Page 50 of The Rebel

She didn’t notice me coming, so I used the time to drink her in. She kept her iPad close to her chest.

“I see you’re becoming a fan of daiquiris.”

“Oh. Hi, Anthony. It’s nonalcoholic.”

“I see. Any reason you’re not drinking?”

She held up her iPad as if to defend herself. Then she put her glass on the counter. “This is amazing. I’ve seen three performances so far, and I’d sign every single one of them.”

“That’s why I invite the execs to hang out the whole time, not just to see the finalists at the end.”

“You’re very clever,” she said, sounding in awe. “By the way, I’m supposed to go to the back room to pick up the gifts for today’s participants, but it’s locked.”

“I have the key. Let’s go together.” I glanced around. “Bella, Chad, and Scarlett might drop by, but they’re not sure. I did tell them that opening night is usually crazy and full.”

“Julian spoke with Chad earlier. They’re coming but running late.”

“Then let’s get the gifts.”

The back room was a combination office and supply room. There was a desk, a chair, a couch, and dozens of boxes. Someone had put the gift bags right next to the door.

“Before I forget, I have something for you,” I said and took out the small bottle from my pocket. “My grandmothers send you their regards and your perfume.”

“Oh, it’s ready.”

She licked her lips, and I barely bit down a groan. Something about her dress was making me lose my mind even faster than usual.

“Did they tell you what the ingredients are? Today they weren’t sure about the contents.”

I cleared my throat. “I don’t know.”

It was the honest truth. There was no point filling her in on the freesia and lilac madness. I hated to admit it, but even I wasverycurious to know what was inside.

She uncapped it and inhaled lightly. “Wow. I love this. It’s the first perfume since I discovered Coco Mademoiselle that I actually want to wear. Want to take a sniff too?”

“Sure. Why not?”

I tilted my head and was suddenly dangerously close to her forehead and her lips. The perfume was great, and I couldn’t wait to smell it on her skin.

“Want to put it on?” I asked her.

“Of course. Though I’m not sure how to apply it. I’ve always had those that you can just spray on. This is perfume, not eau de parfum.”

I cleared my throat. “Like this.” I took the bottle from her and grabbed her wrist. “You apply a bit here.” I put her wrist on the bottle and then turned it upside down for a second before taking it away. “And then you rub your wrist on your neck.”

I lifted her hand, bringing it to a spot under her ear. She rubbed it there briefly.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

It was all I could do not to lean in and smell that spot.

CHAPTER 12

ANTHONY

Daisy heldher wrist to her nose. “This smells even better on my skin.”

“You mind?” I said, pointing to her other wrist.