Sugar Love Read online

  Effie nodded. Her stomach knotted in surprise knowing the entire staff had so much knowledge about her business.

  “Let me call over a staff member to direct you to the right department, all right?” Elaine kept a warm smile plastered on her face as she leaned over the tiny microphone affixed to her jersey and said, “Janelle, can you meet me in the bicycle department? Our very special customer is here, and I’d like you to show her to the camping section.” She flashed her bright smile at Effie.

  More like a very clumsy customer. Effie offered Elaine a sheepish smile in return.

  “I’ll be right there,” Janelle said through the microphone.

  “I’m so sorry about this,” Effie said, her face in flames. “I’m such a klutz.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I shouldn’t have placed these bottles so close to the edge. It’s my fault,” Elaine said.

  Oh, she’s good. Effie caught Haley’s eye.

  Haley lifted her eyebrows and pulled a face, clearly as impressed as Effie. Then, she retrieved the clothes she’d dumped on the sweater display.

  “I thought you might want to try these on,” she said, stepping close to Effie.

  “Thanks,” Effie said. Her gaze lifted to another woman who must be Janelle.

  The woman bore a similar smile as Elaine, directed straight at Effie.

  “Miss D’Archangel,” she said, with a wave of her hand.

  “Is this what it feels like to be a celebrity?” Effie whispered to her best friend. She reached for Haley’s hand, needing a touchstone.

  “More like what it’s like to be a billionaire’s sugar baby,” Haley whispered back. “Isn’t it cool?”

  “I don’t know. I guess.”

  Effie’s insides were at war. The voice of Mom in her head continued to insist she would be in big trouble soon—heart smashed to bits. And, she didn’t like all the “gifts” Zander bestowed on her. She kept each item in pristine shape, so she could return them if things went south and she left.

  The last thing she needed was more debt.

  But another, quieter voice insisted she liked Zander—way too much. If she were honest with herself, she wondered if she was starting to fall for him.

  She fiddled with her orange purse strap. She’d bought it in the bargain bin at the GBS where her dad worked. It reminded her of home. And home reminded her of the values she grew up with—hard work leading to nowhere and constant stress.

  Janelle wore distressed skinny-jeans, a quilted shell down vest, and a long-sleeve, two-toned stretch top in shades of brown. A pair of dirt-free hiking boots covered her feet.

  “Come with me, ladies. I’ll take good care of you while you’re here. We’ll find everything you need.” She placed her hand behind Effie’s back and ushered her toward the outdoor adventure and camping department.

  The next hour and a half proved embarrassing. Whenever Effie drifted toward the discount rack, Janelle smilingly suggested she look, “over here, in the top end section. I think we have just the right attire for you here.”

  Effie didn’t even have to check out. She handed items she wanted to a guy named Troy who folded them and placed them in neat piles along a back counter. Then, Janelle informed Effie that her purchases were to be sent to “Mr. King’s dwelling,” so Effie “didn’t have to carry them on the rest of her errands.”

  Effie couldn’t get over the service she’d received. When she shopped at the Yakima GBS where her dad worked, she usually had to hunt down a cashier. And, once she found one, she and that person would wander through the aisles, guessing at where the item she needed might be.

  Her head swam from the fortune of attire she’d just charged to Zander’s account. The total price of her purchase made her sweaty. I’ve never spent that much on myself, ever. She now owned pants, shirts, hiking shoes, swimwear, skorts, casual dresses, jackets, even high-tech underwear that fit her to perfection. All items were selected for the weather she’d likely encounter in the late May Oregon Dunes.

  Finally, shopping excursion over, Effie strode arm in arm along the downtown sidewalks with Haley, heading for a café.

  Haley had invited her on her lunch date with Arnold, telling her he’d love to get better acquainted with Haley’s best friend.

  Like I believe him. They’re just using the proximity of our shopping date to his office as an excuse to get together. Effie kept drifting into the numb zone, unable to take in the kind of shopping she’d just experienced. All her life she’d scrimped and saved to afford even a basic wardrobe. And now, everything was simply handed to her. Once again, she thought of herself as a high-priced prostitute. The heat of shame crept along her face. Her parents would abandon her if they knew.

