12
EVERLY
“ YOU’RE STARING AGAIN,” I SAY to August without looking up from my computer.
“I’m processing,” he says.
I was the first to work this morning, but when he arrived, he stopped by my office for an update on my weekend and got far more than he bargained for. After I dropped the bombshell about Cash and I getting married, he made himself right at home on the upholstered couch in the corner.
I glance over at him, reclined back with his hands laced behind his neck. He’s wearing a tailored navy-blue suit, a light blue dress shirt with the first button undone, and white sneakers.
His jet-black hair is styled with the top in curls and the sides trimmed into a tapered fade. And that British accent has both men and women falling for him instantly, drawn in by his classic good looks.
“Don’t be so dramatic,” I scold him with a hint of a smile.
His electric blue gaze meets mine. “Oh, I’m sorry. How should I react to you getting back to town two days late and announcing that you’re married?” He sits up straight. “Not to mention the bomb you dropped about Townstead International being acquired. I’m not looking forward to sharing the news with Liam.”
I was right to assume my dad hadn’t told anyone else about the deal. He’s been going behind our backs for months, and if he were working with anyone other than the Stafford brothers, I’d be worried about the outcome.
After hitting send on the email I’ve been working on, I give August my full attention.
“I’ll have you know this whole mess is your fault,” I goad him. “If you hadn’t encouraged me to let loose while I was in Vegas, I never would have entertained the idea of getting a drink with Cash. Or several.” I mutter the last part under my breath.
August chuckles. “It’s about damn time you were spontaneous and let loose a little. I was concerned you forgot how to have fun.”
“I don’t think getting married to someone I haven’t seen in fourteen years qualifies as a little loose . It was downright reckless. Which brings me to my complaint.” I rest my elbow on my desk and prop my chin on my hand.
“Oh, I can’t wait to hear this.” August leans forward in his seat.
“You were wrong. What happens in Vegas most certainly does not stay in Vegas.” I hold out my ring finger for emphasis.
He lets out a low whistle as he gets up from the couch. “It’s even bigger up close. It must have cost a fortune,” he observes, grabbing my hand to examine the ring.
August isn’t wrong. The five-carat pear-shaped ring is surrounded by smaller diamonds that sparkle in the light. It’s both stunning and elegant, and yet despite its size, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
I can’t help comparing it to the flashy emerald-cut diamond Landon gave me when he proposed. The thing got caught on everything because it was so bulky, and I didn’t like the way it looked.
To Landon, I was merely an accessory, valued more for my connection to my dad than for who I am. In contrast, even after all these years, Cash sees through my facade and makes me feel truly seen.
“The ring is stunning. You’re one lucky woman,” August says.
“Yeah, it’s nice,” I hedge, refusing to admit I secretly love it. I can’t get attached since I’ll have to return it once this is all said and done.
My time with Cash has been brief, but that doesn’t stop the pricking sense of unease that persists when I’m reminded our arrangement has an expiration date.
“Where are you living?” August questions.
“Cash’s place.”
“But you love your apartment.”
“I do, but he lives at the High Rise, which is only fifteen minutes from our offices. Plus, his place has amazing perks. I talked to his doorman on my way out this morning, and he told me that Cash has a private gym on the floor below us, and he also has access to a full-service sauna and spa in the building.” I clasp my hands together with excitement.
“You’re living at the High Rise? Damn, you didn’t tell me your man was that loaded. Lucky you, living a life of luxury.” August gives a nod of approval. “Please tell me the sex is amazing. It wouldn’t be a proper wedding night without a good fuck,” he remarks unabashedly.
“Seriously?” I scold him while a flush warms my cheeks. “He’s not my man , and for your information, no, I haven’t had sex with Cash. Sleeping in the same bed is enough for—”
His jaw drops. “Woah, hold up.” He lowers himself onto my desk as if my admission has rendered him unable to stand. “You’re telling me you’re sharing a bed and haven’t gotten laid yet? This is the perfect opportunity to have some of the best sex of your life with no strings attached.” He pauses when I give him a pointed look. “Okay, fine, there are loads of strings, but they’ll all be severed once this arrangement is over, so you’ve got nothing to lose, right?”
He makes it sound so simple, but experience has taught me otherwise.
If Cash and I aren’t careful, there’s no hope of coming out of this unscathed. Wrestling with my attraction is proving difficult, and it’s jeopardizing the boundaries I’ve set to protect my heart.
