Page 18 of The Bride and the Baker

“Did Nick know about that?”

“He did.” Daisy turned to face Lee. “I feel like an idiot that I didn’t know he was only with me for money. I didn’t even spoil him that much, but the more I think about it, the more I realized that I gave more to him than he gave back. He just took from me. And I never saw it.”

“Sometimes, you don’t see someone’s true colors until it’s too late.” Lee pushed up the sleeves of his sweater, Daisy trying not to get distracted by the bulging muscles in his arms. “In your case, you almost got married before you saw his true colors.”

“I wish I’d seen them before then, though. Then I wouldn’t have spent so much money on a wedding only I wanted.” Daisy threw up her hands. “I still don’t get why he went through with it until the last minute, though. Elena said it was because we were planning on moving across the country and she didn’t want to be parted from him, but they both knew that well in advance. I’d told Nick about a chance to be part of the New York Philharmonic back at Christmas. We were going to move next month. They knew about it then, so why did they decide to wait until the wedding?”

“Because they wanted to hurt you.” Lee shoved his hands in his pockets. “They wanted to make it dramatic and squeeze what they could out of you. Like a free vacation.”

“That they couldn’t use after I canceled it.”

“I’m still surprised you managed to do that.”

“So am I. But I’m glad they didn’t get to enjoy more than a night there.” Daisy couldn’t fight back the smile. “I did like being petty with that. But they did deserve it. That was paid for by me, and I was not going to let them enjoy it.”

“I don’t blame you. I’d do the same.”

“I just wish I could’ve enjoyed it. I’ve wanted to go there for a while now.”

Lee smiled.

“Once everything’s died down, make a plan to go over there. You can enjoy it without having a leech hanging off you.”

“On my own? I’m not sure about that.”

“Whatever you want to do.”

I want to go with you.

Where had that come from? Daisy mentally shook herself. She needed to be careful. She and Lee were here alone, and Daisy was very aware of the distance between them. Lee had kept himself at what could be considered a respectful distance, but Daisy felt like it he was actively touching her.

She still remembered when she embraced him earlier, relieved to see him come through the door. And she had felt his erection pressing into her stomach. He was aroused by her? Daisy had been left momentarily stunned.

But she had thought there was a spark between them, especially when Lee looked at her, when he gave her a smile that seemed to be only for her. However, he had barely touched her. It was almost like he was stopping himself from doing something stupid.

Daisy felt the fluttering that had started in her belly move even lower between her legs. Her knees felt a little wobbly, and Daisy resisted the urge to squirm.

“Well…” Lee hesitated. “I think I’d better leave you to it.”

“You’re leaving?”

“You’re safe here. And I’m sure you don’t want me hovering over you.” Lee paused before he turned away. “If you need anything, just call me. I’ll be right over.”

Daisy didn’t want him to go. She found herself panicking at the thought of Lee walking out. She hurried over, catching her foot on the rug and tripping. The floor came up to greet her, only for Daisy to be snatched out of the air and uprighted again. Lee got her steady on her feet, his arms around her with Daisy up against his chest. For a moment, Daisy wanted to sink into his embrace and soak up the warmth from his body. This felt really nice. Lee felt strong and solid.

He felt safe as well.

“I…” Daisy licked her lips, noticing that Lee’s eyes became locked on her mouth. “I don’t want you to go.”

“Daisy?”

“Could you possibly stay? I would like someone to be with me. Until I get myself sorted. That is,” Daisy hurried on quickly, “if you don’t mind?”

Lee was silent for so long that Daisy thought she had screwed it up. His eyes drifted over her face, drinking her in. Her heart was racing so fast the blood was pounding audibly in her head.

“Just be sure about this, Daisy,” Lee murmured. “I don’t want to get in the way…”

“I’m the one who’s getting in the way.”

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