Delighting Miss Daisy [Wayback Texas Series]

by Abbey MacInnis

  Katherine brightened. “We loved it. Having a slice before she goes down for her nap has been an afternoon ritual this past week. I'll miss that since she's leaving for Florida in the morning."

  "Is it alright for her to travel so soon after her surgery?” Daisy wondered.

  "Her doctor assures me that she'll do just fine, but I'll still worry until I know she's arrived without incident. The hip replacement really took a lot out of her."

  Seeing the worry in the other woman's eyes, Daisy said, “If I know Miss Emma, she'll bounce right back.” Daisy helped Katherine set the table in the adjoining dining room. “This trip might just be what everyone needs."

  "She absolutely loves Max and your crush, Sam. You two still arguing over those flyers?"

  Had she been so obvious with her attraction, Daisy wondered, heading back into the cozy kitchen to grate some cheese. “No, not anymore. My car died. I was on my way to the school, when Sam stopped and offered me a ride. I had him drop me off here so I could talk to Max about fixing it for me."

  "So what happened?” Katherine asked as she drained the pasta.

  Daisy heard the interest in Katherine's tone as she took the bread to the table, while Daisy followed behind with the salad. Katherine popped the cork on a bottle of white Zinfandel and left it on the counter to breathe.

  "I tore down a few of his flyers, and he didn't like it,” Daisy stated. “He wasn't too pleased with me."

  "No, he didn't look too happy in the bakery last week. No one should be allowed such shameless promotion. He's so inconsiderate for shoving them down our gullets."

  "I used to feel the same way."

  Katherine sent her a confused glance. “What do you mean? I thought you were furious with him?"

  "Oh, I was. I'm not completely reformed, but I saw a side of him that I didn't think existed."

  After taking down two delicate goblets, Katherine poured the wine. “And just what side was that? I can't even imagine what that might be. He's all about that company of his, and keeping it on top. The tabloids are a weakness of mine,” she confided. “I read in one that he's one of the richest entrepreneurs in the country. He's made the Forbes five hundred list of the wealthiest men in America."

  Katherine turned off the burner under the sauce, and the two women seated themselves at the kitchen nook with their wine. “Guess the company got into a few sticky spots while his uncle was alive. You know what they called him, the tabloids? Slade the Blade Howard."

  Daisy rolled her eyes. “Sounds like a name you'd give a serial murderer."

  "From what I've read, Slade was cheap, and a greedy old coot. If he could cut corners, he would. There was a lot of scandal centered around the company in the 80's. Slade, I guess, almost lost the company after the IRS grabbed hold, but Sam managed to pull it through."

  "Really? I had no idea there had been so much trouble. He appears to be doing well now—Sam, I mean."

  Katherine contemplated her wine. “There's not much written about Sam's personal life. He's pretty much a private person. Oh, you'll see an occasional photo of him, escorting a stunning blonde to some event or just out and about, but he's an enigma.” She waved her hand. “I'm sorry, Daisy. What was this other side of him you've seen?"

  "Sam was headed to the school to have his own little chat with the principal, too."

  "Hmm, that so?"

  Daisy sipped her wine. “Yes, he insisted on giving me a ride. I let him have it about all of those flyers of his. It turns out that he was going to talk to the principal about holding an assembly tomorrow for the kids. There's a dance this weekend, and he wants to talk to them about not drinking and driving."

  Daisy saw the shock register on Katherine's face. “Really? That's wonderful. I had no idea he would be so concerned."

  "Neither did I. Needless to say, I felt pretty bad for being so witchy to him earlier. He really appears to care about getting the message out."

  "I haven't been as kind to him as I could be. I've never read about him giving to charity or speaking to the public."

  "He said he doesn't advertise that.” Daisy lowered her gaze to her wine.

  Katherine covered Daisy's hand with her own. “I saw the two of you pull up in his Porsche and take your sweet time in coming to the door. Things looked pretty intense out there."

