Page 37 of Sugar Coated Lies
His eyes round at my reaction. “Careful, you might give me the wrong impression—that you want her to yourself.”
“I don’t date employees.” I force myself to calm down and raise my brows to Tennie. “I hope you aren’t harassing my employees. I know you. I’ve seen you in action. If I hear you’ve said or done something to make Everleigh uncomfortable, I will have you escorted from the property.”
“You can’t kick me out.” She crosses her arms, looking like a child who’s upset about not getting her way.
“I can and I will.”
Her lips pucker into a tight scowl and her breath puffs from her in hot waves. “I don’t have to take this.” She stomps from the office.
Easton stands.
“Where are you going?
“You may have just pissed her off enough to retaliate against Everleigh, and I like that girl too much to have Tennie do or say things that will hurt her feelings, so I’m going to make sure Tennie is distracted until she calms down, and then I’m taking her to the estate.”
My jaw falls with my shock. “That is the most mature thing I’ve heard you say in a while.”
“Maybe you’re not listening hard enough. I say mature things all the time.” He grins and leaves the room.
I shake my head, even as I feel a smile form. Easton is a good guy. I might not have gotten through to him about college, but I believe my point about Everleigh got through. I like that he’s looking out for her.
An email alert from the PI shows on my laptop.
Still looking into everything. I’ll let you know when I get some solid information.
It’s only been a few days. He needs time, I tell myself. It does nothing to ease my nerves.
My phone rings. It’s Benedict, which makes my shoulders tense more.
Normally, I would ignore him at a time like this, but I need to know if he suspects I’m looking into him.
“Hey.”
“I’m bored.”
“Go to work.”
“Iamat work.”
That could be translated asI’m in the office my father gave me at the country club, watching people golf through the windows.
“Is that why you called?”
“You’re in a shit mood. Who's got your balls in a vise grip?”
“Easton,” I lie as an excuse. He knows my issues with my brother in the past, always bailing him out of trouble.
“Still slacking but living the good life?”
Something Benedict knows all about. I laugh. “Pretty much.”
“Sorry, man. Makes me damn thankful I don’t have a younger brother.”
Like he can talk. I grunt in agreement, continuing the ruse. “I can’t wait to get back to Atlanta.”
“Say the word and I’ll join you.”
“I thought you were golfing with my family next week.”
