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Whenever I complain or grumble about our situation, he counters with a compliment or words of encouragement. His positive outlook is gradually breaking down the barriers I’ve built to protect myself, and I don’t know how to stop it—or if I even want to anymore.
A lump forms in my throat when I catch Cash watching me intently.
“My dad is going to lose his shit after the stunt you pulled out there,” I say, nodding toward the lobby. “He’s used to having the upper hand in any situation.”
It’s frustrating that I haven’t found the courage to stand up to him, but after his erratic behavior this afternoon, I don’t think I have a choice anymore.
“I don’t give a damn,” Cash declares boldly. “Once he sells his company, he’ll have no control left, so he better get used to it.”
It makes me think there’s more at stake than my father is letting on. He’d never relinquish control unless he was out of options.
“I’m done standing by while your piece-of-shit father treats you like garbage. You deserve better.” Cash’s eyes convey unwavering conviction as he gives my hand a gentle squeeze.
My chest tightens. His steadfast support means more than he’ll ever know, and he’s quickly becoming my constant.
A twist of guilt winds through me as I remember all the assumptions I’ve made about Cash since I saw him in that hotel bar in Vegas. My prejudices blinded me, and I didn’t hesitate to label him as a playboy with no regard for women.
I couldn’t have been more wrong, and the idea of walking away after this is all over makes me physically sick. Needing a distraction from my conflicting emotions, I open the bag of food I brought for lunch.
“I appreciate you standing up for me.” I give Cash a feeble smile as I hand him a turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich.
“That’s what husbands are for,” he teases as he takes a large bite of his sandwich. “Oh my god, this is great. Thanks for bringing lunch. Any chance I can convince you to stop by every day?”
“I wouldn’t count on it.” I playfully slug his shoulder. “It’s been so nice of you to make dinner every night, and I wanted to show my appreciation.”
“You should never feel pressured into doing anything you don’t want to, but I admit, I look forward to spending time with you, and I’ll take it any way I can.”
“I enjoy spending time with you, too,” I murmur as I unwrap my sandwich.
My resolve is crumbling fast, and I’m afraid there may not be a chance to reinforce it before Cash Stafford has stolen my heart completely.
15
CASH
I LOOK OVER AT EVERLY, who’s been typing furiously at my desk for two hours straight.
Carol gave me a heads-up that she was coming after I asked her to pick up lunch, but she asked me not to tell Everly that I knew. Regardless, I’m glad Everly came.
After we ate, she checked her email on her laptop, and I suggested she finish her workday here with me. The security guard stationed in the building’s lobby confirmed Richard had left the building shortly after our confrontation. Still, I didn’t want to risk Everly going back to the Townstead offices if he was there waiting for her.
Seeing him stand so close to her while he reprimanded her filled me with rage. It brought back memories of the awful things he said to her over the phone when we were in Aspen Grove.
I instructed security to prevent him from entering the building in the future. Then I emailed Harrison to loop him in on what happened. I told him to keep Richard away unless he wants me facing legal action for battery and assault.
Regardless of what happens with Everly and me after we settle this business arrangement, I’ll make sure she never has to work for her dad again. Hell, I’ll do everything in my power to ensure she never has to see him again if she doesn’t want to.
“Is everything okay?” Everly asks when she catches me watching her.
“Yeah, but it’s getting late.” I gesture to the darkening sky outside the window. “We should head out soon.”
“Oh, okay.” She frowns. “But I still have a lot of work to finish.”
“Why don’t we grab a bite to eat, and you can finish once we get back to the apartment?”
I text Fallon to say I won’t pick up our usual meal tonight. If the circumstances were different, I would be more remorseful for giving Everly the impression that I cook for her, but it’s been a way to get her to lower her defenses and spend time with me.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I take it out to see that I have an unread text.