10
CASH
I WATCH AS EVERLY CLIMBS the steps of my private jet, refusing my offer to help with her luggage.
Even though it’s Sunday, she’s dressed in business attire—flare-legged black slacks, an ivory tank top, and open-toed black stiletto heels. Because of the sweltering heat, she ditched her suit jacket in the car. Her hair, coiled into a low bun and secured with a multitude of bobby pins, tempts my imagination. I can’t resist picturing those silky black locks cascading down her back if I were to free them. I imagine sinking my fingers into her hair as I tenderly kiss her lips, and my mind runs wild, taking me back to our kiss at the wedding chapel in Vegas.
“Do you, Everly Townstead, take Cash Stafford to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”
“I do.” Everly giggles as she gazes at me with those big, beautiful brown eyes.
“And do you, Cash Stafford, take Everly Townstead to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”
“Hell yes, I do.” I caress Everly’s cheek with my thumb. “I promise, Ev, I’ll make you laugh every day and spoil you endlessly.”
“By the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The officiant glances at me. “You may kiss the bride.”
Fueled by the alcohol buzzing through my veins and not giving a damn that we have an audience, I trace Everly’s jawline with my thumb. She melts into my touch, and I take the opportunity to claim her as mine. I wrap my hand around her waist and dip her backward. She winds her arms around my neck to keep her balance.
My tongue dances along the seam of her lips in teasing strokes, and I groan with satisfaction when she opens her mouth to welcome me inside. Her invitation sends a coursing need flowing through my veins.
I’ve never felt this way from a kiss before—all-consuming, ravenous, passionate. It feels right having her secured in my arms as I fuck her mouth with my tongue. I’m never letting her go.
“Cash, are you coming?” I’m brought back to the present by Everly waving her hand in front of me. “Are you okay? You spaced out for a minute there.” A concerned expression crosses her face.
My gaze narrows in on her lips, the memory from our night in Vegas lingering in the back of my mind. “I’m great,” I say as I lock eyes with her, determined to win her over.
Her eyebrows knit together, forming a slight furrow. “If you say so,” she replies with a hint of doubt.
The last thing she wants to hear is that I was daydreaming about the kiss at our wedding ceremony. Or that I’ve been fantasizing about the one we shared at my parents’ house. Given that she’s as cuddly as a porcupine, the odds of me getting a third kiss are slim to none.
Everly spins away from me to climb the last few steps of the plane, and I take advantage of her being distracted to adjust the hard-on in my pants. The mere memory of having her lips on mine sends an electric pulse through my body. She evokes a primal response from me like I’ve never felt before, and I’m struggling to rein it in.
The flight attendant stands inside the plane’s entrance and greets us with glasses of champagne. “Welcome,” she says to Everly. She flashes me a broad smile and brushes her hand against my arm as I pass by. “It’s good to see you again, Cash.”
“Thanks, Lily,” I say, focusing my attention ahead as I pass past her into the cabin.
Unsurprisingly, Everly and I both pass on the champagne.
The jet’s interior is furnished with eight leather seats to the left, two long couches to the right, and a large flat-screen TV built into the far wall. The cabin is relatively compact, making space for the bedroom at the rear of the plane.
Everly moves to the row in the back, and I follow, taking the seat next to hers.
“There are plenty of other places to sit. Why don’t you take one of those?” she suggests, giving me a pointed look.
“I want to sit next to my wife, if you don’t mind,” I tease as I nudge her shoulder.
She rolls her eyes. “You’re insufferable.”
“Thank you.” I stretch my legs and lean against the headrest to get comfortable.
“That’s not a compliment,” she grumbles as she stashes her purse in the compartment in front of her seat. “I couldn’t help but notice the flight attendant was overly friendly with you.”
“She’s getting a big bonus because of our delay. Of course she’s going to be nice.” Everly nods, staring straight ahead. “There’s only one person who has my attention, and it’s not her.” I absentmindedly run my finger along a stray piece of her hair, tucking it behind her ear. She shivers slightly at my touch, her gaze locking onto mine with a flicker of interest before it vanishes as suddenly as it appeared.
Everly might have heard about my reputation from Theo, but it unsettles me that she only sees me as a charmer who’s looking for my next conquest. I’m determined to prove that she’s the only woman I have eyes for now.
“Don’t say things like that.”
