Page 92 of Sugar

Chapter 18

Never Leave Evidence Behind

MADDIE

As it turned out, therewas a next time.

And a next,nexttime.

And a next, next,nexttime.

I’d been shocked when Easton hadn’t immediately called things off. Or ghosted me. I wouldn’t have blamed him for either. But he must’ve been fine with how we’d left it because he’d easily moved on.

In the week and a half since the infamous birthday dinner, there’d been no official events that required my attendance. There’d still been multiple dinners, though. A couple times, I’d had a pile of homework that couldn’t wait, and Easton had me do it in his office over takeout. He’d even helped me talk through my plan for my advanced reporting capstone course. Not that I’d chosen a topic, but we’d crossed a bunch of possibilities off the list.

Small victories.

He also texted me surprisingly often. Even on days when he was busy, I knew I would wake to a morning message and get one at night. Usually, that one was to scold me for being awake late—something I didn’t mind as much as I should’ve.

Usually.

The one he’d just sent, however, didn’t make me smile or laugh or melt.

It made me tense and anxious and wet.

It was a weird combination, but so were we.

Easton: My office. One. Do not be late, or I will come get you.

Me: May I ask what this is regarding?

Easton: You may not.

I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth and twisted my phone in my hold as I thought about what to do. The mystery ofwhyhe was summoning me would drive me insane. But the clipped tone he’d managed to convey over text made apprehension twist in my gut.

I reverted to my tried and true…

Procrastination.

Me: I can’t make it until later. Class.

His response was immediate.

Easton: I know your schedule. Wednesday is your short day. Be here at one.

Easton: Or should I come get you now?

Me: Nope. No. One is good. See you then.

Oh hell.

Easton

The light knockon my open office door was unnecessary.

I knew Maddie was there.

My entire body was aware.