Page 22 of Sugar Coated Lies
She lifts her gaze to me. “Easton and I are going to check the water level on the lake. You should come. The weather is nice for July, and I bet you haven’t been outside yet.” She stands, eyeing me expectantly.
Dad mentioned he was going to send Easton to do that, since we’re in a drought. June didn’t supply nearly as much rain as usual.
“Come on.” She holds her hand out to my brother. “We need to get some exercise after eating all those donuts, anyway. This is the perfect opportunity.”
“I can think of much better ways to work off donuts.” He smirks, always the flirt.
“Like skinny dipping?” Tennie tugs at the collar of Easton’s shirt.
I wasn’t planning to join them, but now I think I have to just to keep them out of trouble.
I stand. “Fine. Let’s go.”
Tennie’s eyes brighten. “You’re coming?”
“As a chaperone.”
Easton rests his head on the back of the chair. “If you’re going, I could stay here.”
I snap my fingers. “Get up. We’re all going.”
He groans but does as I say.
Tennie claps. “It’ll be like old times when we would race through the orchards, playing tag.”
“Only we’re not racing or playing tag.” I follow her to the door.
She shoots me a glare.
Easton chuckles. “The last time I played tag in the orchards, I was naked; as was my date.”
“Maybe weshouldleave him behind.” Tennie arches a brow.
Ever the babysitter, aren’t I? The last thing I want is to do is encounter Everleigh with these two. I suggest we use the doors far away from the café. As soon as we step onto the porch, I sense something. From my peripheral, I spot a figure at the far end and unmistakable raven hair.
Why is she sitting on the back porch?
Tennie moves close to my side. “Don’t look now, but your new employee is watching us.”
She’s watching?
“Hi, Everleigh,” Easton shouts, like the asshole flirt he is.
I could never do that. I’ve always had to walk-the-walk, talk-the-talk, look the part. Not that I would behave that way now and draw suspicious attention to myself. Tennie is already watching me like a hawk.
Don’t react. Play it cool.I glance over, intent on acknowledging her in some way, but my world stops the moment her cobalt eyes connect with mine. Seeing her there, the way the breeze flutters her hair, and the slight flush to her cheeks, she looks different. Hopeful and happy, even. It’s there, then it’s gone in an instant. Tension flows over her, stiffening her posture and face. She jumps up and starts loading the tray on the table.
Something brushes my fingers. I look down at the source. Tennie grabs my hand and pulls me down the steps, dragging me toward the orchard of pecan trees. By the time I look back, Everleigh is gone.
Easton chuckles. “Damn. What’d you do to sweet little Everleigh? I’ve never seen anyone look so terrified or race away so quickly.”
Terrified? Why would she be afraid of me? One reason—person—comes to mind. Benedict. I text him.
Me: Where are you?
Seconds tick by.
Benedict: On my way to Augusta. Relax. I didn’t take the stripper back to the condo last night. Your shit is safe.
