Authors: Abby Reynolds
Chapter Twenty-Five
♬
Prudence Clearwater
Leaving Dean was harder than I thought. He was a great friend and a trustworthy confidant. Plus, we always had a great time together. But I wanted to live with Cash. It was
a sick need I had, but it was there nonetheless.
Cash glanced at me from his side of the car. “You okay?”
“I’ll be fine.”
“You really love him.” It wasn’t a question.
Did that bother him? I secretly hoped it did. “I do.”
“Did anything happen between you…?”
I’m surprised he asked me that. It was the first personal question that came up. “No.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. I saw his chest rise and fall.
“What does it matter?”
“I want to make sure I’m doing the right thing for you.”
Oh. I was hoping for a different answer.
After we arrived at the house, he carried my bags inside. This is not how I imagined moving in with him. I thought he would tell me he loved me and couldn’t be without me. Or I never left to begin with.
When he carried my things upstairs, my heart accelerated. Would he take it into his bedroom? A part of me hoped he would, and a part of me didn’t. He said we would have sex again but I didn’t know when or how. Or maybe he was just joking. I didn’t know.
He turned left and entered the guestroom. And my heart fell.
Cash placed the bags in the corner. Dark wooden furniture was placed on the hard wood flowers. A blue comforter added some color to the place. It was clean even though it had been unused for years. And it had a nice walk-in closest, not that I had anything to store.
“Is this okay?” he asked. “I have two others.”
How about your room?
“It’s great.”
He put his hands in his pockets and surveyed the room. “My home is yours. Please feel free to
do anything you wish.”
How about watching you shower?
I don’t think his invitation included that. “Thank you.”
Cash reached for the door. “I’ll let you get settled.” He closed the door, leaving me alone in my room.
I placed my clothes in the closest and the drawers. My guitar was placed against the wall. I had a nook under the window so I could sit down and look outside. It would be perfect to write my music.
I stayed in there for hours, too scared to visit the rest of the house. I wondered what Cash was doing. Maybe he was avoiding me like I was
him.
A gentle knock on the door announced his presence. “Dinner is ready. I ordered a pizza.”
My stomach rumbled. “I’ll be there in a second.”
I heard his footsteps retreat. I was happy to be with Cash again, but I was also extremely nervous around him. We’d been apart for months. Now we had to get reacquainted. And being in love with him didn’t make that easier. With Dean, the bond formed naturally. He was a family member. Being married to him sounded so much easier.
After I pulled my hair into a braid and changed, I walked downstairs. He was sitting at the table, holding his iPad. He always used to work at night when I lived here. Some things never changed.
When he spotted me, he put it down. “I got your favorite.”
I took the seat across from him and saw the vegetarian pizza. We used to do half and half so he could get what he wanted. But it looked like he just ordered for me.
“It looks good. “I didn’t know what else to say. “But I probably shouldn’t eat it.” My hand touched my stomach.
His eyes darkened. “I never want to hear you say that again.” His voice sliced through the air like a knife.
I stilled at his words. “I’m sorry…”
“You’re perfect the way you are. Don’t ever change—for anybody.”
I remembered the look Dean gave me after my makeover. His eyes held the hint of lust and his hand constantly moved to my waist. I knew his attraction increased. But Cash was the o
pposite. He preferred it when my face was free of makeup and my hair wasn’t done. He liked me for who I was. And I loved that.
He piled two slices onto my plate then handed it to me. “We are going to eat this whole thing.”
“Right now?” I asked with a smile.
“We used to do it all the time.”
“That sounds like a challenge.”
“It is.” He folded his pizza in half and took a bite. He always ate that way so the toppings wouldn’t fall off.
I didn’t bother being ashamed of my appetite. I shoveled the food into my mouth because I was starving, but I didn’t make a mess. Cash watched me the entire time. That aspect of our relationship never seemed to change.
“Do you have any rules while I live here?” I asked.
“Rules? No.”
“Is there something you specifically don’t want me to do?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Prudence, this is your home now. You’re free to do whatever you want.”
Cash always made me feel at home here. Even when I left my dirty dishes in the sink because I was too tired to clean them, he took care of them and loaded them in the dishwasher. He was easy-going and compatible. He was definitely the best roommate I ever had.
The object of my obsession kept coming back to my mind. Whenever I looked at Cash, it’s what I was thinking about. I couldn’t deny it. “Do you really expect sex from me?” I couldn’t phrase it in any other way. Otherwise, it sounded like I was asking him to have sex with me. Actually, begging. I’d get on two knees if I weren’t scared of his rejection.