  "He wants us to be civil to one another, and friends if possible. He didn't actually come right out and say it, but I knew what he was getting at."

  "Ah, the friend angle.” Katherine smiled. “He's smooth, that's for sure. So what are you going to do?"

  "Run.” Katherine laughed. “Men and I don't mix anymore."

  "You're not at all interested in Sam?"

  "You're not at all interested in Max?” Daisy echoed.

  "Okay, so we both have it bad for these guys, when we don't want to kill them, that is. So what are we going to do about it?"

  "Like I said, I'm not doing anything about my attraction to Sam. I have my ex to thank for that."

  "I hate those unfaithful jerks,” Katherine said. Daisy didn't affirm or deny her assumption. An awkward silence followed. Then Katherine said, “I haven't had any time for romance. My career has just taken up so much of my time. I don't think I could put all the time and energy into a relationship. I just don't know—"

  A loud crash from the floor above brought the women to their feet.

  "My God, Max,” Katherine cried.

  "Sam!"

  Abandoning their wine, they sprinted for the stairs.

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  Chapter Seven

  Daisy followed right behind Katherine. She almost plowed into the other woman's back as Katherine skidded to a sudden stop outside a closed door at the top of the stairs. Instead, she did collide into the wet and mostly naked man who stood with one foot in the hall and the other just inside a door. A towel was wrapped low about his hips, its ends just teasing his belly button. Beads of water glistened on his skin, dripping lazily down his broad, naked chest and flat, hard stomach to finally be absorbed by the towel. As she stumbled back toward the stairs, Sam caught her close against his chest.

  A paint can lay tipped on its side, a puddle of brown liquid spreading over the floor. Max didn't appear to notice the growing mess. His astonished and furious gaze remained glued to the closed door across the hall from the disaster, and the tall figure blocking it.

  Rather than look at the inn's mysterious guest, Daisy couldn't resist a quick look at Sam's muscular thighs and broad shoulders. The heat, steam, and spicy male scent of him drifted under her skin to warm her blood and rev her nerves.

  "You okay?” Sam asked. The words seemed to softly fade into the air around them as Daisy's hand hovered over the center of his dampened chest, her fingers suspended inches from the thick dark mass of hair covering it.

  "I'm fine. Thanks.” Smelling him made her feel light-headed and weightless.

  Daisy let herself lean into Sam for a second, the dampness from his chest wetting her top and the bra beneath. She shivered as her nipples hardened at the wetness seeping through. Sam easily caught and steadied her, holding her with one hand loosely at her waist while the other fought to keep the towel closed.

  "I seem to be doing a lot of falling into you lately. I promise I'm not such a clumsy person.” Daisy wondered if he could feel her reaction to him as her thighs clenched and the muscles in her stomach quivered, not in fear, but in need as she felt his growing erection press against her stomach.

  Katherine jostled Daisy as she hurried forward to clean up the spilled paint. “Max, why are you bothering a guest?"

  A tall shadow stepped from behind Max to stand at his side. “No worries, Katherine. He is furious, but only at me. I just scared him is all. Hey sis. Looks like we've got one fine family reunion here."

  Katherine's eyes bulged and her mouth fell open before her smooth professional mask returned. “So you really are Daisy's and Max's sister?"

  "Yeah. I checked in under a
false name, because I didn't want anyone knowing I was home yet. I'm really a Porter girl.” Sherrie glanced at both Max and Daisy, and then smiled. She embraced Daisy in a half hug. “These two are the only family I have left."

  Daisy pushed past Katherine. “Sherrie? What are you doing here?” She reached forward and stroked a loose lock of hair covering Sherrie's eye. “Honey, you look like hell."

  "I have been through hell.” Sherrie inhaled. “And I have the scars to prove it."

  Slowly, she removed the black leather glove covering her left hand, and rolled up her sleeve. Her hand was red, puffy, and swollen, and her arm all the way up to her elbow was covered with angry, red streaks.

