Page 97 of The Rebel

DAISY

Anthonyand I returned to New Orleans three days later. Dad was feeling a little bit better, although he couldn’t move around much. Annelise promised that she’d drop by daily to start the machines. I needed a better solution, though.

So, when I went into the office the next morning, I texted Samantha first thing.

Daisy: Hey, you said you have a lead in North Dakota. Can you send it to me?

Samantha: Relocating?

Daisy: Maybe.

It was the last thing I wanted to do, and yet I would feel guilty if I didn’t even try.

Samantha: I’m on it. And by the way, Farm&Garden got back to me. They went with another candidate.

Whatever. The job wasn’t overly exciting, although I was disappointed that I didn’t make it to the next round of interviews. Especially since I thought it had gone well.

I pushed the phone away and dove back into my work. Luckily, this was another busy week. Anthony and I had to be at the jazz competition two evenings in a row. The Drums Festival was coming up, too, and we had a million things to do for it.

While I dove into my inbox, I kept my ears peeled for any signs of Anthony. He was on location again this morning. Was it weird that I felt as if I had Anthony withdrawals? After these past few days together in North Dakota, it felt strange to be apart.

I was definitely feeling as though we were a couple. Could a long-term relationship be in the cards? I was so falling for this man. But was he falling for me?

In the afternoon, Dorothy came into my office again with a familiar-looking cup. She also had a huge package under her left arm.

“Delivery for you,” she sang as she handed me my drink.

“Thank you so much.” I immediately took the cup from her.

“Enjoy.” She winked before leaving my office. I wondered if she suspected something.

I took a large sip. This time, it had a hint of orange. I smiled, feeling utterly and completely in love.

Yeah, that was right.

In love!

Anthony LeBlanc was the man of my dreams—especially after the past few days. I took a few more sips before I grabbed my phone and texted him.

Daisy: Your plan to woo me with hot chocolate continues.

I sent a picture of the cup.

Anthony: My plan to woo you includes many things. Among which, yes, hot chocolate.

Oh, wow.Despite having a few stressful days, I was so happy. Being in love was blissful. The whole time we were at the farm, Anthony made it his priority to make sure I was taken care of. I never knew a relationship could be like this.

Daisy: What else is part of that plan?

Anthony: Every time you stress out, I’ll do something to help you decompress.

Now I was starting to get dangerous ideas. Could I justpretend to be stressed and reap the benefits, or would he be able to tell?

Anthony: I’m starting by taking you out tonight.

I nearly jumped out of my seat with joy. I was going on a date with Anthony LeBlanc.

We chatted a bit more, but then he had to go. Someone at the location needed his assistance.