Page 52 of Cash

A big smile spread across his face, “I will.”

“And you’re driving?” Cash asked Mateo.

“Yeah, if that’s okay,” he answered quickly.

"Okay, see you at home later." River gave him a slight head nod.

“See ya.” And just like that the two teenagers left the food court.

He turned back to Evie who was trying to figure out what happened. "So that was your nephew?"

"Yeah, that was River."

"And he's taking that guy back to your music room?"

"Apparently."

"Don't you need more information than that?"

"Nah, he's a good kid. He'll be eighteen in August. Plus, I’ve known Diego since I moved here. So, I know Mateo a bit."

"Can I ask why he is staying with you?"

"Him and his mom aren't getting along. She doesn't want him to be in a band...so of course he wants to be in a band."

"Like your dad?"

"And his dad. My only hope is he is less of a deadbeat than either of them, but that is also part of the reason he is staying here."

"And you have a music room?"

"Yeah, I got a couple guitars and a drum set. Nothing too fancy."

"You play?"

"I'm not good or anything, but I can play."

The more she got to know Cash, the more she liked. He seemed like he liked her too. She really wanted to believe that he was all in like he said he was, but there was something that made her question that. Maybe it was his reputation as a playboy, maybe it was the fact that they were two vastly different people. Whatever it was, she wished she could turn it off, but she just couldn't seem to shake it.

"Do you want to get out of here?" he asked.

"Sure."

He gathered their trash and put it in the garbage as she picked up her ridiculously large stuffed bear, only then did she see his name and number was on the back, and damn it if that didn't make her feel all fluttery.

"Where are we going?" she asked as he took her hand.

"You'll see."

They went out to his truck hand in hand. He opened the door for her and chuckled as she struggled to get the large bear into the back seat of the truck.

"I'm glad this amuses you," she said, shooting a glare over her shoulder.

"Your ass jiggling will always amuse me," he said, giving it a little spank.

She turned at him and tried to look irritated, but Cash was learning her, and he saw the smile behind her eyes. And damn, all she wanted to do was kiss him, and that was just the beginning.

He shut the door behind her and walked around to the driver’s side and got in. As he started the car up he turned down the music River had been blaring on their way over.

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