  Her gaze drifted to a window display of glamorous smiling mannequins, dressed in high-end clothing, ready to embark on their next gala event. That’s not me. She wrenched herself back to the present, catching her toe on an uneven spot on the sidewalk. She clutched Haley’s arm to keep from falling.

  “Girl, you’re more nervous than usual today,” Haley said, smiling. “What’s wrong with you?”

  Effie sighed. “I don’t know. I think this camping trip is important to Zander. I want everything to be perfect for him, you know?”

  “That’s his job to make it perfect for you. All you have to do is show up.” Haley squeezed her arm.

  “I don’t know. Zander hasn’t told me much, but it seems like he’s dipping into activities he used to do before whatever caused his injury. And, he’s using me as his excuse to get back to whatever he enjoyed. I’m probably seen as ‘safe.’ He’s got this deep well of secrets about what happened to him. You know, about his arm and all that. He gives me a case of frostbite if I even come near the topic. And, yet I see the longing in his eyes to get back to things he used to do. You should have seen his joy when we went to the river a couple of weeks ago. And I had to go mess it up with my clumsiness.”

  She neglected to share the lacy lingerie finds. And, his twitchy mood since she’d last seen him. Maybe I’m just being paranoid. Effie shuffled along the walkway, her feet heavy.

  “Effie,” Haley said, in a stern voice. “The first rule of sugar babying: never pry. Don’t process anything with him. Don’t over-share. You’re there to be a companion, nothing more. You don’t ask too many questions, you don’t dig into their secrets, or you’ll be dropped like a hot rocket, got it?”

  Effie nodded, frowning. “You mean we’re not supposed to get to know each other?”

  “Only as much as he’s willing to share. Billionaires don’t want needy sugar babies. Look,” Haley said. “I know you’ve crossed some boundaries getting sexual with him. Arnold and I haven’t done that, but, as you know, if we did, it would be discreet. And, I’d never get attached. I accompany him on dates, dinner functions, and all that. I’m his arm candy. I’m okay with that. We’re friendly, but we’re not close.”

  She stopped, whirling to face Effie. “You seem to be getting in too deep, Effie. I’m worried about you. I think it was a mistake to fall into bed with him on your first date. That’s a big no-no. Because you know, and I know, that the sex can wipe out reason. We’re girls, and we get all emotional. For them, it’s fun and games. Release. You can’t fall for Zander. He’s a billionaire, and he can get any woman he wants. When your contract ends, he’ll thank you and choose another, if he hasn’t already fallen for a real woman of his caliber.”

  “Ouch,” Effie said.

  “And there’s my point,” Haley said, turning to resume their stroll. “If you’re saying ouch to hearing the truth, you’re already in too deep. This is a game. With rules. The rules are to protect people like you and me from getting hurt. We’re playthings, Effie, nothing more.”

  Effie sighed deeply. “I guess you’re right. And, I’ve been looking into graduate schools. With the money I’ve received so far, I can apply for graduate school and fund my first semester. I’ll apply for every scholarship under the sun to find the rest. I should be able to
afford it.”

  Haley stopped outside of Café du Monde. “Here’s our stop. Let’s go.”

  She dragged Effie through the door.

  Once inside, Haley transformed before Effie’s eyes. She released Effie’s arm and stood tall, sticking her boobs out. A pleasant looking, blank sort of expression crossed her face. She sashayed toward the counter, placed her perfectly manicured fingernails on the glass, and spoke to the hostess.

  “I’m meeting Mr. Wainswright. Is he here?” she said, in a smooth, polished voice.

  “Oh!” said the hostess, in a chipper sounding voice. Her sleek black hair had been cut in angles that framed her oval face. “Certainly. He’s waiting for you in our private dining area in the back. Right this way.” She plucked two menus from a holder on the side of the counter and gestured for them to follow.

  A soft murmur of conversation floated throughout the cheerful dining area. Silverware clinked, and glasses rattled with ice as they were being lifted toward lip-glossed lips.

