Page 13 of The Chemistry Coach
The extra height from her heels had her towering over Hazy, but brought her eyes in line with his own.He wouldn’t have to stoop to kiss her.
Fuck.No.The goal was for her to becomfortable.She got paid to help them, not to be objectified.He ran his hands down his face and took a deep breath.
Daisy’s expression twisted into a grimace as she tore the girl’s hands from Hazy one at a time.In a bright and cheery tone she said, “Annie!You’ll be with Rob for the remainder of the day.”
If looks could kill, the glare Annie shot at their rescuer would have them scrambling to call emergency services.“You aren’t going to introduce me?”She crossed her arms, and Connor would’ve sworn she was seconds from a full-blown temper tantrum.
He had to bite his lip to avoid laughing at Daisy’s fake smile.“It looks like you’re acquainted, but okay.Connors, this is Annie.She’s one of our high school interns, and her dad is my boss.Annie, these are the Connors.There.You’ve had your introduction, now please go see what your dad has planned for the rest of your day.”
“I think I should help with this client; my dad says they’re important.”
A voice rang out from the balcony above them.“Annie.Do you have a minute?”
Connor could see the rage and disappointment cross Annie’s face before she schooled her expression.She placed a hand on Hazy’s arm, admiring him with a gaze far too adoring for someone she’d spent less than three minutes with.This girl did not get the hint.
“Excuse me.”She shot Daisy another death glare.“I’ll be back to help.”
Connor hoped not because he couldn’t withstand another round of whatever that was.
Daisy watched Annie disappear, then said, “Let’s get out of here before she comes back.”She hustled them out the door and down the block.
They followed her in awkward silence.Connor could have stopped and demanded to know where they were going, but he was thrilled to get out of the sad building.Lover and Hazy seemed unconcerned, more interested in getting away from the sexual harassment than worried about the plan.
Daisy led them to a parking garage, where she clicked a button on a key fob and motioned for them to get into a shiny black SUV with the Collaborative Craft logo on the side.
When they buckled in, she spoke.“I’m so sorry about that.Feel free to file a complaint, or cancel your sessions; I’d understand.For what it’s worth, though, I have a plan that might help.”
Lover, who sat shotgun, said, “Don’t worry about it.We’re already here.Might as well do the activity.”
“Are you guys okay?”Daisy asked.
Hazy asked, “Why wouldn’t we be?”
Daisy’s cheeks turned pink.The splash of color accentuated the freckles across her cheeks and nose.She cleared her throat.“Um, sorry, maybe I’m overstepping here, but she seemed a little...touchy with you.”
“Yep,” Lover said, “stuck to us like glue.It happens a lot.No big deal.”
Daisy frowned and signaled for the next exit.“What do you mean?”
Hazy sported a shit-eating grin that Daisy wouldn’t be able to see while driving.“He means the ladies flock to us.”
“Oh,” Daisy said, “like puck bunnies.”
Lover shrugged.“Or the gold diggers.We had to fill out those forms for the program, she probably knows we’re loaded and wanted to flirt her way into our lives.”
A wave of protectiveness rolled over Connor.Lover was a heartthrob amongst young fans because of his last name and pretty-boy face, but he should never have to deal with the shit some crazies put them through.
Daisy earned points for her response to this revelation.“That fucking sucks.”Arriving at their destination, she parked the car, pivoting in her seat to look at them.
Hazy put on a smolder designed to make beautiful women melt.“True, but only sometimes.If you want to charm the pants off me, you are more than welcome to give it your best shot.”
Connor’s stomach dropped.He elbowed Hazy hard in the side and grumbled, “Dammit, Hazy.This is a professional environment.Daisyjustsaved you from harassment.Don’t do it to her.”
Daisy waved away his concern and teased Hazy.“Something tells me you wouldn’t be enough of a challenge.”
She exited the car, leaving Hazy to scramble after her, proving her point.
Connor stepped out of the car.The sky was a mass of gray, and a light breeze had the refreshing mist of rain hitting his face, bringing the smell of petrichor with it.If he had to be traded, he hoped it was rainy wherever he went.
