Page 37 of The Rebel

Her expression softened. “You often do that?”

“No. But from time to time, we have some quality uncle-to-niece talk in the morning. Although, I will say she prefers to have that quality time over beignets at Café Du Monde.”

“Of course she does,” Daisy replied with a laugh.

“Not easy to schedule those, between work and her activities, but she needs to go to school every day.” I cleared my throat, determined to focus on work. “All right, so back to the to-dos…”

She nodded. “I already sent you the first three tasks. Now I’m starting on that sales report you wanted. I don’t have the data yet from Gregory, but as soon as I do, you’ll have it.”

“Thanks. You’re very efficient.”

She shrugged. “I like the job.”

Enough to keep it?a voice said at the back of my mind.

“Okay then, I’ll be in my office.”

“Perfect.”

She started typing again, but I didn’t move. “Did you have a good weekend?”

Daisy glanced up. “Yep. It took me a while to get going on Saturday, though.”

I started to laugh. “The cocktails were on the strong side.”

“Oh, really? I thought I was becoming a lightweight or something, or just getting old.”

“Nah. The Sazerac especially was too strong. Next time I’ll pass on the drinks. They’re fine for the festival—customers are getting their money’s worth—but the bars in the Quarter are much better. Anytime you want the real deal, just let me know. I’ll join you.”

She drew in a sharp breath. I was toeing that fine line.

“You think I need a personal guide to try a Sazerac?” Her eyes were dancing, challenging me. They were light green, almost gray—a color I’d never seen before. She was stunning.

“You might enjoy it more with me there to give you… background information.”

That was the most ridiculous excuse I could’ve come up with. I knew it, and so did she.

Daisy gave me a full-on smile. “I see.”

“But for right now, I’ll let you get back to work.”

“Very generous of you.”

Fucking hell.What was I doing, lingering—and flirting? It was the exact opposite of what I wanted; the very opposite of how I usually was with my assistants. Why was I forgetting all my rules because of Daisy? They were there in place for a good reason. I needed to remember that.

As I headed to my office, I felt a headache coming on.Right, change of plans. I didn’t justwantthat coffee—I needed it. So, instead of getting to work, I decided to go out.

“Everything okay, boss?” Dorothy asked as I passed her office.

Great. I felt like a kid who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“Thanks, Dorothy. Just heading out for a bit. I’ll be right back.”

She looked at me like I was nuts. Maybe I was. Not sure why I didn’t tell her where I was going. Iwasthe CEO, after all—I could come and go as I pleased.

I went downstairs and out onto Royal Street, then to Maria’s Coffee Shop.

I ordered a simple black roast as usual for myself.