“How do you think Liam will take the news about the acquisition?” I ask, deflecting his question.
“Oh, he’s going to be furious, just like I am. I guarantee Dick had no intention of telling us until Stafford Holdings signed on the dotted line. He always keeps us in the dark when it suits him, and this situation is no different.” August clenches his jaw. “We’ve worked our asses off for years, and this is how he repays us? It’s despicable.”
Liam and August joined my dad’s company to avoid conflict with their mom. She was adamant they support the family business for the sake of her reputation. The financial incentive was lucrative, but my father’s dictatorial management style overshadowed it.
We could all benefit from a class that teaches adult children ways to stand up to their toxic parents.
“Don’t worry. I’m confident the Stafford brothers have done their due diligence and recognize the value you and Liam bring to the company.” I offer him an encouraging smile. “I saw them over the weekend, and it’s obvious they’re juggling a lot of responsibilities right now. They don’t have the capacity to take over the day-to-day operations of Townstead International while managing their billionaire-dollar enterprise.”
His furrowed brow doesn’t give me confidence that I’ve eased his concerns.
“Fantastic.” August rolls his eyes. “It’ll be like working for Dick, but now there will be three of them to boss us around and pocket all our profits.” His voice drips with sarcasm.
“You’ve got it all wrong. Cash and his brothers aren’t like that. You may not know them yet, but I do, and I know they’ll be fair.”
The Stafford family may be billionaires, but they don’t act like it. Johanna and Mike were adamant about raising their kids to be humble and hardworking. That’s why they raised them in Aspen Grove, in a modest house well below their means.
“For someone who says your marriage is strictly for convenience, you sure seem smitten with your husband,” August says with a smirk.
“I am not,” I insist a little too quickly.
“You keep telling yourself that.” August’s eyes twinkle with amusement. “If I were married to a hot billionaire, I’d be having the best sex of my life. And no, those toys of yours are not comparable to a well-endowed man who knows how to please a woman.”
“Oh my god, please stop,” I beg him. “While I appreciate the unsolicited advice, I am sure I won’t be sleeping with Cash.”
Maybe if I repeat it enough, I’ll believe it.
My mind wanders to the kiss we shared during our photoshoot. The way it felt to be wrapped in his arms as he leaned in, a gentle whisper of breath on my skin. The temptation to feel his lips on mine was too strong to resist, goading him to close the distance between us.
I was lost in the moment and when Cash pulled back, I panicked when I saw my lipstick on his mouth. It didn’t help that there was a photographer there capturing what should have been a private moment.
Last week, being in a relationship was the furthest thing from my mind. Now, I’m fighting off feelings for a man who has irresistible humor, a seductive smile, and a touch that sends a shiver down my spine.
“Our marriage exists only on paper and once this is all over, we’ll go our separate ways. I tell August, brushing my hands together in a wiping motion.
“I’ll believe it when I see it.” He snickers.
Why does his comment have me questioning my declaration?
“I have to get back to work,” I announce as I check my computer screen to find that thirty new emails have hit my inbox since we started chatting. “Unless you want to do my work for me?”
“No, thank you.” August quickly retreats toward the door. “I’ve got to go break the news to Liam. Wish me luck,” he grumbles.
“Good luck,” I holler after him.
I’m just relieved I’m not the one who has to tell him about the acquisition.
I’m exhausted when I get back to Cash’s apartment. It was a long day at the office, and I hadn’t eaten since August shared his chicken club sandwich with me earlier this afternoon. My stomach growls just thinking about the juicy grilled chicken and crispy bacon served on sourdough bread with tangy mayo. I should have grabbed dinner on my way back to the apartment.
When I enter the penthouse, there’s an upholstered bench in the entryway that wasn’t there this morning. I sit and experience immediate relief as the weight is lifted from my feet.
“Ev, is that you?” Cash shouts from the kitchen.
“Yeah,” I yell back.
Honestly, it’s strange coming home to someone waiting for me. When Landon and I were together, I was the one doing the waiting. Oddly enough, I don’t mind it as much as I thought I would.
I slip off my stilettos and tuck them, along with my purse, under the bench.
Once I’m finished, I follow the delicious scent of smoky salmon, lemon, and herbs. Cash is at the counter, setting plates of food next to two glasses of water, each garnished with a lime wedge.
