.
Harper inhaled sharply as she found herself pressed against his bare chest. She had almost forgotten that he had taken his shirt off earlier, and being this close made it impossible not to notice the warmth of his skin beneath her hands.
Her cheeks grew even hotter.
Nicholas noticed.
Of course he did.
Chapter 322, A New Arrangement
He leaned closer, his voice dropping into a low, suggestive murmur.
“That night in the cave, I remember you telling me I was a damn good fuck.”
Harper’s breath caught.
He lowered his mouth near her ear, brushing a teasing kiss against it before whispering, “Why don’t we do it again, hmm? Third time’s a charm, after all.”
Her face turned an even deeper shade of red. For a moment, she could only stand there, completely flustered by the shameless suggestion.
Then something shifted.
If Nicholas wanted to tease her, two could play that game.
She gathered her courage and leaned closer, bringing her lips dangerously close to his without actually kissing him. She slowly moved past the corner of his mouth, along his cheek, until she reached his ear.
“You are indeed a damn good fuck…” she whispered.
Nicholas went perfectly still.
Harper paused deliberately before adding, “But you smell like a musty old rug, which completely kills the mood. So maybe next time.”
She immediately straightened and burst out laughing.
Nicholas remained frozen for a second, apparently trying to process what had just happened, which gave Harper the perfect opportunity to slip out of his arms.
“You better take a shower first. We need to go back and check on Jaime.” Her usual bubbly attitude had already returned as she walked toward the bed. “As for me…”
She picked up the enormous purple teddy bear along with the bag of magnets.
“I’m taking these to my room.”
Harper headed toward the door with her new treasures, but as she passed Nicholas, he caught her arm and pulled her back just enough to plant a quick kiss on her lips.
When he released her, a satisfied smile had returned to his face.
“You said next time, Harper. Remember that.” His smile widened. “And this time, you better not disappear on me. I fully intend to collect.”
Chapter 322 A New Arrangement
Harper laughed, genuinely amused. “Sure!”
She continued toward the door as Nicholas finally headed for the bathroom.
“Harper!”
She stopped and turned around. “What now?”
“You got one thing wrong.”
Her brows pulled together. “What’s that?”
“Back at the cave, I told you what I wanted.” His expression remained calm and confident.” But the rules? Those were yours.”
Harper went still, caught completely off guard by the realization.
“I made my claim that night, perhaps because deep down, I already knew I wanted you. I just didn’t understand it yet.” He paused. “But you were the one who turned it into an arrangement. Friends with benefits, no strings attached, our little secret, three months.”
Harper fell silent.
“Those were your rules, Harper. Not mine.”
Harper took a deep breath, letting his words settle before a small but genuine smile appeared on her face.
“Because I was scared. So I guess somewhere along the way, I convinced myself those were your rules instead of mine. It made it easier for me to blame you… and gave me a reason to stay away.”
Nicholas’s expression softened. “And now?”
She thought about it for a moment. Nicholas Ashcroft had just stood in front of her and admitted everything he had been trying to deny, making himself vulnerable in a way she never expected from him.
Maybe it was time she found the courage to do the same.
“I
guess…”
“She adjusted the enormous purple teddy bear in her arms. “I’m officially ending that agreement, and I’m making my claim too.”
Nicholas looked confused. “What claim?”
“Congratulations, Mr. Nicholas Ashcroft. You’ve officially been promoted to boyfriend with benefits.” She lifted the teddy bear slightly, along with the bag of magnets, as though proudly
(Chapter 322 A New Arrangement
displaying the perks that came with her decision.
A slow smile spread across Nicholas’s face.
Clum
Harper gave the giant bear another little lift. “And apparently, the benefits are pretty good.”
That earned a genuine, hearty laugh from Nicholas, the sound making Harper laugh along
with him.
She pointed toward the bathroom. “Now go take a shower before mold starts growing on you.”
She then turned toward the door. “Lunch is ready, so head downstairs when you’re done.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Nicholas replied before finally heading into the bathroom.
Harper opened the door and stepped into the hallway, closing it behind her. Her cheeks were still warm, the happy little thrill from everything that had just happened refusing to fade.
She buried her face against the enormous purple teddy bear in her arms.
“Ahhh!” she squealed softly, unable to contain the giddy feeling bubbling inside her.
Still smiling, Harper started toward her room with an extra bounce in her steps. As if on cue, just as she passed Maya’s room, the door suddenly opened.
Harper stopped short.
Maya stood in the doorway, equally startled to find Harper right outside.
“Harper?”
“Maya!”
They spoke at the same time.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then Maya’s attention shifted from Harper’s suspiciously happy face to the
impossible-to-miss, all-too-familiar enormous purple teddy bear in her arms, before drifting
down the hallway in the direction Harper had just come from.
She slowly crossed her arms over her chest, one brow arching as a knowing, mischievous smile spread across her face.
“Interesting…” she drawled. “Should I ask, or do I need popcorn first?”
Chapter 371 He Has a Girlfriend?
Clarn
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.