Page 55 of If You Give a Billionaire a Bride

I step back but bump into a tree I hadn’t noticed was there. Cash closes the distance so his bare chest is pressed against my breasts, causing a spike of pleasure to course through my veins and heat to rush to my core. I gasp as he trails a finger up my arm, sending goosebumps across my skin.

“I saw you checking me out while we were running. I think you like it when I’m shirtless,” he says as sweat drips down his brow.

“That’s your ego talking,” I say, my breath coming out in ragged gasps.

“Is that so?” Cash questions with a devilish smirk.

He accepts my wordless challenge by gently cupping my chin with his hand. My breath hitches when he brings his mouth close to mine, leaving barely an inch of space between us. I can feel his hot breath against my lips like a whisper, and I can’t resist grabbing hold of his waist. His skin is slippery and wet, and every cell in my body craves for him to close the remaining distance, yet my mind screams to push him away.

As if he can read my mind, he glides his hand down my neck, tangling his fingers at the base of my hairline. My physical reaction wins over as he brushes his lips against mine in teasing strokes, and a soft moan passes my lips. He’s careful not to kiss me fully, only giving me a taste.

“You’re right,” he whispers against my mouth. “You really couldn’t care less that I’m shirtless. That’s a damn shame.” A disappointed whimper escapes me as he drops his hand and steps back. “I better get ready for work, or I’ll be late for my first meeting.”

He leaves me alone on the sidewalk, my mind reeling with panic as reality sets in. The smell of his musk lingers in the air, and my bra is damp with sweat from when he pushed up against me. I feel a mix of frustration and longing, my heart racing knowing that I just let my husband kiss me… again. And it left me craving his next touch.

I’m shocked by the revelation that I want more from him…so much more.

After my unexpected morning run with Cash, I took a quick shower and rushed to work. The day has dragged on, and against my better judgment, I decide to take a late lunch and drop something off to Cash. He’s been making me dinner every night, so I want to do something nice for him.

As I step out of the stairwell into the brightly lit reception area, I'm greeted by his assistant.

“Good afternoon, dear,” Carol beams at me and pulls me into an embrace, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Cash is going to be delighted to see you.”

This is the first time we’ve met in person, but we spoke on the phone earlier when I asked if it would be okay to stop by. Cash gave me her number last week in case I ever needed to get ahold of her.

“I’m on my way to lunch, but he should be in his office, the last door on the left.” She motions down the hall. “If you need anything, the receptionist can help you, or you can call me.”

“Thank you.”

She disappears into the elevator, and I move to the reception area.

I’m rummaging through my purse to find my phone when I bump into someone. I stumble backward, barely regaining my balance before I fall.

“Oh, I’m sorry—” I stop speaking when I look up to find my dad standing in front of me, his expression as cold as ice. “Dad?” His name comes out as a question. “What are you doing here?”

He wasn’t due back in London until later this week, so seeing him at Stafford Holdings’ London office is a complete shock. August tried calling earlier, but I was at the café ordering lunch and wasn’t able to answer. He must have wanted to warn me that my dad flew into town early.

“A better question is, what areyoudoing here?” my dad snaps. “You’re supposed to be working on the Camden Crest project. That’s what I’m paying you for, isn’t it?” His booming voice fills the reception area, causing heads to turn as people walk by.

“I’m bringing Cash lunch.” I hold up the takeout bag. “Is everything okay?”

“He’s got you on a short leash, huh?” He lowers his voice so only I can hear. “You’re after his money, aren’t you? God, you’re just like your mother. Be careful,littlegirl. Don’t forget who you work for.”

My eyes widen as he gets in my face. I can’t understand why he’s so angry when he’s the one who insisted I go through with this charade. Now he’s outraged to find Cash and I are getting along? There must have been a setback or complication withthe acquisition. It’s the only explanation for why he’s acting this way.

“Ev, there you are.” Cash’s voice startles me, and I glance over to where he’s standing near the reception desk, his gaze narrowing in on my dad. “Richard, do you need a map to find your own personal space?”

If we weren’t in an office with people milling around, I doubt he would be so calm.

“I was reminding Everly of her place,” my dad sneers.

“And I’m reminding you of yours,” Cash growls, striding toward us with purpose.

When he gets close, my dad shrinks back. Cash locks eyes with me, silently confirming that I’m okay before stepping between me and my dad.

“What the hell are you doing here, Richard?” Cash glares at him.

Dad adjusts his tie and clears his throat. “I had a last-minute change in my schedule, so I came to London early. I stopped by the Townstead offices first, and the receptionist told me Everly took a late lunch to come here.”

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