Millionaire (The Laundromat Chronicles Book 1)

by Angie Merriam

  “I love you, Cash. You’re my grandson and I will always love you, but right now I don’t really like you. Can I be honest with you?” she responds looking sternly at me.

  “More honest than now?” I ask in disbelief, my turn to feel the pain of her words.

  “Yes. Your parents would be so disappointed if they were here right now. They had such high hopes for you and while you’ve surpassed their hopes professionally, socially you have a lot to learn. I tried to teach you the best I could but I failed.” Her gray eyes gloss over with a layer of tears.

  “Gran, I...” I try, but she cuts me off.

  “No, you hush your mouth and you listen. You think I don’t hear all the whispers about how my grandson is nothing but a male slut? How you pick up women and use them for sex then brush them off? And it’s not just any women, you pick the top of the line, rich bitches to mess with. It seems to me you’re the elitist, Cash Green. You might want to do a little soul searching before you end up a lonely old man.” She takes off her seatbelt and gets out of the car, not giving me a chance to respond. Before she slams the door, she takes one more jab at me. “And just so we’re clear. It’s not that the girl isn’t good enough for you, it’s that you’re not good enough for her.” She slams my car door and bustles into her house, leaving me stunned. Her words cut deep but not just because they’re true, but because she’s had to listen to all those ladies talk about me. All the ladies whom she can’t really stand telling her what a fuck up her grandson is. What the fuck am I doing? She’s always known I’m a one night stand kind of guy, which I assumed is why she’s always pushing for me to settle down. But for her to know just how out of control I am when it comes to women causes me to feel something I’ve never felt in my life. Shame.

  I wait for her to get safely inside before I finally pull away, my brain racing. She’s right. My parents would be horrified to see the way I treat women. I never considered what I was doing was so awful, I mean those women don’t want a relationship with me any more than I want one with them. It’s easy, no strings attached sex. Is that really so bad?

  I punch the gas, hurling my car forward at high speeds giving me the adrenaline rush I need to clear my head. I take tight corners without braking and push my car to its limits on straightaways. I finally slow down once I reach the edge of the city where I know police sit, waiting to catch people speeding. Taking my time as I wind through my city, I turn up the music and get lost in the sound until I pull into my garage. I’m so lost in the music and my own thoughts that I almost don’t see her there.

  Slamming on my breaks, I come to a screeching stop and roll down my window. “What the hell are you doing? I almost hit you?” I yell at her as she moves out of the way so I can pull into my spot. Quickly killing the engine I hop out, prepared to tell her to get lost. The second my car door shuts and I turn to face her, I’m greeted with her naked body.

  “You’ve been ignoring me, Cash. Why are you ignoring me? Surely you want another taste of this?” She looks down at her exposed body, nothing but a long dark coat covering her backside. Her tits and bare pussy on brilliant display. I definitely wouldn’t mind getting one more taste of that body. The strange girl appears in my head, then my grandmother’s words replay over and over.

  “You need to go, Hannah.” I try to brush past her, but her hand reaches out to grab my arm, stopping me.

  “Come on, Cash, let’s fuck one more time. Give me tonight and I promise, if you still want me to go away, I will.”

  “I can’t, Hannah. I’m sorry if you got the wrong idea about me, but I have no interest in a repeat of last night,” I say, only half-lying. My twitching cock definitely wants to dip back into her cunt. I’m wound so tight from fantasizing about the strange girl and then my fight with Gran that I’m sure a quick screw would ease all this tension. However, my brain and my heart know it’s wrong.

  “Don’t be such a pussy, Cash. One night. I need to feel you one more time then I’ll go away. I know you want to. Deny it all you want but that hard on is telling a different story.” Her hand reaches down, taking hold of my dick. Fuck, little bastard is betraying me. My hormones battle with my conscience, the hormones ultimately winning the fight.

  “My dick might be hard, Hannah, but it does that for all naked women. You’re nothing special.” I attempt one last time to convince her that this shouldn’t be happening. I insult her hoping she’ll get pissed and leave.

