Page 32 of If You Give a Billionaire a Bride

“My mom has always had unpredictable mood swings. Some days she was energetic, and others she could barely get out of bed. It didn’t help that my dad was indifferent. He spent most of his time at the office and traveling for work, not wanting to deal with his home life.”

Theo tried getting our mom help, but she refused, and he was angry at my dad for leaving. After graduation, he moved to New York, cutting off all contact with our parents. He thrived, especially after Cash dropped out of college and joined him in the city.

On the other hand, I was alone, attending college on the west coast. It was sink or swim, and I was determined to prove that I could succeed on my own, even though it was more challenging than I expected.

“I had no idea you and Theo were dealing with so much,” Cash admits. “I knew your parents had problems, but I didn’t realize how bad it was.”

I’m caught off guard when he winds his arm around my waist and pulls me into the space between his legs.

“No one did. Our parents’ broken marriage wasn’t exactly something we wanted to talk about with anyone. My dad definitely didn’t want it becoming town gossip.” It must be the intoxicating mix of his scent, sweat and raw masculinity, that has me leaning my head against Cash’s bare shoulder. “Mom blew through the money she got from her divorce settlement within a few years—designer clothes, expensive jewelry, spa days in the city. By the time I graduated from college, all her money was gone.”

Cash strokes my arm with his hand, soothing the turmoil within me.

“Shortly after, Dad reached out with a job opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. It paid enough—more than enough—to provide a comfortable life for myself and pay my mom’s bills. Despite ourstrained relationship, I couldn’t bring myself to abandon her. And I thought having a career would guarantee I’d never have to rely on anyone.” I let out a humorless chuckle. “Which is ironic since my dad holds all the control now.”

I leave out the part that, no matter how illogical it sounds, I cling to this twisted hope that someday, my dad will finally see my value and treat me the way I deserve. The chance of that happening is slim, but I’m not ready to give up a career that has made it possible to create a life that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

“Damn, Ev, I’m sorry,” Cash murmurs sadly, his lips brushing against my ear as he speaks.

His familiar presence makes it difficult to keep my emotional barriers intact, and I worry that if I’m not careful, I could end up hurt again.

“No one knows the full truth.” I pull away from his comforting embrace and meet his gaze. “I’ve shared some things with Theo and my step-brothers, but I don’t want to get them involved. It’s my burden to bear.”

Theo has made a name for himself in the restaurant industry. He owns several restaurants, co-hosts multiple cooking shows, and teaches at a prestigious culinary school in the heart of London. The last thing he needs is for the media to catch wind of his family drama, and getting him involved in my issues would do just that. And he would be disappointed in me if he found out I was giving our mom money.

“He wouldn’t see it that way. You’re the most important thing in his life.”

“If that’s the case, you’re in so much trouble when he finds out you married me,” I taunt, lightening the mood. “You might want to keep those running shoes close by when you tell him.” I nod to his feet.

“Gee, thanks for that.” Cash chuckles as he runs his hands through his hair.

“My pleasure,” I tease.

Maybe I shouldn’t make light of it. There’s no chance Theo will let Cash off the hook when he finds out what’s happened. I’m not looking forward to that conversation.

“Have breakfast with me at Brew Haven?” Cash asks, his eyes pleading. “Like you said last night, we have a lot to talk about. We’re meeting the pilot at the airfield in two hours, so we have plenty of time.”

“Won’t your mom be offended if we don’t eat here?” When we were kids, she would make a big breakfast on the weekends, which is one reason Theo and I liked to sleep over.

“Nah, she’ll be fine with it,” Cash insists, then hesitates, second-guessing himself. “But she’s still in bed, so if we leave soon, we won’t have to risk it. I just need to take a quick shower, and then we can go.”

My face heats at the idea of him standing naked under the cascade of water. His handsome face and well-defined chest leads me to believe the rest of his body is equally as impressive.

I blink rapidly, banishing the thought. “I could go for coffee and French toast.”

“That’s my girl,” Cash praises, kissing my forehead before getting off the counter.

My stomach flutters at him calling mehisgirl, but I push the feeling aside, desperately trying to fortify the walls around my heart, and yet somehow, he’s managed to knock down another brick.

“Why is everyone staring?” I whisper as we wait for our breakfast to arrive.

The aroma of ground coffee and fresh-baked pastries fills the air of Brew Haven. The coffee shop hosts a weekly Sunday brunch, so the place is buzzing with activity and packed with patrons eager for their caffeine fix and a hearty meal.

We’re seated in a booth toward the back, but that doesn’t deter the other patrons from craning their necks to get a better look at us.

“They have nothing better to do. Have you forgotten that’s how it is in a small town?” He gives me a sly smirk. “How long has it been since you’ve been back?”

“Christmas break my freshman year of college,” I admit hesitantly.

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