Chapter 5
Manny
The river path is adorned with pumpkins and mums in every color imaginable. It’s the perfect backdrop for conversation with a woman who has me hanging on her every word. It’s been years since I’ve wanted to impress someone like this.
“This town feels more vibrant than Azalea Creek,” I say as we get in line at a coffee truck. I’ve never seen a setup like this—at least not for coffee—and the extensive menu has me studying every option like it’s an exam.
When I glance at Daisy, her eyes are locked on me.
“What?” I ask, suddenly overwhelmed by her attention.
“Nothing, I was just enjoying watching how your mind works,” she says with a shrug and a smile.
I frown.
“You were just so focused reading the menu. It’s like you were trying to figure out a math problem.”
She doesn’t mean anything by it, but heat crawls up my neck anyway. I flap my jacket like a fan, and Daisy laughs.
Yeah, Manny, real smooth. You’re killing this date.
“Yeah, the smallest crease forms right here.” She reaches out, tapping the spot between my brows with her finger.. The touch is brief, but I love feeling her so close.
“I’m sorry. I don’t think I’ve ever been called out for concentrating before,” I admit. “Especially not over something as trivial as coffee.”
“Oh no, I hope I didn’t upset you.” Daisy leans closer, her voice low. “I just find it extremely sexy how smart you are.”
I arch a brow, every drop of blood in my body heading south. I’d forgotten what it was like to be teased in a way that made me feel wanted.
Clearing my throat, I shift, trying—and failing—to adjust my growing erection. Daisy notices, of course, and doubles over in laughter.
“And you dare laugh at the reaction you cause in me?” I tease, falling into a lighter tone as the line inches forward.
“Well, yes, Doctor. Why? Are you going to punish me?” Her eyes glint with desire, and I inhale sharply through my nose.
I can’t do any of the things I want to do to her. Not here. Not in public.
Instead, I close the distance and pull her into my arms.
“Behave, bebecita. Otherwise, I’ll have to punish you in the most delicious ways imaginable.”
Daisy whimpers, biting her lip, and I lose all restraint.
I tilt her chin with my finger and taste her lips. First, a soft brush, then firmer—hungrier. Her arms loop around my neck, and I press my hard dick against her. She parts her lips for me, and I deepen the kiss, greedy for more.
For some reason, Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve starts playing in my head—my soundtrack for core memories. It played in my head when Tommy was born, and again the first time he said Papi.
Fuck. She tastes like forbidden fruit—and mine. I already know I’m addicted.
A tap on my shoulder snaps me back, and I break the kiss far too soon.
“Sorry,” I murmur to the person behind me, but my eyes never leave Daisy’s.
She giggles, rises on her tiptoes, and presses another peck to my lips. “That kiss was worth the wait,” she whispers, resting her head on my shoulder.
Her words knock the air out of me. Part of me wants to believe this can be easy. Another part whispers I’m rushing into something that could change everything—for me, for her, for Tommy. Still, it’s a risk I want to take.
“I’m glad you think so, because it was completely unplanned.” I grin. “Do you want to know a secret?”
She nods eagerly
“I had planned to kiss you at the end of our date. When I dropped you off at your place.”
Her eyes go wide. “Oh my. Thank goodness you didn’t wait that long. I might have died of anticipation.”
I chuckle, and she smacks my middle playfully.
“Oof.” I laugh, kissing the top of her head.
“Can I ask you something?” she says, those doe eyes nearly knocking me flat.
“Of course. I want you to know every single detail about me.”
“You’ve called me something twice now, and I don’t know what it means. I think I need some Spanish lessons.”
I smile. “Very observant, Ms. Hart. I’ll be sure to reward you accordingly later.” I wink as we reach the coffee truck.
Daisy practically melts, and I feel like a fucking king.
I’ve still got it.
“Gosh, Manny. You say the hottest things,” she murmurs against my ear. “I love this little role-playing you’re doing. I can’t wait to be alone with you.”
I kiss her cheek, as close as I can to her lips. But I don’t push it. Because if I do, there’s no way I’ll keep it kid-friendly.
“First, I called you bebé,” I say with a grin. “It means baby in Spanish. The second time I called you bebecita. It’s like saying little baby. For some reason we use a lot of ‘little’ in terms of endearment.”
She studies me like I’m a puzzle —like there’s so much more to me than meets the eye.
“That’s cute,” she finally says, grinning back. “Does that mean I’m your babe?”
There’s so much hope in her gaze, my adrenaline spikes.
This is it, Manny—the moment of truth.
“Do you want to be? Because Daisy… once I claim you as mine, there’s no going back.” I practically growl it against her ear, and a shiver runs through her.
Before she can answer, it’s our turn to order. Conversation stalls, and I’m hanging by a thread. Desire is obvious—there’s no denying that—but what I’m asking is bigger. Do you want a life with me?
Wait—did I just say that out loud? Hell, what if she thought I meant for the night?
I have to fix this. Make my intentions crystal clear.
I push my glasses up the bridge of my nose—my telltale sign I’m trying to remember something important.
Daisy orders a chai latte, and I get a pumpkin spice latte. I pay quickly. She places a kiss on my neck and murmurs thanks. It’s surreal how easy it feels with her. No mocking, no making me feel “less of a man” for liking pumpkin spice. Just a small, grateful kiss.
With our drinks in hand, we stroll toward the row of little shops along the riverwalk. There are more tourists here since it’s closer to the ski slopes.
“I think you were about to give me a very important answer,” I say, unable to wait any longer. “But first, I need to be very clear about what I meant when I said I’d claim you.”
Daisy stops in front of an antiques store. I stand beside and slide my arm around her back. She closes her eyes as she sips her drink. I wait until she’s ready to give me her full attention.
“Sorry,” she says softly. “I just feel like this moment is going to mark the beginning of something special, and I wanted to acknowledge it.”
Her adoring eyes meet mine, and a bright smile transforms her face.
“Yeah, you’re right. This is not only special, but extremely important.” I pause, making sure we’re on the same wavelength. “What I meant by ‘claiming you’ is that I’m not here for a fling or a hookup. I’m in this for the long haul.”
Her eyes shine with emotion, and I pull her closer to me.
“Yes, it’s only been a little over twenty-four hours since we finally broke the nanny/employer barrier, but we’ve been friends for a long time. And I’ve felt this way for longer than I’d like to admit.”
She chuckles at my confession.
I let out a long breath. “I’m not making this decision lightly. I’ve thought about this,” I say, tapping the space between us with my coffee cup. “And it’s not only the best decision I’ve made in years—if you agree—it’s the only decision that will make me a happy, lucky man.”
Her grin widens as she pulls me down into a scorching kiss.
I still need to hear her words, but that can wait. Right now, I want to soak up on this kiss for as long as I can.
It’s been a long time coming.