Page 3 of Harvest of Love
“I really appreciate it, Daisy, and I think you’d do a great job. But I don’t want you to change any plans just to help a boring guy clean his place.” I wrinkle my nose as the words leave me, wishing I’d phrased it differently.
She giggles.
“Wow, now that I say it out loud, it makes me sound like a loser.”
Her giggle blooms into a full laugh, and I find myself laughing with her. Am I really flirting with this woman? Or is it all in my head? I can’t even remember the last time I tried to charm someone.
“You are anything but boring, Doc,” Daisy says, resting her hand on my forearm. A wildfire sparks under my skin, lighting me up. “And I really don’t have any plans other than Thursday, so I’ll be happy to stop by and help the rest of the week. If you’re okay with that, of course.”
She looks at me through her lashes. Her honey-colored eyes shine hopeful, and I feel myself unraveling.
“I’ll be working at the hospital most of the week.”
Her eyes widen, and I can’t help but chuckle.
“I guess it makes sense you’re working. You’re essential personnel, right?” she asks timidly.
“There are always people who need medical attention. And since Tommy’s away, I picked up a few shifts for colleagues traveling out of town.”
Daisy nods like she’s tucking the information away. “Well, if you’re okay with me stopping by this week, I’ll be happy to get your house in tip-top shape for the holidays.” Her smile is dazzling, the kind that makes me want to pull her close.
“I’d love that. Helping hands makes the hard work light,” I say, and instantly cringe. Who the fuck says stuff like that anymore?
She squeezes my forearm once more, and I don’t even bother glancing at Rain and Ruin as I bolt for the door. Better to leave now than embarrass myself further.
You need to dust off your flirting game, man.
Not that I need to flirt with Daisy.
Not that I should.
And yet, as the cafe door swings shut behind me, I can’t shake the thought of her in my house. Alone.
Chapter 2
Daisy
Tuesday Before Thanksgiving
Almost thirty and still living paycheck to paycheck. I should be worrying about bills, not daydreaming about my boss.
“Why oh why do I have to have the hots for my boss?” I mutter under my breath.
Because he’s hot as sin—tan skin that always looks sun-kissed, deep, soulful brown eyes that speak louder than his words, a shadow of a beard that I’d kill to touch. Scratchy in all the right places, especially between my thighs. Thoughtful, caring, and one heck of a dad.
And maybe this crush of mine didn’t come out of nowhere. I still remember the first time Manny walked into my studio, nervous as hell, asking me a question I never saw coming.
“Hey, Daisy. I was hoping I could catch you before the studio closed.”
“Hey, Manny,” I smiled, surprised to see him here. What can I do for you?”
He hesitated, removing his glasses to clean them with his shirt. “I need to ask you something. “Maybe you’d like to grab a bite with me while we chat?”
I tilt my head, curious. “Manny, I’d love to have dinner with you, but you’re making me nervous. Just say it?”
He exhaled hard and wiped sweat from his forehead. “I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but I gained full custody of my son.”
“Oh, yes. I’ve heard something about it. Congratulations,” I chirp with way more enthusiasm than I should have.
