Page 77 of Connor

“She has a strong business brain…” I murmur, because she isn't going to be a kept woman. She will want to work, want to do something productive that challenges her and makes her happy.

“So do you, so why don’t you put it to work and get something organized for her? Hell, she has a lot of skills we could use in our business.”

I look at him sharply. He’s okay with me offering her something permanent, and for that, I’m grateful.

“Maybe…” I murmur, already thinking about it.

“It feels good, doesn’t it?”

“What does?” I ask, wondering where he’s going with this serious tone.

“To find a woman who feels like the other half of yourself?”

“Hey!” Daisy steps into the office like a breath of fresh air, just as I’m about to respond. But my dad already knows how I feel. That my answer would be a resounding yes. “Oh sorry, I didn’t realize you were in a meeting.” She starts to step out.

“No. I’m just leaving.” Dad steps toward the door and looks at me. “Think about it, son,” he reiterates, and I nod.

“Thanks, Dad.”

He gives Daisy a big shit-eating grin as he leaves us alone.

“Things have progressed quickly with the spa this week. I’ve finalized the long treatment food menu with the chef, and once I tweak a few things, that will be done. Staff are all confirmed and all trained. I have booked Marie’s Place next door for the next few months, and then you can reassess. The booking system is all in, and the team is starting to take advanced bookings. Products have all been allocated and stock counted, ready to go,” she tells me with a wide, proud smile on her face. I grin back at her, even though my stomach drops.

She’s almost done. Her project is complete. The end of her tenure with us is coming too soon.

“What’s this?” she asks, stepping closer and looking down at the plans for my new place that are spread all over my desk.

“Oh, house plans. I’m building a ranch out of town,” I tell her, and she looks up at me, surprised.

“Really? A new house?”

“Yeah, I can’t live at the distillery forever. We’re going to break ground on the accommodation buildings soon, and then it will be too busy, too loud…”

“Wow, this looks amazing.” Her fingers run across the drawings, taking it all in.

“Do you like it?” I ask, holding my breath, hoping she does.

“Look at all that lawn. That’s going to be amazing.” Awe softens her tone, wrapping around my heart, and I grin, feeling like I made the right decisions.

“Bedrooms all along here, a large living space, and a kitchen that overlooks Whispers.” I point out a few details.

“Oh, what’s this room?” she asks, and I swallow. I should’ve known she’d catch that.

Before I can answer, Stephanie, the receptionist, walks in.

“Connor. The PR team is on the phone. They said to check your emails right away.”

I move quickly, opening up my laptop and seeing the email in question.

“Everything alright?” Daisy asks, frowning, and I look at the screen, my eyes moving through the email.

“The media have published photos…” I grit out, before I click on the attachment and draw in a sharp breath.

“Photos?” she asks tentatively.

“Of us,” I tell her, and she steps forward to look at my computer over my shoulder.

“Oh…” As the article opens, we both stare at it in silence. It’s a leading story in one of the online news and gossip websites, with photos of us walking around town, going to her apartment, driving into my penthouse. With my nerves rushing, I look at her, seeing her face has paled. The photos aren’t great, and the headline is commenting on her size, clearly for clickbait, even though she’s fucking beautiful just the way she is. My shoulders stiffen, realizing how hurtful this must be for her. They write shit about me all the time, but the frustration and anger I’m feeling now is focused solely on them commenting on Daisy. I make a mental note to have a meeting with my PR team. The media needs to know Daisy is off-limits.

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