Page 58 of Sugar

I was stupid. Like, literally the biggest dumbass to walk the earth. Because despite the mortification I’d just experienced, that stupid rush of desire tangled with a surge of hope. I worked to keep my voice even, but it came out airy and barely above a whisper. “Then what’s it for?”

“A date.”

Chapter 12

Guppy

MADDIE

Easton stood upright and tooka step back, giving me room to breathe. “Technically multiple.”

He wants to date me?

But of course that wasn’t it. “I have a calendar full of social engagements, and they’re a nightmare to attend as a single man. You’ll accompany me.”

That sounded like a disaster—and not only for my bruised ego and the unrequited crush I harbored. If I didn’t belong in Gilded—a place where everyone seemed accepting or at least nonjudgmental—I certainly didn’t belong at whatever upper echelon events he was invited to. Even with my privileged upbringing, I wasn’t the kind of person who would be invited to dinners with the mayor.

People would talk, that much I knew.

Misreading my silence as uncertainty, Easton sweetened a deal that already benefited me too much. “It’ll be good networking. You’ll make connections.”

There were only a few things he could’ve said to pique my interest through my self-preservation, and that was pretty damn high on the list. “That seems like payment enough, so you can keep your money.”

“No.”

“You can’t just say no. You’re a lawyer. You’re supposed to negotiate.”

“I’m also a tyrant, remember? The payment is non-negotiable.”

“Okay, then let’s discuss a decrease.”

“No.”

“Some dinners are not worth what you?—”

“You underestimate how annoying single women and conniving matchmakers can be at these events.”

I thought about what he proposed. The business arrangement he was suggesting.

“Give me tomorrow night at least,” he said when I remained silent. If I didn’t know better, I would think there was a hint of pleading that lined his words. “If you hate it, the contract will be terminated. If it works, we’ll review the terms.”

“What’s tomorrow?”

“A fundraiser dinner.” There was a weighty pause before he lifted his hand to run his thumb along one side of his jaw. “Unless you’re busy.”

If I was smart, I would’ve taken that out. Claimed to be busy, blocked his number, and moved on with my life.

But if I was smart, I also wouldn’t have been there in the first place.

“I’m available.” I held up my index finger. “But if it doesn’t work, the contract is terminated,andthe money is returned.”

The last part would be happening regardless, I just needed to figure out how.

“You drive a hard bargain.” He held out a hand.

I accepted it with a firm shake. “I could say the same about you, Tyrant.”

He kept hold of my hand for a few beats before releasing it. Once I stepped away from the wall, he pressed his palm to my back, and another wave of disappointment crashed over me.