“Welcome home,” he greets me with a grin, his hazel eyes shining enthusiastically. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“What’s all this?” I wave at the display of food.
“Dinner. Why don’t you take a seat and we’ll eat, unless you’d prefer to change first?”
I shake my head. “No, let’s eat now.” I’m mortified when my stomach growls loud enough for him to hear.
“Sounds like you made the right choice.” Cash chuckles. “Here—” He pulls out the chair on the right, motioning for me to sit down. I freeze momentarily, taken aback by his thoughtful gesture.
“Thanks,” I murmur as I settle in my chair.
“I kept the menu pretty simple tonight. We’ve got smoked salmon, roasted vegetables, and mixed greens with a balsamic vinegar dressing,” he says, pointing to each item on his plate.
“Is that all?” I tease. “This looks incredible. Far better than any takeout I would have ordered. You made all this for me?”
In the five years Landon and I were together, he never cooked for me. And I have a habit of burning anything I attempt to make, so I’ve grown accustomed to takeout.
“Yes, it’s for you, but it’s only dinner, Ev. Don’t overthink it,” he says, like he can read my mind.
“When you suggested I move in, I figured we’d mostly keep to ourselves. The last thing I expected was for you to be here waiting for me,” I admit.
“Do you want me to leave?” he asks earnestly.
“What? No, this is your home.”
“ Our home,” he reiterates. “And you can order takeout if you prefer,” he taunts as he subtly slides my plate toward him with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Not a chance, Stafford.” I intercept his attempt, firmly grabbing his hand so he’s forced to release his grip, triumphantly reclaiming my plate. “I’m not passing up a home-cooked meal, even if the company is barely tolerable.” I bite back a grin as I spear a piece of salmon with my fork. The moment it touches my tongue, I can’t help but moan in satisfaction at the explosion of flavors. “Oh my god, this is so good,” I praise before taking another big bite.
“I’m glad you like it.” Cash’s intense gaze doesn’t leave me, and my breath hitches when he reaches over to wipe the side of my mouth with the pad of his thumb. His finger lingers over my lips, and I’m tempted to draw it into my mouth and suck on it. I imagine twirling my tongue around the tip, pretending it’s something else… something bigger.
I’m in so much trouble.
My mouth turns dry at the realization I just fantasized about sucking my husband’s dick. I draw back, wanting to create distance between us, and grab my glass of water, taking a big gulp.
“Sorry, you just had a little sauce on your mouth.” Cash rips his gaze from mine and wipes his thumb off on his napkin.
“It’s alright, I appreciate it. I had no idea you could cook,” I admit, desperate to change the subject. “Remember when you tried cooking macaroni and cheese in ninth grade? Your mom made you scrape out all the burned bits from the bottom of the pan because you left it alone for too long and all the water boiled out.” I smile at the memory.
“It’s not like you were any better,” he quips before taking a bite of his food.
“You’re right. Theo has all the cooking talents. I avoid the kitchen at all costs.”
My only exception is when I visit Theo at one of his restaurants. He’s never turned down the chance to cook for me. He hasn’t been in London as much lately, too busy with his cooking shows and other ventures I’ve begun to lose track of.
“Well, you’re in luck because one perk of living with me is having a home-cooked meal waiting for you every night,” Cash says.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I usually stay late at the office,” I warn him.
It’s not by choice. My father continuously piles onto my workload, making it nearly impossible to manage it all, even with long hours. He exploits the fact that I won’t say no to him, even when he’s not on the same continent as me. The direct deposit that hits my account every two weeks makes it manageable, knowing that I have a reliable way to support myself and cover my mom’s bills.
“That’s no problem,” Cash says. “Just text me when you’re wrapping up work each night, and I’ll have dinner ready when you get home.”
I’m about to remind him that this isn’t my home again, but I hold my tongue. He’s doing something nice for me, so the least I can do is attempt to meet him halfway.
“Okay, I will.”
“Carol prefers to leave the office by five, so I wrap up by then because she won’t leave until I do. I’m usually home by five thirty.”
I tense up, my fork clattering to my plate. “Who’s Carol?”
“My assistant,” Cash replies, upbeat. “She’s great. You should stop by and have lunch with us sometime.”
He has lunch with his assistant? The only other person I know who did that was Landon. I’m haunted by the memories of his assistant glaring at me from her spot outside his office as she clicked away on her keyboard. Now it makes sense why she was so bitter whenever I’d stop by to bring Landon lunch.
