Page 50 of Sugar Coated Lies
Although I’m certain he believes his words. Hell, I believed them until a moment ago, when I was about to break every rule just to taste Everleigh’s lips.
Tennie shoots Easton a scowl. “I am not a baby. But you’re right about Daire. He is all about the rules.”
I broke up with her because of personal rules—never date family friends. That was one of my excuses, anyway.
“Well, goodnight,” I say, when Everleigh reaches me. “You two have fun.”
She doesn’t slide into my arm, which is good. Tennie doesn’t need any more reasons to dislike Everleigh. I’ll have to talk with her later about her behavior toward employees again. Hopefully, she’ll be leaving soon and will no longer be an issue.
Everleigh keeps in step with me, her shoes swinging from her fingers. Her steps are still a little off, but the tension, evident in her stiff posture, has her in much better shape than before.
“I’m going to drive you home,” I say.
“What? No. I’ll be fine.”
“You can hardly walk.”
“You can’t leave your own party.” She walks faster and stumbles a few times.
“It’s my mother’s party. I can do whatever I want.”
“Daire,” she blows out a frustrated breath, “I can’t…”
“—handle bourbon. I know. Good news is, I can.”
She laughs without humor.
“Not what you were going to say?”
“No.” She puts a few feet between us. “And stop being this way.”
She’s angry? “What way?”
She groans. “I can’t go in the car with you.”
“Why?” I stop walking, but she doesn’t. “Everleigh, please? What’s wrong?”
Finally, she stops and turns to me, her breath a little winded as she treats me to those beautiful eyes. “I can’t be in the car with you with how I’m feeling right now.”
“And how is that?” I have an idea, but it could be wishful thinking.
“I…I wouldn’t be able to control my actions with how I’m feeling. I’m sorry.” She pivots and stalks off.
So damn tempting. I catch up to her and take her wrist, stopping her in her tracks. “I don’t accept your apology. I can’t because I feel the same fucking way, and it’s killing me.”
“You do?” The shock on her face is astonishing.
“I want you so badly, I almost had my way with you on the dock. Shit. It’s all I can do not to take you behind that tree over there right this very second.”
She glances at the tree, excitement flaring in her eyes. “What would you do to me?” she asks, breathless.
Holy fuck. I’m going to explode. It’s more than clear why Benedict wanted her, but unlike him, I won’t let my desire rule me. She deserves better. More than a moment behind a tree or in a car.
We’re both panting like starved lovers.Do the right thing.
I clench my fingers into fists at my sides. “I’ll have my dad’s driver take you home.”
Her shoulders drop and her head bows, but she nods. “Okay.”
