Page 88 of Cash

"I want to know what your intentions are for my daughter?"

He gave his head a little shake, "I'm sorry, what?"

"It's not a complicated question. What are your intentions?"

"I think that is a conversation I first need to have with your daughter, but I think she is a very special person, and I am grateful for every second I get to spend with her," he said with a genuine smile trying to navigate this situation.

"How do you plan on providing for her?"

"I'm sorry?"

"It really does take a while to get through that head of yours, huh? Not a witty conversationalist, are you?"

Woah. That was fucked up, but she was Evie's mother so he would let it go. "I assure you that I’ve been smart with my money. My last contract was one the best the Magic has ever offered. She’ll want for nothing."

"And when you’re done with the sport?"

"We’ll be fine. And I do have my degree and I intend to coach when my time as a player is over."

"Coach?" She said the word like it was a foul taste in her mouth.

"Yes, ma'am."

He was going to lose it. He was barely hanging on. Then he remembered he was holding his phone and he had seen Evie grab her clutch from the table before disappearing into the bathroom.

"I assure you Evie is going to require more than what a coach can provide."

He was done listening. He pulled up her contact and hit call and just hoped she could pick up and come help him.

"I know you mean well, Mr. Hawthorn. I just don't think you are a good fit for our daughter. I'm sure you can understand that we only want the best for her. She’s been in love with Bryan for years now. I know they had a bit of a falling out, but it was just growing pains. I'm sure she has accomplished whatever she hoped to accomplish here," she said, gesturing to him. That one had him gritting his teeth because there was part of him who had wondered occasionally if she was slumming it, but then he reminded himself that Evie wasn't like that, and he was a fucking professional athlete who made professional athlete money. Not that it matters, but fuck this.

“So, I think it is time you step aside and let Evelyn get back to the life she was intended to have. Then we can all put this little detour behind us.”

She had said all of that with a calm smile on her face. She had just taken him out without breaking a sweat or baring a tooth, just a serene smile to cover the nastiness.

"Mother." He heard Evie say loudly behind him. "What are you doing?"

"Evelyn, don’t walk away from me," Bryan came trailing behind her out of the ballroom.

She turned on her heel and poked him in the chest. "You need to leave me the fuck alone, or I tell that man you’re bothering me, and you suddenly have much bigger, stronger problems."

By the time she had finished, Cash was at her side, his hand on her back glaring at the man standing next to her. He had never wanted to punch anyone more in his life. But he wouldn't, but he would sure as hell back Evie. And honestly, if Evie said punch, he would fucking punch.

His eyes flew to Cash, and he could see the fear flit across his face.

"Fine. You deserve each other," he said before storming off towards her mother. "I tried, but she's being unreasonable.”

"Evelyn, you’re making a scene," she whispered harshly at Evie.

"No, you’re making a scene. You invited Bryan here even after Ellie told you not to. You’re the one turning your daughter's wedding into a fucking circus."

She sputtered, but Evie was not going to let her get a word out. She was not holding back, and Cash wished he was a better man because her all riled up like this had his cock twitching in his suit pants.

"If you can’t accept who I love, then I do not have room for you in my life. Period."

Cash froze. Did she just say love? His mouth fell open and his heart began to race. He loved her too, but this didn't seem like the right moment to tell her.

"I just want what is best for you, sweetheart."

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