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“I like blurring the lines with you,” he murmurs.
When Cash caresses my cheek, I close my eyes and lean into his touch. He has a way of making me feel safe and secure when my thoughts are chaotic.
He has become my anchor, steadying me through turbulent waters—my shelter from the storm. Since the moment we agreed to stay married to keep the acquisition from falling apart, every decision he’s made has been with my best interest in mind.
I never witnessed this kind of adoration between my parents. Their relationship was centered around maintaining their social status rather than genuine affection, so it was no surprise when it fell apart. That doesn’t mean it hurt any less to watch, but my distorted view of romantic relationships has clouded my judgment, making me believe that what Landon and I had was genuine, when it was superficial at best. He never looked at me the way Cash does—like I’m the center of his universe.
“Last night was incredible,” Cash says. “As far as I’m concerned there is no timeline or expiration date. There’s only you and me, and I’d like to enjoy every moment we have together, however long it may be.”
I smile. “I want that too.”
More than anything.
“I have something that I think will lift your mood,” he says.
Before I can ask what it is, my phone pings. I look down to find a text from August.
August: Have fun playing hooky today.
Everly: ???
August: Ask your husband.
When I glance up at Cash, he’s watching me as he taps his fingers against his leg.
“Do you know anything about this?” I ask, holding my phone out for him to see.
“Yeah,” he confirms once he’s finished reading the message. “I told August you were taking the day off.”
When we got back to London, I gave August’s number to Cash in case of an emergency but failed to specify that plotting ways to convince me to skip work doesn’t qualify as an emergency. It’s not surprising since they are similar in their need for adventure and taking risks.
“Cash, it’s Tuesday. I can’t just skip out on work without giving notice.”
“Today is special.” His face lights up like a kid on Christmas morning.
“How so?”
“I have a surprise for you.”
A surprise?
He’s piqued my curiosity, but I haven’t taken a day off work in years. I’m sure my dad will have something to say if I don’t go into the office today, but then again, why should I care?
My phone pings again.
August: Don’t overthink it. You deserve a break. Liam & I will hold down the fort until tomorrow.
Everly: Traitor.
August: Have fun!
There’s my answer.
I set my laptop and phone on the couch.
“Alright, you have my attention,” I tell Cash, folding my arms across my chest. “What’s the surprise?”
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, now would it?” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “Go get ready. We leave in an hour.” He walks out of the room, pausing halfway then turning around to add, “Oh, and you should wear a sundress.” He winks, leaving me sitting alone, puzzled by his cryptic request.