Page 104 of The Rebel

I decided to be open with her. “That you and I are so very different from our parents.”

“I know. Sometimes I wonder if I was adopted or something. They married as high school sweethearts, and except for one time, I haven’t introduced anyone to them… until you.”

“Is that right?”

“Yep. They met my first boyfriend in college. We broke up a week later. I swore to myself that I wouldn’t bring anyone elsearound until it was very serious because it would just confuse them.”

“So, this isveryserious, huh?” I asked as we reached our next stop. It was another deli. They were serving slices of roast beef with pickles and an assortment of vegetables on paper plates.

Daisy smiled as she looked in the front window. There were lots of ingredients to combine.

I put my mouth to her ear. “You didn’t answer me.”

She glanced up at me, and I realized she was nervous. She kept bouncing from one foot to the other.

“Okay, I’ll go first.”

Her expression softened.

“You’re important to me, Daisy. This feels so damn different than anything else I’ve experienced in my life, be it dating or… anything else.” I didn’t want to say “hookups” out loud because it would cheapen the conversation. “That’s why I want you at Fragrant Delights tonight. My family all attend these things with their better halves, and I want you next to me.”

She didn’t say anything. After a few seconds, I cleared my throat. “Daisy…”

“I’m sorry, I’m still swooning. And processing. Oh my God, I can’t believe you said all those words out loud. It’s the most romantic thing ever.”

This could be way more romantic if we weren’t at a roast beef deli on Bourbon, but somehow it fit us.

She gave me a small smile and whispered, “The same is true for me. I didn’t even realize it until we were at the farm. It was amazing that you were there next to me, supporting me like that, like you wanted to be there. And I wanted to share every bit of my life with you, which is a bit scary.”

“I agree, babe.” I pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, touching her earlobe. “But I want to be there with you through everything, and it’s the most fucking amazing feeling.”

“I agree. It makes me feel immense joy right here.” She put her hand on her chest.

“Damn it! I should’ve brought this up in a more private place. Now all I want to do is take you in a dark corner and kiss you thoroughly.” And to tell her that I love her.

Daisy giggled. “Surely you can find enough dark corners on Bourbon.”

“You deserve way better than that, babe.”

“All right, what can I get you two tonight?” the vendor asked as our turn came.

“I’ll have your roast with a side of everything,” I said. Since we were sharing this, I thought I’d pile it all on.

Daisy was looking at the counter, seeming a bit undecided. “I think I’ll just have some roast, but no sides.”

“Aren’t we sharing?”

She shrugged. “The portion isn’t that big, so I’ll just order a little bit so I can save enough space for whatever comes next. I trust that you’ll introduce me to lots of delicious things.”

“Yes, I will.”

“That way you’ll have your own order.”

“You can always help yourself to my sides; I’ll gladly share them. And if you steal from my plate,” I went on, “then it doesn’t count, does it?”

Daisy threw her head back, laughing wholeheartedly. I was enjoying this evening more every minute. “You learn fast, Anthony LeBlanc.”

CHAPTER 24