He smiled. “I was joking before. You owe me nothing, Prudence. Please don’t worry about that.”
Oh…He didn’t want me. “Then why do you want to be monogamous?”
“If someone saw you with another man
, everyone would know our marriage was a scam.”
That’s the only reason?
Ouch.
I hoped he was still possessive of me like he was when Gavin was around. Apparently not. He was over our relationship. Maybe he didn’t even value it at the time. I lost my appetite but ate anyway. If not, he’d ask me what was on my mind. And I was sick of giving the same answer.
Pass.
He finished his half then eyed the remaining piece. “Come on…” He put it on my plate.
I sighed as I looked at it. “How do you stay in such great shape if you eat so much?”
“I work out every morning.”
“You do?” I don’t remember that.
“You were usually asleep.”
“Oh. What do you do?”
“I run on the beach then I hit the gym in the basement, which you are welcome to use.”
I remembered Dean’s instructions to exercise and do weight training. “I’ll take you up on that offer.”
“I can show you a few things.”
“That’d be great.”
If you were shirtless.
“Cool.”
Cool? I never heard him say that in my life.
He eyed me and waited for me to finish the slice.
I rolled my eyes and did as he commanded.
Cash winked. “Good job.”
Was it really?
He took the plates then placed them in the dishwasher. The cardboard
box was completely empty so I placed it in the trash. Cash moved to the couch then sat down.
“Want to watch a movie?”
This was too weird. I didn’t like it. It was like our relationship never happened. We were just friends. It was depressing. “Sure…” I sat beside him on the couch but kept my distance. The more he didn’t want me, the more I pushed him away.
He turned
on an action movie then crossed his legs, placing his ankle on his knee. It was the same way he always sat. I crossed my legs then sat straight up. It was hard for me to concentrate on the movie knowing he was next to me. In my peripheral vision, I saw the rise and fall of his chest. I remembered the first time I came over here. The sight of his flawless body inspired one of my greatest songs. It was too much. “I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”
“Okay.”
Was he attracted to me at all? I rose from the cushion then stepped around the couch.
“Let me know if you need anything.” He didn’t look at me, his eyes glued to the screen.
“Yeah…” I walked upstairs then entered my bedroom. His room was just across the hall but it felt so far away. I sat on the edge of the bed then looked out the window. If I concentrated, I could hear the waves in the distance. This place used to be so beautiful. Now it was just painful.
I sat in the dark for a long time. I didn’t even know how much time had passed. When I heard the creak of the floorboards, I knew he was going to bed. All the lights were off in my room so he probably thought I was asleep.
The shadow of his feet was outside the door. I knew his ear was pressed to the wood, listening to me. I didn’t move. Eventually he stepped away and entered his bedroom. The door clicked when it closed. And when I knew I was really alone, a tear rolled down my cheek.
Chapter Twenty-Six
♬
Cash Matthews
Prudence didn’t feel the same way anymore. I could see it on her face. She just wanted to get away from me. Any hope I had that we might get back together was gone. But I still loved her. Somehow, I loved her even more.
After I completed my workout early the next morning, I took Scott with me to pick up a gift for Sleeping Beauty. I already called ahead and told them what I wanted. But I couldn’t pick it up by myself.
When we arrived at the car lot, the salesman already knew who I was. I handed over my card so he could take the payment. There was no need for negotiation.
He handed me the keys a moment later. I got inside the brand new white Range Rover then inspected it. Then I looked at the license plate. It read, “MRSCASH”. I knew it was a little much, but I wanted my wife to have everything she deserved. And now our cars matched. She had one in white, and I had one in black.
Cute, right?
After we returned to the house, I had Scott put a pink bow on it.
“Anything else, sir?”
“Nope. Enjoy your afternoon.”
He got into the limo and drove away. When I walked into the house, Prudence wasn’t downstairs. Was she still sleeping? Then I heard her beautiful voice and the faint strings of her guitar.
I approached her door and listened. She was singing quietly, not wanting to be heard. I wa
nted to open the door and walk inside, but I respected her privacy. She could be naked.
Man, that’d be so hot.
I knocked. “Prudence?”
Her voice stopped immediately. Rustling and footsteps were heard inside. Then she opened the door, already dressed for the day. She wore jean shorts and a loose fitting top. I liked it. Her long legs were lean and her thighs were bare. I wanted to plant my kisses all over them. But I somehow stopped myself.
“I want to show you something.”
“What?” she asked.
I smiled at her. “Come with me.”
“Okay.” She put on her sandals then followed me downstairs.
