Page 48 of Cash

I look to Cash and see him thinking it over. When his eyes meet mine, I know we’re finally going on our date.

“You good with that, Liv?” he asks.

“If you are then yes.”

*~*~*~*

We decide to take my car since Cash’s truck is blocked in by his aunts’ car. I’m pleasantly surprised when he walks me to the passenger side and opens my door for me. I hand Cash my keys, and I cover a laugh while watching him fold his size into my Mustang. While I’m fairly long-legged, I prefer to drive with my seat pulled as close to the wheel as I can get it. I’m sure Cash assumed it would be further back, so he tried sitting before he realized it wasn’t. After finally getting in and adjusting the seat, his head swings my direction.

“Cars are evil,” he grumbles while adjusting mirrors and starting the engine.

“We could have taken your bike,” I offer.

I’m dying to ride a motorcycle and have always wanted to. James has been talking about buying one for a few years now, and I spend considerable time encouraging him. I’d actually like to have one myself, but I don’t know anyone to teach me all things motorcycle. Maybe now I do.

“No, not yet.”

I’m still thinking about bikes, so it takes a moment for his comment to filter through my brain.

“What do you mean?” I ask confused.

Cash doesn’t answer right away. He pulls out of the driveway and gets us on our way before speaking.

“Never had a woman on my bike before.”

“Have you had men on it before?” I ask while not understanding what he’s really saying.

Cash snorts and shakes his head but doesn’t answer.

I’m still trying to sort out his words when I feel his large, warm hand land on my thigh. Looking down, I admire it. I know that sounds strange, but Cash has beautiful hands. Large, lightly tanned, with long, tapered fingers. They’re the hands of a man who’s not afraid of hard work or of getting dirty when needed. I place one of mine on top of his and grip it lightly. Cash instantly flips his hand palm up and laces his fingers with mine. Warmth floods my body, and I feel a small shiver run up my spine.

We drive in silence for a few minutes, and I have no idea where we’re going. My eyes are not seeing what they’re looking at because my mind is busy picturing those same hands running up my sides. Cupping my breasts, thumbs sliding over my nipples. Hands running back down and gripping my ass. Lifting me while I wrap my legs around that narrow waist.

“You fine with this place?” Cash asks, breaking into my very vivid thoughts.

“Yeah. Yeah, this is good,” I quickly answer before I’ve even looked around.

Cash’s hand gives mine a little squeeze, and I look to see a small smile playing on his lips.

“Where’d you go, Livi?”

“What do you mean? I didn’t go anywhere. Just watching the scenery,” I blurt out sounding as guilty as I know I must look.

Cash chuckles but lets the subject drop. I reach for my door handle when he speaks again.

“Still, Livi. I’ll get your door.”

Again, I’m pleasantly surprised. I know I should be thumping my chest and screaming about women being equal and all that. But I like being treated differently from the men for a change. I refuse to overthink this for now. I wait patiently for Cash to open my door and take my hand.

As we’re walking up the sidewalk, Cash continues holding my hand. He’s absently rubbing his thumb along the backside of mine, and it’s strangely erotic. I also notice that he shifted us around, so he’s on the street side. There are those protective instincts showing again.

As we enter, I suddenly realize that we’re at the same bar we were at when James approached Cash. Looking up at him, I watch as his head tilts to look down at me.

“If you want to go somewhere else, we can. I only came here because I assumed you like the food.”

“This is fine and yes, I do.”

We move through the tables and booths until we’re in a quiet corner. Cash holds my chair at the high-top until I’m seated then takes the chair next to mine. We give our drink orders to the waitress before flipping open the menus. We’re both quiet until our drinks arrive and our food orders have been given.

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