Page 103 of Sugar

Without thought, I rested my hand on Easton’s knee as I leaned closer to explain, “They’re new.”

“I gathered.” When I moved my hand, it was his turn to close the minimal distance between us. His lips nearly brushed my ear when he demanded, “Put your hand back on me, Madeline.”

I immediately obeyed and was rewarded with a squeeze.

Could this night get any better?

Easton dropped his arm from around me to rest his hand on my leg. Unlike mine, though, he positioned his high up my thigh. He absent-mindedly toyed with the hem of my dress, and his fingertips skimmed my skin.

Yes.

Yes, it can.

Chapter 21

Fuck It

EASTON

Leaving Hank Wilkin’s engagement partyafter the first course had been a stupid as hell business decision. The ex-goalie turned sports broadcaster had his iron in a lot of different fires that would be profitable for both of us. If he’d taken my abrupt exit as a slight, that would change. Beyond that, the place had been loaded with potential VIP clients I should’ve spent the night socializing with.

Instead, I’d left a party that was set to have an exclusive spread in a magazine to go to the shittiest bar I’d ever stepped foot in.

I didn’t regret a thing.

For one, I’d left my date behind to make connections in my place.

I was good at what I did. I didn’t lay it on heavy with promises I couldn’t keep. I presented myself with the confidence I knew I could back up, and people responded well to it.

But June was better. She was a people person who could charm and network without coming across as disingenuous.

Mostly, though, I didn’t regret it because I got to spend the night with a drunken Maddie. Watching her laugh with her friends. Feeling her frequent touches.

As we stood out on the sidewalk and waited for her friends, she kept her front pressed to my side. Her cheek rubbed against my chest as she tilted her head back to look at me. “I’m just going to ride home with them.”

“No,” I said.

That should’ve been answer enough, but she was too tipsy to catch my tone or remember the rules. Her brows lowered. “But we live in the same building. It seems silly for you to also drive all the way?—”

“What did I say, Madeline?”

She pressed her lips together.

“Smart girl.”

Greer and Wren chose that moment to join us. They eyed the waiting town car, but it was Greer who frowned. “Are you sure this is okay?” She gestured to where Vic waited. “He looks irritated at being dragged out at this hour.”

“That’s just his face,” Maddie explained, and she wasn’t wrong.

“It’s fine,” I said, happy to pay his late-night rate rather than send them home in the rideshare they’d planned to order. Especially since it would just be the two of them. Wren’s boyfriend had tapped out after nearly falling asleep at the table.

And I had plans for Maddie.

“He’s also got strict orders to take you both to the drive-thru of your choice,” I added. “Or drive-thrus. Go wild.”

They didn’t need to be told twice. With one last extended goodbye, they took off. I kept my hold tight on a suddenly silent Maddie as we headed to my car.

Once we were inside, she again let her curiosity loose. “Why don’t you want me to ride home with them?”