2
CASH
I BLINK RAPIDLY, MAKING SURE that Everly isn’t a mirage.
My meeting with the Stafford Holdings board of directors just wrapped up, and I stopped by the hotel bar for a drink before meeting up with some friends to party. I don’t get to come to Vegas often, so I take full advantage of its nightlife when I do. The last thing I expected was to see Everly Townstead being accosted at the bar by some creep.
I’m distracted when my phone buzzes with a text, coincidentally, from her twin brother.
Theo: Don’t play too hard while you’re in Vegas.
Cash: I can’t make any promises.
Evidently, he didn’t deem it relevant to tell me Everly was going to be in Vegas the same week as me.
Theo and I have remained close since high school, staying connected through calls and texts when he moved to London ten years ago after graduating from culinary school. However, I haven’t seen Everly since the summer after high school. We fell out of touch when she moved away to college, and our paths never crossed over the years.
I slip my phone into my pocket to avoid any more distractions.
“Hello, Ev.” Her childhood nickname passes my lips like it was only yesterday when we were hanging out in the backyard of the old Miller house.
“Stafford.” She gives me a curt nod but averts her gaze.
Despite her cold greeting, warmth floods my chest at her use of my nickname. It almost makes up for her mask of indifference and her refusal to make eye contact. The Everly I grew up with was friendly and affectionate. In contrast, this version is distant and guarded.
“Theo didn’t tell me you’d be in Vegas,” I say, sliding into the seat on her left, avoiding the chair her unwanted guest just vacated. The creep may think he got away with how he treated Everly, but he’s mistaken.
Everly finally meets my gaze, fixing me with a scowl. “Do you and my brother make a habit of discussing my whereabouts?”
“No, not usually,” I answer with a hint of amusement.
“He told me you’re living in London and heading up the European division of Townstead International. That’s impressive,” I commend her.
My conversations with Theo usually revolve around sports, business, and our one-night stands. His family is a sensitive subject, and he doesn’t talk about his parents, or share much with me about Everly’s personal life.
Everly tugs her lower lip between her teeth, a habit that hints something is bothering her—at least it did when she was younger.
“He exaggerated the truth,” she says with a hint of cynicism. “My dad put my step-brothers in charge of the European division when he shifted his focus to global expansion, and I report directly to them.” There’s bitterness in her tone, but I’m unsure if it’s directed at her dad or step-siblings.
“You’re a senior executive at an international real estate firm. That’s something to be proud of.” I rest my arms on the sticky bar counter.
“It’s fine, I guess,” Everly replies curtly. “August and Liam give me full autonomy, which I appreciate,” she adds in a softer tone.
I’m captivated when she picks up her martini, tilting her head back to finish her drink in one gulp. Her impeccably manicured nails are painted crimson red, matching the lipstick stain she’s left on the glass.
“My mom says that if someone tells you they’re fine, it means they’re anything but,” I muse, shifting my focus from her mouth back to her eyes.
“That sounds like something Johanna would say,” Everly replies with a faint smile.
She turns her attention away from me as she tries to flag down the bartender. He’s preoccupied with two flirtatious women at the other end of the bar, lining up a row of shots in front of them. While Everly is momentarily distracted, I take the opportunity to observe her more closely.
She’s dressed in a pristine ivory suit with a white lace camisole peeking out from under her jacket, complementing her smooth, olive-toned skin. Her jet-black hair is tied up into a flawless high ponytail. Her chocolate-brown eyes are dull, like the spark inside her has been diminished, and she has a stern expression etched on her face, begging the question, what happened to make her so jaded?”
Is there a reason you’re still here?” Everly’s exasperated tone jolts me back to the present. “Don’t you have business to attend to or something?” She waves toward the exit, her voice betraying a trace of uncertainty.
“Are you that eager to get rid of me, Ev?” I lean in closer, inhaling the scent of her perfume—a mix of jasmine, lavender, and vanilla.
God, she smells incredible.
I have the compelling desire to close the distance between us and draw her close. But, considering her indifferent reaction to seeing me, I doubt she would appreciate it.
