Cash

by O'Brien, Megan

  He looked up at me as I stood with my purse over my shoulder. “Definitely.”

  And with that one word that somehow coming from him was more of a sensual promise, I scurried from the coffee shop, trying to find my feet.

  It took me another week to go back to the gym. I’d even gone so far as to see about joining the gym across town and had been shocked when they’d told me they weren’t accepting new members. So here I was, standing in the parking lot on Monday morning after dropping Riley off at school. I wasn’t going to let a cocky, hot-as-hell biker keep me from my goals. Or so I was telling myself.

  I strode inside with more confidence than I felt, relieved when there wasn’t a Viking warrior anywhere in sight.

  With a sigh, I went about my workout. I took it pretty easy, knowing I needed to ease back in and trying not to be frustrated that I was nowhere near where I used to be. Still, it felt liberating to move my body, to sweat out all the stress and loss of the last several weeks.

  I was walking out to my car, digging through my bag for my keys, when I stopped short. Cash was leaning against my car, his muscular arms crossed at the chest, dressed in gray sweats that hung low on his trim hips and a black tee that molded to his muscular frame.

  “What are you doing?” I sputtered.

  “You didn’t text me.”

  “No.” My tone implied his statement was crazy, which it was. “I barely know you. And I can get to the gym just fine by myself.”

  His gaze swept down my frame, taking in my running leggings and tank top with an avid interest that had me fighting to do the same with him. “I know you can,” he replied, his gaze meeting mine once again. “But I’d like to spend time with you.”

  “Time with me?” I sputtered, taken aback by how unapologetically straightforward he was. This was a man who was used to getting what he wanted.

  “Time with you.” He nodded.

  I let the momentary pleasure of that sweep over me before I straightened my spine, determined to get a few things straight. “Listen, I don’t want to be rude, but based on our first few interactions and what I’ve heard, I really don’t think I’m what you’re looking for.”

  His nostrils flared. “I see. So a strong, smart, hot as hell woman isn’t what I’m looking for?” he challenged.

  I crossed my arms over my chest. “A single mother dealing with a lot of personal shit who’s not interested in a one-night stand,” I countered.

  “Interested in that too,” he murmured without missing a beat.

  I looked at him doubtfully, sure my words would have deterred him.

  “How about this?” he bargained when it was clear I was at a loss. “How about you actually text me next time? It’s just a text, Layla,” he pressed when I didn’t respond.

  I sighed. “Okay,” I agreed before I could think better of it.

  “But this time you mean it,” he prompted with a raised brow.

  “This time I mean it,” I grumbled, and he grinned in response.

  ****

  “Layla.” The unfamiliar voice caught me by surprise as I picked up a few things at the grocery store on my way home.

  I turned to find the lawyer, Marty, following me up the aisle.

  I inwardly groaned. Something about the man gave me a serious ick vibe. The fact that he used my first name also struck me as unprofessional when I’d been a client. How my nan had hired him in the first place was beyond me. Though, she wasn’t quite as with it in her last few years.

  “Hi,” I replied, hoping we could keep this to a brief exchange.

  “How are you and Riley settling in?” he asked, his dark eyes staring at me so intently, I had to fight the urge to squirm—and not in a good way.

  “We’re fine, thanks,” I replied, throwing a box of cereal in my cart. “I’m in a bit of a rush,” I added apologetically, and it wasn’t a lie. I wanted to pick Riley up from school rather than have her go to aftercare, and I had work to finish up first.

  He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Of course. We’ll be in touch.”

  I wasn’t sure what we’d need to be in touch about, and with a tight smile I pushed my cart down the aisle, eager to end the encounter with him.

  ****

  Planning on the gym tomorrow at 9

  I texted Cash that evening after much deliberation. At this point, I didn’t see a way out of it. It was either text him or stop going to the gym.

  I’ll see you there. How was the rest of your day?

  It was good. Had a good evening with Ri, just put her to bed. You?

