“This guy was everyone’s favorite co-worker.” Marcus points to Cash. “He brought lunch for our department every Friday and gave everyone gift cards to their favorite restaurant for their birthday and Christmas.”

I’m not surprised. Cash is the most compassionate and generous person I know. Even if he didn’t have a dollar to his name, he would give the shirt off his back to help someone. It’s one of the reasons I’m drawn to him.

“Now, where should we start with this blank canvas?” Marcus waves around the apartment.

“Everly, what do you think?” Cash nudges me for my opinion.

Admittedly, I’ve been fantasizing about how I’d decorate the place since the first time I stepped inside, and I appreciate him giving me a say.

“Why don’t we start by giving the primary bedroom a refresh,” I suggest to Marcus. “A cozy loveseat and paintings will brighten up the room. Plus, with my growing shoe collection, I could use your expertise on how to optimize the space we have.” I glance over to give Cash a knowing smile.

The shopping trip to the boutique last week was incredible, and I couldn’t believe it when all the shoes he bought me showed up at the apartment. It’s surreal having a sexy billionaire insistent on buying me a store full of heels simply because they’re my favorite. Now it’s just a matter of finding a place to store them all.

Marcus nods as he jots down notes in his binder. “What else?”

“For the living room, I would like to incorporate a few high-quality pieces, a painting or two, and some plants—keeping it elegant yet understated.” I’ve grown to appreciate the apartment’s simplicity and want to keep the minimalist style, but want to add a few elements to make it more inviting. “As for the kitchen and dining area, I’d like to include a dining room table for when we have guests over.”

“Anything else?” Marcus asks as he glances up from his binder.

“What about the guest bedroom?” Cash chimes in, his expression wary.

“Oh, yeah, that’s right.” I hold my finger in the air. “I’d like the guest room closest to the kitchen to be furnished and decorated for when we have family or friends come to stay. What do you think about including some nods to London?”

“That’s a great idea,” Marcus agrees. “I’m going to look at the bedrooms to get some measurements. Is that okay?” he asks, taking a small measuring tape from his binder.

“Yeah, be our guest.” I wave down the hall.

“Perfect, I’ll start with the primary,” he calls out as he walks away.

Once he’s out of view, I turn to see Cash staring at me with an unreadable expression, which isn’t like him. Normally, he’s an open book.

I furrow my brow. “What’s wrong? Did you not like one of my suggestions?”

He shakes his head. “You didn’t ask Marcus to furnish a separate room for you. Unless you plan to stay in the London-inspired room when we don’t have guests.”

“I don’t.”

I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear as I wait for him to respond, fully aware of the weight those two simple words carry. Telling him I like sleeping in his bed is one thing, but admitting I want to keep sharing a room is another.

Cash’s gaze turns heated as he tugs me closer to his chest. “You mean it, Ev?”

I nod. “As long as I’m here, I’m staying in our bedroom.”

“Say it again,” he demands.

“I’m staying inourbedroom,” I repeat.

He tips my head back, kissing me like he’s been starved for my admission, making me want to give him everything he asks for and so much more.

My moan reverberates through our kiss as his tongue dances with mine, leaving me breathless. Our intoxicating chemistry is dizzying, and while my focus is on his hand sliding down my thigh, I have enough sense to remember that we’re not alone in the house.

“We have a guest,” I murmur against his lips with a smile.

“That’s alright, I can wait until later tonight to fuck you.” He flashes me a sexy grin. “After all, we do share the same bed.”

24

CASH