31
CASH
I’M ON CLOUD NINE. THIS trip to Aspen Grove has exceeded all my exceptions so far. As long as tomorrow goes well and Everly reacts the way I think she will when I show her what I’ve been working on.
After meeting her this morning, we stopped by my parents’ house to change out of our workout clothes. Then spent the day browsing the shops in town, before catching a matinee showing of a new rom-com she’s been wanting to see. After, we grabbed an early dinner at Willow Creek Café, we came back to my parents’ house. They’re at Dylan’s, so we have the place to ourselves.
Just as I’m about to join Everly for a bath, my phone rings. I have every intention of ignoring it until I see that it’s Harrison.
I poke my head in the bathroom. “Harrison is calling me. I should probably answer.”
“Okay. You’ll just have to make it up to me later.” She winks.
“I’m going to take the call outside. I’ll be right back.”
I leave the room and head downstairs.
“Hey, Harrison,” I say as I accept the call. “How was your flight to New York?” I step out the front door, closing it behind me.
“Good. I just landed,” he responds.
I can hear the faint sound of typing in the background, which means he’s likely catching up on emails he missed during the flight.
“I’m glad to hear it. Before we get to the reason you’re calling, do you have anything you want to tell me?” I goad him.
He lets out a heavy sigh. “Let me guess, Everly told you about my part in getting you two together?”
“She did,” I confirm.
Everly filled me on our way home earlier. It makes more sense that it was coordinated, considering Harrison rarely misses a board meeting and had never asked me to go in his place before.
“Was Dylan in on it too?”
“No, he wasn’t.” He leaves it at that. “You’re welcome for me distracting her this morning. She probably found it strange that I was walking around town in paint-splattered clothes. Funny how you escaped without a single drop on you.”
“I was meeting Everly after,” I say defensively. “If I had been covered in paint, she definitely would’ve asked about it.”
“Whatever you say.” There’s a hint of humor in his voice.
“Thanks again for flying in to help.”
I ran into an issue with the surprise I’m working on for Everly, and my parents and brothers saved the day. We ran out of paint halfway through our project, and Harrison and I went to Brush & Palette for more. I wasn’t expecting to see Everly in town that early, but thankfully, I spotted her before she saw us, allowing me to stay out of sight.
“No problem. I had another urgent matter to take care of in Aspen Grove, so it worked out that I was there today.”
I’m intrigued by what this urgent matter is, but more curious about why he called.
“What did you want to talk about?” I ask, taking a seat on the porch swing.
“I know we agreed to keep you out of the acquisition as much as possible, but I wanted to loop you in.” He pauses, and I hear a car door open and close. “After Dylan’s team found those inconsistencies in the books, I hired a private investigator to dig into Richard’s activities. It turns out the bastard has been manipulating his financial records and embezzling millions annually. I think that’s why he handed the European division over to his stepsons and Everly—he kept his illegal activities stateside so he could operate without interference.” Harrison’s tone is sharp and biting. If there’s one thing he hates, it’s being lied to, followed closely by anyone who dares to mess with his family or business. Richard has done both.
“That son of a bitch,” I scoff, clenching my fist at my side.
That explains his erratic behavior on the day he stopped by my office. He must have thought he could slip under the radar and panicked when our team wanted a closer look at his records.
“Dylan’s department meticulously reviewed Townstead’s financials again, and their US division is hemorrhaging money. The only thing keeping them afloat is the profitability of the European division, thanks to Everly, Liam, and August.”
I fidget with my bracelet, thinking through the possible next steps Harrison might take. “What’s the plan moving forward? The board won’t let you buy the company once they find out about this.”
“I’m not telling them. I paid the private investigator cash, operating under a pseudonym. He thinks I’m Richard’s estranged son, digging up dirt on dear old dad.” He lets out a low chuckle. “As far as the board is concerned, everything is on the up-and-up.”
“Why would you do that? You could end up in serious trouble.”
Harrison is a stickler for the rules, so I’m shocked by his uncharacteristic behavior, especially with millions of dollars on the line.
“Everly is family, and we protect our own,” he states matter-of-factly. “I’ve seen firsthand the results of her work, and I will not risk her job because her dad’s a criminal. She’s not reporting to him any longer than necessary, especially when it risks dragging her down with him.”
I let out a low whistle. “You’re really embracing your role as protective big brother, huh?”
“You’d do the same for Presley or Marlow.”
“Damn right, I would,” I say. “So, what’s the plan?”
