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  “I thought she would be out here on the next flight to see you and it’s almost been two months and nothing. Just give me her phone number and I’ll tell her what a tease I think she is.”

  “No!” he shouted, jumping up from his seat. “You won’t ever call Rachelle names again. We both got caught up in the passion that night and it almost led to us having sex. I was as much a part of it as her. She didn’t tease me or offer me something then back out at the last minute.”

  “I still don’t see how you can keep defending her, but you aren’t a quitter. You will stick with something until you don’t see anything else that can be done with it. So, when are you going to give up on Rachelle and move on?”

  Sitting back down in his chair, Cash slid closer to the desk. “I don’t see any reason to give up on her. Rachelle is a very busy woman and so am I. She might not be able to get away to come and see me, but I haven’t given up hope. “She will come to see me, so I will just have to be patient and wait. In the meantime, I have to finish up this article I’ve been working on and get it submitted to my editor. It’s due today and I can’t miss it. It has taken me too long to get this job and I want to get more assignments from this magazine.”

  Sighing, Gerald shook his head at him. “I don’t get you sometimes. You fight so hard for some things in your life and other times you sit back and allow the chips to fall where they may. What happened to the reporter in you? You used to go out and hunt for stories while letting nothing stand in your way. Where did that guy go?”

  Cash knew he had changed some since meeting Rachelle and he wasn’t upset by the new him. In fact, he liked this side of himself much more than the other person he had become over the years.

  “Gerald, I changed and I believe it was for the better. I like the man I’ve become. The new man is someone I can see with any woman.”

  “Don’t you mean Rachelle?”

  “Yes, I do. I will never forget how she looked at me like I was something she had found on the bottom of her shoe. I don’t want to see that disappointment in her eyes again.”

  “How are you so sure that she is going to come to you?” his brother asked. “She might have moved on with another man by now. You never know.”

  He glanced at the computer screen and then back at his brother. “I know that I can get Rachelle to come to me. I walked away from her to become a man. So, it’s up to her to see the new me. If she doesn’t, then I will have to get over her and move on.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  A month later…

  The door eased open as a head peeked around the corner to see the woman staring blindly out the office window. A worried expression was etched across her pretty face as she nibbled at her bottom lip. Sasha thought about going inside the room, but before she could take one step Akisha’s hand wrapped her around her arm and pulled her back into the hallway, then softly closed Rachelle’s office door.

  “What are you doing?” Akisha hissed, dragging her sister away from the door so their sister wouldn’t hear them. “I thought all three of us agreed to leave her alone for the next couple of days.”

  Sasha jerked her arm away. “How can you think about not talking to her? Have you seen how withdrawn she’s been since Cash left? I mean, she’s like a totally different person. She hasn’t complained about how several guests cancelled their reservations. You know how much Rachelle hates things changing at the last minute.”

  “I know, but what can we do about it?” Akisha asked. “We don’t know how to get in touch with Cash. Hell, I didn’t think she would act like this after only knowing him for a day and a half. It’s just isn’t like her at all.”

  “You need to give our sister a break. We are both in love with men who want nothing to do with us. Ethan doesn’t want you and Sterling isn’t interested in me at all. At least Rachelle met a man who wanted her after one look. Who are we to say they can’t make something special out of it? Haven’t you heard about people falling in love with each other after only a week of dating?”

  “Yeah, a week, but Rachelle and Cash weren’t around each other a week,” her sister pointed out to her.

  “I know that, but it doesn’t matter what we think. It’s all about Rachelle. I wasn’t on board with Cash, either, until I got this in the mail today,” Sasha said, holding up a magazine in her hand.

  “What is that?” Akisha asked, grabbing the glossy magazine away from her.

  “It’s something for Rachelle, but she hasn’t been interested in reading any mail lately so I opened it. Go to the marked page and read the article.”

  “Why?”

  “God, will you stop being so damn difficult all of the time and just do it?” Sasha snapped.

  Glaring at her, Akisha flipped the magazine open to the marked page and read it. After a few minutes, her stunned eyes darted up to her sister’s. “I can’t believe this. Does she even know about this?”

  “No, there was a note included with but I didn’t read it. I have it in my pocket to give to her. Do you think I should do it?”

  “Yes, give it to her. Rachelle has to know about this.” Akisha handed her the magazine and pushed her towards the closed office door. “Go and give it to her. I’ll take care of the front desk while you’re gone.” Spinning around, her sister hurried around the corner out of sight.

  Holding the magazine against her chest, Sasha raised her hand to knock but dropped it. She was worried about what would happen once her sister read the article in this magazine. She didn’t want to make Rachelle feel any worse than she already was, but this might be the push she needed to make a decision about Cash. She couldn’t keep this from her because it wouldn’t be right. Raising her hand, she knocked once and waited for her sister to answer.