I raise a brow. “Why not?”
“Because they’re just empty words,” she says, like it’s an undeniable fact.
“I meant every single one, wifey,” I murmur in her ear, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
She stiffens at the touch, her fingernails digging into the leather armrests. I feel a rush of adrenaline, seeing my effect on her.
“Stop calling me that,” she says, but her voice lacks conviction.
“Not a chance. You’re my wife, and I plan to remind you of that every chance I get.”
“Are you sure you can survive indefinitely without sex?” she taunts.
“Can you?” I quip.
“I have my toys, remember? I’ll be just fine.” She tilts her head toward me, a smirk playing on her lips.
“Well, I have my hand, so we’re on an even playing field.” I wink.
There’s no chance in hell I’ll be able to stop fantasizing about her lying beneath me on the bed, as I tease her breasts with my hands, and sink inside her warm heat.
Everly may come across as reserved and closed off, but she’s also a confident, alluring woman. I’m venturing to guess her sexual desires have been neglected because of her past experiences.
She’s tightly coiled like a twisted rope, waiting for the right person who is patient enough to unravel her complexities—someone who views every flaw and imperfection as intricately woven threads in her story.
The problem is I don’t stand a chance at being that person for her when all she can see is the sum of my playboy reputation.
Truthfully, I’m tired of being perceived as a manwhore who is selfish and uncaring—they’re wrong. Being upfront with the women I’ve slept with has made things far less complicated.
For a guy who keeps women at arm’s length, I’m acting like a lovesick puppy where Everly is concerned. She’s shot every rule I have to hell, and oddly enough, it doesn’t bother me.
I would have thought after fourteen years, I’d be over my one-sided interest in her. I was wrong. It’s like I’ve reverted to a teenager, and all the suppressed feelings I’ve kept hidden are fighting to rise to the surface every chance they get.She’s captivated me with her quick wit and sharp tongue, and my fascination grew to adoration when she called me beautiful yesterday while I tried to hide my scar.
Now that Everly and I are bound together, I’m committed to keeping my promise to make her smile every day. She was willing to confide in me about her rocky relationship with her mom and deserves to have someone in her corner who knows the truth. Someone who’s determined to give her a chance to spread her wings and break free from her dad’s control once and for all—she shouldn’t settle for anything less.
The rest of the flight back to London is uneventful. Everly used the time to catch up on work, and I spent mine watching her—incognito, of course. The car ride is the same. She’s busy reviewing documents, only looking up occasionally.
“We’re here,” I say when the driver pulls up to my apartment building.
Everly doesn’t respond, too absorbed in the pile of papers on her lap. She’s hunched over reading as she chews the pen cap in her mouth. I gently tap her on the shoulder to get her attention.
She snaps her head in my direction. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“We’re here,” I repeat, motioning to the apartment building outside the car window.
The driver is already waiting on the sidewalk when I get out of the backseat. I hand him a fifty-pound note and direct him to the doorman, who will make sure our suitcases are delivered to my apartment.
I stick my head back into the SUV. “Ready, wifey?”
Everly shoots me a disapproving scowl as she finishes putting the documents inside her purse.
“What will it take for you to stop calling me that?” she clips, ignoring my hand in favor of stepping out of the vehicle by herself.
“Already changing your mind about staying married?” I ask, a smile tugging at one corner of my mouth.
“No, but I…” She trails off when she sees the towering building above us. “Wait. You live here?”
“ We live here.”
There’s no telling how long we’ll be staying together, so she should get accustomed to the idea of the apartment being ours.
“This is where the city’s wealthiest residents live. I know Stafford Holdings is a billion-dollar company, but I’m surprised you’d choose this place, given your modest upbringing.”
I shrug. “I like extravagant things when they pique my interest. This building has all the amenities I could want, plus it’s close to the office, so it seemed like the most sensible option.”
The majority of my wealth comes from investments Dylan makes on my behalf. I’ve never been good at that kind of thing, and since he’s a number whiz and enjoys playing the markets, I’ve let him have at it. And it’s paid off big time.
My base salary goes toward giving substantial bonuses to my direct reports each year. Dedicated employees are what makes a company great, and by prioritizing my staff's needs, they’re happier and more willing to put extra effort into their jobs.
I’ve never brought up these additional bonuses with Harrison or Dylan. I’m sure they’d consider my decision foolhardy and imprudent.
