Crossed Off

by Lacey Silks

  I lowered my bumblebee sunglasses to the table and regarded the menu. It appeared that Olivier had added a few new items to the delicious list. As I scanned over the choices, I heard someone greet me.

  “Do you eat on your own often?” The deep voice startled me, and it took a moment to register the handsome man standing at my table. Cash wore light slacks and a golf shirt, and strands of his hair fell to just underneath his chin, making him appear as if he were ready for a photo shoot.

  “Most days, I do. I live just around the corner and I’m meeting someone here after dinner. Are you following me?”

  “May I join you?”

  I nodded. With his shoulders tensed, Cash sat down across from me. Since this was my usual secluded booth, we had plenty of privacy.

  “And I’m not following you, Sky. I have a business meeting. Although now I’m wondering whether I should be following you. Who are you meeting?”

  “Are you jealous?” I asked.

  “Of course. When a woman I’ve been inside of only three nights ago is out on a date, I tend to be jealous.”

  “Why would you assume I’m meeting a man?”

  “You’re not?”

  “Not that it should make a difference, but my sister-in-law’s in town.”

  “Well, that’s good, then.”

  I could see the anxiety roll off his body as his jaw relaxed and he slightly leaned back in the booth.

  “I didn’t think we were exclusive.” Of course I was teasing him now. I wasn’t sure why but I liked the way he seemed to have taken ownership of me without telling me.

  “Aren’t we? I should think that after the countless orgasms Saturday night, you’d at least think about coming back to my bed.”

  “How can I do that when I don’t even know where you live?”

  “All it takes is one phone call, Sky, and I’d be there without a question. Yet you seemed to have lost my number and haven’t been picking up your phone, either.”

  It was true that while Cash gave me his cell before I left him on Sunday morning, I hadn’t found the courage to call or reply to his messages. Despite the countless kisses we shared as we couldn’t tear away from each other, I still felt oddly nervous around him. I was afraid that whatever was happening between us was all moving too quickly. This whole thinking about being with one man was new to me. I hadn’t thought about anyone that way since I’d been with Blake. The night I’d spent with Cash was one of the best ones I’d had in my life, and there weren’t many of those.

  “I’m sorry I haven’t called,” I said. “I had a lot to think about. I don’t usually sleep with men I’m planning on seeing more than once.”

  His left brow lifted as he leaned his head to the side. “I’m not too sure whether I should be happy or mad.”

  “I don’t mean to sound like a slut. Because I’m not. It’s just that... well, honestly, I can’t stop thinking about you and it scares me. The men I usually meet are not worth thinking about more than once.”

  “Good, because I haven’t stopped thinking about you either, Skyler.”

  Really?

  “I don’t deal well with one night stands and I hoped that wasn’t the impression I gave you.”

  “It’s not...”

  “Good.” He leaned over the table, his tantalizing voice sending goose bumps to my arms. “because I’m not sure that one hundred nights will be enough.”

  By this time the waiter had come to our table. He topped off my glass of wine and brought a glass of water for Cash.

  “Is it for two today, Sky?” he asked.

  “Will you join me for dinner?” I looked toward Cash.

  “I will, if you don’t mind if my business associate joins us in a few minutes. We’ll actually be discussing our trip in a week and a half, so it’s perfect timing.”

  He removed his phone from his pocket and typed a quick message.

  “Of course I don’t mind,” I said, turning back to the waiter. “Make it for three please, and we’ll wait with the main course until Cash’s associate joins us.”

  Sometimes the words I heard coming out of my mouth didn’t sound like my own. Instead, they sounded like they came from a sophisticated woman who had lived in the city her entire life. But that was part of my survival. It was who I became in order to blend in with everyone else in the city.

  “Can I interest you in an appetizer in the meantime?”

  “Yes, Olivier’s choice, please.” I smiled and set the menu aside.

  After the waiter left, Cash lowered his menu as well and looked at me as if I just fell off the moon.