  ****

  Rachelle stared out the window but her eyes really weren’t seeing what was in front of her. The memories of her loving mother warmed her heart. Her mama never allowed her to feel any less loved after the triplets were born, but it had been hard for her to understand when she was so young.

  God, she wished her mother was here now to talk about this situation concerning Cash, but she wasn’t. She needed all of the comfort her mother’s wonderful advice gave to her.

  As they grew up, her mama constantly made sure they got her own special time. She couldn’t believe how fast time had flown by since her little sisters were born. She hadn’t thought about any of this in years.

  A tiny smile pulled at the corner of her mouth as she remembered one time her mother had taken care of Akisha’s diaper. She came right back out and shared some quality time with her. They had even gone outside in the backyard and played while her sisters had taken their naps.

  “I guess Mama was right,” she said to herself. “I started taking care of Sasha, Akisha, and Genise when I was eight years old. I’m still doing it now and they’re in their twenties.”

  Moving away from the window, Rachelle strolled around the room taking in her accomplishments as a sense of tremendous gratification swelled inside her chest. For years, she had rolled around the idea of having a high-end inn for people to stay in for a week, two weeks, or longer if they were willing to pay for it.

  Right here was where she had wanted to be for as long as she could remember. It had taken her a while, but after a lot of prayers and along with a lot of hard work, she was living her dream to the fullest. Yet, why did she feel so alone?

  Success was a good thing, but not when she didn’t have anyone to share it with, and she wanted someone to tell all about her days. Working at Luxury used to be everything for her until a handsome man walked through the front door over a month ago and captivated her.

  Cash made her feel young, free, and sexy all at the same time. She didn’t feel like Rachelle Williams, the caretaker of her three little adult sisters, but an attractive woman who could actually have fun without worrying about the consequences coming to her after it was over.

  She loved to work, but there were times when it seemed like her
job at Luxury became more important to her than having a relationship. She had lost a lot of good guys in the past because she got too wrapped up in certain projects.

  The guys felt like they stayed on the sidelines, waiting for a little bit of attention from her. However, Cash got all of her focus for the short time he spent in her company and she just let him walk out the door. How could she have been so dumb?

  All of these churning emotions were so new for her, and almost kind of awkward. It had never been like this before with another man and it was almost embarrassing. Cash captured her heart so fast and she feared if she gave in so quickly to him, he might think she was inadequate in some way.

  A knock at the door drew her thoughts away from Cash. Rachelle glanced over her shoulder and thought about not answering it. But, she knew one of her sisters was on the other side and none of them would leave without talking to her first. They were all too stubborn to take a hint, so she might as well get it over with.

  “Come in,” she said, walking over to a chair and sitting down.

  The door opened and Sasha walked through in holding a magazine in her right hand. She watched as her sister shut the door, took a seat across from her, and gave her a tiny smile.

  “How are things going with you?” her sister asked.

  “I’m good, just thinking about the past when we were kids,” Rachelle answered, leaning forward in her seat. “Why are you here? I thought you were going to work a few hours and head to your other job. Is Akisha not here, do you need me to come out and work the front desk?”

  Sasha shook her head. “No, Akisha is here. She’s working the front desk because I had to come back here to talk to you about something.”

  “What is it?”

  “Have you made a decision about Cash yet? I mean, it has been over a month and you haven’t even called him. Don’t you think you have allowed too much time to pass?”

  “Sasha, I don’t want to talk about Cash with you. So, if you came into my office for that reason, you need to leave,” Rachelle said.

  “Fine, I’ll go, but first I have something to give you.” Her sister held out the magazine for her to take.

  Rachelle looked at the Inns and Hotels magazine before taking it from her sister. This was one of the best guides for the hottest places to stay in the country. She had been trying to get in it for months. Why was Sasha giving her a copy of it?”

  “Why do I need this?” she asked.

  “Open to the marked page and you will have your questions answered,” Sasha said, standing up. “If you’re still having a hard time making a decision about Cash, I think this will clear it all up for you. Remember, it’s time for you to live your life and not worry so much about Akisha, Genise, or me.”

  Her sister turned away from her and walked across the carpet. She paused, then glanced back over her shoulder one last time before spinning around and going out the door.

  Rachelle held the thick magazine in her hands before opening it up to the page marked with a yellow clip tab. She noticed the white envelope on the inside and her name written across the front in a familiar handwriting. Placing the magazine down on the table next to her, Rachelle opened the card and started reading the note.

  Rachelle,

  Hi sweetheart,

  I know this note might come as a surprise to you, but I have been thinking about you so much this past month. I was hoping you would get in touch with me, but after two weeks passed I started to see you weren’t going to make the first move. It was then I knew I had to do something to get you back into my life.

  I told you before I left that I quit my job and was going to find a new one because I needed something more fulfilling to do with my time. Guess what, I found one. It’s the best thing that has happened to me. I hope you will be pleased with it as much as I am.

  The magazine I sent you has a lot to do with my new career. I got my first assignment last month and I didn’t have to think twice what I would write about. I hope you like it and I want you to know that I haven’t given up on us.

