Page 6 of Sugar Coated Secrets

Ah. Yes. That makes sense.

She runs her fingers through her messy hair and lets out a weary sigh. When she lowers her arm, her bra strap falls from her shoulder.

“You should shower. I’m sure the water is hot.” Possibly cold. I need to get a grip. This scenario has my mind all over the place.

She nods, and without a word, shuffles to the hallway that leads to the bathroom.

Damn. She looks exhausted and weak. If she’d let me, I’d carry her to the shower, wash her body gently—and platonically—and tuck her into bed. Sadie would never allow it. Even if I promised to keep my eyes closed. She’s the only woman who’s ever refused my advances the first time we met.

She was visiting the estate with Everleigh. We all had dinner together, and I gave Sadie my usual charm—charm that has never failed me before. Throughout the night, she entertained me and flirted a little, but when I went in for a kiss, she turned her head away faster than I could blink. I was shocked. Still, I didn’t quit. It wasn’t until she explained that she knew exactly what she wanted, and I couldn’t give it to her that I backed off. A commitment. She wanted a relationship with a man who wanted the same. She found it soon after too, with Dash, and we’ve been friends ever since.

Before her, I’ve never had a girl who was my friend and not a former lover. Sadie and I were destined to be in each other’s lives after her best friend married my brother.

Anytime I do something with Daire and Everleigh, Sadie is a part of it.

I was the best man, and she was the maid of honor at their wedding. We were together for every event and dinner prior to the big day and every special event for them or for the farm after.

Many times, we were left alone together when Daire and Everleigh took off. A friendship grew from those moments, one separate from Daire and Everleigh.

We check in with each other regularly. And right now, I want to kill the man who hurt her and made her worst fear come true. Well, one of them. When it comes to Sadie and her murder-show loving, paranoid personality, she has many fears.

My phone vibrates with a text.

Daire: How’s Sadie? Everleigh is about to call the helicopter back so she can fly there to check on her.

That’s why I’m here. Daire didn’t want Everleigh rushing to Atlanta. When we lost Sadie on the phone during the attack, Everleigh got so upset she vomited. Daire insisted she stay home while I came to sort things out. I was eager to help. Sadie had called me, after all. Not her best friend. Me.

I’d be lying if I said it didn’t stir some new emotion in me I can’t quite place.

Easton: She’s fine. Well cared for. I won’t leave her until you and Everleigh arrive tomorrow.

Daire: We have a change of plans. We want her to come here. Everleigh thinks being in the city won’t help her get past this. She needs peace and security. We can offer her that here, plus it will keep Everleigh at the farm. She’ll run herself ragged caring for Sadie. It’s how she is. At least if Sadie is here, we can both help.

Easton: We?

Daire: Yes. You. You’re back, living in the lake house. You can help.

Easton: What if she doesn’t want to come?

Daire: Use your charm.

I laugh.

Easton: That doesn’t work on Sadie.

Daire: Tell her Everleigh wants her here.

Easton: Okay.

The shower turns off.

I fill a glass with water and grab two Advil from the bottle on the counter near the box of tampons.

Should I bring her those, too? I don’t want to overstep. She’s not herself, clearly after her earlier strip tease—which reminds me, where the hell is Dash? What kind of asshat leaves his girlfriend alone after something like this? Now, I’m wondering something else. Was I Sadie’s first call or was Dash?

“Easton?” Sadie’s tired voice sounds from the hallway. “Can you bring me the box on the counter, please?”

“On it,” I call out and snatch the tampons.

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