Page 75 of Electric Kiss

“Hey Maggie, what’s cooking?” Daisy said, and she crossed the flagstone floor to where Maggie was at the kitchen sink.

“Oh, Daisy, how lovely to see you. I’ll cook you whatever you want. Nate, come and sit down. Let me know what you want to eat.”

“I don’t mind whatever is to hand,” he said and came across to sit on the bench seat at the old country-style kitchen table.

“That’s not how it works around here, Nathaniel,” Bailey said in his deep voice and unsmiling face.

Nate blanched and looked to Daisy for help. Maggie intervened.

“Oh, don’t mind Bailey, that’s his happy voice,” Maggie said, waving at him.

Bailey moved to their coats and re hung them while Daisy and Nate settled at the table. Daisy immediately got up and made them a coffee.

“Do you want me to make a pot of tea?” Daisy asked Maggie.

“Oh yes, I could do with a cuppa. What brings you here this morning?”

“I’m meeting my brothers for a pow-wow, and I’m terrified.Nate’s coming with me for moral support and to kick anyone’s ass if they’re mean to me.”

“I’ll come over with you. I have to drop some dishes over to Jason. It will break the ice a bit if I make conversation first.”

“I love you, Maggie,” Daisy said.

“I love you too, darling girl. Now what am I making?”

“Porridge for me if you have it on the go, or if not, then I’ll have a big fat bacon bap.”

Nate gave her a side glance and laughed.

“I’ll have the same at Daisy, although I’m veering towards the bacon bap.”

“No problem. I’ll get it made, and then we can go across.”

“I’m going upstairs, Maggie. Do you need me to do anything?” Bailey asked.

“No, we’re all set down here. She’s had her breakfast,” Maggie said and rolled her eyes.

“Nice to see you, Nathaniel. I hope you’re not a stranger to this kitchen. You’re welcome any time, with or without Daisy,” Bailey said.

“Thank you, Bailey,” Nate replied.

Bailey nodded and went through the archway, and ascended the stairs. When he was out of sight, Nate turned to Daisy.

“Why does he call me Nathaniel?”

“He’s old-fashioned. It’s taken us a while to get him to use our first names and not call us Mr or Miss Turner,” Daisy said.

“Oh, right. Then I’m glad he didn’t call me Mr Hill. I’d be looking for my dad.”

Maggie and Daisy chuckled.

“There isn’t a thing that man wouldn’t do for me. Justbecause I’m a Hill and not a Turner, makes no difference. That kindness now extends to you.”

Nate leaned in and kissed her cheek.

“It’s going to go fine with your brothers,” he said.

“I hope so. I’m so wired I think I might cry.”

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