Not Us: Cash & Devin

Chapter 16

Cash POV

I knew she'd been in a shitty relationship, and I was willing to wait however long it took for her. Women like Devin don't come around that often. When you find one, and she's single, you grab hold, not letting go and showing just how much you love and appreciate everything she does.

"That's fine. Since we need to work on that foundation of trust, I'll start," I pulled away from the curb after making sure it was safe to merge. "I saw you at the Christmas party. The one at the manor that Clint holds every year." I glanced at her, and she looked like a deer caught in headlights.

"I thought you were the most stunning woman in the whole room. That green dress complimented everything about you. And the shoes were an excellent choice. I asked Clint to set me up with you, and he kept pushing me off. I did go on a single date with three different women after that party, but none caught my interest. It was dinner, and nothing more. I dropped them off, walked them to the door like a gentleman should, and left. No kisses were had, nor was anything else. I don't even remember their names." She was quiet, so I kept talking.

"Seeing you at the Anti-Valentine's Day party was a stroke of luck and I'm so fucking thankful. Also, my assistant is your neighbor, and showed me a video of what happened this weekend." Her hand went to mine, gripping it tightly. I couldn't take my eyes off the road, but I could imagine the look of panic on her face with how hard her grip was.

"I heard shouting and asked what she was watching. She told me it was some drama with her neighbor and she wanted to help you get proof to be able to move. I looked up as the video showed you sitting on the floor in your apartment. I restarted it and watched it again. I'm so sorry you're having to go through that with your ex, and his mistress." I paused, waiting for her to say something if she wanted.

"He's calling me as a witness in the trial against for raping him," she all but whispered. My grip on the steering wheel tightened. I wanted to fucking bash his face in. Hard.

"I also got his former job when he was fired. I, uh," fuck this was going to be awkward, "I dabble in real estate. So, I, um," just say it. "I bought your apartment. I've got a crew coming in as soon as you can move into the one in the building Eddie and I live in, so I can get it ready to be rented out. I also own the building I live in, but no one knows. Just my lawyer and real estate agent. And now you."

"Wow," she breathed out.

"Please don't think too much about me owning the building. I'm more of a behind-the-scenes landlord. I just do it for the paycheck. It's a nice boost in my income and will help me be able to secure a nice spot to build a house out of the city if we want, or if you want to stay in the city we can. Whichever."

"Wait. What?"

"Sorry," I chuckled, having caught her off guard, "I plan to pursue you, Devin. I like you. There is something about you that I want to get to know more about. You are kind. Beautiful. Smart, from what Clint has said. You have excellent friends, who clearly know that you're too good for me. I'm a thirty-nine-year-old bachelor. I've been waiting my whole life for someone to make me feel something. Something more than just, 'eh. This is fun for now' but not seeing anything long-term, ya know? You already know I volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, hmm...I feel like I've done enough talking for the night. I want to know more about you."

"Wait," her face scrunching up, her head shaking, and her hands going out in front of her, "Wait. You're really okay with getting to know each other, and going slow? Like, friends first and then relationship?" I can see her looking at me, watching my every movement out of the corner of my eye. Thankfully it was a red light. I looked at her, and grabbed her hand, kissing the back of it. Her skin was so soft, I wanted to constantly be touching her.