  “And my pussy soaks at the sight of most cocks but the fact is, right here, right now, I want yours, and I always get what I want. Now, stop being a little bitch and fuck me.”

  “I won’t be gentle or nice.” Half of me hopes she’ll heed my warning, the other half hopes like hell she’s up for the kind of rough sex I have in mind.

  “I don’t want you to be.”

  Giving into my throbbing dick, I unzip my pants before pushing her against my car. My mouth devours her neck while I shove my fingers inside of her, roughly pumping them in and out.

  “I’m gonna fuck you right here, in the open. Anyone could pull in at any time and when they do they’ll see me giving you exactly what you want.”

  “Ahhh, please do. Show the world how good you fuck. Use me to show them,” she begs. My teeth scrape across her soft flesh, biting roughly, relishing her taste. I slip my fingers out of her dripping pussy and quickly shove my cock inside of her. Her legs wrap around my waist, the car bracing her back, my hands digging into the flesh of her ass, holding her up. Her warmth envelopes my dick, wrapping me in moist heaven as I move relentlessly in and out of her. Her fingers dig into my back, the sensation of nails digging into my flesh catapulting me into furious sex. The emotions of the afternoon linger, pouring fuel on the flame. I slam into her, taking my pleasure, not really giving a shit about her pleasure.

  “Ahhhh, don’t stop, Cash! I’m coming,” she exclaims. My dick begins to pulse, ready to unload inside of her.

  “Better hurry, doll, because I’m about to explode. I’m not waiting on you,” I growl. I pick up the pace and urgency. I slam into her as hard as the position will allow, not caring how it feels for her.

  “I’m coming!” she screams, her legs tightening around me. “Come inside me, Cash, fill me up. Give my greedy cunt what it wants.” I do as she orders, spilling everything I have inside of her. As soon as the last drop is spilled I lower her to the ground then tuck my dick back in my pants.

  “Well that was fun, now go.” I back away to allow her access to leave.

  “Oh, I’m not leaving, Cash. We’re not done.”

  “Yes, we are done here. You got what you came for, now get the fuck out of here, Hannah.”

  “That’s not very gentleman like. Fuck me against a car then don’t even invite me in for a drink.”

  “Never said I was a gentleman.”

  “No, I guess you didn’t? Even so, can I at least get a ride home? I’m not really dressed to walk.”

  “You managed to make it here just fine.” I hit the lock on my key fob and leave her standing there.

  “You’ll regret this, Cash,” she calls after me.

  “I already regret screwing you. I highly doubt I’ll regret telling you to leave.” Stepping into the elevator, I smile and wave at her. “Bye, Hannah,” I mouth as the doors close. The moment they seal, I relax against the wall, catching my breath. That one is a wild one for sure, and possibly mentally unstable. I don’t need that shit in my life.

  ***

  The night drags on slowly. I consider heading down to the bar for drinks but know that will lead to another one night stand. After seeing stranger girl, my grandmother’s chastising, and the tryst with Hannah, I’ve decided to give up flings. At least I’m going to try to give them up. Hannah was the last and with any luck, she’ll go away as promised.

  My fingers tap the remote, flipping through the channels on my TV but I can’t seem to settle on anything to watch. My mind is too conflicted. ‘Your parents would be disappointed’ plays on repeat in my
conscience. Gran’s right. My father was like Gran, a good man through and through not giving a shit about money or the people with it. He met my mother at a Grateful Dead concert, their taste in music the most they had in common. On a social scale anyway. Her family was blue collar with little money but what they lacked in money they made up for in love and passion. My granny Jane was an artist who sold her art at local fairs. My papa Bob was a musician who played bars with his band up until the day he died.

  Social status may have kept them apart had my father’s parents been anyone other than Gran and Papa. Neither cared about my mom’s background, in fact, the two sets of parents formed a friendship through their children that lasted until they passed away. My gran has suffered many losses in her life, which is part of the reason I spend as much time with her as I do. That and because she’s all the family I have left, we rely on each other.

  Bordem and my normal weekend night beckons me to abandon the shitty TV and head out to the bar. Resisting the urge, I down a few whiskey and cokes then pass out hoping for a better day tomorrow.

