His eyes widened. “Why not?”
“I’ll be spending time with him, obviously.”
“All night?” I liked how upset he was getting. He loved having me all to himself.
“We’ll probably be together pretty late. He works during the day.”
Cash composed himself. “Okay. I have a lot of things I need to do anyway.”
Back to normal.
“I wanted to ask you a favor.”
“Name it.”
“Since I’m meeting your family as your girlfriend, I was hoping you’d do the same for me.”
His eyes clouded in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Could you meet my brother—as my boyfriend?”
“Why?”
“Pass.” I didn’t want anyone to know why. It made it easier that way.
He weighed the request in his mind. “I’d do anything for you.”
That was an odd response. “Thank you.”
“Is there something specific you want me to do?”
“Just act like you’re madly in love with me.”
He stared at me for a long time, his eyes never leaving my face. I waited for him to agree. “Consider it done.”
Chapter Twenty
Cash Matthews
I didn’t get to sleep with Prudence for three days? Three fucking days?
She was clearly excited that her brother was coming to visit, but I was selfish and hated how that affected my time with her. I wouldn’t get to be alone with her, run my fingers through her hair, take her in the shower, make her come—nothing.
Kill me now.
I was on edge at work for the next two days. And everyone knew it. I was short in my responses, and not nearly as invested as I normally was. I was the producer on a new series airing on NBC so we were auditioning actors for that. Everything started to snowball. And I was wound tight.
I did an interview for a few TV programs. I desperately hoped Prudence didn’t watch TV. If she did, she’d know I lied about my profession. Then she would ask me for favors left and right. Our perfect relationship would be ruined and I’d just be used for my connections and money. That’s the last thing I wanted. I promised myself I wouldn’t let it happen again.
Prudence was spending all evening with her brother, so I went home—alone. I didn’t realize how much I wanted her until I couldn’t have her. There was something seriously wrong with me. Maybe I was just a sex addict and needed it so many times a day. But I never had that problem before.
When I pulled into my driveway, a Mercedes was parked at the curb. It looked slightly familiar. I studied it for a moment but realized no one was inside. Perhaps it belonged to a neighbor. I got out and walked to my front door.
“It’s been awhile.”
I recognized the feminine voice. “Charlotte?”
She stepped away from my porch, wearing a trench coat and heels. “I would have called but I lost my phone.”
“What are you doing here?” It was pretty damn creepy to have an old lover just hanging out on my doorstep. She better not be pregnant.
She stepped closer to me then unbuttoned her trench coat. “Just a one time thing.”
Charlotte was naked underneath. Not even a bra or panties. I glanced then looked up again. I was horny as hell because Prudence wasn’t putting out while her brother was in town, but the sight didn’t arouse me at all—not like it used to when Charlotte and I were together.
“I’m seeing someone.”
“So? That doesn’t mean anything coming from you. Just fuck me and I’ll leave.”
“I have a girlfriend.”
“A girlfriend?” she asked incredulously.
Damn, I didn’t mean to say that. “I’m sleeping with someone monogamously.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You said girlfriend.”
“Well, that’s not what I meant.”
“Then what’s the problem? You and I had the same arrangement and you slept with other women.”
“Well, that’s not the deal my girlfriend—friend—and I made.”
She looked pissed. She buttoned her jacket and hid her body. Not that I minded. “What happened to you?”
“Excuse me?”
“I thought you were done with relationships?” I heard the sadness in her voice. “What’s so special about her? You wouldn’t be with me and I gave you everything.” Now I felt like an ass. Charlotte was clearly in love with me. Why didn’t I see it before?
“I’m not in a relationship,” I said firmly. “We’re just exclusive for the time being.”
“And that’s way more than what you gave me.”
“I’m sorry.” What did she want me to do? “I don’t know what else to say.”
Charlotte stormed off. “She’s a lucky girl.”
“Actually, I’m the lucky one.”
She glared at me before she got into her car and peeled out.
I waited until she was gone before I walked in the house and got in the shower. I found the shampoo Prudence used and masturbated with it, thinking about her. The smell helped me pretend she was with me, bending over while I pounded into her. And I came harder than I ever had by myself.
♫
I went to Prudence’s show that night, flowers in hand. I took a seat at a table in the corner and watched my muse sing her tunes. She had such a beautiful voice. I could listen to her all day.
She wore skinny jeans and a white blouse. Her heels made her legs look even longer. I popped a boner just watching her. When her mouth opened and she sang into the mic, I sighed with longing.
I had it bad.
I looked at Gavin singing beside her. I hated that fucker. Always had and always would.
I gazed at the audience, gauging their reactions. A man sat alone at a table, an untouched beer in front of him. I could only see the side of his face, but the brown hair and prominent cheekbones caught my attention. They looked familiar. He was probably Prudence’s brother.
When the show was over, I walked up to the stage and handed her the flowers. It was a tradition and I intended to continue it as long as possible. She was a wonderful musician and deserved to be praised with something as beautiful as she.
Like always, she smiled then smelled them. “They are wonderful, Cash.”
“I’m glad you like them.” My hand hooked around her waist and I pulled her close to me. I loved feeling her in my arms. “I missed you last night.”