  I lay in bed watching the bubble indicating he was typing a response with way too much excitement.

  My day was fucking great. I got to spend a few minutes with this hot as hell woman who has the most beautiful green eyes I’ve ever seen.

  My cheeks grew hot as I stared at his text. I’d never been so openly complimented before, and I had to admit that I liked it.

  Yeah, she’s a pain in the ass though

  I like a challenge. His response was swift and made me grin.

  night cash

  night chief

  At some point I’d get around to asking him why he called me that. I snuggled down under the covers, swooning over a man I hoped I wasn’t just a challenge for. Because even now, when I barely knew him, I could already tell he had the capacity to seriously shake up my world.

  Chapter 6

  CASH

  I leaned against my bike the next morning, waiting for Layla’s car to pull in. I’d gotten here early, not willing to give her the chance to ditch me. Having to chase a woman was new to me, and though I liked the challenge, I knew catching her would be the real prize.

  When her Rav4 pulled in, I was glad not for the first time to see that it looked well-maintained. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t be trying to get under the hood to check things out as soon as she’d let me.

  “Hey,” she greeted. “I thought you were walking me to my car later?” She quirked a brow, looking edible in black leggings that cupped her delicious backside and a green tank top that molded to her full breasts and highlighted her green eyes.

  “I’m a full-service operation.” I winked, extending the water I’d brought her.

  She laughed, the sound hitting me right in the gut. “Thanks.”

  “Riley get off to school okay?” I asked as we walked side by side toward the gym.

  She nodded. “The mornings are pretty chaotic but she’s adjusting well to school, which is a relief. If only she’d stop waking up at the crack of dawn,” she added dryly.

  “Is that just because of the move, you think?”

  “Mostly,” she replied. “Though she’s always done that to some degree. She ends up in my bed more often than not. I don’t really mind.”

  I opened the door for her as she tipped her chin in thanks. “What’s your plan for today?” I asked, gesturing to the gym.

  “Probably some weights. I should take a day off from running,” she shared. “Oh God, you’re not gonna just sit there and stare at me, are you?” she demanded in horror.

  I chuckled, enjoying how animated she could be. “As tempting as that is, I was going to give you your space. I have some paperwork to finish up in the office.”

  “Wait a minute, you work here?” she asked in surprise.

  “I own the place,” I replied. Buying the gym a few years back had been a solid investment, and when I wasn’t devoting my time to the club, I spent it here either working out or in the office.

  “I didn’t realize,” she murmured, looking at the large gym as though seeing it in a different light. “You’ve done a really good job.”

  “Thanks.” I was genuinely pleased she thought so. “Have a good workout, let me know when you’re leaving.”

  “I will,” she replied, and I sensed a glimmer of disappointment that our time together was ending so soon.

  Good.

  That way, when I started pushing harder as I undoubtedly would, maybe she’d be pre
pared to put up with me. Because I knew I’d only be able to keep myself at arm’s length for so long.

  ****

  “I think you’re turning me into a green smoothie drinker.” Layla wrinkled her nose three days later as we sat in the bed of my pickup truck in the gym parking lot. It had become a routine, one I liked a hell of a lot. I’d meet her at the gym after she dropped Riley off, and after her workout, we’d spend some time together—time that was increasing day by day. Bribing her with smoothies or coffee helped, and I planned to use everything in my arsenal to get more time with her. The more time I spent with her, the more I liked her, the more I wanted her. She was incredibly smart but also soft and sweet in ways that made me want to eat her up.

  I reached over and wiped a bit of smoothie that remained on her full lower lip. My cock hardened at her quiet intake of breath. “There are worse things,” I murmured. For a moment we just stared at each other, and it took everything in me not to lean in and kiss her. But that hesitation in her eyes was still there, and though it went against my nature, I forced myself to be patient. Reluctantly I pulled my hand away, appreciating the gorgeous blush on her cheeks.