  I want you now as much as I did a month ago, but come to me. However, I should let you know this will be the last time I will make the first move. The next part of our relationship is left up to you…

  Cash

  Picking up the magazine, Rachelle flipped it back open to the marked page and started reading the article.

  Luxury is beyond simple comfort

  Written by Cash Garon

  After staying at Luxury in Hook, Texas, I have been ruined for any other hotels, motels, or inns. I was amazed at the beauty and attention to décor this small, yet charming hotel offered to its guests. The rooms are beautiful, cozy, and comfortable. Rachelle Williams, the owner, couldn’t do enough to make sure that I had everything that I needed while I was there. Luxury is conveniently located right outside of town, yet you feel like you are right in the heart of the city.

  This is a five-star you can book for very reasonable rates if you ever get a chance to visit Hook for a vacation. You should definitely check out this family-owned business. Luxury will be one place you will hate to leave once your vacation is over.

  Blinking back tears, Rachelle reread the review that Cash had written about Luxury. Every word he wrote was filled with praise at her abilities in running a savvy, smart business while giving her guests the relaxing time they paid for. Did Cash realize he just gave her a five-star review in one of the most read travel publications in the world?

  The more she thought about it, Rachelle couldn’t believe she ever doubted the sincerity of Cash’s words before he left. Instead of getting upset when she told him that she needed some space to think about them being together, Cash had taken his time away from her and composed this outstanding article.

  Rachelle was hurtled back to Earth as reality struck her. She could no longer deny the truth. She might not have wanted to admit it to Cash then, but she couldn’t lie any longer. Her own insecurities kept her from following her heart. She wanted to be with Cash forever. The night she spent with him made her realize her own needs, and it scared her so much that she pushed him away. Her feelings for him had nothing to do with reason, but she didn’t want to let them go.

  Well, she was done being a coward. Cash just proved how much he cared about her and now it was her turn to show him how much it meant to her.

  Jumping up from her seat, Rachelle felt her pulse leap with excitement as she rushed towards her office door. She couldn’t stay away from Cash any longer. She would get on the next flight to California as fast as she could.

  She shouldn’t have taken him for granted. Now, it was left up to her to right her mistake for it was too late. Rachelle only prayed that she hadn’t waited too long to tell Cash how much she cared about him.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Niven, California….

  Standing in front of Cash’s condo door, Rachelle raised her hand to knock then dropped it down again as her nerves took over. How could she do this? What was she supposed to tell him after not being into touch with him for over a month?

  Yes, he had sent her the article along with the beautiful handwritten note, but admitting how wrong she was would be hard. She wasn’t used to going after a man and putting her emotions out there for him to accept.

  “Rachelle, is that you?”

  Turning away from the door, Rachelle locked eyes with Cash, who was standing behind her wearing a running shorts and a green t-shirt. He pulled the plugs out of his ears and slipped them into the front pocket of his shorts. Must his every movement remind her of his sexual attractiveness?

  “Hi, Cash,” she answered, suddenly nervous.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked, stepping closer to her. “I didn’t think you were ever going to show up.”

  “I came to see you. Do you think we can talk?”

  Cash looked at her as if he were weighing the question. Rachelle began to wonder if there was anything she could do to get Cash to let her inside of his condo. They needed to t
alk and she wasn’t going anywhere until they did.

  A glint of hope came into his eyes as he closed the distance between their bodies. “Yes. Let me unlock the door and you can come inside,” Cash answered as he slid around her and unlocked the door. Going inside, he held it open and waited for her to join him.

  Once she got into his condo, he slammed the door behind her, making her jump a little. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he apologized. “I’m just so surprised that you’re actually standing in front of me.”

  “How could I not come after the magazine article and note?” Tossing his keys down on the table by the front door, he removed the ear buds along with the iPod from his shorts. Cash slowly came towards her until they were within touching distance of her body.

  He slowly ran his hand down her bare arm. “Is that the only reason you came hundreds of miles to see me, sweetheart? I mean, you could have left me a message on my answering machine about the article.”

  “No, it’s more. I have more to tell you.”

  “What is it?”

  His hands rested on her arms, causing her skin to tingle. The warmth of his calloused fingers were intoxicating as an electric shock scorched through her body. Passion mingled with love pounded through her blood as she stared into Cash’s eyes.

  “I tried to stay away because none of this made any sense to me. I never thought it was possible to fall for someone as fast I did you. I was raised to believe love came after dating for months or even years, but it wasn’t that away with you. I knew you were doing something to me the second I saw you walk through the doors at Luxury.

  “Yet, after our first kiss, I…”

  “Tell me,” Cash whispered, brushing his mouth over hers.

  His kiss was slow, thoughtful, like he had all the time in the world to wait for her words. Raising his mouth from hers, he gazed into her eyes and everything felt so right between them, but she needed to tell Cash how she felt.