Page 201 of Be My First

He interrupts. “I can make your life a living hell.”

He can. I know that. Since we broke up, Cash’s career has skyrocketed. His company is worth billions. He’s one of the richest men in the world. Powerful. Famous.

I can barely afford rent some months. He’s got me. He knows it. I have to play nice.

“Fine,” I say, stepping to the side and squeezing by him. “But you don’t even have any clothes or anything.”

“Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.”

Chapter Three

Now

Graham walks in thedoor without knocking. An idea pops into my head, and I run with it.

I rush over to him and wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him on the lips. I can feel his entire body tense.

I know Cash is watching us from the other side of the room. I lean close to Graham’s ear and whisper, “You’re my boyfriend. Just go with it.”

He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind, and then his eyes scan the room. As soon as he sees Cash, his eyes light up with recognition and maybe even admiration.

“Cash,” I say, turning around. “This is my boyfriend, Graham. Graham, this is Cash.”

“Boyfriend,” Cash repeats. It’s not really a question, but not a statement either.

“Yes.”

“Nice to meet you,” Graham says. He’s beaming like an idiot. “I’m actually a huge fan. I’ve been following your...”

I pull his arm hard toward the kitchen. “Now is not a good time,” I seethe, under my breath.

He stumbles into the kitchen behind me.

“Why the hell didn’t you tell me you know Cash Nelson?” he asks. I find it interesting that he leads with this, and not why I’m kissing him and demanding he act like my boyfriend.

“He’s my ex.”

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