26

Britta

Now that my work schedule is pretty much wide open, I get to enjoy a slower-paced morning. I have to admit it’s nice. For the time being.

Since my super sexy, extremely kind boyfriend still has a stable job, I thought it might be nice to treat him to some breakfast like he did for me the other day. We haven’t spoken much since Sunday due to him working and helping the kids at the skate park, and I’m woman enough to admit that I miss him.

I chuckle to myself as I take the last turn onto his street. It’s a bit of a mind-bender to remember that I am Cash McBryar’s girlfriend. We kissed. And touched. Like… a lot . My face heats just thinking about our steamy interactions over the weekend.

Not only is Cash fully on board with pursuing a real, committed relationship with me, but our friends are cheering us on as we navigate this exciting new era in our lives. Which just makes everything feel complete. Everything but my job situation, that is. That’s still a floating crap show just waiting to drop onto my head if I’m not careful.

I park in Cash’s driveway and practically skip to his front door. The excitement buzzing through my body at getting to see him again is absolutely ridiculous, but there’s no stopping it now. I knock three times and step back with my bag of goodies.

When no answer comes, I ring the doorbell. I check the time on my phone just to make sure he wouldn’t be at the gym yet. Nope, still good. He should have about an hour before he needs to leave.

The door finally swings open to reveal a blond, slightly disheveled looking teenage boy. He squints into the morning sun as he scratches the top of his head. “Can I help you?”

“Uh.” I rock back on my heels, taken back by this development. “I think? Is Cash home?”

He glances behind him before facing me again. “You friends with him?”

Unsure what answer I should give this unfamiliar kid, I say, “Uh, yeah. Are you ?”

He snaps to attention with a sudden bout of defensiveness.

”Look,” I hedge, trying for a friendly smile. “I’m his girlfriend. My name is Britta.”

The kid gives me a slow, appraising nod before finally waving me inside. “I think he’s in the shower. Come on in.”

Trepidation works its way up my spine as I step into Cash’s home. Deciding to keep myself firmly planted in the foyer to wait for Cash, I watch as the kid moves toward the couch and plops himself down onto a pile of blankets.

It’s obvious he slept here, but why, I have no idea.

“You can come in, I won’t bite,” the kid calls from where he’s sprawled out on the sofa. Casually, as if he does this all the time, he picks up the remote and begins searching through Cash’s streaming services.

Okay, then.

“I’ll just, uh, wait here.”

The kid spares me the barest of glances. “Suit yourself.”

I grip the paper bag full of food a little tighter and shift on my feet as I have a silent imaginary conversation with Cash about who this kid is and what he’s doing here . Did you adopt a teenager? I ask the imaginary version of him. Is he a younger brother you have yet to introduce me to?

Nah, that can’t be right. This kid doesn’t look anything like Cash or Jules. Besides, neither of them has ever mentioned having any other siblings.

Footsteps sound to my left, and Cash emerges from his bedroom in low-slung sweatpants and a white tee plastered to his still damp torso. His wet hair falls to his shoulders, his feet bare. I drink him in for the delicious few seconds it takes for him to notice me staring and start toward me.

“Britta? Hey.” Skirting his gaze to the teenager on his couch, he offers me a hesitant smile. “I see you’ve met Kai.”

“Kai?”

Cash runs a hand through his damp locks. “Did he let you in?”

Kai lifts his head off one of the throw pillows and calls, “She didn’t look like an axe murderer, and she claims to be your girlfriend. Felt wrong to leave her on the porch.” Then, just like that, he goes back to surfing the TV.

A nervous laugh escapes me. “Good call on the axe murderer thing.”

Cash steps closer and leans in to kiss my cheek. He whispers, “He’s a kid I met through the skate program. I’ll explain more later.”

I nod, then hold up the bag. “I brought breakfast. Thought I’d surprise you like you did me the other day.”

His sheepish expression tells me that maybe I chose the wrong time. But of course I have; he has a guest, and I’m just barging into his life without even texting first.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “I should’ve called.”

“No. No, you’re fine.” Cash grabs my hand and laces his fingers with mine before lowering his voice. “Is there enough for…” He tips his head toward the couch.

I pop open the bag and show him. “I think so. I got gluten-free bagels, cream cheese, fruit, and some those egg souffle things.”