“And before you ask if I’ve done anything with Carol, the answer is no,” Cash states with a softness in his eyes. “She’s in her late sixties, and even if I had a thing for older women, I’m not her type. On multiple occasions, she’s told me she’s into ruggedly handsome lumberjacks, like the ones she reads about in her romance novels.”
I laugh. That’s the last thing I expected him to say.
“You might not be a lumberjack, but you have the ruggedly handsome thing going for you.” The moment I realize the thought has slipped out, I glance up at Cash with a startled look, like a deer caught in headlights.
“At least half my face is,” he says somberly.
That’s when I realize he’s sitting to my left, so I can only see the right side of his face as we eat. Something tells me that was intentional.
“Cash Stafford, have you not been paying attention? Your scar adds to your charm and makes you even more irresistible. Damn, anyone who thinks differently—they’re wrong.” I place my hand over his.
“Theo was right,” he says, shell-shocked. “He said you liked my scar, but I didn’t believe him.”
“Wait. When did you talk to Theo?”
“He stormed into my office today, demanding to know why I married you. Apparently, Harrison and Dylan thought it would be funny to send him the wedding article from the Aspen Grove Gazette .”
I gasp. “Oh my god. Did he hurt you?” I scan his body, checking for any injuries I might have missed.
That explains why Theo called me over a dozen times earlier, and when I texted to tell him I was in a meeting, he said he’d get back to me later.
“Ev, I’m fine,” Cash reassures me. “My shoulder is stiff, but it’s not anything a massage won’t fix.” He winks. “In case you’re worried, I didn’t tell him about the acquisition, only about our pact and getting hitched in Vegas.”
“So, he thinks we’re going to give this a real shot?” I motion between us.
“Yeah, for now. When you’re ready, we’ll tell him the truth together.”
I appreciate that Cash followed the plan and didn’t mention the business deal to Theo. This situation is getting messier and more complicated by the day. At this rate, I really do think we’ll need a detailed spreadsheet to keep track of who we’ve told what.
My phone buzzes on the counter, the sound echoing throughout the mostly empty kitchen.
Theo: I’m at the airport heading to California for business. I wanted to check in before the plane takes off since we weren’t able to talk earlier.
Theo: I went to Cash’s office to confront him about you two getting married.
Everly: He just told me.
Theo: It sounds like I was the last person to know.
Everly: I was afraid you’d overreact, and it sounds like I was right.
Theo: My reaction was completely justified, and I’m sure Cash agrees.
Theo: Are you staying at his place?
Everly: Yes.
Theo: Fuck, I hate this. You’re my sister.
Everly: And Cash is your best friend.
Theo: Exactly. He knows you’re off-limits.
Everly: I’m an adult. Don’t I have a say in who I marry?”
Theo: No one is good enough for you.
I take a deep breath, mentally scolding myself for sounding irritated in my last text. Theo’s only looking out for me. I withheld important information from him that involves Cash and me—the two most important people in his life. And he has every right to express his frustration about it.
Everly: I love you, Theo.
Theo: I love you too, sis.
Theo: You’ll always come first. No matter what. And I’m here to hide the body if things don’t work out with you and Cash.
Everly: Omg, stop it. That’s not funny.
Theo: It totally is.
Theo: I have to go. The plane is taking off. I’ll text when I land.”
Everly: Okay. Be safe.
My phone buzzes again, and I check, thinking it’s Theo sending another reply, but I sigh when I see it’s Landon this time.
Landon: I miss you.
Landon: I still want to take you out to dinner when I come to London.
Landon: Please talk to me, baby.
I can’t resist firing off a reply.
Everly: Stop texting me. I’m busy.
Landon: I didn’t tell you what day I’d be there.
Everly: I’ve moved on.
There, that’s better. Simple yet direct—I haven’t tried that approach before. Satisfied with my message, I hit send and turn my phone off.
“Is everything okay?” Cash watches me with interest.
“Yeah, it’s fine,” I say, avoiding eye contact.
I’m not ready to explain to my fake husband that my ex-fiancé won’t stop harassing me, holding on to the false hope that we’ll get back together.
Cash gives me a skeptical look but doesn’t press for more information. “Save some room for dessert because we’re having strawberry shortcake with fresh whipped cream.”
“That’s my favorite.”
“I know.” He grins, causing my heart to skip a beat.
God, I am way in over my head.