Confused, Cash jerked. “You do? Where?”
A wide smile spread across her face. “I got to thinking. Would I rather keep driving thirty minutes to teach my classes, or would I rather drive five to your gym?”
He couldn’t help but return her smile. “Is that so?”
Her arms looped around his neck. “Now I have a question for you.”
Cash came to his feet and pulled her with him. With his hands resting on the dip in her waist, he tugged her flush with his body.
“What’s that?” he asked.
“Would you rather live in your house or would you rather move in with me at Livie’s? I do believe her backyard is large enough for a hot tub.”
Cash’s fingertips slid beneath the hem of her shirt and grazed her bare skin. “Considering I rent my house, I think I’d be fine moving in with you.”
“And the hot tub?”
In a swift move, he had her shirt up and over her head. “Maybe you should try to convince me just how bad you want it.”
Those emerald eyes sparkled as she reached for the button of his jeans. “Oh, I want it pretty bad.”
“Then I think we can arrange something.”
Cash didn’t analyze his feelings anymore. There was no question he was in love with Jade. This was real, being with her, the prospect of building a future, all of it was a thrilling ride he never wanted to end.
Fear and brokenness may be his past, but Jade was his future.
* * *
“Do you think people will show?”
Cash pulled his truck into the parking spot near Sophie’s office and killed the engine before turning to face Jade.
“Red, you’ve analyzed and worried about this for days.” He reached over and took her hand, bringing it to his lips. “Relax.”
How could she relax? This was the mock open house for the airport. Not just any airport, but Livie’s father’s legacy. Through so many events, all of them had been led to this point, and their futures were riding on this being a success.
But that wasn’t all Jade was worried about. This was the night they were going to tell their friends about their relationship. Over the past few days, they’d decided to just be them a little longer. Tonight was the night, though. Jade hoped her friends would be happy. Even though they’d obviously found out about the lying and the sneaking, the crew didn’t know just how much Jade loved Cash, and that they planned on living together.
“Are you going to get out or do I need to bring the party to you?” he asked.
Jade stared ahead and spotted Melanie and Tanner crossing the street. Mel had baby Knox in her arms, and the little family brought tears to Jade’s eyes.
“Oh, no,” Cash demanded. “No crying. You know I can’t stand when you do that and I get all awkward and have no idea how to make things better.”
“They’re happy tears,” she assured him. “I’m ready.”
“Happy tears,” he muttered as he stepped from the truck. He rounded the hood and opened her door, extending his hand to help her down. “You look beautiful tonight.”
Jade smiled. “You already told me earlier.”
Cash slid an arm around her waist and pulled her against his side. “I plan on telling you every day for the rest of our lives.”
Jade’s nerves calmed somewhat when Cash urged her forward, keeping her tucked perfectly against his side. They all had agreed to arrive thirty minutes early to make sure everything was set up and good to go. Sophie had made sure the office was ready, and Liam had promised to have everything set up as far as the food and drinks.
The support from friends and other businesses was so overwhelming. This airport was going to be bigger and stronger than ever.
As they reached the stone front of the office building, Cash gave her a gentle squeeze. “You ready?” he asked.