Cash smiles. “All right. Let’s eat.” He waves me toward the large table in the center of his dining room. As we lay out all the breakfast items I bought, he calls to Kai, “Want to join us?”

Kai’s head pops up over the back of the couch and he scopes out the spread on the table. “Sure.”

Cash meets my eyes, his sparkling with amusement. I hide my smile as Kai hops up and shuffles toward the dining room. Once we’re all seated around the table, Cash tells Kai he’s going to pray. The boy rolls his eyes but doesn’t hesitate to bow his head and close his eyes.

Listening to Cash pray is easily one of my favorite things ever. His deep voice calling out to God, to bless our food and our time together, will be forever etched into memory. I can’t help but send up my own little silent prayer that I’ll get to hear his spiritual petitions for the rest of my days.

Kai digs in the second Cash says amen , tearing open an onion bagel and slathering on a generous helping of cream cheese. Next, he grabs two egg souffles, followed by a handful of grapes.

I raise my eyebrows and send Cash as discreet a look as I can manage. When the same guilty expression he gave me at the door crosses his face, understanding dawns. It wasn’t that he didn’t want me showing up with breakfast, but more that he was afraid Kai would devour all the food I had meant for the two of us.

I do my best to convey my thoughts with a reassuring smile as I grab a bagel for myself. I don’t mind sharing, especially with someone who’s as hungry as this kid seems to be. I can’t deny that his presence makes things a bit awkward, though. Cash must feel it too because he keeps shifting his toward Kai.

“So,” Kai says, abruptly. “How long have you two been together?” His gaze bounces between us as he takes another giant bite of his bagel.

My gaze immediately finds Cash’s. I don’t attempt to answer Kai as I’m too invested in whatever response Cash might give. Plus, he’s the one who knows him. I’d rather he give whatever answer he thinks is best and I’ll play along.

A slow smile starts at the corner of Cash’s mouth as he responds. “We’ve been talking for a while but officially started dating this past weekend.”

Kai stops chewing and stares at me. “Geez, I’m sorry.” He flicks his gaze to Cash. “I can leave early for school if—”

Cash halts him with a wave. “You’re fine, Kai. Seriously. Eat and get ready for school but take your time.”

Kai swallows and nods, suddenly way less interested in his food. “I think I’ll go take a shower. If that’s okay with you?”

“Of course,” Cash says. “Use whatever you need.”

With one last nod, Kai leaves the dining room like he can’t get away from us fast enough.

Cash sighs, resting back in his seat. “He’s something else.”

“I can see that.”

Once we hear the water turn on down the hall, Cash leans forward and lowers his voice. “He had nowhere else to go. His mom kicked him out.”

I wince and glance toward where Kai scampered off to. “Really? That’s awful.”

Cash runs his hand over his beard. “It’s not a good situation. At all.”

“What’s been going on?”

He grimaces. “I’m not sure I should tell you. At least not without Kai’s permission.” At my nod, he adds, “I will say that she needs help. They both do. And don’t tell Kai, but I spoke to his mom on his behalf.”

My eyes widen. “You did?”

“I did. And I told her I’d report her if she didn’t get the help she needs.”

My mind whirls with possible scenarios, trying to piece together the missing information. “Oh my gosh, Cash.”

“Yeah.” He lets out a deep sigh. “I didn’t want to do it. But I couldn’t let that kid go back to staying on the streets because of her neglect. She agreed to give me temporary guardianship and check herself into rehab.”

I blink at him, stunned. “Do you think she’ll go through with it?”

“Already has,” he says. “She called me last night with the center’s information and listed me as an emergency contact.”

“I take it you called them to double check.”

He gives me a subtle nod. “I did. They confirmed she was there.”

“Wow,” I breathe, shocked. “What will you do with him? While he’s here, I mean?”

Cash shakes his head with a breathy laugh. “I have no idea. I’ll provide for him, but…I don’t have the first clue about what to do with a teenager.”

My lips lift in a small smile. “You do, though. You’re the best uncle ever to Elyse.”

“Yeah, but she’s a girl. They’re easier.”

A giggle erupts from my throat. “No, they’re not. She’s just a really good kid.” I glance toward the hall. “I think Kai is probably a good kid, too; he just needs some guidance. A stable male influence.”

“And I’m supposed to be that?” he says, clearly amused.