  “What?” I asked.

  “You know Olivier?”

  “This is the only restaurant I dine at.”

  “Interesting. Why the only one?”

  “It’s another of those parts where my life is complicated. So, the Bahamas in a week and a half?”

  “All right, I’ll let it go for now. Yes, the Bahamas the weekend after this one. Why didn’t you give me your home address? I wanted to send you flowers.”

  “That’s sweet. Thank you. But one of the reasons I’m good at my jobs is because no one knows where I live. And I’d like to keep it that way.”

  “Why do you hide, Sky? And who are you hiding from? More importantly, haven’t I already told you that you look much better without a wig?” he asked, curling a black strand around his finger.

  “I haven’t been out in my own hair in New York since the day I got here.”

  “Why, Sky?”

  Could I tell him a little bit more? Could I trust him to keep it to himself? Cash most likely had many connections in the city, ones I could maybe use to stay clear of Mateo. From what Cash had told me, the payout for this job wouldn’t be as much as the one I lost, but it’d be enough to last me until I found something better. And I prayed that Emma would be able to find my demented half-brother before he found me.

  “You sure have a lot of questions today, don’t you?”

  “That’s because I find you very interesting. And if you haven’t realized it yet, I’m very interested in you—all of you.” There was that hungry look in his eyes again. I bet if he wanted to, he’d clear this table off and flip me up on top of it. I could already feel my pulse racing and panties dampening at the thought.

  I shook the lust off, let out a long breath, and said, “Okay, just so we’re clear. Please don’t freak out when I tell you this. No one outside of my family knows this. I need you to swear on... on your own family not to tell anyone.”

  “Okay, I swear. You can trust me, Sky.”

  “Someone’s actively looking for me.”

  He frowned. “Do you need me to get rid of him? Because I can, Sky. You just say the word and I’ll make him disappear.” The seriousness of his tone told me that if I only asked him to, he would do just that. But I didn’t want anyone else involved. I would not take the chance of Mateo hurting Cash. Too much pain had already been brought down on those closest to me.

  “You’re trying to straighten out your family’s name. I could never ask you to do that, Cash. Besides, I have yet to figure out what to do to get rid of him for good. And killing someone is definitely not the answer. Trust me, I know.”

  His eyes became smaller as he looked at me with intent. Had I just spilled another one of my secrets without telling him? The waiter brought our appetizers to the table, interrupting our conversation at the most convenient time.

  “So, tell me a bit more about this job. What exactly are my responsibilities?”

  “Well, we’re going to pose as newlyweds looking to gamble with stolen credit cards. He’s running a huge operation, so I hope to get as much information as possible from him. I need to cut off not only his ties to my father, but also any other sources of income. I want to know everything about this man. Like I told you before, you’ll use your sticky fingers to switch the phones, and voila.”

  “Sticky fingers?”

  “Come on, Sky, I saw you pick that crook’s pocket
on the Vegas Strip and return the wallet to its owner without either one knowing.”

  “Oh, you saw that?”

  “Yes, you’re good. It was barely noticeable.”

  “I was hoping it wasn’t noticeable at all.”

  “That’s only because I was paying attention. And we’ll distract this guy in the Bahamas. I’m sure you can do it. Plus, I’ve hired an investigations and securities team to come with us so we’ll be safe.”

  I crossed my arms over my chest. This job was sounding too ideal. And just as I was about to ask Cash a question, I heard my name being called.

  “Sky?”

  I looked up to see my sister-in-law. “Emma? Oh my God, it’s so good to see you. But you’re early.” I jumped out of my seat and hugged her.

  “I’m actually on time. I’m supposed to meet someone before you. It’s good to see you too. I didn’t think I would, given the strict instructions you’d left me with. But oh my God! Eric and Annabelle will be so happy to hear you’re well. Sky, you must come home. Your parents are worried sick about you. It’s been enough time.”