  ***

  Over the next week, I drown myself in work. After the first three days of ignoring messages, Hannah finally seems to have given up. I’ve gotten a few hook up messages from my go to girls but ignored them as well. As tempting as it is, I know I’m not getting any younger and the idea of marriage and a family, one that just a week ago terrified the fuck out of me, suddenly is something I want, I need, almost as badly as I need to talk to stranger girl.

  When Friday finally comes I load up a bag and drive out to Grans. She hasn’t spoken to me since our fight. I have some making up to do. Can’t deny the fact that I’m also hoping to hell stranger girl comes to that damn laundromat again. I pull up in front of the estate. Grabbing my bag, I jog up to the door and let myself in. “Gran,” I call out. “Gran, hope you’re up for company.” Dropping my bag by the front door I venture further into the house to look for her. As expected, I find her in the library curled up in a chair with a book.

  “Hey, Gran,” I say softly, not wanting to startle her. I’ve never seen anyone get so lost in a book as she does. She looks up from the pages. “Well, Cash, what in the world are you doing here?” she asks confused.

  “Thought you might want some company for the weekend.” I shrug, trying to lighten the tension. She’s still pissed. Gran’s not one to hold a grudge but knowing what she’s had to endure, listening to things about me and my sexual escapades, I shouldn’t be surprised she’s still upset. She has every right to be.

  “Well, you thought wrong. I’m just fine here with my books. Go back to the city, Cash. Go find your next conquest.” She picks up her book, waving her hand as if she’s dismissing me. As sweet and caring as she is, she’s also stubborn as all hell when she feels the need to be. Apparently now is one of those times.

  “Gran, I’m sorry. I was out of line. I have no excuse for what I said.” I moved to stand in front of her but she refused to look up at me. I sat on the foot stool in front of her. “Look, I did a lot of thinking this last week and you’re right, my parents would be ashamed of me. I know I need to change, and I’m going to try but it’s been a part of me for so long. I don’t know that I can change overnight but I’m trying.” She finally looks up at me.

  “You were an asshole, Cash, and you’ve been a horrible slut.” She plops her book down in her lap, giving me the death glare. Another thing about Gran, she’s a sweet and loving old lady but she can cuss like a truck driver.

  “I know. You’re right. One hundred percent right. That’s why I’m here. If it’s okay I’d like to stay here on the weekends. You know, remove the temptation from my life. Is that okay?” This is a big step for me, getting out of the city on the weekends. Getting away from the bars that call my name and the women begging to be in my bed.

  “You know you always have a home here but you better change your ways.” Her finger poked me in the chest.

  “I’ll try my best.” I promise.

  “No, don’t try, do it.”

  “Okay. I’ll change my ways.” I raise my hands in surrender and get a small smile from her.

  “Well then, there’s leftover dinner in the kitchen. You know where your room is, now please go away so I can get back to my book.” A gentle smile follows her words. I stand up from the footstool, thankful she’s not angry anymore.

  “Okay, thanks.”

  “You’re welcome, now go.”

  “Are you shooing me away, Gran?” I ask teasingly as I head out of the room.

  “Yes, I have a handsome scottish man to get back to.” She informs me, a devious smile on her face.

  “Gross, Gran!” I holler as I exit the room, leaving her to her book. Over the next two weeks, I repeat this. Work through the week then head to Grans on Friday night staying until Sunday evening. I drive her to the laundromat like I have been for months and two Saturdays in a row stranger girl is there. I almost feel like a stalker watching her from the car, but I promised Gran I wouldn’t talk to her. Not until she was sure I was serious about changing my playboy ways.

  The third Saturday came. Just the idea of seeing this girl from a distance excited me more than meeting a girl in the bar ever did. I pull into my usual spot, thankful that this place isn’t ever busy, guaranteeing me a front row seat to the girl that stole my heart without knowing it.

  “Would you like to come in tonight?” Gran asks. This is the first time since I promised to stop womanizing that she’s invited me in.