“You are that, Cash. Whether you believe it or not, you’re a positive role model. You’re determined, disciplined, and kind. Maybe a little grumpy, but your humor balances that out.” I smile wider when he chuckles.

“Man, it’s just so crazy to think that this is happening. When I offered to help him, I had no idea this is where we’d end up.”

I reach across the table toward him. He catches on and wraps his fingers over mine. “You may not have envisioned this when you played the part of the Good Samaritan, but God’s giving you a great opportunity. When did this all take place?”

“On Monday,” he says.

“Wow, see? In just two days you were able to facilitate change in a desperate kid’s life. You got his mom the help she needs. Maybe soon they’ll be able to be reunited and be better for your intervention.”

He squeezes my hand. “I hope so.”

“Cash, you did the right thing,” I reassure him. “You saw a kid who was tossed out and hurting and gave him a place to rest. You also helped a mom get better for her kid.”

His smile grows the tiniest bit as he thanks me. The longer our gazes stay connected, the more heat settles into my core. “Now that it’s just the two of us,” he drawls with a wicked grin, “why don’t you come here and give me a proper good morning?” His gentle tug on my hand is all it takes to convince me.

I skirt the edge of the table until I’m standing beside him. He quietly scoots the chair back and pulls me onto his lap. Wrapping his strong arms around my waist and my back, he nuzzles his face into the crook of my neck and takes a deep inhale.

“Mm.” His quiet murmur rumbles through me. “You smell so good. And feel so good.”

I huff a little laugh and nestle closer, even while a tiny spark of panic builds inside me. I’m likely crushing his thighs with my giant butt.

“Relax, Britt,” Cash says, running a hand down my back. “I just want to hold you.”

“But I’m—”

“I swear, woman, if you say heavy, I’ll toss you over my shoulder and run around the neighborhood, claiming you like a cave man.” Heat blooms in my cheeks. “You are not—I repeat— not too heavy. I adore every single part of you.” He leans back and brushes back the hair that’s framing my face. “Do you understand?”

“Yes.” My breathy response must be exactly what he wanted to hear because he doesn’t waste another second on idle chatter.

Gripping my chin, he lowers me toward him and presses his lips against mine in a slow, deliberately sensual kiss.

I rest my hands on his shoulders, loving the feel of his contracting muscles. His hands tighten around my waist as he delves deeper into our kiss and delivers butterflies straight to my core. It’s been so long since I’ve felt anything remotely close to this that I can’t help but pray it never ends.

An embarrassing whimper escapes me when Cash tries a new, tantalizing angle, anchoring me firmly against his muscled body. “Mm,” he hums. “Keep doing that and we’ll be in trouble.”

I giggle and shove him back. “You’re right. We’d better stop.”

Cash growls his protest. “I don’t want to, though.” Dragging his nose along my neck, he peppers kisses on each inch of exposed flesh.

“Cash,” I laugh. “We need to stop.”

“Fine, fine,” he relents and releases me. Then, growing more serious, he says, “It was really sweet of you to bring me—well, us —breakfast. Thank you.”

“Any time, handsome.”

His pierced eyebrow lifts. “Handsome, huh?”

I roll my eyes. “Oh, come on. You have to know you’re gorgeous.”

“Still feels nice coming from you.” After another soft, slow kiss, he pats my thigh. “All right, you’d better get up. If we stay like this a second longer, I’m not letting you leave.”

His words yank at my rapidly fraying resolve, but I obey. Because he’s right. I can’t very well sit on his lap all day long when there’s a kid he’s now responsible for. I’m still not sure how that will affect us dating now, but I can be patient. Knowing I’m officially his makes all the difference.

“Let me walk you out,” he says, holding my hand like a proper suitor.

By the time we reach the front door, the bathroom door down the hall creaks open. “Hey, Kai,” Cash calls. “I’m just going to walk Britta out. Be right back.”

A simple K is all the response Cash gets before he escorts me to my car. “I don’t know how long this thing with him will last, but…” He pauses.

“Cash, it’s fine,” I say, leaning back against my car and trailing a finger over his chest. “I want to be here for you. And Kai, if that’s what it takes. Just let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

Cash blinks and his brows furrow slightly as if something just occurred to him. “You know, there is something you could help me with.”

“Yeah? What?” My fingers continue to run circles over his broad chest, and I have to force myself to pay at least a little attention to what he’s saying. But man, he’s so dang beautiful.