“Like I told Everly this morning, we’re accelerating the process. What I didn’t tell her is that once the deal is inked, Richard’s out. There’s nothing in his contract that states we have to keep him on. If the board uncovers his shady dealings down the line, they can pursue legal action. For now, my priority is removing him from the company while there’s still time to repair the damage he’s done.”
Given how Richard has treated her over the years, I doubt Everly will lose any sleep over it when he finally faces the consequences of his actions.
“What about Everly and her step-brothers?”
“They’ll be in charge of the entire operation. Yes, they’ll have to answer to Stafford Holdings, but the day-to-day oversight will be minimal. They’ve already proven they can do it, so I have full confidence in their abilities.”
Everly will thrive on having more influence on shaping the overarching vision of the company alongside August and Liam, and I couldn’t be happier for her. But then I remember my promise to her—not to keep secrets. There’s no chance I can hold off on sharing this with her.
“How long until the closing meeting? I can’t keep this from Everly,” I explain.
“Two weeks, tops. Tell her there are details we can’t disclose until everything is finalized. I’m confident she’ll understand.”
“I hope you’re right,” I mumble.
“I always am,” he snarks. “I’m assuming this means you’ll want to stay in London after this is all over?”
“I’m not leaving my wife.” When I told Everly I’d follow her anywhere, I meant it. I had planned to have this conversation with Harrison later, but I guess now is as good a time as any.
“Good, because I need someone I can trust to oversee operations there. I’ve been impressed with your performance lately and have confidence that you can take this on. Our team in London holds you in high regard, so I’m sure they’ll be thrilled about your decision to stay.” I puff my chest out when hearing his compliment. “From a professional perspective, this is a fantastic opportunity, and as your brother, I couldn’t be more proud of you. I’m glad you’re so happy and that you and Everly finally got together.”
“Thanks, man, I appreciate it. Now it’s your turn,” I tease.
It’s hard to believe he’s the last sibling standing without a partner. My brothers and I used to joke about never settling down, yet here we are. I have a hunch my mom is plotting how to change Harrison’s relationship status as we speak.
“We’ll see,” he says, not fazed by my comment. “I have to go, but good luck tomorrow. You’re going to need it,” he teases in a playful tone.
“Bye, Harrison,” I say, ending the call.
After our conversation, I’m looking forward to the future more than ever before. I’m married to the woman of my dreams, and can’t wait to show her what it means to be mine for the rest of her life. And I’m fortunate to have a family that supports me unconditionally.
Now, all that’s left for me to do is come clean to my parents and Theo about why Everly and I stayed married and propose to my wife. Although, not necessarily in that particular order.
I go up to the bedroom and find Everly sitting on the bed, working on her computer.
“Everything okay?” she asks. “Did Harrison get to New York safely?”
“Yeah, he’s fine.” I pause, considering my next words carefully. “He told me some things about the acquisition but asked me to hold off on sharing the details with you. He wants to meet with you, Liam, and August when he’s ready to close the deal.” I hold my breath, waiting for her response.
“Cash, it’s okay. I can wait, but I appreciate you telling me.” She offers me a reassuring smile. “And that’s great news. It’ll mean a lot to Liam and August to get the chance to speak with Harrison directly.”
She looks back at her computer as she types away, and I observe her closer. She’s wearing black shorts and a hot-pink tank top. Her dark hair cascades down her back in waves, and her brown eyes shimmer with happiness. She’s become more carefree and vibrant over the past couple of months, and I’m lucky that she’s comfortable sharing this side of herself with me.
It’s still hard to believe that she told me she wants to be mine forever. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be this lucky. There are three little words I’ve been waiting for the right moment to say, but I can’t hold them in any longer.
“I love you, Ev.” The admission falls effortlessly from my lips.
For a while I wasn’t sure if that’s what this emotion was, but as I look at her now, there’s no doubt in my mind that I love her and would shout it from the rooftop if she asked me to.
Everly snaps her head up, her eyes wide in disbelief. “What did you say?” Her voice is barely above a whisper.
My heart pounds as I join her on the bed and take her laptop, setting it on the nightstand.
I gently lift her chin, meeting her mesmerizing brown gaze. “I’m in love with you,” I say again, brushing a piece of hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear. “I love you so damn much, and I’m sorry it took me so long to tell you. You’re my world, Ev, and there is no future without you in it.”
She places her hand over mine as a single tear trickles down her face. “I love you, too, Stafford.”