  Haley held her head high as she waltzed through the café.

  A few men glanced surreptitiously at her.

  Effie shuffled along behind like the help. She kept her gaze trained on the floor.

  The hostess opened a set of double doors with a flourish.

  “Right this way,” she said, swishing through the doorway.

  Arnold looked up from his view of the Seattle waterfront, sitting in the far corner. He wore a silvery-gray suit, accenting his silver-fox good looks.

  “Ladies,” he said, standing. He stepped around the table and held Haley’s chair out.

  Haley elegantly drifted into her chair as Arnold slid it beneath her legs like some choreographed dance move.

  Effie plopped into the chair next to Haley.

  The waitress handed them their menus and sailed away, closing the doors behind her.

  “Good to see you, Arnold,” Haley said, lifting her cheek for a kiss.

  “Always a joy to see you as well.” Arnold planted a chaste kiss before resuming his seat. “Ms. D’Archangel,” he said, with a nod. “A pleasure.”

  Effie didn’t know whether to extend her hand or get up and curtsy or what. She smiled and lifted her hand in a wave. “Hey, Arnold. Thanks for inviting us to lunch.”

  A waitress came by to take their drink order.

  As the lunch date progressed, Effie found herself staring out the window watching seagulls or happy people tromping around Pike’s Market. She smiled politely when a question landed in her lap, but, for the most part, she retreated into the comfort of her own inner world.

  Haley and Arnold conversed in a manner Effie had seen in movies, all pop-star glamour. Effie pictured sparkles and rainbows falling from Haley’s mouth as she spoke, and her hair blowing about in an imaginary slo-mo wind. By the time the lunch had ended, she had decided her fantasies about Zander were just that—meaningless follies of the mind.

  I’ll start acting like Haley, all bubbly and distant. I’ll make sure he has a great camping experience. I’m under contract, after all.

  She couldn’t let her feelings decide the outcome of her life. And a relationship with the amazing Zander King not only would never happen, but it could also only get in the way of what mattered—namely, her education.

  She wouldn’t, couldn’t, didn’t dare let Zander, with all his sexy ways of getting under her skin, change her plans.

  Chapter 19

  Zander

  Zander sat in the back of the limo, still chilled by what he’d unearthed this morning. He’d been rooting around in his drawer, searching for some shorts to bring to Oregon, and had found a pair of Trisha’s panties. Did she break into my apartment? How did they get there?

  The discovery made him twitchy. Is she stalking me again?

  Since her call the other day, he’d beefed up security at his office. He’d discreetly let them know to watch for the bitch and to not let her in under any circumstances.

  And, to add to his anxiety, the entire six-hour ride to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Effie was quiet. She answered all of Zander’s well-intentioned questions in a creepy Stepford-wives kind of forced friendliness, but she didn’t seem at all excited for his little adventure. Was this another of his bad ideas?

  He finally gave up trying to engage with her and chatted with Kent and Charlie, Kent’s girlfriend of the moment, instead—and imbibed in a whiskey or two.

  He hadn’t mentioned Trisha’s call the other day to anyone, especially Kent. Kent knew too much about the craziness he’d endured.

  And then, there’s that big motherfucking secret we share. Shame pooled in his gut at the memory.

  Antonio pulled the limo into a secluded area several miles north of a tiny city called Lakeside.

  “Okay, boss, we’re here,” he said through the intercom.

  Zander rolled down his window.

  A custom designed two-story cabin, tucked in a wooded area, awaited them. Gentle burbling from a nearby creek provided a soothing backdrop.

  Zander had sent a team ahead to obtain and set up everything he needed for the three-day trip. His face lit up when he saw the dune buggies in the driveway.

  “There we go,” he said to Kent, pointing out the window. “That’s what I’m talking about. Can’t wait to take a ride.”

  “Hell, yeah,” Kent said.

  “Boys and their toys,” Charlie said to Effie.

  “Right?” Effie said, in her too bright way. Her face seemed pinched, same as it was when they had first arrived at Rock Nirvana.