The way I see it, I have more financial resources than I could ever use in my lifetime, and I want to share the wealth with those who’ve earned it.
Max, my doorman, nods in our direction as he opens the door for us to enter the building.
Standing tall with a neatly trimmed beard and salt-and-pepper hair, he never fails to offer a warm, welcoming smile when I walk by.
“Thanks, Max.” I shake his hand.
“My pleasure. And who is the lovely lady?” He grins at Everly.
The only other woman I’ve ever brought back to my apartment was Presley when she and Jack came to visit last month.
“This is my wife, Everly,” I say proudly, wrapping my arm around her waist.
“Congratulations.” Max beams with approval. “Welcome to the High Rise, Mrs. Stafford. If you ever need anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask.”
She smiles back at him. “Thank you, I appreciate it.”
If Max wasn’t in his sixties and happily married to his high school sweetheart, I might be jealous of Everly’s genuine reaction to him. As it is, I’m glad she’ll have someone other than me to look after her while she’s staying here.
We head inside, and Everly takes in her surroundings. The lobby is the definition of timeless luxury and elegance—the building manager’s words, not mine. A massive crystal chandelier complements the intricate white molding, and on the walls, modern art pieces depict famous sites in England.
Everly’s heels click against the marble floors as we walk to the elevator that goes straight to the penthouse. When the door opens, I motion for her to step inside first before following behind. I press my thumb against the biometric fingerprint scanner and the elevator begins its ascent.
She clamps her eyes shut and holds the handrail with a death grip.
My brow furrows with worry. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t like elevators,” she admits.
“Fuck,” I utter under my breath.
I rush to her side, wrapping my arm around her in a show of comfort. “I’m right here, Ev. I promise it’ll be over soon.”
She lets out a shuddered breath as she rests her head against my shoulder. Her rapid breathing mirrors the unsteady rise and fall of her chest. I lean in to whisper soothing words in her ear as I hold her close. I’m careful not to press her for more information about why she’s scared. She’ll tell me when she’s ready.
In the meantime, I’ll do what I can to make her comfortable while she’s living here. I mentally remind myself to add her thumbprint to the private stairwell, giving her direct access from the lobby to the penthouse so she doesn’t have to take the elevator.
When we finally reach the top and the elevator stops, she peeks open one eye to make sure the coast is clear. Once she deems it safe, she slips away from my embrace and steps around me, hurrying into the entryway of my apartment.
I immediately miss the warmth of her in my arms, but am quick to set those feelings aside. When she looks back at me, I offer her a cheerful smile.
“Welcome home, Ev.” I motion around the massive space.
“For now,” she states.
I hold my tongue to avoid adding fuel to the fire. I have a hunch she’ll have plenty to be angry about once she’s finished her tour. I might have left out an important detail about our sleeping arrangement during our conversation at the coffee shop.
“I still want you to feel comfortable while you’re here. Can I get you a glass of water, or do you want to sit for a minute?”
Everly shakes her head. “Thanks for offering, but I’m feeling fine now,” she says, her eyes drifting to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room that provide a panoramic view of the city. Moonlight streams through the glass, bathing the modern penthouse in soft, natural glow.
“This place is incredible.” She slowly spins in a circle as she takes in her surroundings. “Did you just move in?”
I shake my head. “Nope. I bought the place nine months ago.”
“Where’s all your furniture?” She waves to the living room that’s completely bare aside from a TV mounted to the wall and a beige loveseat.
“Last year, when Harrison announced the opening of an office in London, I volunteered. I’ve been splitting my time between here and our headquarters in Maine, so I didn’t see the point in setting up the place.”
She heads into the spacious kitchen that boasts white high-gloss cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and marble countertops. The only furniture in this room are two bar stools pushed up against the island.
“Oh, thank god you have a coffee maker,” she exclaims when she spots the all-in-one coffee and expresso machine on the counter. “This thing is high-tech,” she says with a low whistle. “You’ll have to teach me how it works.”
I rub the back of my neck sheepishly. “I’ve actually never used it. I prefer a protein shake or smoothie and rarely drink coffee.”
“So why do you have this fancy gadget?” She waves toward the stainless steel appliance.
“I overheard you tell my mom that you start your day with coffee and wanted to make sure you had your morning fix while you’re living here.”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “You bought me a coffee maker?”
