Page 76 of Maximum Dare
“You ate half of them.”
“Not as many as you, apparently.”
“You fed them to me.”
“Only because I love your mouth.”
I drew in a sharp breath. “I love your mouth, too.”
He rolled his eyes playfully.
“That’s it.” I rested my napkin on the table as our plates were cleared. “I’m moving to Brazil.”
“My devious plan worked,” he said with a laugh.
Max thanked Pedro for the incredible meal. They chatted in both English and Portuguese with the warmth of old friends.
When Pedro returned to the kitchen, Max whispered, “He says you’re very pretty.”
“For a girl who looks like a truffle.”
“I hope I didn’t scare you back at the bookshop?” he asked, his tone amused.
“It was the best kind of surprise.”
“You were happy to see me, then?”
I gave him a look that told him he’d just asked me a ridiculous question. Seeing him again had made my day. It had made my life, actually. Even if all this was fleeting.
He sensed my reticence. “I can’t stay away from you, Daisy.”
I swallowed hard, my heartbeat racing at the thought that things might work out between us. Maybe we could find a way to be together.
“I’m strong,” I said softly. “You know that.”
“Yes, I know.”
The words had come out wrong, so I tried again. “I know you’re going back to Brazil soon.”
He looked up at the ceiling and groaned. “Let’s talk about something else.”
“You’ll miss our food.”
“What food?”
“When you go back home. You’ll miss our beans on toast.”
“Do not talk to me about English food.”
“What! We have the best food! Bangers and Mash… Toad in the Hole.”
“No, thank you.” He raised his hands in defense. “And don’t get me started on Spotted Dick.”
I giggled. “You really have to taste my spotted dick.”
He chuckled loudly. “And I thought you liked me.”
“Well, I know what you love to eat.” My hand slapped to my mouth. “Oh, my God, I didn’t just say that.”
