Page 33 of If You Give a Billionaire a Bride

“That was the year my family went to Paris for Christmas,” he says.

“Yeah.” I lower my gaze as I fidget with my napkin. “Your mom told Theo to invite me, but I declined because I didn’t want my mom alone for the holidays. When I got to her place, she was packing for a trip to Cabo. Apparently, she met an accountant online who paid for them to go to an exclusive resort.”

“What did you do after she left?”

“I went back to school in California.”

I don’t tell him that all my friends had gone to visit their families, so I spent Christmas alone in my dorm. It was also the first time Theo and I spent a holiday apart, which made it even harder. But knowing that he was celebrating with the Staffords brought me peace of mind.

“Where is your mom now?” Cash asks.

“Out of town,” I say, keeping my answer vague.

She called last week to tell me she found her soulmate in Bali and he’s taking her on a spiritual retreat. If I had a dollar for every time she’s claimed she’s foundthe one, I’d be a millionaire.

My mom’s unhealthy relationships with men is one of the reasons I stopped believing in true love. She tarnished my beliefin soulmates by claiming every man she’s been with is hers. Combined with my personal experience, I’ve concluded that love either festers, fades, or ends in a bitter divorce, leaving both parties broken beyond repair.

This is why Cash and I have to resolve our current dilemma before we become like my parents. I shudder at the thought.

I’m about to tell him how I think we should move forward when our server, Kelsey, arrives with our food order.

“Here you are.” My mouth waters as she sets a steaming cup of coffee and a plate of French toast, topped with banana and extra whipped cream, in front of me.

She hands Cash his protein breakfast bowl filled with scrambled eggs, sausage, slow-roasted tomatoes, spinach, and scallions. From what I’ve noticed, he’s very selective about what he eats and leans toward healthier choices. Spinach and kale are fine, but I’ll never sacrifice my French toast and whipped cream.

“Thanks, Kelsey. This looks incredible,” Cash says as she sets his side of artisan sourdough toast on the table.

I suddenly lose my appetite when she shoots him a flirtatious smile and unashamedly checks him out.

“Yes, thank you so much. My husband and I can’t wait to dig in,” I say, reaching for my fork.

Kelsey’s smile drops when she notices my ring. “Oh, of course. I’ll let you get to it,” she says before she hurries off to the front of the shop.

Satisfied, I cut into my meal.“This French toast looks even better than I remember.”

When I glance at Cash, he hasn’t touched his food. Instead, he’s staring at me like I’ve grown an extra head.

“Is there something wrong with your order?” I say as I take a big bite, savoring the crispy edges and soft center.

“Nope,” he says smugly. “I was just wondering if you’re going to get jealous of every woman who serves us when we go out.If that’s the case, we should consider sticking with takeout.” He flashes me a cheeky grin.

“What’s wrong with what I said?” I ask, my tone defensive. “She was practically drooling all over you, even though I was right here. It doesn’t help that you flirt back.” I shake my head in mock disappointment.

“Trust me, you’ll know when I’m flirting,” he says with a wink.

I sip my coffee, hiding my smile behind the cup. I’m not ready to admit that our friendly banter is growing on me.

“How would you like it if we had a male server and I was just being nice by placing my hand on his arm and telling him how big and strong he was?” I reach across the booth and place my hand on his upper arm, unable to resist needling him.

“I’d tell him to step away from my wife,” he growls playfully. “Like you did when you called me your husband.”

“You’re a smartass,” I quip, holding up my left hand and flashing the massive ring on my finger. “You’ve reminded me nonstop since I woke up with this thing, so I figure why not use it to my advantage?” I plop a piece of banana in my mouth.

He leans across the table, his voice low enough so only I can hear him. “Ev, let me make something clear,” he says earnestly. “I may joke around a lot, but I mean it when I say that I’ll support whatever you decide. If you want to take that ring off right now, say the word, and I’ll call my lawyer to draw up the annulment paperwork. Our short-lived marriage will be nothing but a distant memory when we land in London.”

He pauses, giving me a chance to process what he said. “But, if that’s what you want,” he says, his infectious, cheerful energy back in full force, “you’ll have to tolerate me for a few more hours since we’re flying back together.”

“What about my dad?” I voice my biggest concern. “He means it when he says he’ll fire me. And what about Harrison andDylan? The deal could fall apart if we break things off,” I remind him.

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