Cash winks at me, making my heart skyrocket right through my chest. I grip the edge of my trunk to make sure I don’t swoon. It’s just unreal, how gorgeous this guy is.
“I can’t wait to see what the new items are,” I say. “I was surprised the first time I went to Franco’s to see how many plant-based foods he already offered. It hadn’t struck me as a dining spot that catered to vegetarians or vegans.”
Again, Cash chuckles before playfully rolling his eyes. “Tell me about it. At first, he hated the whole idea of anyone who would choose not to eat meat. My dad is old-fashioned that way. You know the type. But I warmed him up to it over time. For my tenth birthday, he surprised me by adding veggie burgers and switching to vegetable oil for frying all his foods. That was back before it was trendy and he got some flak from his customers for it, but he didn't care. He’s a good father that way.”
“Wow. So, have you always been an animal lover?” I ask curiously.
“I went vegetarian when I was eight. Dad threw a fit, as you can imagine. But I was playing with our German Shepherd, Harley, one day—also known as my best friend—and I realized that when you come down to it, there aren’t many differences between dogs, cows, and pigs. I haven’t had a beef burger or slice of bacon since. Harley inspired me to become a vet, too. Dad and I didn’t have much money growing up—his restaurant was a lot less popular back then—but when Harley got sick, my dad spent nearly every penny he had to keep that dog around as long as possible. Because of that, Harley lived a great, long life, and I decided I wanted to help other pets the same way our vet helped Harley.”
Cash turns his head to gaze out at the ocean again. He smiles to himself, obviously embracing the fond memories of that time. He speaks with such gentle, frank sincerity that it makes my heart melt even more.
“You aren’t what I expected at all,” I murmur offhandedly.
My face flushed when the inner thought escapes my lips, but Cash softly chuckles. That only makes me more flustered, of course.
“I’m going to take that as a compliment,” he quips teasingly.
My face coloring even brighter, I nod and clumsily try to explain myself despite the fact that I trip over my words.
“I mean, I just…” I hesitate, then start again. “When I first met you and saw your tattoos, then learned that you were Franco’s son, I sort of assumed you would be this rough and tough biker with a bad attitude who lived off bacon and beef jerky and, oh my gosh, why can’t I stop talking?”
I clap both my hands over my lips to finally bring my embarrassing outburst to a stop.
Pure amusement gleams in Cash’s emerald eyes. His face is lit up brighter than the moon now.
“To be fair, you’re not what I anticipated at all, either,” he says. “When my dad told me that I was going to have to meet with a beauty influencer to talk business, I was preparing myself for the worst. I assumed you’d be disinterested and entitled, but you came off so modest and hardworking and, man, those designs you came up with were great. You really meant it when you said you wanted to encapsulate the vibe of my old man’s burger place. Afterward, I did some research on Glossed & Glammed, and I just kept getting more impressed. G&G really isn’t all that bad for a beauty brand.”
“All that bad?” I echo teasingly, arching an eyebrow and folding my arms.
Cash is so generous with his kind words that it makes delighted warmth flood my whole body. I’ve never had anyone speak to me like this. Cash truly sees me in a way that no one else ever has.
Does he even realize the way this makes me feel?
Is he really saying all of these sweet things to be nice or could he have a crush on me, too?
Am I insane for thinking that?
“When I looked up G&G,” Cash continues, “I honestly expected some vapid posts about makeup and fashion and whatever, but I was surprised how much you and your friends color outside the lines. I see you guys promoting all kinds of charities and spreading positive messages and I think that’s pretty rad.”
I nod, suddenly feeling shy again when I contemplate Cash scrolling through our feed. He has to have noticed how infrequently I appear in the pics, not that he’s mentioned it.
“We try to do something good with our platform,” I tell him. “It’s been important to us since the beginning.”
“I like that,” Cash murmurs thoughtfully.
Night is falling faster and faster now. I know we should both get out of there, but the last thing I want is to say goodbye to Cash. I have to come up with some way to make sure that I see him again—and soon.
“When I print out the pictures of the shoot, do you want me to bring them by Franco’s for you to take a look at?” I ask, proud of myself for being bold enough to even offer that simple proposal. “Or the veterinary hospital where you work?”
He clears his throat, eyes briefly shifting away from me.
“Actually, I’m headed out tomorrow afternoon, so it’ll be hasta la vista to LA. You can text the pics to me, though.”
“You’re leaving tomorrow?” I whisper, feeling like I’ve just been sucker-punched.
Cash nods. “Yep. Dad is all set to take the reins on the collaboration, though. It’ll be great, Liv. Really.”
Am I imagining the fact that his tone is morose even though he’s still smiling? The street lamp is behind him, and with the shadows, it’s too dark for me to really study his expression. I can hardly see any of his face aside from pearly teeth and bright green eyes.
