Page 67 of The Chemistry Coach
Daisy remembered how lost he’d seemed trying to play the silly video game.How he’d disappeared into the bathroom for several minutes, and how his attitude changed when he could take a step back.
“You changed, though.On the weekend trip you became more of who I always thought you would be.”
“It was the first time I could see this all working out.”
“Oh, it was always going to work out.Maybe not how I wanted it to, but you guys were going to figure it out if it killed me.”
They enjoyed their ice cream in comfortable silence for several minutes before Daisy said, “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Does it freak you out that I’m an overly obsessed fangirl who’s played a pivotal role in your life without your knowledge?I can’t help but feel a bit problematic.”
“Eh, when you’re a public figure, everyone has an opinion.Everyone thinks they know who you should be and how you should act.The fact that you never asked for anything was already a huge step up from the normal crazy fans.”
“I coerced you into singing karaoke and letting me take a picture.”She wrinkled her nose, delayed embarrassment creeping in.
“You didn’t coerce me.I did it to make you smile.And to make sure you weren’t going to call any of those people.”
He was being too nice.She hadn’t agonized over it for years just to have it dismissed when confronting it.“Still weird though, right?”
“Are you trying to convince me that you’re crazy?Because Roxie and I aren’t close, but I’m like ninety percent sure she wouldn’t send me out on a date with a psycho.”
“That’s a lot of faith you’re putting in Roxie’s judgement.”Daisy pursed her lips.
“Are you saying you wouldn’t put that much faith in her?”
“No, I would, but that’s different.”
Connor held up three fingers and tapped one of them.“Are you going to become a stalker and show up randomly at my house?”
“Um, no.But I could.I know where you live.”
“But you won’t.Are you going to harass my friends and family because you think I’ll sleep with you if you hound me enough?”He ticked another finger.
Daisy pulled her head back in shock at the audacity of some people.“Uh, I will not do that.No.”
“Are you going to do anything that would cause me to seek a restraining order?”
She shook her head.“I don’t think so.”
He ticked off the last finger and then waved away her concerns.“Then you’re fine.Stop thinking about it so much.I’m just a guy who has mutual friends with you, and we’re getting to know each other.Is that enough for now?”
Daisy thought about it as they tossed their trash and walked to the car.Could it be that simple?She’d shamed herself so much over the years it never occurred to her that having dirty thoughts about him wasn’t in itself a problem.As long as she didn’t harass him or act on them without his consent, they were harmless.
Too soon, they were parking in front of Daisy’s building.She wasn’t ready for the night to end, but also didn’t feel bold enough to invite him in.
“I guess that can be enough for now.On one condition.”
“Oh, making demands now, are we?”he teased.
“It’s not a demand.It’s a reassurance.You need to tell me if I’m ever entering lunatic levels of obsessed.I swear I will tone it down if you’re uncomfortable.”
He made no such promise as he rounded the car and opened the door for her.
“You won’t make me uncomfortable, Daisy.I don’t need strict boundaries with you.”
She tried to stop him in the lobby, afraid she wouldn’t be able to say no if he accompanied her upstairs, but he marked her hesitation and said, “Don’t worry, I’m not expecting anything.Let me walk you to your door.”
