Page 28 of Sugar

“But you’re a big shot lawyer to all the bigger shots,” I said, using Greer’s words. I gestured around us. “And clearly you aren’t doing it pro bono.”

That amusement lit his dark eyes again at my words. “But I still have a say in which bigger shots I’m bilking.”

I wasn’t insinuating he was taking advantage of or overcharging his clients. Just like I hadn’t actually been implying he was a nepo baby.

I should’ve clarified that, but when I opened my mouth, it was to blurt, “What controlling reason did you have for not wanting to work for Mayor Daniels?”

Easton leaned back, and his brows rose.

Oh hell.

Chapter 5

Thorough

MADDIE

Ihadn’t meant to comeat him in an antagonistic way. It was a fluff piece, not an investigative exposé. But I was dying to dig into the mystery of Easton Wells, and that zealousness came out in my nosy question.

If I didn’t back off, he could cut the interview, and I would have to return to Joel with my tail between my legs. That wasn’t something I was eager to do—period—but especially not with a softball assignment.

“Mr. Wells,” I started, though I hadn’t landed on whether to apologize for overstepping or move on with a bland question from my list.

It didn’t matter. His eyes narrowed, and a muscle at his jaw ticked, taking away my ability to form any words.

My mouth opened and closed like one of the guppies in the lobby.

I was saved from floundering when June waltzed into the room, carrying a paper bag. “Please, for my sake, call him Easton.”

I returned my focus to the man opposite me just in time to watch his expression smooth out. He held eye contact with me for a few long moments before eventually lifting his chin. “Easton is fine.”

Why do I get the feeling it very much so isnot?

“If he and his overinflated ego get used to being referred to as Mr. Wells, he might make it mandatory. And I’m too young to retire, but I would if that was the case.”

“Yes. God forbid you show any respect for the man who signs your paycheck,” he said in that deadpan way that made me want to smile. I bit it back since I wasn’t sure if he was actually joking, and I didn’t want to make things awkward.

I’d already done that enough.

June must’ve known it was bluster because she rolled her eyes at him as she set the bag on the table and began unpacking it. “Technically, I sign my own check since I sign off on the direct deposit payroll.”

“And that money comes from…?”

“The best boss in the world, Mr. Wells,” she said with a saccharine smile.

He gave her a blank stare. “If you’re done.”

“For now.” She gave me her attention. “Let me know if you need more cream or sweetener.”

As she walked from the room, I finally looked down at what she’d set in front of me. A molasses cookie peeked out from the little white bag with the emblem of Coastal’s café on it. The plastic cup next to it was only half iced beverage. The other half was fluffy whipped cream.

When I simply eyed the drink, he asked, “Was my intel wrong?”

I pushed the straw in and took a sip, the familiar taste of espresso, sweet cream, and toasted marshmallow coating my tongue. I smiled despite my nervously flipping stomach. “It’s perfect, thank you. I didn’t realize the café delivered.”

That would’ve saved me so much precious time during exhausting cram sessions.

“They don’t,” Easton said.