Page 78 of Sugar Coated Secrets

“That’s what besties are for,” he teases.

I giggle. “I’ve never had a bestie like you.”

“Me neither.”

“Does Everleigh know? I don’t want her to worry.”

“Daire is going to tell her when he gets back to the estate. I’m sure she’ll call after he does.”

“I’m sure, too.” I sigh. “I hate that I’m putting you all through this. It isn’t fair.”

“You didn’t ask for it to happen. And if you leave now, Everleigh will be even more worried.”

“True.” I don’t want that.

“I guess we can’t go on our picnic.” I move from his embrace and sit up.

“We can’t let this ruin our fun. That’s what stalkers want. To make you uncomfortable. I think we should go and have so much fun we don’t even think about him.” He takes me by the chin and tips my head, so I meet his eyes. “You will be safe. No one can get you there or here or when you’re with me. Understand?”

I don’t answer.

“Yes, Easton.” He mimics my voice. “I understand. Thank you for your protection and for being so hot. It turns me on.”

I laugh, despite my grim mood.

“I’ll make you forget,” he whispers, his gaze dark and seductive.

That, I believe.

Chapter 22

Sadie

I stand in the back of the country farm store in the café section, waiting for Millie to return from the kitchen.

“Here you go.” She hands me a medium-sized picnic basket with handles.

“Thank you.” The basket isn’t too heavy, but I can tell it’s filled. “You spoil him, you know?”

“I know,” she says with a sad smile. “He deserves it.”

The sadness makes me curious. But first I need to make sure Easton is still upstairs with Daire. He went up to his office to get the pictures. I don’t see him so they must still be talking.

Quickly, I turn to Millie, who’s wiping off the counter. “You sounded sad when you said Easton ‘deserves it.’”

She stops cleaning and gives me a sympathetic grin. “He’s always been a bit of a loner, surrounded by many but always alone in here.” She touches her heart. “He’s different with you. It makes me happy to see that. I’m glad he has you.”

If I think about it, she’s right. Easton has many friends—both women and men—he has many bed partners, but even with all that, he’s private. He shares his carefree and flirty side, but nothing else. He’s slowly opened up to me over the year, but after living with him, I’m seeing so much more. He’s generous and protective. He’s thoughtful and honest. Such admirable qualities, and I can tell he doesn’t consider himself to have them. He wants to impress Daire so badly with his business idea, but I think it’s more. I think he wants his brother’s approval, his parents even, because he’s never had it. And that’s sad.

“I’m glad I have him, too,” I say. “He’s special.”

She tilts her head, her grin tender. “He is.”

“Thanks again.” I raise the basket and carry it to a table in the café so I can text him.

I find a missed text.

Everleigh: Just checking to make sure you’re still okay.

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