“Yeah,” I shrug. “It’s the least I could do to make the transition easier for you. I also had the cupboard stocked with a selection of coffee and mugs.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.” Everly murmurs. “I can’t wait to give it a try. I’m going to take a look around the rest of the house now.”
Before I can tell her I only gave Marcus, my friend who’s an interior designer, the go-ahead to fully furnish and decorate my bedroom, she zips away to explore the rest of the apartment. Her heels echo against the custom-made hardwood flooring, and then—
“Cash Stafford, you have some serious explaining to do,” she shouts from the primary bedroom.
Right on cue.
I don’t bother postponing the inevitable. As soon as I step through the door, she tosses a pillow at my head. I duck to avoid it, only for her to pelt another one that clips my shoulder. Thank god I refused to let Marcus add any decorative pillows to my bed, or I would be facing a full-scale pillow assault.
“You lied to me,” Everly accuses, storming toward me and jabbing me in the chest with her finger.
I hold up my hands in defense. “Woah. I never lied.”
“Yes, you did,” she counters. “You promised I would have my own room. I’ve checked every one, and this is the only one with a bed or any furniture whatsoever. Which means you were expecting me to share this bedroom the entire time,” she shouts, the sound reverberating against the walls.
“You can sleep anywhere you like. Although, if you choose one of the other bedrooms, I suggest you lay down several blankets, or the wood floor might get uncomfortable.” I shouldn’t provoke her when she’s this angry, but I can’t help myself.
She glowers at me, her hands on her hips. “If that’s the case, explain why all my things from my apartment are in your bedroom. Thanks for asking permission to have strangers go into my home and move my things, by the way.” Her tone drips with sarcasm. “How did they get in?”
I smirk. “I can’t reveal my trade secrets.”
It’s remarkable what a quick call to the building superintendent and an offer to replace all the kitchen appliances in the building can do.
“If you had someone pack up my things, why wouldn’t they have brought my furniture too? And don’t you dare tell me they conveniently brought every single item I own except for my bed and dresser,” she threatens.
I don’t plan to.
“My team couldn’t get a moving truck on such short notice, and could only fit so much in the SUV. You’re lucky they could fit all your shoes.”
It’s half the truth. After spending the last couple of nights in the same bed as Everly, I’ve decided I don’t like the idea of us sleeping in separate bedrooms. It’s just a happy coincidence that I only have one bed.
“And what’s your excuse for moving all my things into your bedroom?”
“I told them you were my wife. In case you didn’t know, it’s common for couples to share a bed.”
She paces the floor in front of me. “This arrangement will not work. I’ll call a moving company first thing in the morning and schedule my bed set to be delivered at their earliest convenience.”
I frown at her suggestion, not liking that idea one bit. I’m not above calling whichever company she hires and bribing them to cancel the delivery.
“That’s not a good idea,” I state in a serious tone.
She crosses her arm. “Why not? It’s the perfect solution.”
“Eventually you’ll return to your apartment, and it’ll be a hassle to move everything back. My friend Marcus is an interior designer. He wasn’t happy when I rejected his proposal to decorate the full apartment. I’ll call him and have him furnish one of the other rooms for you.”
“You promise?”
“Absolutely.”
I will reach out to Marcus eventually, but I never said when. Everly is as stubborn as they come, and I have to use every loophole to my advantage to keep her here with me while I can.
“Let me guess. You expect to share a bed until then?”
“Sure, why not?” I play it casually. “We’ve slept in the same bed the last two nights. Mine is a California King, so you won’t even notice I’m there.” I have a feeling that won’t stop her from rolling over to my side in her sleep. She can’t get enough of me—in her sleep, anyway.
Everly eyes me with pursed lips. After a few moments, she says, “Fine, we’ll do it your way, Stafford. But remember, this is a temporary arrangement. I’m moving out of this room as soon as I have my own space.”
I can’t contain my smug smile. “Whatever you say, wifey.”
“Stop calling me that,” she huffs in frustration.
“According to the notarized marriage certificate in my bag and that diamond on your finger, you belong to me. And like I’ve said before, I’m not going to let anyone forget it—including you.”
“You won’t make my time here easy, will you, Stafford?” she asks with an eye roll.
“Not a chance, Ev, but only in the best way possible,” I reply with a grin.