As I look around, I’m aware that every other man in the hotel lobby is watching her, waiting for their chance to approach her. They’re shit out of luck because if I have anything to say about it, she’ll be leaving with me. I’m certain Theo would prefer Everly go with me than stay alone at the hotel bar surrounded by men she doesn’t know.
Looking down to regain my composure, I notice she’s traded in her Docs for designer bold red heels.
“Of course not.” Her voice drips with sarcasm. “What are you doing in Vegas on a Friday night?”
“Why do you think I’m here?” I challenge her.
She tilts her head to examine me, tapping her lips with a red fingernail, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “I’ve heard you’re quite the ladies’ man and that you travel a lot for work. So I assume you’re wrapping up a business trip or here for a weekend of debauchery. From the stories Theo has shared with me, I’d guess the latter.”
I furrow my brow. What the hell has he told her? Sure, I avoid committed relationships like the plague, but that doesn’t make me a womanizer.
“Which is it, Stafford?” Everly taunts me. “And remember, I’m on a first-name basis with your mother, so you should think twice before lying.”
I press my lips together to suppress a chuckle. It’s nice to see her sassy side shining through the guarded mask she’s hiding behind.
“I’m here for both,” I admit casually. “Stafford Holdings had an emergency board meeting this afternoon. Harrison had a conflict in his schedule, so I flew in from London to attend on his behalf.”
I leave out the fact that the urgent meeting was to discuss a business deal with her father.
My family owns Stafford Holdings, the largest real estate firm in the country. When my dad retired three years ago, my oldest brother Harrison stepped in as CEO of Stafford Holdings. He made my other brother Dylan Chief Financial Officer, and I was shocked when he named me Chief Operating Officer.
Nine months ago I volunteered to head up the new Stafford Holdings office in London, which means I’ve spent the majority of my time there. Despite Theo’s hectic travel schedule, we meet up at a bar or club a handful of times a month now that we live in the same city. Coincidentally, I haven’t crossed paths with Everly since I’ve been there.
“If you’re here for business, how does pleasure factor into that equation?” Everly asks with a raised brow.
I swivel my chair to face her. “I’m an opportunist. I never pass up the chance to sprinkle in a little pleasure.” I wink.
Everly shakes her head with disappointment. “What happened to you, Stafford? I don’t recognize this version of you.”
She’s right. It’s apparent that we’ve both undergone significant changes since high school.
Before my accident I was a confident person. After, I remained unfazed on the outside, putting on a front for my family and friends. In truth, it was a crushing blow every time I was with someone who couldn’t see past my physical flaws. First with Whitney, followed by a string of unsuccessful first dates during the summer after graduation. Even now it’s a hit to my self-esteem whenever a person treats me differently when they get a close look at my face.
I learned early on that I’m not the kind of guy a woman takes home to meet her parents.
From experience, I’ve learned that most women can’t resist elusive men. They abandon their instincts and repulsion when drawn to a charming playboy who has no interest in commitment. My scar works in my favor. It garners sympathy and allows me to portray the detached flirt who will give a woman a night she’ll never forget, with no unwanted strings attached.
“I could ask the same thing about you,” I fire back. “The Everly I knew would never be so quick to judge and would have greeted me like an old friend, not like a stranger.”
“At least I’m not a Casanova, bragging about my conquests like they’re trophies,” she retorts sharply, like I’ve struck a nerve.
Damn, that was harsh, but true.
I’m used to snide remarks about my playboy lifestyle, but it bothers me that Everly thinks of me that way.
I pick at her abandoned cork coaster, my hands itching for something to do.
“Sorry to disappoint you, Ev, but what you see is what you get. The same can’t be said for yourself,” I say bluntly.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” she snaps, her eyes blazing with defiance.
I lean in toward her so only she can hear me. “Where’s the optimistic, cheerful girl who viewed the world through rose-tinted glasses I grew up with?”
Ironically, we’re both concealing our true selves, just in different ways.
Everly narrows her gaze at me. “Stop pretending like you know me.” I don’t miss the hint of sadness in her voice.
I drum my fingers against the bar top, considering my next move.
“You’re right, Ev. We’re practically strangers,” I admit. “But I want to change that if you’ll let me.”
“What do you mean?” Her voice betrays her curiosity.
“Spend the night with me,” I state boldly.