  I forced my eyes to open wider, much more animatedly, hoping that Emma wouldn’t say more in front of Cash. Given that Cash sat on the side of the booth with the dividing wall between him and Emma, she probably hadn’t seen him yet. I wasn’t ready to talk about my family in front of Cash. I didn’t want anyone knowing about the people I vowed to keep safe. She caught on to what I was trying to do. Cash kept his keen gaze on me, watching me. He’d definitely have more questions for me than before. Emma stepped forward, halting mid-step when she saw Cash. Yeah, I had a similar reaction the first time I saw him.

  “Wait a minute, you two know each other?” Emma pointed to Cash, then to me. I felt my cheeks heat, which I was sure was a big enough clue for Emma to figure out exactly how well we knew each other.

  “Oh,” she gasped.

  “And you two know each other?” Cash asked.

  “Emma’s my sister-in-law,” I explained.

  “Well, Ms. Cross. Isn’t this a small world?”

  “Too small, it seems.” Emma was definitely not liking this reunion. “And I’m not too keen on this black wig, Sky. It makes you look like a crow. What you really need is a tan. I’m pretty sure that country sun would suit you the best.”

  The moment she mentioned my wig, from the corner of my eye, I saw Cash’s mouth curve up. And I knew exactly what she was getting at with the tan without her having to say that I should come home. It was also obvious that after today, once Emma told them about our reunion, I wouldn’t hear the end of it from my siblings when I called them. Could I even ask Emma to keep this secret as well?

  “Please join us,” I begged. “Are you the security firm Cash hired?”

  “Not me personally, but yes, we are. Cross Enterprises is providing the tech and safety support that Cash needs.” She shifted to the side, warily eyeing Cash. Knowing that Emma’s security team would be there with us, I let go of the last ounce of fear I’d been hanging on to.

  “Why do I get the feeling that you don’t like each other?” I asked.

  “We have a history.”

  Both my brows rose.

  “Not that kind of a history. I’m sorry, Cash, I know I’m not being fair here. It’s just that seeing you two... well, it caught me off guard. Is Sky aware of your past dealings?”

  “Yes, she is. Sky has actually been working for my father.” He waited for the reaction of shock I knew was going to come next.

  Great, throw me under the bus, why don’t you.

  “What? Skyler, why would you work for Wagner? He’s scum. Wait a minute, you’re not coming to the Bahamas, are you?”

  “She is,” Cash confirmed in a stern tone. His jaw tensed up. It didn’t appear that he liked Emma butting into his operation, either. And while he wasn’t a fan of his father’s business dealings, I could see that Cash had more respect for the crooked man than his father deserved. His goal to straighten his father’s company was definitely one he planned on achieving.

  “Emma, please. You know I wanted to do this on my own. And working for Mr. Wagner was the only way I could. Don’t worry. Thanks to someone else, I’m no longer employed there.”

  “You got her fired?” she asked Cash. “Well, Mr. Wagner. You surprise me more each time I see you. Maybe I’ll even begin liking you.”

  “This is one of the reasons I offered her the job in the Bahamas,” he said. “She’s out of money and it’s all my fault.”

  “Out of money, you say?” Emma’s gaze connected with mine and I knew exactly what she was thinking. Yes, I owned a third of the Waters’ crude from Eric’s ranch, and I was sure that my brother had been putting the tons of cash away for me, but I couldn’t be connected to that money. Not while Mateo was alive.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Cash asked.

  “Nothing, Emma’s just being over dramatic.”

  My sister-in-law loved having the upper hand and I prayed she wouldn’t push this topic too far in front of Cash. Thankfully she dropped the subject.

  “You know, if Sky is coming, which she should because she really needs to get some sun, then I’ll be there too. Her brother would kill me if something happened to her.”

  It appeared that Emma approved of Cash’s action the past weekend, but not of my joining them in the Bahamas.

