Chapter 4
Daisy
Wednesday Before Thanksgiving
Last night I didn’t hear from Manny, and I have to admit, my heart cracked a little.
I stared at my phone until the screen went black, telling myself I didn’t care—only, I did.
I thought after he read the note I left, he’d come see me, give me that kiss we were denied…
or at least call. Text. Something. But he didn’t.
So this morning, I decided to be productive. I dragged myself out of bed, padded to my closet, and reminded myself that the yoga studio needs cleaning before next week. December is a slow month, but my most loyal clients like to burn off holiday calories.
I brewed my own coffee, added creamer, and poured it into a to-go cup instead of stopping by the Rustic Spoon for my usual latte and a muffin. Christmas is coming, and I need to save for presents—family, friends… and Manny and Tommy.
When I open my front door, the crisp autumn air smacks me in the face. I pause, breathing it in. Fall is my favorite season for cute clothes, though summer still wins for endless blue skies and long, hot days.
I take a step forward and bump into something
“What the hell?”
Looking down, I find a gorgeous bouquet waiting on my doorstep. My hand flies to my mouth. Setting my cup on the foyer table, I scoop it up, grinning like a fool as I do a little happy dance. I glance up and down the empty street, but no one’s there.
The scent hits me first—cinnamon and clove. The flowers are a gorgeous array of orange, red, and yellow blooms, tied together with bundles of cinnamon sticks and a pack of candied orange slices.
“This is beautiful,” I murmur, setting them on the kitchen counter as my heart races. My fingers scramble for a note, praying they’re from a certain hot single dad.
And then I find it.