Page 46 of Sugar

He cut in, which was good since I wasn’t sure what I was going to say. “You thought there was a story. I’m assuming you know you signed an NDA?” At my nod, he continued. “Then you know there is no story. Not for the paperoryour friends.”

Shit. I hadn’t thought of that. I sucked at keeping secrets from them, but it was probably for the best. I couldn’t even begin to explain what I’d seen. Not without also inadvertently divulging what I’d felt.

“Got it,” I said.

When we reached my Jeep, I unlocked and opened my door. Before I could climb in, Easton closed some of the distance between us, stopping just before his body was touching mine while he loomed over me. “What you did was stupid and risky.”

“I know.”

He held the eye contact as he raised his hand to run his thumb along his jaw. I had to lock my knees to stop myself from leaning into him when he stepped away.

Rather than make a bigger fool of myself, I climbed into my Jeep and buckled up.

“Actually leave this time, Madeline.”

“I will,” I whispered.

“Good girl.”

Not giving me the chance to respond, he slammed the door so I could pull out. Only once I was on the street did I risk a look in my rearview mirror to see him heading toward Wells Law.

I wasn’t sure how I saw the night going.

But I know it wasn’t like that.

Chapter 9

Hot for Teacher

MADDIE

“This is why we don’tdo laundry on Saturday.”

I looked from the packed room to Greer. “I said you could’ve done it without me last night.”

“No. You offered to give me your dirty laundry so I could wash it for you.”

“Which is basically the same thing.” I scanned the machines, but all of them were taken. “Why don’t we come back down tonight? It’ll be dead by then.”

“We’re already here,” Wren said as she lifted onto her toes. “Oh, there’s one.” She hurried forward, ducking and dodging like she was competing in an obstacle course and there was a prize at the end.

I gave Greer a questioning look, but she shrugged, just as lost as I was.

With no other choice, we followed after our friend. Once we reached her, she was about to dump her laundry in the machine when a cute guy jumped forward.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he said.

“If someone is saving it, they’re outta luck.” She met his gaze with a stubborn set of her pretty face, challenging him to argue.

He smiled at her like he wanted to do something far different than argue. “Nah, it’s not that. The last two people who’ve used that machine have had their clothes torn.” He gave a pointed glance toward the lace at the top of her basket. “And that would definitely be a shame.”

“Oh. Thanks for the warning.”

“My load—” His face reddened. “My laundry should be done any minute. You can take my machine.” He pointed at the chair he’d been sitting in. “And my seat.”

“I’m fine to stand.” Her dark eyes dropped to her watch. “But I will take the machine when it’s done.”

Greer leaned closer. “Apparently, we’re chopped liver.”

---