I took her hand when we walked outside, and she didn’t pull away. When the Range Rover was in sight, she stopped. The bow on top of the car made it clear it was for her. Her eyes widened as she stared at it.
“I hope you like it.”
She was speechless. “You didn’t have to buy me anything, Cash…”
“I wanted to.”
“I don’t even know how to drive.”
“I’ll teach you.” I squeezed her hand.
“And I don’t have a license.”
“But you can get one.” I pulled her toward the car. “It’ll be okay, Prudence.”
She stared at the side of the car then pressed her hands against it. “It’s like yours.”
I winked at her. “We match.”
A slight smile stretched her lips. “You did that on purpose?”
“You’ll answer your own question after you look at this.” I dragged her toward rear of the car.
When she saw the license plate, she stared at it. When a moment passed and nothing was said, I wasn’t sure if I made a grave mistake. Then she covered her mouth and her eyes bubbled with tears.
Fuck…I went too far.
“Prudence…”
She wrapped her arms around my neck then squeezed me hard. Her face was pressed to my shoulder so I couldn’t see it. But I knew she was crying.
Okay…now I was confused.
Her hands moved around my waist and she held me close. It didn’t seem like she planned to release me anytime soon. It was the limo all over again. But I didn’t mind. I rested my head on hers then ran my fingers through her hair. She felt so small in my arms, so fragile. I got a strong waft of her hair in my nose. It made me felt.
“That was so sweet…”
My hand moved down her back. “We’re a matching set. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
She took a deep breath at my words.
I was relieved she liked it. For a second, I thought everything went south. It seemed like she was completely indifferent to me
most of the time, but then she would have a sudden mood swing and act like she loved me.
Prudence finally pulled away, her tears gone. “Thank you.”
I stared at the blush in her cheeks. A strand of hair blew in her eyes and she pulled it away. I could stare at her face forever. “You’re welcome.”
“But you don’t have
to buy me anything.”
“You’re my wife. And I shower her with gifts.”
“I’m not your wife yet.”
I shrugged. “Potato-Po-tat-to.”
She turned back to the car then stared inside. I handed the keys to her. I had a keychain of a guitar added to the ring. It suited her.
She smiled when she saw it. “Now everyone will know it’s mine.”
“Just in case they don’t see the license plate.” I winked at her again.
Prudence stared at it before she followed me back inside. She seemed to be in a different mood today, much warmer and affectionate. She brushed my shoulder when she passed me, making my hair stand on end.
“What are you doing today?” she asked.
“Spending time with you.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat. “You are?”
I nodded. “We’re taking a yacht out to the coast for lunch then we’ll come home for a quiet dinner.”
“A yacht?” she asked incredulously.
“My yacht.”
“Oh.”
“So pack a swimsuit. I want to see you in a bikini.”
Her cheeks blushed. “Okay.”
I wasn’t sure how she’d take that last comment. I was glad it didn’t blow up in my face. It was a good start to making her fall for me. I just had to keep it up.
♫
When we arrived to m
y yacht, the captain carried our bags inside. When Prudence saw the boat, her eyes widened. “You own this?”
“I have for a long time.” I was glad she was impressed with my wealth.
She stared at the side of the stern. “The Ophelia?”
“It’s not what you think,” I said quickly. “I bought it for my mom for mother’s day, but she hardly ever used it. So we share it.”
“Oh.” She laughed. “I was going to tease you for being a mama’s boy.”
“And I would have deserved every moment of that ridicule.”
We boarded the ship, and Prudence immediately went to the portside. She stared into the water with a smile on her face. “I’ve never been on a boat before.”
She was so adorable. “I’m glad I’m your first.”
Prudence continued to look at the waves.
The ship left the dock then moved away from the beach. It didn’t seem like she wanted to move so I left her there. When we were further out into the water, the captain killed the engine, set the anchor, and then ventured into his quarters below deck. It was in his contract so I could have my privacy.
“Let’s go to the front.” I took her hand and led her to the lounge chairs. Her bag with a towel and swimsuit was already placed on the floor.
She sat down then looked through her clothes. “I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.” I was already wearing my trunks so I pulled off my shirt and got our drinks. Then I lay down and waited.
She returned with a sun hat and a yellow bikini. Her aviator sunglasses shielded the eyes I loved so much, but she looked damn fine. The bottoms were low on her hips, not leaving much to the imagination. Her top pressed her breasts together, making noticeable cleavage.
I’d love to rub sunscreen all over her rockin’ body.
