Down to You(73)

I would never tell him, but he could ask me anything right now and I’d agree to it. Anything at all.

“Okay.” As soon as the words leave my lips, his mouth is on mine.

His hands are hungry and urgent as he grabs me around the waist and turns to lay me on the bed. We undress each other as though we’ve never made love, as though this is the first time and we can’t wait one more second to feel skin on skin.

When he enters me, my whole world collapses. It melts and covers us as he moves within me, like a perfect crystalline cocoon. And when we are both satisfied and breathing heavily, Cash lays his forehead against mine and whispers, “Home.”

I think to myself that this is the very moment when I’m lost. Lost to Cash. Forever.





CHAPTER FORTY- Cash





As I straighten up my apartment, I can’t help but recognize that I’ve probably never felt more positive about life. Even before the “accident” I didn’t feel so good about the future. So optimistic. So…enthused.

And the difference?

Olivia.

I smile and shake my head as I think of her. She wanted to take a shower and clean up before she packed and headed over here. She suggested I go ahead. I’m not really surprised, I don’t guess. I know how girls are, what with their need for grooming time and personal space. So I kissed her and left. The strange thing is, I had to make myself leave rather than join her in the shower. I don’t know what it is about her, but I can’t seem to get enough. Even when I’ve had enough, I want more.

When my phone rings, I pull it out and check the screen. It says simply, “Olivia.” I smile wider.

“You’re supposed to be over here by now. What’s taking you so long?”

There’s a pause before she speaks. When she does, I hear her shy voice. “Um, I don’t know what kind of, um, plans you have for us tonight. Should I bring work clothes for tonight and tomorrow night? Or…?”

“You haven’t met him yet, but I have a guy that helps manage the bar. His name is Gavin and I already had him rework the schedule to cover your shifts this weekend. Why don’t you just take the time off and spend it with me?”

She laughs a little and when she answers, I can hear the smile in her voice. “I’d love to spend the weekend with you doing…whatever, but I really can’t afford to miss much more time.”

I’m smart enough and an astute enough observer of women to know offering her money would be a huge mistake. So, to keep the peace, I do what I need to. “Well, then just plan to work tomorrow night. Will that be enough, since you worked last night at Tad’s?”

“Yeah, I think that’ll be fine.”

“All right then. Get your ass over here.”

“On my way,” she chirps then the line goes dead.

I wonder if I’ll ever stop smiling and, if I can’t, what kind of excuse I’ll have to make up to explain it. Or if I’ll even bother. Because at the moment, I just don’t give a shit. I’m happy. She’s happy. That’s all that matters.





CHAPTER FORTY-ONE- Olivia





Cash didn’t say where to park, so I stick with the lot out front, just to be safe. I’ll probably need to move it later, so as not to announce to everyone I’m getting preferential treatment because I’m screwing the boss.

I can’t help but grin. That sounds so trashy, but I just don’t care. I refuse to let anything or anyone ruin this happy time of my life. Happy times come by so infrequently, I’m determined to enjoy them as much as I can, while I can.

Retrieving my bag and purse from the back seat, I lock the doors and head around the side entrance to the apartment. Butterflies are alive and well in my stomach, which is kind of ridiculous considering that I’ve had sex with Cash well over a dozen times. But still…

The garage door is open as I approach. So is the interior door. And Cash is standing just inside it, smiling. He stops me from entering and takes my bag and purse from me, setting them on the floor behind him. Then, with a wicked grin, he sweeps me up into his arms and carries me inside, kicking the door shut with his heel.

“I’m supposed to carry you over the threshold, right?”

I laugh. “If that’s what you’re doing, I must’ve slept through something important,” I say dryly.

He quirks one eyebrow and shoots me a cocky grin. “Oh trust me, I won’t let you sleep through any of the good stuff.”

I wrap my arms more tightly around his neck and he bends his head to kiss me. When his lips meet mine, there is fire, just like always. But there’s something else, too. Something deeper, sweeter. More meaningful. It makes my heart sing like his kiss makes my toes curl.