Page 36 of Christmas of Love
“That’s cool.” Her eyes landed on me, and she grinned. “I’ll hide out in the guest room until my shift.”
I chuckled. “You don’t have to do that.”
“You know she’s part of the club, don’t you?” She looked like she wanted to say something else.
“The book club?Yeah, I know. But it’s my mom. I trust her not to throw any shenanigans our way.”
She slipped her leg underneath her and took a swig of beer. “Sounds like a reconnaissance mission, if you ask me.”
I laughed. “Seriously? There’d be nothing to report.”
“Never say never. You’d be amazed at what can be gleaned from a simple run-in. So, an entire weekend trip sounds very suspicious. You could let your gaze linger on me too long at the bar, and your mom could report you have a crush when you really just wanted to see what drink I was pouring.”
I chuckled, shaking my head.
“You do know who put forth the idea of finding partners for Cash and Beckett, right?” She smirked and leaned back in her chair, glancing around the dining area. “She might be interested to know that you’re in touch with Brielle, though.”
Ah-ha! Daisy did care.
I shrugged, grinning. “I’m not in touch with her.”
“Your phone says otherwise. Not that it’s my business.”
I laughed harder, shaking my head. The tension between us was palpable.
“But I bet your mom would be thrilled to know either way.” She winked at me.
My brows raised. “But she won’t know because there is nothing to share.”
Daisy laughed with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “We shall see.”
“You wouldn’t tell her.” It was more of a question than a statement.
Daisy laughed her answer.
And the chemistry between us only heightened. It was like some crazy cat-and-mouse game of wills.
“You don’t owe me anything, especially not an explanation. If anything, I owe you. You’ve given me rides when Foxy broke down. You helped me decorate my tree. You made me feel better about temporarily losing my job. And you gave me a new one.” She patted my hand. “So, your secret is safe with me. I won’t tell your mom you’re talking to your ex again.”
I groaned and couldn’t help but laugh.
“Isn’t there some old ex that I can dig up and taunt you with?” I teased.
She took another bite of a wing and shook her head. “No, I’m smarter than that.”
“Which part?”
Daisy’s eyes connected with mine, and I felt that familiar electricity bolting through me. “I told you. I don’t do relationships.”
I nodded. “You’ve mentioned it, but I don’t know if I believe it.”
She flashed a sly grin. “You can even ask my cousin… or shoot, ask Great Uncle Carter. He knows. I mean, I spent most of my days and nights taking care of him. He has the inside scoop.”
“I’ll have to remember that next time I’m in Buttercup Lake.”
“Good.” Daisy gave a quick nod and looked out the window toward Lake Mendota. “I would have told you earlier, except you had me all distracted with your towel strewn carelessly over your body, but your apartment is absolutely beautiful. I don’t find it cold at all.”
I smiled. “That’s because you’re here.”