Page 113 of Maximum Dare
Nick smiled at me. “Do you want another drink, Daisy?”
“No, thank you.” I reached for a handful of crisps.
“Don’t be nervous.” He hopped closer. “You’re here because I want you here. I need you here.”
I swallowed, and said, “I’m glad to see you doing better.”
“There’s something I want to ask you.”
I gave him a nervous smile. “I think we should just focus on having a good time.”
“You really like salt and vinegar crisps, don’t you? You always eat like this when you’re nervous.”
“But I’m not. I’m happy. Really.”
“You know what, I’m just going to say it in front of everyone. You deserve a public apology.”
“What? No…”
Ding. Ding. Ding.
Nick tapped his champagne glass with the back of a teaspoon, and then set them on the center island.
He looked around to make sure he had everyone’s attention. “Thank you for coming to show your support. Now cover your ears, Mum.” His smile was full of sadness. “I’ve fucked things up. I’ve probably ruined my chance of playing football professionally. I’ve pissed away years of training. All because I made a snap decision to do the right thing outside the Spread Eagle. It’s a pub, by the way, for those with dirty minds. Anyway, I took on a total git to protect the woman I was with at the time. Huge mistake…which is why I’m on crutches. I’ve made a lot of stupid mistakes lately.” Nick fixed his line of sight on me.
I recognized that look, and I almost snapped the stem of my champagne glass. I hadn’t seen that kindness in his eyes for months…that boyish charm directed at me.
“Daisy, I’m so sorry for what I put you through. You’re beautiful, funny, and kindhearted. You tried to warn me about ‘you know who’—and even after everything, you’re still here. You were one of the first people to visit me in the hospital. I’ve been an idiot.” He scanned the many faces in the room to see their reaction.
All of their expressions were full of hope for him. Hope for his recovery and for his future—and so many of those gazes were filled with love.
“Daisy, come here.” Nick gestured for me to step closer.
My mouth went dry and I couldn’t move.
Gillian stared at me.
She had to know I loved her oldest son more.
I’d been moving rapidly toward a brilliant future, a place where true love reigned and where hearts were safe. It was a place of trust.
I loved my new life.
Nick moved closer, raising his glass in a toast. “To the most amazing woman in the world!”
The crowd shared the sentiment, raising their glasses and beaming at us both. The only face in the crowd that looked concerned belonged to Gillian, her eyes widening in warning for me not to say anything contradictory.
My attention snapped back to Nick.
“I’m sorry, Daisy.”
“It’s fine, Nick. I’ll always care for you—you know that. Me almost drowning in your swimming pool proves it.”
Laughter rose and we shared a cheeky grin with everyone.
“I’ve lost everything,” he said, becoming emotional. “Because I lost sight of who I was. I forgot what’s important. But through it all you were there.”
My throat tightened and I threw a glance toward the door hoping to see Max. I hoped he’d stride in and say something that would take this conversation in another direction.
