Page 58 of The Rebel

“That’s an understatement.”

I couldn’t help myself anymore. I needed to be close, so I rose to my feet and went on the other side of my desk, sitting against the edge. She glanced up at me.

“As I told you last night, when it comes to you, I can’t do the right thing.”

“But why?”

“Something about you draws me in.” On a chuckle, I added, “Can’t believe my grandmothers picked up on it.”

“I’m lost. What?”

I decided to share everything with her. “My grandmothers have this idea that lilac has special powers to bring couples together.” I couldn’t even believe I was saying this out loud. “And they put some in your perfume, I’m sure of it.”

Daisy leaned back in her chair, looking confused. “Wait, what does that mean?”

“That they suspected there’s something going on between us. They only put lilac in a perfume if they’re convinced that two people belong together. They gifted a perfume to all of my brothers’ wives and fiancées.”

“This story is fascinating. Oh!” Recognition dawned on her face. “That’s what they meant when they said they needed to think about what fit me first.”

“Exactly. They even found an antidote to lilac—freesia.”

“They did make me smell freesia! Wait, why would they need an antidote?”

I cleared my throat. “Because of what I told you… my history.”

“Right, right.”

“I doubt it would’ve worked, though. No fucking perfume could’ve kept me away from you last night, Daisy. I can’t even explain what happened. It was something more powerful than my will.”

“It was the same for me,” she whispered. “And yet…”

I straightened up. “I know where you’re going with this. This wasn’t supposed to happen, but it did.”

“I know. I just don’t know how to navigate this. I don’t want to risk my job.”

Cold gripped my body. “Risk your job? You think I’m an asshole, Daisy?”

“What?”

“That I would fire you because of what happened between us?”

She shook her head. “No, that’s not what I meant. But I take great pride in my career. I want to give my best. Always.”

“And you’re afraid that I’d distract you from doing your job?” I teased, wanting to put her at ease again.

She laughed. “Probably. It’s strange coming into the office knowing you’ve given me an orgasm,” she added in a low whisper.

“Daisy, it’s all engrained right here.” I tapped my forehead, and she laughed again. Hell yes, she was relaxing.

“It feels weird talking about this here.”

She was right. The office wasn’t the place for it.

“I’ll make you a deal. For the rest of the week, we’ll act as if nothing happened.”

“Okay.” She sounded suspicious.

“Do you have plans on Saturday?”