Page 68 of Sugar

“Don’t call me that,” he cut in before grudgingly lifting his chin. “But yes.”

It wasn’t what I’d been looking for at Gilded, but it was still the chance to dip my toes into the wading pool. And that was better than nothing.

I just needed to remember that was all it was.

After grabbing my clutch, I turned and nearly stumbled when my gaze landed on the large mirror that was propped against the wall near my door.

With the intricacy of the dress—and the lack of time—I’d opted to keep it simple with loose waves in my dark hair. My makeup was equally minimal. The look was chic and paired perfectly with Easton’s classic tux. With both of us in the reflection, I couldn’t deny we made a striking couple.

No.

A striking not-couple.

I tore my focus away, and we headed down to the lobby. Curious eyes tracked our movements, but he didn’t seem concerned. He didn’t even seem to notice the buzz we’d created.

I’m going to catch an earful from Greer and Wren.

When we got outside, an older man was waiting near a shiny town car. I offered him a smile, but he wasn’t even looking at us. Not in a rude way. More of a professionally detached thing. He opened the door, and I offered a thank you anyway as I slid in. Easton rounded it to climb into the other side.

“What is the event for?” I asked Easton when the driver pulled away from the curb.

“Justice Unrestrained. They’re a nonprofit who focuses on community advocacy.”

“Is there anything I need to know?”

“The food will be good, but the rest is going to feel unending.”

“So, if I planned a fake emergency to get out of it early, I should wait until after I’ve eaten. Got it.”

His mouth curved. “You already have an exit strategy?”

Pulling my phone from my bag, I feigned horror as I glanced at it. “Oh, I wish I could answer that question, but my aunt’s cousin’s uncle’s former roommate’s hamster has passed away.”

“A tragedy.”

“Good. You understand why I have to leave early.”

He shook his head before asking, “How was your day?”

I had no clue why, but the polite question threw me more than it should’ve.

“Boring. I worked on assignments.”

Sitting close to him, it was impossible to miss the way his body tensed.

Feeling awkward when the silence stretched, I fidgeted with the gold clasp on the clutch. “What about you?”

“Court prep.”

“Wow, so we had basically the same day, huh?”

His body loosened as he chuckled. “Basically.”

I spent the rest of the drive peppering him with questions that he mostly evaded while he asked me ones that I answered in far more detail than he probably cared about.

“Give me a hint,” I demanded. “Is your client a businessperson, actor, musician, influencer?—”

“Christ, I hate that word.”

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