Hold On to Me (Return to Haven 3)

* * *

Cash had been gone all morning. He’d gotten up early, ordered room service for Jade to have breakfast, waited for the delivery, then left her a note before he headed out to find wedding attire.

And what a bitch that excursion had turned out to be. He just needed something between a tux and his worn jeans and tee, which he’d been wearing since yesterday. The whole black-tie thing didn’t work for him. He hadn’t even worn one to his own wedding . . . not that he could base much on that mistake.

After nearly five hours, Cash had been felt up and groped and, for a while, he had regretted walking into that store as a last resort. But turned out with the measuring and never-ending dressing room changes, Cash ended up with the most expensive suit he’d ever owned.

The black suit, black shirt, black patent leather shoes were all in a garment bag and ready to go. Cash pulled out his key card and slid it into the suite. He had enough time to shower and hopefully get Jade to the venue on time. He didn’t know what he’d do for those two hours while she did photos, but he’d figure something out.

Cash stepped into the suite and the assault of something floral hit him. Not just floral, but money. He couldn’t describe the aroma exactly other than expensive. Some perfume he didn’t recognize, perhaps.

“Red,” he called out. “I found a suit but opted not to pay extra for the tie.”

After getting measured, standing on a minicircular stage in front of a wall of mirrors, and having no less than three workers waiting on him at a time, he was ready to relax before the real show began. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the picture Jade had painted, he didn’t know that he could actually prepare for something so over the top.

Cash laid the black garment bag over the back of a dining chair and headed toward the open double doors of her room. One quick peek inside and he wasn’t sure if they’d been robbed or if she’d made this mess in an attempt to get ready.

Clothes were strewn all over the messy bed, and her empty suitcase lay on a chaise in the corner. There was no sign of her, which meant she’d probably come to her senses and decided to go to this hell fest alone.

Whatever. He wasn’t going to cry over missing some snotty gathering. He couldn’t return the suit because they’d pretty much tucked in some spots and let out others, after his chest and biceps had been measured. But he’d at least hit up another store for a pair of jeans, a fresh T-shirt, and some underwear.

As he crossed the suite back toward the living room, he noticed his blanket folded with the pillow on top and a folded note atop that with his name in all caps across the front.

Cash reached for the note and flipped it open.

Had to leave early. Apparently we’re all getting our hair and makeup done together. I’m sure you won’t recognize me once they’re done. Meet me at the country club at five.

J

Cash smiled. Her sarcasm came through, and he’d read each word in her sweet, Southern tone. Though he was positive he’d recognize her. Someone as striking as Jade would always stand out in a crowd.

Now why the hell was he still standing here smiling at her note? Hadn’t he just mentally rejoiced that he didn’t have to go?

Yet he couldn’t deny that part of him actually wanted to be on her arm. Maybe because he wanted to see firsthand just how ridiculous this shit show could be, maybe he didn’t fully believe her family was that pretentious, but Cash knew the truth. He wanted to be with Jade to offer support. She clearly didn’t want to be there, and damn it, he may be the complete opposite of what Jade preferred, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t good enough.

He’d be there as her friend and to offer support, nothing else. He sure as hell didn’t want to go because he thought he’d seen something in her eyes last night. After Jade had gone to bed, Cash had convinced himself all he’d seen was exhaustion. They’d had a difficult day, to say the least.

But he wanted to see her again today, just to make sure that crackling tension between them was a figment of his imagination.

Cash decided to go ahead and get ready. She may have told him five, but that was probably because she was trying to save him. He could head over early and have her back. From the little he saw yesterday of her cousins, Jade would need it. Any real boyfriend would offer the same, right?

He plugged the country club address into his cell and saw it was only ten minutes away. Plenty of time to shower and change.

Grabbing the garment bag and the toiletries he’d purchased, Cash headed toward the master bath. He laid his bags on her bed, ignoring the stir of emotion at the sight of his masculine things intermingling with hers.

Get a grip. This was just a last-minute, temporary arrangement. There was certainly no reason for him to be reading into each and every little thing.

His cell vibrated in his pocket, pulling him from his self-induced pep talk. He pulled out his phone and saw Tanner’s name.

“Hey, man,” he answered. “The Cessna—”

“Obviously you didn’t do anything on purpose,” Tanner interrupted. “I’m just glad you and Jade are okay. Listen, I just hung up with Jax and he’s on-site with a crew.”

“What’s the verdict?” Cash sank down on the edge of Jade’s bed, only to jump back up again.

The bright-red blow-dryer didn’t make a comfortable seat. When he went to move it, he uncovered an emerald green bra beneath. His gut tightened. That bra matched her eyes perfectly, and he bet if he glanced around, he’d see matching panties.

Jade may not be the most predictable person, but he would’ve laid any amount of money on her being a lingerie lover—ironically, something else they had in common.