  “No, go ahead and go in.” As much as I want to talk to the girl, I don’t know if I’m ready yet. These last few weeks haven’t been easy, especially on my dick. Jacking off is getting old. My palm just doesn’t feel like a warm pussy. I need to make sure my mind is in the right place before I talk to her.

  “I’m going to talk to the girl tonight.” She winked at me as she shut the car door. Sure as shit, she walks right in, starts her load of clothes then sits at the table with the girl. Letting Gran lay the ground work seems like a good idea to me. Yeah, not the manliest way to go about it, but watching her, I don’t feel super manly. I feel like a fucking love struck pussy.

  Gran smiles warmly at her but the girl looks unsure. I watch as Gran works her magic on her, eventually getting the girl to relax and even smile. Her smile lights up the whole place. I watch their exchange until the girl grabs her basket of clothes and stands to say goodbye to Gran. I can’t let this girl get away. Not tonight. It’s time to suck it up and be a man. Not the douchey dude that picks up chicks in bars, but a respectable man who will win the heart of the girl. I don’t know if I can be that guy, but I’m sure as shit gonna try.

  Hustling out of my car, I nearly run to the laundromat, slowing when I reach the door. The moment I open the door I’m smacked in the face with the smell of clean laundry. I’m surprised by how clean the place is but don’t take long to look it over before I walk up behind the girl. She’s mid-sentence when I make it to the table and lean down to kiss Gran on the cheek. “Hi, Gran. How’s Saturday night at the laundromat?” I ask, hoping like hell she introduces me and sneaking the first up close look I’ve had at stranger girl. Fuck, she’s more beautiful up close than I could have imagined. She’s nothing like any other woman I’ve ever been with. Her blonde hair is black at the tips and wild, not perfectly styled like most women I know. Her face is soft and gentle, not hidden by layers of makeup. Actually, she’s not wearing makeup at all. She’s breathtaking.

  “Hello, dear, it’s been rather quiet until now. Sit, I want you to meet my new friend Jewel,” Gran announces, pulling out the seat beside her.

  “Cash, this is Jewel. Jewel, this is my grandson Cash,” she says in introduction, her red-stained lips spread in a huge smile.

  “Nice to meet you, Jewel,” I offer her a warm smile, hoping she doesn’t stand up and bolt. I can’t believe I’m actually nervous. Cash Green never gets fucking nervous.

  “Um, nice to meet you.” She fumbles, crimson rising in her
cheeks. She looks flustered. It’s fucking adorable.

  “It was nice talking to you, Miss Ruby, and nice meeting you, Cash,” she offers, obviously trying to make a quick escape. That’s exactly what I don’t want.

  “See you next week, dear,” Gran calls behind her. She turns and gives Gran a brief smile.

  “Next week.”

  “Go help the girl,” Gran whispers, nudging me.

  Following her advice, I rush to the door. “Here let me help you,” I say, slowly flashing her another smile. I can tell she’s hesitant and ready to say no but before she gets the chance, I push the door open for her.

  “Thank you,” she says shyly.

  “Anything for a pretty lady.” I shrug as though it was no big deal, trying not to come on too strong. It’s hard to control the urge to touch her. She looks surprised by my choice of words as though she’s never been called pretty before. That thought is insane to me. If she was my girl, I’d tell her how beautiful she is every day.

  “Let me take those to the car for you,” I offer reaching for her basket.

  “No, that’s alright. Thank you though.” She pulls back quickly, defensive almost. Shit, am I coming on too strong?

  “It’s no problem, really.” I take a step back as I offer, not wanting to freak her out.

  “You can’t take them to my car because I don’t have one,” she admits. I can see she’s embarrassed which is pissing her off.

  “You walked here?” I tried to keep the surprise out of my voice. It just doesn’t seem safe for someone as stunning as her to be walking around alone at night.

  “Yeah, it’s not far. Few blocks is all and my basket is light so it’s not a big deal.” She shrugs and walks away from me. I stand waiting for a minute, wondering if she’d be put off if I try to walk with her. Fuck it. I’m gonna walk with her anyway.

  “Let me walk with you then, it’s late and a pretty lady like you shouldn’t be out here alone.” I move to stand in front of her. With any luck she won’t push her way past me.