Page 49 of Sugar Coated Lies
She lays her delicate hand between us.
Is it an invitation? Her way of seeing if
I feel what she feels—if I want what she wants? I do.
Slowly, I extend my arm and graze her wrist and palm with my fingertips.
Sparks explode between us like embers in a raging fire. I’ve never felt anything like it.
Her breath catches, her molten gaze on mine, her desire almost tangible in the air. She licks her lips again and slides her other hand up to cover her breast. It seems unintentional, but it’s sign enough.
Shedoeswant me as badly as I want her. I bet she’d let me take her here, willingly. I’d make it enjoyable for us both, but I know her well enough to know she’d regret this weak liquor-fueled moment. And if I’m honest, I’d feel the same—though my desire has nothing to do with alcohol. It’s existed all along. I’ve just pretended it didn’t.
“Everleigh,” I whisper, her name echoing inside me like a siren’s call.
“Daire,” she murmurs, her voice husky, her gaze locked on mine.
Reasoning leaves me. I roll onto my side, about to pull her to me and kiss her senseless, when laughter in the distance stops me cold.
Easton. The voice that follows belongs to Tennie.Saved by my brother and my ex.
I hop to my feet and help Everleigh to hers. She feels too good in my arms, her lithe body soft and nimble. So ready.
“Where are we going?” she whispers, her smile eager, sexy, and killing me.
“Easton is coming…with Tennie.”
That steals the desire and heat from her eyes. She straightens and glances around, cautiously.
I make sure she’s steady before letting her go and then quickly put on my socks and shoes. My feet are damp, but I don’t want them to know what I was doing. Easton would read into it, and Tennie would make Everleigh her favorite target.
“You were right, Easton,” Tennie says. “They went to the lake.”
I act casual as I shuffle toward them and away from Everleigh. “Hey. What are you guys doing?”
“We should ask you the same.” Tennessee’s eyes narrow on Everleigh.
“You look lovely tonight,” Everleigh says to Tennie, her cool composure impressive.
“Thank you.” She inspects Everleigh’s dress. “You look…cute.” Her tone implies her true feelings.
Tennie has always been a little snotty. It comes from being raised with privilege, wealth, and encouraging parents. However, I’ve never wanted to chastise her more than I do right now. I glare at Easton, who appears to share my same sentiment.
“How kind of you,” Everleigh replies and lets out a faint humorless laugh as she fetches her shoes from where she left them near the bench swing.
“I’m sorry.” Tennie steps on the deck, her heels covered in grass and dirt. “I didn’t catch what you were doing out here.”
“Leaving.” I glance at Everleigh. “We were just leaving, right?”
“I have to get home, actually,” she says, to my disappointment.
I wanted more time with her, but I understand why she has to go.
“Come on. I’ll walk you out.” I raise my hand toward her.
“Aren’t you sweet, if not doting?” Tennie stands with her arms crossed, her small gold purse clutched in her fist.
“Stop it.” Easton glares at Tennie. “You’re being a baby. Daire wouldn’t touch an employee. He’s too by-the-book, you know.” He winks at me from behind Tennie’s back.
