Page 36 of Sugar Coated Secrets

I snort.

“This place is secure,” he says, his arm still around my shoulder. “Walled in like a fortress. Gated. Cameras. The works. You’re safe from everything but me.” He winks.

I roll my eyes and exhale a deep breath, letting the scents, sounds, and beauty of the nature around us seep in. “The off-road vehicle seems like it might be fun.”

“Yeah?” He smiles, whiskey eyes glinting with surprise, and gives my shoulder a squeeze. “I’ll take you on it sometime.”

A grin pulls at my lips. I’ve been here ten or fifteen minutes and already I feel less stressed. Like I’m where I belong. I don’t need to live in the city—that was Dash’s priority. I can do marketing for my stepdad’s business from anywhere. I’ll be working while I’m here, and I’ll be more productive because I won’t be wondering if I’m being watched.

We enter through tall glass doors into a two-story great room that opens to the kitchen, dining area, and a bar, each with a view of the lake. The black, wood, and stone materials give it a sleek, masculine feel. Blankets, pillows, and rugs soften the space with what can only be a designer’s touch. The coolest feature is the staircase. The steps appear to float up to the landing on the second floor, which has a modern railing overlooking the great room. The inside screams luxury.

“Does it meet your approval?” Easton watches me take it all in.

“It’s very different from the main house.” Traditional plantation style fits the estate’s exterior, and there’s Everleigh’s relaxed, cozy décor on the inside. “Did Daire help design it?”

Easton frowns. “Daire? No.”

That upset him? “It’s just a question.” I make my tone light and breezy.

“Why would you ask it?” He traipses to the large fridge and gets a beer.

“It reminds me of his penthouse in the city, that’s all.”

“That place is cold and lacks warmth. This has rustic stone, lots of wood, and views of nature.” He gestures to the trees and lake with the beer bottle. “Want one?”

“No, thanks.” I survey the room again and realize the accent colors are all navy, Easton’s favorite. “You did this.”

“My faith in you is restored.” He disappears into the foyer and returns with something tucked under his arm.

“Detective Pickles!” I rush over and take his cage. “Thank you.”

He grins and sips his beer before setting it on a nearby table. “Want to see your room?”

I nod excitedly and follow him up the stairs. We stop on the second floor. Easton points down a split hallway. “My room is at the end. The other two guest rooms are to the left. You’re welcome to use either of them if you don’t like the loft.”

“I’m sure I’ll like it.”

We go up one more set of stairs to another landing and a set of open double doors. The bedroom has the same wood floors, but the color scheme is all cream, forcing your gaze to the balcony and incredible view. I gasp and walk toward it.

“Easton, why isn’t this your room?”

I can’t imagine his is nicer.

He shrugs. “I didn’t even consider it. I just took the main bedroom.”

For someone who lives carefree and disregards most rules, he follows certain ones without question. I imagine that’s the spare to the heir coming out and his inherent take-what-he’s-given mentality.

I set Detective Pickles’s cage on the dresser on the way to the balcony. Easton opens the door and I step outside, breathing in the crisp, cool, pine scented air.

He joins me. “You like it?”

“I love it. This is how I would like to live. I wouldn’t need a house this big. A cozy cottage with a lake view and a fireplace would keep me happy.”

Easton’s brows knit together as he stares at me. “Really?”

“You sound surprised.” I grip the wooden railing and scan the tall trees. “Why do you think I have so many house plants? I love nature. But who needs indoor plants when you have all of this?” Not that his place couldn’t use some succulents.

“Hmm.” He scratches the light scruff on his chin.

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