Page 130 of Maximum Dare
“The stewardess told me it costs three hundred pounds per glass. You might want to get your money back.”
Same old Daisy.I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Your mum offered me a free flight to Brazil. I couldn’t say no.”
I shook my head. “My mother’s incorrigible.”
“I didn’t need much persuasion.” She pushed herself up. “Well, maybe a bit, at first.”
“That old dragon.” I smirked at Mum’s cheekiness.
“Gillian did something right. She made you, Max.”
“Well, there is that.” I grinned and then reached out to stroke her cheek. “I should never have left England so suddenly. Forgive me.”
“You did it for Nick.”
“It’s been my job to protect him.”
“He’s fine. I spoke with him before I left.”
I swallowed hard but the truth came out anyway. “I missed you as soon as I drove through those Hampstead gates. It hurt more than I care to admit.”
“Leaving me?”
“That will never happen again.” I played with her hair. “Just say what you want, what you need, Daisy. I swear if it’s the moon and stars, I’ll get it for you.”
“Just you, Max. I only need you.”
I smiled. “And maybe some aspirin? How does your head feel?”
“I feel fine.” She looked around. “Are we in São Paulo?”
“We are.”
“That’s where you live.”
“It is.” I pulled her into a hug, wanting to make her feel safe, relaxing only when I heard her sigh of happiness. “I want to show you the city I love.”
“I know I’ll fall in love with it, too,” she said, looking up at me. “We found each other again, Max.”
She rested her head on my shoulder.
Daisy was back in my arms—and it felt like she had always belonged there.
Eight Years Later
The elaborately designed window display looked fantastic.
Standing back, poised to get into my Jeep, I admired what I had created in Braga’s shop window. An elegant mannequin wearing beachy attire standing atop a generous sprinkling of sand straight from the beach. The store was nestled within the leafy streets of Ilhabela. Known as a green oasis, Ilhabela was filled with stylish stores, elegant restaurants, welcoming bistros, and chic fashion boutiques. It was also the place we called our weekend home.
I’d be taking a break from this part-time work for a while, for months, really. Resting my hand on my baby bump, I knew time would fly and also be filled with joy.
Music rose from my handbag.
My new favorite song. I grinned. It washim.Max had changed my ringtone to Frank Sinatra singing “The Girl From Ipanema.”
I answered. “I’m on my way.”