  While Cash filled Emma in on the latest takedown of his father’s money laundering and putting that part of the business to rest, I nibbled on the hors d’oeuvres. When the two of them spoke, it seemed like they had a secret language I couldn’t follow, and I guessed that Emma’s been working behind the scenes to take Wagner down as well. At one point I heard him ask, “How is Grace doing?”

  “Good. She actually mentioned you the other day. I think she may be coming around. I’m pretty sure she’s already thinking about Thanksgiving with you, and summer’s only beginning. You know, if you get this family thing sorted out, I could very well see you two patching things up for good.”

  “Your sister?” I asked Cash.

  “Yes, she’s Emma’s best friend.”

  “This is a small world, isn’t it?” I mumbled just before the waiter came to get our orders. Deep inside, I hoped the world was still big enough that I could find a small nook to hide in. Yet on seeing Emma and imagining a big family reunion, for the first time in a long time I got the strong conviction that I didn’t want to hide any longer. What I really needed to do was to find a way to solve my problems. I had to if I was ever going to move on.

  When the waiter brought the main course, the conversation shifted to business. Emma and Cash signed some last-minute papers, and she caught him up on his sister’s endeavours. When I found out it was Grace from the salon nearby, I nearly fell off my seat. I’d always ordered my wigs from there.

  Before Emma left us at the restaurant, Emma took me aside. She squeezed her arms tightly around me, whispering into my ear. “Please promise me you’ll come home soon. It’s bad enough you only made a five minute appearance at my wedding.”

  I knew six months ago when I showed up at the dinner rehearsal at her parents’ house in New Jersey and was swarmed by my family that Emma would one day guilt me into a longer reunion.

  “I’m working on it, Em. I really am. I think I’m ready to find Mateo. I want to put the past behind me.”

  “I think that’s the best news I’ve heard since Derek proposed to Annabelle.”

  “He has?”

  “See, you’ve been missing out on so much, Sky. Don’t miss out on life. Can I at least tell them that I saw you and that you’re doing well?”

  “Yes, of course.” I turned to where Cash waited for me at the table. “But please don’t mention him.”

  “Are you two seeing each other?” she asked.

  “I think so.”

  “Hhmm, not my first choice for you, Sky. But Cash has really changed since I met him. Perhaps he was always changing and I just never noticed it. I’ll se
e you soon?” The hope in her voice was magnified by the puppy eyes she was giving me.

  “Yes, I promise.”

  Once she left, I went back to the table to order dessert. This time we took the liberty of sitting beside each other, almost glued at our sides. While I devoured the chocolate liqueur soufflé, Cash enjoyed his flambéed vanilla-poached pear in apricot sauce. We switched our plates halfway through like an old married couple.

  “I could live on Olivier’s desserts,” I said as I took in the last spoonful of the pear.

  Cash laughed, saying, “You look like you just lost years worth of worries.”

  “Then maybe I should live off them. Wait, are you saying that I usually look old?”

  “No, I’m saying that whatever stress you’re holding on to disappeared the moment Emma came. You were quiet. For a moment I thought you’d disappear in that seat.”

  “Oh. I didn’t realize that. I just wanted to give you guys enough time to discuss all the important stuff.”

  “Thank you, Skyler, but you’re important too. Very important.”

  “Do you always know what to say?”

  “I hope so. Especially if that’s gonna get me lucky. It’s been three days, Sky. Three long days and nights of thinking about being inside you. That’s the kind of dessert I could live off.”

  I couldn’t help but agree that the prospect of spending some more quality time with Cash was intriguing. Especially since I didn’t have much to do at my apartment but watch Milky chase his ball of yarn. Sonia had been busy preparing for her birthday party on Saturday, and I didn’t want to bother her to get some clothes for me for the Bahamas. I’d ask her after the weekend. I wouldn’t even know where to shop for bathing suits, sunhats, and sunscreens. Actually, since I rarely left the confines of my small niche, I hadn’t set foot in a clothing store from the day I arrived in New York.