“But to make up for the problem with the money, I’m making myself available for her to use any way she sees fit.”
The water I swallowed jams in my throat, and I choke.
Cash slaps me on the back. “You all right, darlin’? I can’t have my woman choking on me.”
“Shut up,” I wheeze.
Donny’s gaze pings between the two of us. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” I shout.
Cash throws his big arm around my shoulders. “Now, dumplin’, the whole town’s talkin’ about us, so we should tell our good friend Donny.”
It takes all my strength not to bury my nose in his neck and OD on the musky scent of his skin. “You’re not letting this go, are you?”
“No way. I’ve been waiting twelve years to be dating Tiger Lyons.”
“Someone tell me what’s going on,” Donny yells.
By sheer force of will, I step away from Cash. “Brad came over this morning to try to get back together, and—”
“What?” Donny hates Brad, so the red tint to his face isn’t surprising.
“Tell ya later. Anyway, Cash spent the night at the house last night, so when Brad saw him here, he made the assumption that we were together, then proceeded to tell everyone at Trudi’s.” I elbow the quarterback in the ribs. “And this troublemaker insists on playing the whole thing up.”
Cash doubles over laughing. “You can’t deny it was satisfying for both of us.”
I narrow my eyes at him.
“When we pretended to be together in Brad’s office.”
He’s right, I can’t deny it, and that kiss still lingers on my lips. “Okay, I’ll give you that.”
Donny rolls the plans into a tight tube. “Clearly, I’ve missed quite a bit while I’ve been out of town.”
I bend over and lean my arms on the island. “Don’t worry, one lap through town and you’ll be all caught up on the local gossip.” I cut my gaze to Cash. “You know how the good people of Ryder love a juicy rumor.”
Donny cups his hand over his mouth. “Ooooh, burn.”
“You went for the throat with that one.” Cash grabs his neck and glances at my boss. “Am I bleeding?”
The two men laugh.
“Ha-ha. You two are a riot.”
Randy, one of the crew, comes into the room. “Tiger, I’ve got a question.” He stops dead in his tracks, and his face goes slack. “Holy shit. Cash King.” He reaches for my fake boyfriend’s hand and pumps it several times. “Damn good to meet you.”
Cash chuckles. “Thank ya, man.” I have no idea how he remains so affable with people coming up to him all the time.
Randy’s snaggled teeth flash at the interaction. “I’m the biggest Thunder fan there is.”
“It’s always good to meet a fan.”
“How’s the shoulder? You’re gonna be back for the playoffs, aren’t you? Well, if that half-wit McKay doesn’t ruin everything.”
“I’m gonna do my best.” It’s like someone shoves a steel rod into Cash’s spine, and the muscles in his jaw pulse with tension. I’ve noticed it happens every time someone asks about his shoulder or the playoffs.
“What can I do for you, Randy?” I cut in to save Cash from more questioning.
“Oh.” He shakes his head like he’s coming out of a trance. “Did we get the master bathroom fixtures?”
“Yes—”
“Randy, you slacker, get your ass back to work.” Another member of the crew storms into the room. “Shit. You’re Cash King. How’s the shoulder? Better I hope, we need you for the playoffs.”
Cash’s Adam’s apple bobs, and if anything, he becomes more rigid. “Shoulder’s good.”
“Thank God, because McKay can’t hit the side of a barn with both hands, and his footwork is for shit.”
“Guys, you can find the bathroom fixtures in the pool house next to the front door.” I put just enough steel in my voice to get them moving.
“Oh, okay. Thanks.”
They exit, and Donny holds his hand out to Cash. “Since you’re going to be around, you should get your girlfriend to bring you over to the house for Sunday lunch.”
I wad up a piece of paper and throw it at Donny’s head.
Cash relaxes slightly and grins at me. “Thanks, man, I’d like that, but it’ll have to wait until next week. The Thunder has a home game this weekend, and I have to be there. In fact, I’m leaving after I shower.”
“You are?” There’s the slightest tinge of disappointment in my voice, and I hope nobody notices it. “I thought you were hurt.”
“I am, dumplin’. It’s called injured reserve. I don’t travel with the team, but I have to be at the home games.