I heave a sigh of relief. “Thank god. I didn’t have a contingency plan if you didn’t say it back,” I tease.
She smiles. “It’s lucky I saved you from having to come up with one, then.”
I lean in to press kisses along her collarbone. A soft moan passes her lips as I lick along her neck, rubbing my nose along her cheek and pausing when I get close to her mouth.
“Tell me you love me again,” I coax her.
“I. Love. You.” She enunciates each word as she sinks her slender fingers into my hair and tugs me closer.
I wrap my arm around her waist, tugging her onto my lap to straddle me and plunge my tongue past her lips, ravishing her mouth. I don’t stop until she’s a blazing inferno of blissful agony, pleading for more.
She belongs to me, and I plan to dote on her with love and affection for the rest of our lives.
I slip my hand inside her sleep shorts, teasing her entrance. “Fuck, Ev, you’re drenched. Is this all for me?”
She lifts her hips as I shove two fingers inside her, the crude sound of her arousal filling the room. It’s sexy as hell as she shamelessly grinds against the palm of my hand. She gasps when I plunge a third finger inside, increasing my pace.
“I need to come,” she whimpers.
“Be a good girl and beg me for it,” I taunt with a wicked grin.
“You’re so infuriating.” She groans as I tease her clit with my thumb.
“It’s part of my charming personality,” I quip. “Now beg me to come, wifey.”
She gazes at me with hooded eyes. “Please make me come all over your fingers, Stafford.” She plasters her body to mine, deliriously desperate to find a release that’s just out of reach. “Pretty please,” she asks as she bats her eyelashes.
“That’s a start,” I say, grabbing the bottom of her tank top and pulling it over her head to reveal her full breasts.
“Fuck, these are perfect.”
I pinch one of her nipples, and it hardens beneath my fingertips. I eagerly suck it into my mouth, biting down on the soft flesh.
“Fuck,” Everly cries out.
I switch to her other breast, giving it the same treatment. Her moans echo throughout the room as she welcomes the flash of pain I give with every bite to her sensitive nipples. She clings to me like I’m her anchor, and I revel in her closeness. Her arousal soaks my hand while I thrust my thick fingers in and out of her cunt. She’s burning with need as I bring her to the edge again, pulling back just when she reaches the cusp of finding her release.
“Cash, I’m close,” she pants.
“You want to come on my hand or my cock?”
“Your cock, always your cock,” Her eyes flame with lust.
Damn, Everly is going to be the death of me.
And I don’t mind one damn bit.
“Show me how much you want it, beautiful.”
Her gaze never leaves mine as she lifts to take off her sleep shorts and panties, tossing them to the floor. When she settles back on my lap, she unfastens my pants. I let out a sharp hiss when she pulls out my shaft, guiding me to her entrance. She rubs the tip of my dick against her in teasing strokes.
“Fuck, Ev,” I growl.
Unable to restrain myself a second longer, I grip her waist, shoving her down onto my cock, pushing to the hilt in a single thrust. Her pussy clenches around me at the intrusion and she grabs ahold of my shoulders, her nails digging into my skin as our intermingled groans fill the room.
“Holy shit. You feel incredible.”
I hold her steady as she bounces on my dick, arching her back with every thrust. I’m bewitched, cherishing being hers in every sense.
“God, I feel so full,” Everly cries out.
I slant my mouth across hers, kissing her fervently as I buck my hips in time with hers, picking up our pace. “You ready to come with me?”
“I’ve been ready forever,” she cries.
I chuckle at her impatience before pinching her clit, sending her careening off the edge. I roar as ecstasy surges through me at the beautiful sight of Everly unraveling. I hold her tight as we ride out our orgasms together.
“Damn, you’re such a good wife, coming on my cock like that.” I nuzzle my nose into her neck, inhaling her scent.
I carefully lift her off me, not wanting to cause her pain.
We lie down, and she absentmindedly strokes my chest as she looks up at me.
“Stafford?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m really glad we got married.”
“So am I.”
“I think you’re my soulmate,” she murmurs so softly I almost miss it.
“You’re mine too,” I whisper.
I think back to the day we made our marriage pact in high school, and am struck by how my perspective has evolved. Back then, I believed I could only be Everly’s court jester, tolerated only because of my sense of humor and carefree attitude. Now I understand that our paths were always destined to intertwine, brought together by fate despite the odds stacked against us. I’m determined to be her prince, her knight in shining armor, or anything else she wants me to be, just as long as I’m hers.