She took the seat next to me and avoided my gaze. Maybe
I was making my desire too obvious? I looked away and stared over the rail. The water was a light blue because we were docked near a reef. Prudence read a magazine beside me. It was a lazy day.
But I kept thinking about that bikini…about her taking off that bikini.
My cock was hard in my shorts. I discreetly adjusted myself so she wouldn’t see my raging hard-on.
Then Prudence crossed a line. She turned over on her stomach and untied the back of her swimsuit. Her back was bare, being kissed by the sun. And her ass was upright. The curves of her body were indefinite. I could stare at her forever and still find something new. My cock twitched the long
er I stared. Then she sat up and turned the pages of her magazine, licking her fingers every time she did it.
Was she doing this on purpose? Making me so hard I thought I’d explode? I hadn’t had sex in two months, and masturbating to her memory wasn’t nearly as satisfying. I wanted to be inside her. I wanted to come inside her. I looked away because my arousal was turning me into a different person. I definitely wasn’t a gentleman.
“When did you buy it?”
I stopped staring at her ass. “What?”
“Your yacht.” She smiled at me. There was no way she didn’t see me gawking at her beautiful behind.
“Oh. A few years ago.”
“What other toys do you have?”
“Just my car and my boat.”
“I only splurge on my guitar.”
“That’s your livelihood,” I said. “It’s no
t splurging.”
“Not according to my bank account.” She lied flat and tied the string
s of her bikini. I wanted to growl.
Then she turned on her back, her tits covered.
Grr.
Whenever I thought about money, I thought of her brother. “Have you told Jeremy about us?”
“No…”
She still hadn’t talk to him. “You should call him.”
“I will.”
“Soon,” I pressed.
She turned her face to the left so I couldn’t see it. I took advantage of the opportunity to stare at her body, seeing every line and every curve. I wanted to slide my tongue around then move between her legs. Then I wanted to taste the salty sweetness I loved so much.
Cash
, get a grip.
Maybe this day trip on the yacht was a bad idea.
When the sun wore us out, we went inside and stared out the windows. Our meals were already prepared. We just had to reheat them. I had a grilled piece of fish with greens, and she had a salad with a side of bread.
She was a little more comfortable around me today. I’m glad her mood toward me was improving. Maybe it was because I bought her that car. Or because I took her on my yacht. I was using all my cards in this bet.
I could tell
she was tired by the bags under her eyes. She wasn’t used to the sun exposure, not like I was. London wasn’t the warmest place.
We left our dishes then moved to the oversized couch. I called the captain and told him to take us back to the mainland. She sat beside me then crossed her legs. When she leaned back into the couch, I knew she was ready for a nap.
I didn’t want to embrace her unless she wanted me to, but it was getting progressively harder…especially since she was still wearing a bikini that hardly covered anything.
I decided to go for it. I wrapped my arms around her then pulled her with me to the cushion. When I was lying straight, I wrapped my arm around her waist then placed the other on the back of her neck. A quiet sigh escaped her lips while she lay on me. I was glad she didn’t push me away. But if she could hold me for hours in a limo, I could hold her now. Unfortunately, my cock came to life like it always did
when she was near. There was no way she didn’t notice it, and there was nothing I could do to hide it. I wanted to be inside her.
Big surprise.
W
hen we docked, I turned her face toward me and saw her closed lids. She was fast asleep. Her breathing came out light and even. I could stare at her all day. When the captain took our bags and carried them to the car, I knew I couldn’t wait any longer. I scooped her up in my arms and carried her down the dock.
She stirred on the way then wrapped her arms around my neck. She didn’t ask me to put her down, and I didn’t want to. I liked holding her. I wanted her to know I’d always take care of her.
I got her into the passenger seat before I took my place behind the wheel. I was glad I decided to have dinner at the house tonight. She wasn’t up for a public appearance.
On the drive I made a bold move. I grabbed her hand and held it on my thigh. She didn’t pull away. Her fingers slowly moved in mine, just like she used to. When I glanced at her in the darkness, I saw her wide eyes. She was staring at me.
And I held the look before I had to concentrate on the road. Then I pressed her fingers to my lips and gave her a gentle kiss. She inhaled deeply at the touch.
When we returned to the house, she moved slowly toward the door. I carried everything inside and was glad to see the dishes on the table. I had Scott pick up our dinner. I would cook for her but I didn’t have time.
Prudence yawned then pulled her hair over one shoulder. When I saw the exposed skin, I automatically leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss on the surface. It was one of my favorite places. She always tasted sweet.
I realized my mistake when it was too late, but thankfully, she didn’t mind. A musical sigh escaped her lips.