Cash (Glendale Magic #2)

Chapter 33

CASH

Cash had finished his work out, showered, and got ready. He looked at himself in his suit giving himself one last look over. He had a pretty wide variety of suits because they always wore them on game day. His hair was styled back, and his beard was neatly trimmed and conditioned with beard oil. He didn’t think he'd been this nervous for anything that wasn't a game in his entire life.

Nothing but hockey had mattered to him for a very long time, but he could feel that changing. It was a welcome change, but a scary one. He’d come very close to telling Evie he loved her last night, but he didn't want to scare her. If he could go a week without making her mad he would tell her.

Nope. Scratch that, that might never happen, but he would tell her when he had gone a week without being blocked, he thought as he chuckled to himself.

He checked his phone; it was already after one and if they were on schedule, they would be down taking pictures in the ballroom before the guest started arriving. He made his way down to the lobby and walked to the ballroom. He ended up in the one for the reception and damn, he knew these people had money, but they had money money.

He would be happy with a little outside wedding, but he would do this if this was what Evie wanted. Once again that was a thought that should scare him. He was already planning their wedding.

He went across the hall to the other ballroom that was filled to the brim with white roses. Apparently, all the Masterson women liked roses.

"I'm sorry, this is a private event." He heard a voice from behind him that he recognized.

He turned and saw Evie's mother.

"Oh!" she squeaked in surprise. "It's you. You look nice," she said surprised.

"You look beautiful, Mrs. Masterson," he said with his charming smile. "I was just looking for Evie."

Then he saw her. He saw her and the biggest grin spread across his face. She wasn't kidding about that dress. There she was standing with four other women all of them in pale pink poofy dresses. Evie wasn't a very colorful dresser, she was always impeccably dressed, but usually in dark colors, black or navy, if there was a color it was usually red. Even the sundress she had worn had been an emerald green with little white flowers.

She caught sight of him and smiled. He gestured to her dress and gave her a big smile and a thumbs up, to which she scowled at him, and it was perfect.

"I see you've found her," her mother said behind him. He had almost forgotten he was even having a conversation.

"That I have," he said, not taking his eyes off her.

"If you'll excuse me, I'm very busy."

"Do you need any help with anything?"

"No, I need to go find someone to move that table. It was supposed to be set up on the other side of the entryway."

"I'll move it," he volunteered happily.

She just stopped and looked at him. "Okay, it will need to be flipped so the decorated side is still facing out and not shoved up against the wall," she said, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Consider it done," he said confidently.

"Thank you," she said, still taking him in.

"Mom, we need you for a photo," called Ellie.

"If you'll excuse me," she said as she turned and left.

Cash went over and moved the table and made sure to turn it so the tulle or whatever the fuck it was still showing.

"That fucking shit it everywhere," he heard a familiar voice say.

He turned and beamed at Evie. "You weren't kidding about that dress."

"Shut it, Hawthorn. I’m only in this monstrosity for my sister," she said, fluffing her pink tulle skirt.

"I think you look beautiful."

"And you, sir, clean up very nicely," she said as she straightened his already straight lapels.

He cocked his eyebrows and said in a low gravelly voice, only loud enough for her to hear, "I like it when you call me sir."

She playfully glared at him, and it was fucking everything. He bent and gave her a small kiss. He wanted to do so much more, but he wouldn't muss her up too much before the ceremony.

Everything was going well. Pictures were done. The guests had arrived, and Cash was seated waiting to watch his girl walk down the aisle. Then he saw a last-minute guest sneak in and sit near the back. Bryan. Evie wasn’t going to be happy about this, but it was okay. He would make sure not to let him near her. He wouldn’t make Evie feel uncomfortable, and he sure as fuck wasn't going to try and kiss her again.

Before he could think too much about it the music starts, and the ceremony began. The ceremony was fine, he was almost sure of it, but he was much too busy looking at Evie to actually know. He just couldn't help but smile at her in that dress. It wasn't her style at all, and he loved that he knew her well enough to know she would never be caught dead in that color or that dress.

He was waiting for her during cocktail hour with a glass of white wine. He finally found her and made his way over.

He offered her the wine and she looked up at him and slightly bit her lip. He couldn't help himself. He bent his head and tasted that very lip.

"Hi," she said breathlessly when he pulled away.

"Hi. So, what's the seating situation for the next part? Are you at a head table or some bull shit like that?"

"Nope. I'll be right next to your sorry ass," she said grinning up at him.

"Did you see who's here?" As much as he didn't want to ruin this moment, it was better coming from him.

Her smile fell flat quickly. "He is not."

"He is," he nodded and did a quick scan of the room for him, not seeing him right now.

"My mother is unbelievable. I'm so sorry she did this."

"You don't need to apologize to me. You didn't do anything wrong," he said as he rubbed her arm and tried to ignore the sparks he felt in the simple gesture. Even in this ridiculous pink cloud she was still a fucking smoke show.

Ellie came and got Evie. "Can I borrow her for a minute?" she said, whisking her away.

"Can you believe all of this?" he turned to see Evie's father.

