LOVE IS AN ACTION

Chapter 4 Part 2

Once again I let my own pride get in the way of my rationale. I was just so tired of Marley and her talking down to me that I had finally had enough. I wanted to prove to her, and anyone else who thought I was below them, that I could get someone like Cash. Even if they weren't aware of the terms of our relationship. Still, remembering how I reacted to Cash reminds me that I am not as inaccessible to him as I had once imagined. I can do this and keep my distance. I have to.

I try to calm my jittery stomach with deep breaths. Now that we're here all of this is becoming more real for me; too many questions and thoughts are running through my brain. Additionally, I'm not sure that I can handle Cash rubbing against me —much less kissing me — and be able to keep my barriers up. In my heart it may be harder than I thought to keep this imaginary relationship just that.

"Khloe...?" I look over at Liz who has a small knowing smile on her face. "I still don't agree with this craziness. And I know what Cash is asking of you is a lot. But be yourself...follow his lead. If you can't handle it, that's fine too. All of the power to stop this is in your hands if you need it." I feel a smile creep onto my face. I am so lucky to have a friend like Liz in my life.

"Thanks Liz. I don't think I'd be able to pull this off without you." She grins in response.

"Of course you wouldn't. Now come on, we have an old lady to peeve." She jokes as she climbs out of her car.

I had been so lost in La-La Land that I had not even noticed we were parked in front of the entrance until I reached for my door handle to get out. The estate has to be at least three stories. Cool gray and blue paint covers the walls and bright white shuttered panels line the windows, chimney and surround the red doors. Large white pillars stretch from the base of the residence. There is a beautiful garden that sits on either side of the mansion. Trees and other shrubbery enclose the entire space and partially hide the three car garage doors. Three large black vehicles sit in front of the garages.

"Wow." I say as I step out of the car onto the gravelly driveway and follow Liz up the stairs to the front porch.

We are greeted by some housekeeper who introduces himself as Jaque and is readily appalled by my ensemble but, remains polite none the less.

Jaque gestures for us to follow him. I can't help but glance around as we walk through the halls to get to Cash. All of the fixtures are so elegant. My entire apartment could fit in this house a hundred times over. There are also a few tall, beefy men in black suits standing and sitting around the room to the side of the foyer. I assume I wasn't paying enough attention because soon I run gob smack into a chest. Lean arms catch me before I can hit the ground and I open my eyes to see a very amused Cash looking down at me.

"I knew you'd fall for me eventually." He breathes. I let the smell of his sweet, warm breath wash over my face. Then I realize what he said. Jerk.

I glare as I push for him to let me go or stand up. He does, pulling me along with him and I look him over to see what he is wearing as I put distance between us to compose myself. He is rather relaxed in what looks to be old Levi's and a red button down.

I'm so used to seeing Cash in our school uniform that I have to stop and appreciate his dressed down attire a bit longer before collecting myself.

"I am unsure if this ensemble is too perfect." I roll my eyes as I huff out a breath, trying to restrain my attraction to him. I swear this has been easy for the past year. He proposes to me and suddenly I can't control the fascination I feel for him.

"How is this going to work if we can't even agree on the outfit I choose to displease your grandmother?" I whisper, crossing my arms over my chest which Cash stares at for a beat too long. "Hello?" I snap my fingers in front of his face and he shakes his head, bringing him back to the present.