  For a while we sat side by side in comfortable silence. “Do you know that lawyer, Marty?” she asked out of the blue.

  “I know of him. Why?” I demanded, trying to keep my tone in check. Ever since Gunner had mentioned that he’d been pushy with Layla, it had been on my list to pay him a visit.

  “Nothing, never mind.” She shook her head.

  “Layla,” I prompted. “What?”

  “Something just strikes me as off about him, and I was wondering if that was typical.”

  “Off how?”

  She shrugged. “My nan had her affairs very well in order. All he needed from me was a signature. I had Gunner check it over, actually,” she added, telling me something I already knew. “But I keep running into him. And he keeps referencing being in touch. It’s a bit weird, is all.” She shrugged. “Or maybe I’m misreading the situation?”

  “It’s fucking weird,” I confirmed with a grimace. “I’m going to take care of it.”

  Her eyes grew comically round. “What? No, no way. That’s not what I was suggesting. I just wanted your input. Ugh, I shouldn’t have said anything.” She groaned.

  “You definitely should have said something,” I refuted. “The guy is a fucking snake, and I don’t want him anywhere near you or Riley. He approaches you again, I want to know about it,” I commanded.

  She rolled her eyes.

  “Layla. I mean it,” I insisted.

  “Okay,” she agreed finally. “Has anyone told you that you’re a bit intense?”

  “Never,” I deadpanned.

  She laughed out loud, and I soaked up the gorgeous sound.

  “Though truthfully, most don’t see that side of me as much as you.” I shrugged.

  “Why is that? I’m just lucky?” she teased.

  “No.” I shook my head, reaching over and wrapping an arm around her, pulling her in close. “You’re special.”

  ****

  I pulled up in front of the law offices of Martin Greenstein later that afternoon and eyed the modern building located on the outskirts of town in surprise. The place looked brand-new and high-end. From everything Gunner and Max had told me, the guy wasn’t the sharpest. They’d gone to high school with him, and he’d followed them like a lost puppy until they’d kicked him to the curb. Years later, he’d tried to become the club’s lawyer and been turned down. But from what I saw, he was doing all right for himself.

  I strode in to the large reception area, eyeing the closed door with Marty’s name embossed on it.

  “He in?” I demanded of the wide-eyed receptionist.

  “Um, do you have an appointment?” she stammered.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” I strode for the door and whipped it open.

  Marty was sitting behind his desk, his cell phone pressed to his ear. When I walked in, he nearly fell out of his chair in shock.

  “I’m going to have to call you back,” he muttered into the phone before placing it on the desk. “What the hell are you doing here?” he demanded, pulling his tie tighter, clearly trying to collect himself.

  “There a good reason you’re following my woman around town?” I growled, placing both hands on his desk and leaning in close.

  “Your woman?” he questioned.

  “Layla,” I replied through gritted teeth, resolving to spread that shit wide. I wanted everyone to know she was mine as soon as fucking possible.

  “I’m not following her.” He scoffed. “It’s a small town, and anyway, I’m her lawyer.”

  I grabbed him by the tie, pulling him so we were nearly nose to nose. “You were her nan’s lawyer,” I corrected. “Past fucking tense. There is absolutely no reason for you to approach Layla again. You see her? You walk the other way. You get me?” I demanded.

  “I get you,” he stammered, fear evident in his wide eyes.

  I shoved him back into his chair. “Good. ’Cause I hear otherwise, our next conversation is gonna go a lot differently.” I turned on a heel and strode from the building.

  As far as I saw it, it was high time for a beer.

  “Walker,” Gunner greeted from behind the bar a little later as I strode into Mad’s, our local bar owned and operated by the club.

  I took a seat at the bar as he slid a beer my way. The place was relatively quiet this time of night, and I knew Gun got bored until things picked up. I wasn’t in a hurry to go home to my lifeless apartment and figured I’d come for a beer or two.