"It is a very nice wedding."

"It better be. If you ever marry my daughter, you should elope. Don't tell her mother I told you that but trust me."

"I'll keep that in mind, sir," he said with a chuckle.

"Let's go find seats. And if you're going to be dating my daughter, I might need to look into getting a box for your games."

"That would be amazing."

He followed Evie's father to the table they would be sitting at. This was more comfortable than the golf outing, but maybe the golf outing had only been so bad because of Bryan, who seemed to be avoiding Cash this time. But sadly, that didn't last long.

"Bryan,” Evie’s dad said. “I wasn't sure if you would be here."

Cash looked up and standing there next to the table was Evie's fucking ex-boyfriend.

"I was wondering if I could talk to you about the Sorenson account for a minute," Bryan said as he approached.

"Of course, if you'll excuse me," he said to Cash.

He got up and the two men walked across the ballroom to the bar talking about business. This was something he knew he would never have with him, but he had the feeling he could pull him in with hockey.

Soon, Evie was by his side and dinner was starting. Everything was going well.

"Would you care to dance?" he asked as he stood and offered his hand.

She took his hand and smiled up at him. It was a coy smile and he felt it in his fucking toes.

He led her out to the dance floor and swept her into his arms. He couldn’t hold back the chuckle as he tried to hold her close in this ridiculous dress.

"Don't laugh," she said, smacking his chest.

"You do look beautiful though," he said, holding her as close as he could.

"So, I saw Bryan come by the table earlier. Did he say anything to you?"

"Nope, he just talked to your dad about an account."

She just nodded and watched him talking to her aunt. "I'm just so mad he's here. He's here and acting like we’re still engaged with everyone."

"Has he tried anything with you?" Cash asked, looking down at her with his brows furrowed.

"No, nothing like that. He hasn't even talked to me. He's just busy talking to all my family and schmoozing like this is still going to be his family. It's pissing me off."

Maybe he shouldn't find such joy in her irritated tone, but he did. It didn't matter anyway. It was all going to be over in a couple hours and he would have Evie back in his room helping find her way out of this silly dress.

The night was winding down and things had been pretty uneventful. It was a wonderful wedding, and everyone behaved and had a lovely time.

"Hey, I need you," Ellie said as she came and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Nature calls," she said to Cash as she turned to leave.

"Does she need your help?" he asked jokingly, but he was surprised when she just nodded.

"Wait. Really?"

"That dress, you need at least two holders for," she said.

"You have got to be kidding me," he said, mouth agape.

"I would never kid you about this,” she said with a stern expression, before breaking into a smile and reaching up on her toes to kiss him. “I'll be back.”

He watched her walk away wishing he could see her beautiful ass as she walked away, but it was well hidden from him. But he knew it was there and he knew what it looked like, and he couldn't wait to see it again tonight.

He walked over to the bar to get a drink and text River.

"Cassius, just the man I was looking for." He turned to see Evie's mother coming towards him.

"What can I do for you?"

"Can we have a little chat?" she asked as she pulled him a bit further down the hall. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he didn't like it. Something felt off.

"I want to know what your intentions are for my daughter?"

He gave his head a little shake, "I'm sorry, what?"

"It's not a complicated question. What are your intentions?"

"I think that is a conversation I first need to have with your daughter, but I think she is a very special person, and I am grateful for every second I get to spend with her," he said with a genuine smile trying to navigate this situation.

"How do you plan on providing for her?"

"I'm sorry?"

"It really does take a while to get through that head of yours, huh? Not a witty conversationalist, are you?"

Woah. That was fucked up, but she was Evie's mother so he would let it go. "I assure you that I’ve been smart with my money. My last contract was one the best the Magic has ever offered. She’ll want for nothing."

"And when you’re done with the sport?"

"We’ll be fine. And I do have my degree and I intend to coach when my time as a player is over."

"Coach?" She said the word like it was a foul taste in her mouth.

"Yes, ma'am."

He was going to lose it. He was barely hanging on. Then he remembered he was holding his phone and he had seen Evie grab her clutch from the table before disappearing into the bathroom.

"I assure you Evie is going to require more than what a coach can provide."

He was done listening. He pulled up her contact and hit call and just hoped she could pick up and come help him.

"I know you mean well, Mr. Hawthorn. I just don't think you are a good fit for our daughter. I'm sure you can understand that we only want the best for her. She’s been in love with Bryan for years now. I know they had a bit of a falling out, but it was just growing pains. I'm sure she has accomplished whatever she hoped to accomplish here," she said, gesturing to him. That one had him gritting his teeth because there was part of him who had wondered occasionally if she was slumming it, but then he reminded himself that Evie wasn't like that, and he was a fucking professional athlete who made professional athlete money. Not that it matters, but fuck this.

“So, I think it is time you step aside and let Evelyn get back to the life she was intended to have. Then we can all put this little detour behind us.”

She had said all of that with a calm smile on her face. She had just taken him out without breaking a sweat or baring a tooth, just a serene smile to cover the nastiness.

"Mother." He heard Evie say loudly behind him. "What are you doing?"

