Page 69 of Sugar

“Same. Does that mean that’s the answer?”

“No, it means it’s a stupid-as-shit word for usually stupid-as-shit people.”

“Is this a bad time to mention my very popular social media presence?”

“You don’t even post yourself on Instagram.”

I reared back so far, I would’ve hit my head on the window if the car wasn’t so spacious.

“How do you know that?” I stupidly asked.

“Thorough.”

“Right.” I glanced at my lap then back to him. “Wait, do you have an Instagram?”

His slow blink was answer enough.

“Right,” I repeated. Unsure what to do with the knowledge he’d cyber researched me, I moved on. “Okay, but you still didn’t answer my question about your client.”

“I can tell you one thing.”

“Yes?”

“We’re here,” he said just as the car slowed to a stop.

“I need to stop falling for that.”

His quiet chuckle grew louder at my disgruntled muttering.

Chapter 14

Greedy

MADDIE

Easton let himself out, butwhen I reached for my handle, it disappeared as the door was pulled open. I didn’t get the chance to climb out before my not-date offered me his hand. Once I was standing, he used his hold to tuck my arm into the crook of his and started for the entrance.

The gray building didn’t look any different than the surrounding skyscrapers. It did, however, look surprisingly barren for what I assumed would be a busy fundraiser if Easton was attending.

The cacophony of music and conversation grew louder as we approached the glass doors. It spilled out when one opened.

Wow.

The outside might not have been much to look at, but the inside was the most breathtaking room I’d ever been in. The cavernous space was filled with round tables and chairs, almost all of which seemed occupied.

His thirty-minute delay must’ve made us late.

Large columns and arches reached nearly to the top of the decorative ceilings and exposed a mezzanine where more guests mingled, though I wasn’t sure if they were attendees or bystanders. Glitzy chandeliers hung from the ceiling to add soft light and charm.

I was vaguely aware of a woman speaking at a podium positioned at the front of the room, though I wasn’t paying attention to what she said until a burst of applause startled me from my awe.

“Shit.” Easton unlinked our arms. “I’ll be right back.”

“Uh, okay,” I muttered as he walked away.

And headed straight to the front where he accepted an outstretched award from the woman. She stepped aside to give him the microphone, and he tried to wave her off, but she was relentless.

A woman after my own heart.