Page 72 of The Chemistry Coach
He hoped the coffee would entice her to let him in.She opened the door, wiping the sleep from her eyes, still in her outfit from the previous night.He thrust the paper cup toward her in an awkward motion, unsure how to explain his presence.She accepted the offered gift and opened the door wide, inviting him in.
“Good morning,” she said with a yawn.
Connor gave her a sheepish smile.“Good morning, I didn’t mean to wake you.”
She sipped the coffee and sighed.“I couldn’t sleep.I was awake all night, staring at my ceiling.”
Connor stepped into her space, wrapping his arms around her.“That sucks,” he said.
Daisy rested her cheek on his chest.“I’ll be fine.I’m just tired and frustrated.”
“I would be frustrated too.”He continued to hold her, happy with the closeness.
“Hey Connor?”
“Yeah?”
“What are you doing here?”
He pulled away enough to look at her.
“I’m checking on you.And I wanted you to myself for a few minutes.”
Daisy gave him a soft smile.“I’m okay.And I wanted you to myself too.”She took another sip of her drink and ran a hand up his bicep.“I have another question.”
“Shoot.”
“Are we going to go on a second date?”
“That’s your call.We can go for breakfast now.Does that count?”
“Oooh I love a breakfast date!Yes, that counts.Let me get dressed.”
Daisy left him standing in the living room while she got ready.Connor sat on her couch and started the next episode of the stupid reality show they’d been watching.Fifteen minutes later, Daisy stood in front of him, fresh-faced in jeans and a Seattle Freeze sweatshirt, her face free of makeup, and her hair in a braid down her back.
This was a new version of Daisy, and Connor couldn’t decide which he liked best.Each new facet of her enchanted him more than the last, and Connor felt blessed to be along for the ride as she revealed more of herself.
They were halfway through their breakfast when Connor’s phone rang.He always answered when Sarah called, regardless of where he was or who he was with.So, he didn’t hesitate to pick up the phone.
“Hello?”
“Connor!What are you doing right now?”
“I’m having breakfast with Daisy.What’s up?”
“I got called into work, and I could really use the shift if you can watch Dylan.”She sounded strained, probably pacing her living room and pulling at her hair.
Connor glanced at his watch.“What time?”
“10:30.”
Connor held a finger up to Daisy, who flashed him a thumbs up as he stepped away from their table for more privacy.
“Shit, Sarah, that’s in half an hour.If you’re struggling, I can help.You don’t need to take last-minute shifts like this.”
“I know, Connor.But I don’t want to rely on you all the time.I’ve said no the last three times they’ve called.If I keep saying no, they’ll stop asking.”
“Would that be so bad?”
