Page 115 of The Rebel
“But that said, we don’t want you flying up here just because you’re worried about us. Don’t decide your life based on whatweneed,” Mom added in a soft tone. “Besides, your dad will be healthy in no time. You know nothing can keep this old dog down.”
Dad began tickling Mom. “I’ll show you old dog.”
“Stop that, dear. You’ll hurt yourself.”
The love these two shared was as strong as ever. That was what I’d always wanted.
That was what I had with Anthony.
My heart nearly broke in two at the thought of not seeing him again. God, I didn’t want that. I couldn’t even think about it without my throat closing up. Surely that was a sign that I loved Anthony far too much to seriously consider the offer Samantha sent me. My reaction to my family had been out of guilt—and unfounded, apparently, because they never expected me to uproot my dreams and take care of them.
Man, I was messed up.
As if reading my thoughts, Mom said, “Why don’t you chat with that hot stud of yours about this offer before you decide.” She winked at me.
“Woman,” Dad chastised, but I started to laugh. Mom was feisty.
“I’ll do exactly that.”
After hanging up with my parents, I mulled over their advice.
Getting up from the couch, I moved out onto the balcony, smiling in the evening air. It was still warm.
Taking my phone out again, I texted Anthony.
Daisy: Workday over? What are you up to?
He answered before I even managed to sit down.
Anthony: Funnily enough, I’m on my way to your place.
Holy shit.Energy coursed through me. Did we plan on spending the evening together and I completely forgot?
No, that couldn’t be. I’d never forget my sexy man dropping by my house.
I went through today’s agenda in my head. He had a meeting with his brothers and didn’t know how long it would last. That’s why we didn’t make any plans.
Daisy: How long until you get here?
Anthony: 10 minutes.
Oh, that did not give me enough time to make myself presentable. Or to make a plan about how to tell him about North Dakota. All I could think about was that Anthony was arriving any second now, and I was wearing Lululemon pantsand a washed-out One Direction T-shirt, and my hair was sweaty.
First things first, I jumped into the shower and washed my hair. Afterward, I barely had time to put on a dress. I didn’t even get the chance to search for fresh underwear before the doorbell rang. My hair was still pretty wet, even though I’d towel-dried it. I carefully put it over one shoulder.
I dashed to the door, quickly opening it.
“Hey!”
“Hello.” He was looking at my hair intently. Then his gaze dropped. Was he ogling my chest?
I looked down as well. Whoops. My wet hair had dripped a ton of water onto my dress, so one boob was almost visible, as if I wasn’t wearing anything at all.
I immediately stepped back, attempting to hide myself, then changed tack and moved my wet hair on the other side. If I showed him one boob, I might as well show him the other one.
Anthony entered my apartment, closing the door. I started to feel a bit silly because I wanted to talk about something serious with him. Why was I flashing him my boobs?
“Did I forget that you were coming? Were we supposed to meet?” I double-checked.