"Evelyn, don’t walk away from me," Bryan came trailing behind her out of the ballroom.

She turned on her heel and poked him in the chest. "You need to leave me the fuck alone, or I tell that man you’re bothering me, and you suddenly have much bigger, stronger problems."

By the time she had finished, Cash was at her side, his hand on her back glaring at the man standing next to her. He had never wanted to punch anyone more in his life. But he wouldn't, but he would sure as hell back Evie. And honestly, if Evie said punch, he would fucking punch.

His eyes flew to Cash, and he could see the fear flit across his face.

"Fine. You deserve each other," he said before storming off towards her mother. "I tried, but she's being unreasonable.”

"Evelyn, you’re making a scene," she whispered harshly at Evie.

"No, you’re making a scene. You invited Bryan here even after Ellie told you not to. You’re the one turning your daughter's wedding into a fucking circus."

She sputtered, but Evie was not going to let her get a word out. She was not holding back, and Cash wished he was a better man because her all riled up like this had his cock twitching in his suit pants.

"If you can’t accept who I love, then I do not have room for you in my life. Period."

Cash froze. Did she just say love? His mouth fell open and his heart began to race. He loved her too, but this didn't seem like the right moment to tell her.

"I just want what is best for you, sweetheart."

"Let me decide what that is. I get to decide who I love. I get to decide if I keep working. I get to live my life. Not you. If you can't accept that then you don’t get to be in it anymore."

She pulled back like she had just been slapped.

"I should’ve done this a long time ago. Things need to change between us. I'm leaving and I don’t want to see you or even hear from you until I'm ready. Do you understand?"

She just nodded, even though her eyes were wide with surprise.

"Let's go," she said to Cash, who kept his hand on her back and swept her away. Once they came to an elevator, he pushed the button for their floor.

“Are you okay?” he asked quietly in her ear as they waited.

She nodded. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

"That was fucking hot," he said to her grinning.

She smiled but just shook her head not looking up at him. She was quiet in the elevator, and he was going to let her come down from that. He knew the adrenaline had to be pulsing through her.

She turned and went into the bathroom and came out with her bag all packed. Then she started getting her clothes ready to go.

"What's going on? I'm game for anything, I just wanna know the plan."

"We’re not staying here. I don’t want to risk running into her."

"Okay," he said easily as he turned and started getting his things together too.

"Are you going to change or are you going home in that cotton candy get up?"

She finally stopped and looked him in the eyes. "I just want to go home. I'm so sorry she said those things to you, Cash."

"Hey," he said, crossing the room to her, closing the distance between them. "I don't care what she has to say about me. As long as you'll have me, I’ll be right by your side." He dropped a sweet kiss to her mouth and then turned to get his charger from the side table.

"Got everything?" he asked.

"Yep, let's go."

They made their way down the elevator and through the lobby without running into anyone which he was immensely thankful for.

They got to his big black truck, and he tossed their bags in the back seat and then turned to help her get in. He tried to bite back the smile as she hiked up this big pink ball of fluff and tried to climb up.

"I swear to god. You better keep your mouth shut," she said, looking up at him with playful irritation.

"I didn't say a word.” They finally got her in and wrangled the rest of the dress in. As he leaned over to help her buckle, his face was mere inches from hers.

"Just so you know, baby girl, I love you too."

She huffed out a breath and looked up at him with shocked eyes. "What?" she said barely above a whisper.

"You told your mom back there that you loved me. I just want you to know that I love you too. I have for a while now."

"Oh." That was all she said, and he couldn't take it anymore. He cupped her face and kissed her. Her hand fisted into the lapel of his suit pulling him closer to her and deepened the kiss.

He finally pulled back and looked at her.

“I meant what I said, I really do love you,” she said as she held his face. He couldn’t help but take another quick kiss.

"Where to, baby girl?" he asked.

"Take me home."

"You got it." He shut the door, making sure to stuff in all the ridiculous pink fluff and, crossed over to his truck. He made it over to the driver's side and when he got in, he looked over at this beautiful woman who was usually so sleek and put together being all pouty in a pile of pink fluff.

"Shut it," she said, shooting him a look.

"I'm not saying a thing, but we better hurry home because your dress keeps growing, and soon I won’t be able to see out the window."

"Not funny."

"A little bit funny," he said as he started up the truck.

"And hey, good thinking pulling a Luke Daines?"

"I have no idea what those words mean."

"Luke Daines?" She looked at him like he should know what he was talking about, but he was lost. "From the Gilmore Girls?"

"Wait, I think I used to watch that show with my sister."

"Well then maybe somewhere in the back of your mind. You remembered the episode where her mother shows up at Luke's diner to yell at him and he just calls Lorelai until she comes to stop her. Just like you did."

"Well, regardless of where the idea came from. I'm just glad it worked."

"You'd make a good Luke Daines. But instead of being a grumpy diner owner, you’re a playboy hockey player."

He shot her a look. "I would tickle you for saying that, but I'd never make contact,” he said, fluffing the pink shit.

"You sure do think you're a funny guy tonight. Take me home and get me out of this nonsense."