  Zander helped her out of the car, then pulled her aside, away from Kent and Charlie as they climbed out.

  “Care to tell me what’s up?” he asked in a low, urgent tone.

  The late afternoon sun warmed his back and arms.

  “What do you mean?” she said, in her new chirpy voice.

  “You seem to be play-acting,” he said, bluntly. “Did I do something? Say something?”

  Her gaze dropped to the dirt. “Isn’t this how I’m supposed to behave?” She lowered her voice. “Based on our contract.”

  He brought his finger to her chin and lifted her face. Then, he gazed into her gorgeous green eyes. “When did I ever say I wanted you to behave like some subservient individual who has no opinion? I like you for you, Effie.”

  A long, deep sigh escaped her lips. “I have been acting kind of weird, huh?”

  He placed his hand on her shoulder. “A little bit, yes. I decided to give you space to sort out whatever needed sorting. And, it didn’t seem appropriate to ask you questions in the presence of Kent and Charlie. Did you get whatever it was figured out?”

  “I don’t know,” she said, glumly. “But, I don’t have to figure it out this weekend.”

  His heart took a quick nosedive. Is she unhappy with our arrangement?

  Her gaze drifted toward the cabin. “I thought we were going all tents and outdoor fire-pit camping?”

  Zander stroked his jaw. “Yeah, I reconsidered. You said you’re not comfortable with the great outdoors, so I thought I’d ease you into it. This place has a hot tub, hanging beds, and all the comforts of home. There are hammocks outside if we prefer to sleep under the stars. The night sky out here is spectacular.”

  “Hanging beds?” Her expression brightened. “Show me.”

  He placed an arm around her and guided her toward the cabin, along the slate-stone pathway, while Antonio unpacked the car.

  Kent and Charlie were nowhere in sight. Either they’d already started settling in their bedroom, or they were wandering around the property.

  Inside, the house boasted high ceilings and a spacious, open concept floor plan. The walls and floors were lined with cedar. High windows let in light from every direction. Skylights illuminated the space from above. A polished twisted tree trunk, sans branches and leaves, had been placed near the winding wood staircase, which led upstairs.

  Comfortable furniture had been arranged around the massive stone fireplac
e. An enormous kitchen island served as the centerpiece to the spacious room.

  “Wow, this is gorgeous,” Effie said, twirling in a circle.

  “I’m glad you like it,” Zander said. He took her hand and led her upstairs.

  At the top of the landing sat one large bedroom. The walls above the cedar wainscoting had been painted blue. Ceramic art hung on the walls adding touches of color. A queen-sized bed, covered with pillows and soft bedding, hung suspended from the ceiling. Windows faced the forest and the creek.

  Zander stepped toward one of the windows and unlatched it, pushing it open. Fresh-scented air wafted inside. He glanced at a ruby-throated hummingbird, which sipped from a feeder outside the window.

  “Will this suit?” he said, indicating the room.

  “Yes,” Effie breathed. “It’s gorgeous.” She flopped on the bed, setting it to gently swaying. “Oh, this is so cool. We’ll be rocked to sleep.”

  Zander had other ideas to keep the bed rocking. “What do you need before we head out to the dunes?”

  She exhaled, sharply. “Nothing, I guess. I’ll use the restroom and be ready to go.”

  “You should probably dress in something else,” he said, eying her pretty red shirt and capri pants. “We’re going to get dirty. Our luggage should be up in a minute.”

  “Okay,” she said, the whites of her eyes flashing briefly. “Is Antonio going to leave after he drops off the luggage?”

  “He’ll stay in a guest house up the road a bit. He’s here to drive us wherever we need to go.”

  Which, by Effie’s expression, might be straight back to Seattle.

  He kept his game face on and stared out the window while they waited for Antonio.

  Twenty minutes later, they stood outside in the bright, midday sun, next to the dune buggies, along with Kent and Charlie. They all wore lightweight jackets over their shirts, comfortable pants, and sneakers.

  Effie had plaited her hair and placed a headband over her head.