Page 67 of The Rebel

I knew on the spot how I’d spoil her the upcoming week, no matter how the weekend went.

Daisy was going to get a hot chocolate every day. Hell, she was going to get a hot chocolateanda coffee every day just because I felt like it.

As the three of us stepped out of the store, Bella lowered her cup and exclaimed, “I’m ready for the bar.”

Daisy’s eyes bulged.

“Long story,” I informed her just as Bella started walking away. Before chasing after her, I leaned into Daisy. “Enjoy the hot chocolate.”

“Pity you don’t even want to taste it.”

“The only way I’ll taste it is off your gorgeous body.”

She gasped before licking her lower lip. “Anthony!”

I winked at her. “Enjoy your drink, Daisy. And I’ll enjoy thinking about all the things I’d do to you with it.”

CHAPTER 15

DAISY

On Saturday morning,I jumped out of bed at nine o’clock on the dot even though my alarm hadn’t gone off yet. I was too excited to sleep. Anthony was picking me up at eleven, so I had plenty of time to get ready. I started my morning with a coffee and decided to FaceTime my parents. They were very early risers. Typically at this time of the day, they were done feeding the animals and were taking a break. Mom answered right away.

“Hi, Mom,” I greeted as I held the phone so I could shield my eyes from the sun. I was determined to sit on this balcony every morning until it was too cold to do so. “How are you?”

“I’m taking a break now, having a coffee too,” Mom said, holding up her cup.

“Where’s Dad?”

“Still out and about. You know how he gets.” They had a few farmhands working with them, although I always told them they needed more employees. The farm was small but busy. My parents had chickens and sold free range eggs, raised alpacas for wool, and also had horses for riding lessons.

“It’s Saturday.”

“As we like to say here, animals don’t know what day of the week it is.”

I chuckled. “That’s true.”

“How are you spending your weekend?” Mom inquired.

Oh, why hadn’t I come up with a story? I didn’t like to keep things from my parents, but I wasn’t sure how to tell them about Anthony. So I chose not to.

“I’ll just relax,” I said, which was completely true.

“That’s great. By the way, I’m getting so many compliments on the perfume you got me. It’s very unique.”

“I know, right? It’s from this shop in the French Quarter run by—” I stopped myself just in time. No, I couldn’t say “my boss’s grandmothers.” She’d be suspicious that I knew his family. “By two amazing ladies,” I finished.

We caught up with each other’s week. Dad didn’t make it to the phone at all during our conversation, but that was quite all right. I’d talk to him another time. After hanging up, I sipped the rest of my coffee, closing my eyes and enjoying the sun on my face.

The second I finished my cup, I headed to the shower. Typically, I didn’t put too much effort into styling my hair. I had beach waves naturally, but today I styled it with a huge roller brush and hair dryer. I chose a light color palette for my makeup, since I planned to wear a sunflower-yellow dress. The weather was unseasonably warm today, and I was determined to prolong the summer as much as possible. It was my favorite season, and I prized every warm day.

Even though I’d started getting ready early enough, it was already 10:55 a.m. Once I was ready, I went out onto the balcony again, smiling into the sun. Oh, the day was just to my liking.

“You look stunning.” The familiar voice came from below.

Opening my eyes, I glanced down. Anthony stood there, hands in his pockets and a huge smile on his face. I was instantly on pins and needles.

“When did you arrive? I didn’t see you.”