“A.J. and I are serious about making this training facility into something more—somewhere athletes can train professionally but also where kids can learn how to hone their skills. I’m thinking that by connecting these pro athletes with these underprivileged kids, we can form something meaningful. A place where we give back but also get in shape.”

“I love it, Cash. I think it’s a great idea.” When he doesn’t immediately respond, I pause my movements. “What is it?”

Cash smiles, but it’s nervous, unsure. “Britta, I want you to help us. I’d like you to teach dance to these kids. Maybe even become a trainer yourself.” As my lips part in surprise, he rushes on. “You wouldn’t have to if you didn’t want to, but there’s plenty of room for you. We could add a barre, more mirrors, all the equipment you’d need to build a thriving business. If you wanted to teach kids or adults…whatever. However you want to do it. I just think that the dance studio director who contacted you was onto something.”

“But I just—” I sniffle. “I don’t know that I have what it takes to do something like that.” I blink away the tears that spring to my eyes.

“Britta, you’re insanely talented,” Cash says, voice soft. “You’ve got the skills to be able to train others. I mean, sure, there are some certifications and stuff you’ll have to look into getting, but I’ll be there to help you every step of the way.”

Wrapping his hands around my hips, he whispers, “I know this thing between us is new. And I know it’s not smart to go into business with someone you’re dating, but baby…” He leans forward and rests his forehead against mine. “I’ve never been more serious about anyone in my entire life. I know you’re it for me. We’re not young and in love; we’re old and jaded and we’ve both been hurt in relationships. This is different because we know each other.”

A laugh slips out of me before I can stop it. “You’re not old. You’re barely twenty-six.”

“I’m old enough to know perfection when I’ve got it in my hands.” As if to prove his point, he lets his hands roam over my backside and squeezes lightly. “Britta, if you feel even half of what I feel for you, I’m asking— no, begging—you to please stay with me. Please, build a business with me.”

An eruption of emotion like I’ve never felt before slams into me. Burying my face in Cash’s chest as I hang onto him for dear life, I let all my reservations and hurts and fears pour out of me in one, dramatic burst.

“Britta, I can’t tell if you hate me or love me right now.” His nervous laugh shudders through us both and I release a watery one in response.

“I love you.” Leaning back to meet his eyes, I admit the truth. “I love you so much. I know it’s too early to say it, but I’ve been falling in love with you for months.” Another obnoxious laugh comes out in a half wheeze. “Against my will, I might add.”

Cash tosses his head back, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter. “You’re so stubborn, woman.” Meeting my eyes, he adds, “And so beautiful. So feisty. And so, so easy to love.” Hope springs like an overflowing geyser inside me as I wait for him to return the sentiment.

After seeming to catalogue my every feature, he says, “I love you, too.”

As badly as I want to kiss Cash right now, I want to hold him even more. Want to be wrapped in his secure embrace and feel that same love flooding my entire body, all the way down to my toes. I nestle closer into our hug and close my eyes. He gently drags his calloused hand down my back, then up again, as he buries his face in my hair.

“I’ll do it,” I whisper against his chest. “I’ll work with you.”

He pulls back. “You will?”

With a shaky nod, I chuckle. “Yeah. I mean, I was seriously considering doing it for the dance academy in Oregon, but I believe in your mission even more. I’d love to be a part of what you and A.J. create. Maybe you can even let me design the new spaces we’ll need.”

Cash’s face lights up, and he sweeps me into another breath-stealing hug. “That’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.”

That exact second, Cash’s front door opens and Kai steps out. “Hey, uh, I don’t mean to interrupt, but…I kind of have school.”

“Coming,” Cash calls.

I slide down Cash’s body, then fix my clothes and hair. “I’d better go.”

Cash continues to stare at me like he never wants to look away. “All right. But I’ll call you after work, okay?”

“Yeah, okay.” My giddy smile stretches ear to ear, and there’s absolutely no wiping it away. It says firmly in place even when I’m alone in my car on the drive back to my house.

My mind whirls with so much excitement and possibility, I can’t help but cry tears of joy. For a woman who started this year loathing the entire male population, I’d say I’ve come a long. Not only were Cash and I able to get past our misunderstanding, but we each found a purpose that extends much further than our romantic notions.

And together, we can face the future with certainty, love, and the wonderful friends that surround us.