“And that is on you I’m afraid. I think in time, you continue to contact her, give her space, and work on yourself, she might, possibly come around. She might not, but then at least you know you are in the spot you need to be to be a good man for her, and if she comes around, you will be what she deserves.”
“What if she doesn't?”
“Then you know that you tried everything. If you get another shot, it will be your one and only.”
I wanted to speak out loud that there was no way I could accept her not being with me. The ache in my chest was intense, so painful I wanted to place my hand on it, hoping to ease it.
“I guess.”
“Let’s face it, Cash, you haven't ever in your life earned anything. You got the position you had at work because of your father; everything you have has been given to you. You may have thought you were earning it, but you didn't.”
“But…I am working now… on my own I might add.”
She didn't look impressed.
“No woman wants a man who hasn't earned her love. And in time, I think you could.”
Mom hugged me and although I wanted to tell her she was wrong; I knew deep down she wasn't. She was right and I had to earn her love.
Earn my life.
EMMA
I jumped at the buzz of my intercom as I had been lost in space. “You have a Mr. Cash Galloway to see you.”
“I am about to go to the conference room. I’ll be out in a minute.” I took a deep breath, frustrated by the fact I was going to have to deal with this now, rather than later. I had been avoiding him and wished I could continue, but I had to face it. I knew he was going to demand an explanation eventually, although I asked him to just leave me alone. I would have wanted the same thing.
Breigh had already filled me in on what Wyatt said transpired when he confronted Cash about Maddy at Blue’s. It seemed that the two brothers had finally found some peace and I had ruined that. There was a part of me that wished I just wouldn't have said anything to Breigh about it because I knew it would turn into this.
I didn’t need to tell her about all my issues anyway. She had enough to deal with. For God’s sake I ran a damn entire department, I could handle my own affairs.
I took a deep breath, grabbed the couple folders I needed, my laptop, and headed out the door with my head held high.
Cash was standing, waiting for me as soon as I walked out of my door.
“Emma, we really need to talk…” He stood right in my way and he looked pretty rough. His eyes were bloodshot, clouding his green coloration.
“I am really busy today, Cash, I don't have time for this today.”
“Something is going on and I have no idea what it is. Apparently something has been said, or hell done, and I don't know where to even start. I met with Wyatt and he was furious, saying I hurt you.”
“And this isn't something new…” I said sternly, and feeling sympathy for him with the way his eyes looked. They were sincere and clearly worried about what was really happening.
There was a part of me that wanted to put him out of his misery, but yet I wasn't sure how I was going to do that.
Fast or slow. Pull the Band-Aid of slowly or yank it like no tomorrow.
I began walking down the hall and it was silent, other than the sounds of my heels clicking against the hard tiled floor and Cash’s boots. He was right behind me. I could smell his cologne and there was a small speckle of me that wanted to stop, wrap my arms around him, and smell his neck.
I stopped as I arrived at my destination. I turned around, holding my laptop and folders strategically like a wall that separated our personal spaces.
The conference room was still empty and no one appeared to be heading our way as of yet. I had always been early, something my father had taught me many years ago. Even more important when you were at the top of the ladder, like I had been able to work myself up to.
I turned back to him, licked my lips, and decided to explain. “Cash, you know I saw you at Blue’s with Maddy. I saw her kiss you and the way you both looked at each other. I had finally admitted to myself that I was in love with you and I needed to be true to myself. And to you. It took a lot for me to admit that to myself….” I swallowed hard.
“Just let me explain… I haven't seen Maddy since I called it off with her. She was a good time when that was all I wanted, but I swear to you I have not slept with her or even seen her since I committed myself to changing my life, and winning you over. All I want is you, Emma. I promise you.”
“Cash…” I could feel the tears beginning to build in my eyes. I loved him, damn it.
He moved closer to me to where his face was in mine. “It was not what you think… I was ending it all with her. She wouldn’t stop bugging me so I had to meet her in person. I love you, Emma, only you.”
I was locked on his eyes, listening to him. Whether it was true or not, for that moment I hoped it was. This was a revolving door and I
