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“Evie has that effect on people.”
Daisy circled her finger on the table. “So, it must be important if Brielle keeps calling.”
“I don’t know what could be earth-shattering after not speaking for over a year.” I drew a breath. “Unless she got dumped.”
Daisy grimaced. “Sorry about that. Don’t hold back on account of me.”
My eyes connected with Daisy’s. Vulnerability dripped from her, and it made every part of my body want to shield her from any more hurt in this world, but I knew that wasn’t how the world worked.
“Daisy, I know this is a new friendship between us, but I haven’t felt this… connected. Ever.” I shook my head. “The only thing I’m holding back is how I feel for you.”
Surprise washed over her features as a blush crept up her neck. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
“It’s the truth, and I can’t keep pretending. You should know.” I let out a deep breath and looked out at the lake. “But I’d rather keep a friendship with you forever than have you jump into something you’re not certain about.”
She nodded slowly, but her gaze never left mine.
It felt like the entire world drifted away, only leaving the tension of my confession lingering in the air.
But it didn’t matter.
“My point is that I care about you, Daisy.”
Her beautiful smile surfaced again. “I care about you too, Hunter.”
“And the reason I was a jerk last year was because I had a huge crush on you all the while my ex was hanging around the bar. Your laughter made my days better. Your joy filled my normally dead heart.”
She chuckled, keeping her gaze on me.
“And I just didn’t know what to do because you’re Daisy. The woman everyone in town loves, and I’m Hunter. The guy who can’t maintain a stable relationship to save my life.” I shook my head. “I wish I hadn’t let a year go by, but here we are.”
Daisy’s brows knitted together. “You had a crush on me, so you were mean to me?”
“Yes, I know. Very fifth grade of me.” I shook my head. “But in my defense, I also knew Brielle could make a scene, and you didn’t need that hassle.”
Daisy’s mouth lifted into a lopsided grin. “I can handle that explanation.”
I couldn’t hide my surprise. “You can?”
“And I appreciate not having drama. I’ve had enough of that to last a lifetime.” She turned her gaze to the window and walked over to look at the view.
After a few minutes, she turned slowly and looked at me. “Well, ever since I stepped foot into your bar last year, I've dreamed of what it would be like to kiss you.”
My heart quickened, and it felt like all the air in the room had been sucked out. I attempted a deep breath, but all I could think about were Daisy’s words.
“Even after I was a Scrooge?”
She chuckled, hugging herself as the chill from the window came through. “Probably more so because I knew it would be completely unattainable at that point.”
“Wow.”
“I’m big on personality, and I wasn’t sure I liked yours, but I still couldn’t stop thinking about those lips of yours.”
Her words were driving me wild.
“And when I saw you at the community center earlier this week, your darn lips were front and center again.”
“But I hadn’t redeemed myself yet.”
