Page 47 of Electric Kiss

Daisy’s body went stiff. She now knew what had set her off. She had seen her aunt. Daisy hadn’t spoken to her aunt since Archer’s wedding and the signing over of Edward Hall. It was enough to set her off.

“Daisy, are you okay?” Archer asked. “Are you having another attack?”

Daisy took a deep breath and cleared her throat, trying to push away the discomfort of her brothers’ gazes. She knew they were waiting for her to say something. She couldn’t.

Daisy wanted to pick up her phone and send a message to Nate, but a business meeting wasn’t the time.

“I’m fine. First on my list,” she began, flipping through her diary, “is the finances for the marketing campaign for the regatta next Spring. We need to start planning the launch event and coordinate with the advertising team to create a buzz.”

Luke groaned, rolling his eyes. “Can’t we just hire someone else to handle that? I don’t have time for that.”

Daisy shot him a glare. “We can’t afford to outsource everything, Luke. Plus, this is a crucial part of the business. We need to make sure the launch is successful in generating revenue for Copper Island.”

Archer nodded in agreement, a hint of a smile on his lips.

Daisy felt a small sense of relief that at least one of her brothers was letting her off.

Chapter Fourteen

Daisy

It was a beautiful late autumn day. The sea was calm, and Daisy was itching to get out onto the water. She was shocked that Nate had never been surfing, so she set about righting that wrong. She was waiting on her back patio for him to arrive when Erica came strolling along with Isobel.

Daisy tossed her book on the sofa and launched towards them.

“Aren’t you looking cute in your onesie,” Daisy said to Isobel, and Erica handed her over.

She kissed the apple of Isobel’s cheek and then smothered the little girl until she giggled.

“You going surfing?” Erica asked, sitting on the wall, stretching her legs out towards the lawn.

Daisy joined her, bouncing Isobel on her thigh.

“Yeah. Nate’s joining me. He’s never been before.”

Erica raised an eyebrow. “Really? Nate’s never beensurfing before? That’s surprising, considering he practically grew up on the beach and rows,” she said, her eyes scanning the horizon. “Well, I hope he’s a quick learner. The waves can be pretty unforgiving this time of year.”

Daisy shrugged. “He’ll be fine. Besides, I’ll be there to teach him,” she said with a smirk. “I’m a pretty excellent teacher.”

Erica laughed. “I’m sure you are. Just make sure you don’t distract him too much.”

Daisy rolled her eyes. “I’ll try not to,” she said, standing up and handing Isobel back to Erica. “I should go get my board ready. Nate should be here any minute.”

As Daisy walked towards the rack on the wall to get her board, she felt a thrill of excitement. She loved surfing, loved the feeling of the wind in her hair and the rush of adrenaline as she caught a wave.

Just as she was about to grab her board, she heard her name being called out.

She peeked over the patio wall, hanging onto the wooden support post for the trestle and saw Nate walking along the path a little nervously. Daisy grinned to herself. She loved the idea of being the one to introduce him to something new.

“That’s my cue to head off for a saunter around the lawns,” Erica said, leaning in to kiss Daisy’s cheek.

“See you soon,” Daisy replied, kissing them both.

“You’ve been a stranger, come by for dinner this week,” Erica said, giving her a mum look.

“I will.”

Nate had reached them. He gave Isobel a tickle under her chin. She rewarded him with a gurgle and a mass of bubbles.

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