LOVE IS AN ACTION

Chapter 3

The next week is a haze of very little Cash and a lot more school work. Friday night, Liz and I go out to the movie we talked about and I win our bet. She claims I cheated, but I think telling some random guy that I'll go on a date with him if he scares her during the best parts was just creative thinking.

When we get to Liz's we notice a familiar Land Rover parked on the side of the driveway.

"What's Cash doing here?" Asks Liz. I feel my eyebrows furrow, wondering the same thing. Jasmine's car is in the driveway so that means he must be inside with her. We quickly climb out, curious to know what has dragged Cash over here without warning us first. I don't have a phone but Liz does, and that is usually how he reaches either of us.

We follow the voices from the front door to the kitchen and see Jasmine, her current fling; Tomas, and Cash standing near the island. Jasmine is stirring something on the stove and the two men in the room are leaned casually against the island, watching her and conversing. When they feel our presence, everyone turns to look at us.

"What's going on?" Liz asks cautiously and I can't help but let my eyes roam over Cash. He is wearing a black V-neck t shirt that clings nicely to his form. His toned stomach is well defined in the snug shirt and for a second I can almost feel myself turning into one of those hormone crazed cheerleaders that chase him around every day. I have done a spectacular job of not letting him see that side of me so far and I am holding on to the tiny threads of hope that I can continue to hide my attraction to him, from him. He has on camouflage shorts and black Vans. By the time I let my eyes travel back up to his I almost step back from the intensity in his eyes.

His gaze actually makes me feel a little self-conscious. I'm not sure what's happening here, but I don't like it.

"Is that okay, Beauté?" Cash's voice breaks me out of my reverie and I look around to see everyone is waiting for my reply. I was so focused on his eyes that I hadn't even realized his mouth was moving.

"I'm sorry what?" I bring my thumbnail to my mouth.

Cash chuckles. "I just need speak with you for a moment. Privately. If you can." I nod and gesture for him to lead the way. We end up outside standing next to his car. I lean against it and cross my arms over my chest, trying to put a small barrier between the two of us. The swampy Louisiana air is less stifling at night.

I'm not quite sure why the dynamic between us seems to be shifting. One part of my brain associates the awkwardness with Cash getting a peak into what my life outside of school and Liz is. The other, tells me that this change has been a long time coming.

My mild attraction to Cash surprises even me. I've only ever had one boyfriend and it didn't last long or get very physical so Liz says it doesn't count. It's not really that I'm not interested in boys it just seems that none of them have been able to catch my attention enough to slack on my grades any. I wouldn't call myself a nerd but, I do think that school is important. It sets a precedent for the future. I reside in the top 20% of my class and I might be popular if I could keep my mouth shut and had more money.

Cash walks towards me with his hands in the front pockets of his shorts.

"So what's up?" I ask. Cash runs a hand through his thick black hair before his piercing gaze lands on me.

"I need you to do me the favor of a lifetime." He starts. I feel a smirk creep onto my lips at the same time my chest tightens in anticipation.

"This sounds like it's going to cost you." I quip, trying to lighten the mood. Cash actually snorts in response.

"Yes...I realize..." He mutters before sighing again. This time he walks closer to me. I stiffen a little.

He reaches out to me and pulls my arms away from my chest. The simple action, not only makes me feel completely exposed, but also sets little tingles of warmth over my arms where he touches them.