  Spending a childhood in foster care followed by constant travel in the military had made me unfamiliar with putting down roots. My apartment was a place to crash and occasionally cook, nothing more.

  “Paid a visit to Marty,” I grunted, still vibrating with the need to hit something.

  Gunner raised a brow. “Is he still alive?”

  “Unfortunately,” I muttered. “Layla told me he’s still bothering her. I didn’t take well to that.” I shrugged. I knew I wouldn’t need to explain further.

  “He get the message?”

  I nodded, taking a swig of my beer. “Think so. Thing is, something about that whole situation struck me as way off. I went to his office. He’s got a fucking setup fit for fucking New York City or Beverly Hills. Where’s he getting that kind of money? Far as I can tell at this point, the only clients he can get aren’t even in their right mind.”

  “That’s fucking weird,” Gunner agreed. “We’ll keep an eye on it.”

  I nodded again, ready to put the whole thing out of my mind. I had much better things to occupy my mind.

  Chapter 7

  LAYLA

  A loud yowl greeted me as I walked in to the house that Friday morning after dropping Riley off. I’d skipped the gym with the excuse that I needed to get some work done, but in reality, I felt that maybe a break from Cash was a good idea. I hadn’t planned on him, on anyone right now. The man was potent, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about that just yet. “Hey, buddy,” I greeted Oscar, bending to scratch his ears as he weaved in between my legs. I couldn’t seem to break the habit of talking to him despite knowing he couldn’t hear me.

  He followed me down the hall toward the home office I was still in the process of putting together.

  I sat in front of my computer, attempting to ignore the unpacked boxes and general chaos that was my life, and got to work.

  For a few hours, as I threw myself into the only thing that felt familiar, I could pretend that I actually knew what the hell I was doing.

  Sort of. Maybe.

  Hours later, my stomach grumbled, reminding me I’d skipped lunch. I had a habit of getting lost in my work. If I was going to pick Riley up early as I’d planned, I’d have to get a move on.

  I rose stiffly from my desk, my limbs sore from sitting still for too long.

  Oscar trailed after me as I wandered into the kitchen and made a quick sandwic
h before heading to the shower.

  Hey! How’s it goin?

  The text from Emmie made me smile. She was so thoughtful to check in on us.

  Good! About to go pick up Ri from school

  Max and Wren are having dinner tonight at their house. We’d love you two to come!

  Her offer made me pause. On the one hand, I really liked Emmie and the friends of hers I’d met. On the other, I wasn’t sure I was up for meeting so many new people. I’d been looking forward to a quiet night with Riley. But I knew I needed to get out more. It would be good for both of us.

  I fired off a response before I could think better of it. That sounds good! What can we bring?

  Just yourselves! I’ll text you the address. It’s a little ways out of town. Call me if you have trouble finding it.

  After I agreed, I focused on the task at hand—getting ready to go get my girl.

  ****

  It was early evening as I navigated my car up the mountain pass to where Max and Wren lived. At least I hoped I was going the right way. This was part of Hawthorne I had yet to explore. It was beautiful with its tall pine trees and panoramic views.

  “Will there be other kids there?” Riley wanted to know. When I’d told her we’d be going to a friend’s house for dinner, she’d been thrilled. I made a mental note to get her out more. I’d been so focused on getting us settled, on getting her started with school and digging into work.

  “I don’t know, honey,” I admitted.

  “How about dogs?”

  I smiled. Riley had always loved animals. “We’ll just have to see. I think this is it,” I murmured, pulling down a gravel driveway and parking in front of a beautiful lodge-style home. Nerves suddenly took flight in my belly as I stared at the house with apprehension. I’d never been shy, but meeting so many new people at once was a bit nerve-wracking.

  “Let’s go, Mama,” Riley prompted impatiently, already out of her booster seat and opening her door.

  I grinned at her. I loved Riley’s confidence and thirst for adventure and promised myself I’d do whatever I could to encourage those traits in her. I grabbed the bean dip and chips I’d brought and followed her lead.