  Daisy gasped. “Your arm! What happened?” Before Sherrie could answer, Daisy wrapped a comforting arm around Sherrie's shoulder. “Why didn't you call us? Sweetie-pie, that looks pretty bad."

  "Worse than bad,” Max grumbled.

  Sherrie shrugged. “What was I supposed to tell you?” She crashed her head against Daisy's shoulder as a torrent of tears spilled down her cheeks. “T-that I ... that I lost my pretty house in Malibu to a fire, that I can't model anymore because I can't wear a swimsuit or sleeveless dress without looking like a freak. And I lost all the pictures I had of Mom and Dad..."

  * * * *

  After leaving Max to his painting, Sam had gone to change and get ready for dinner. He'd just stepped from the shower when he'd heard the crash. Afraid Max might have hurt himself, Sam wrapped the towel around his waist and ran. He hadn't bargained on seeing Daisy and almost the entire household standing outside his door. No one but Daisy had appeared to notice his lack of clothing.

  Sam turned aside, keeping his profile to the others in the hall to hide the evidence of his erection. They'd both been affected again by the close contact. He'd heard Daisy's breath catch, and seen the flicker of desire in her eyes as he'd pulled her against him.

  Like any man with eyes and a pulse, Sam found Sherrie Porter attractive, but he was so much more drawn to Daisy, and he didn't know why. Sherrie's blonde hair, long legs, and grace were what he usually went for in a woman, but this time it was Daisy's fuller, simpler beauty that attracted him. Though stunningly beautiful, Sherrie's eyes held sad, dark shadows. Sam knew now why she'd hidden herself away in her rooms. She'd suffered a terrible ordeal, but she was with her family now who would help her heal. A stab of envy pricked Sam's heart. He wished he were lucky enough to have two siblings who loved him as much.

  After much crying and cuddling, and cursing on Max's part, the women finally parted. Appearing just as confused as he felt, Katherine said to the group, “You don't have to leave now. Why don't we head downstairs. Dinner's getting cold. You can pack later."

  The three siblings stood close. Daisy wiped away her tears, Max was stoic and composed, and Sherrie seemed relieved as she nodded. “Yes, come on ya'll. Let's eat. I'm starved."

  Daisy laughed. “You're always starved, and yet you stay so thin. I'd kill for your body."

  "I still have a high metabolism,” Sherrie retorted, grinning at her sister.

  "I wouldn't kill for her body. But I would for yours,” Sam said close to Daisy's ear.

  She sent him a sideways glance. “Cut it out, Howard.” She swatted at his towel.

  The others turned and made their way downstairs, while Sam quickly dressed and went down to dinner.

  As the delicious meal came to a close, Max abruptly excused himself.

  "Max, my car,” Daisy reminded as he stood to leave.

  "Sorry darlin', but I can't. I'm going to take Sherrie back to my place and get her settled in."

  "Max, who says I'm staying with you?” Sherrie protested.

  Max moved his gaze from Sherrie, to Sam, to Daisy, and then back again to his youngest sister, a dark brow lifting in exasperation. “Does it really matter? Y'all will find time to gab eventually."

  "Now you know I don't mind helping Daisy out with her car.” Sherrie turned to Daisy. “Come on, honey. Why don't you come with us? It'll give us an excuse to catch up and chat. I've missed you, and I need to explain—"

  "Not now,” Max murmured.

  As Sherrie attempted to ignore Max, he swiftly shook his head. With a vice-like grip on her good arm, he propelled her to the front door.

  "I'll help you out.” Sam offered to Daisy. “Like I said earlier, it won't be a problem."

  Daisy glared with impatience at her older brother, who had turned his back on the room and was heading quickly to the front door dragging a stunned Sherrie behind him. “Damn it, Max. You're leaving, Sam isn't. Why can't you just drop me off at home? We can get my car in the morning.” Then turning to Sam, who had risen from his chair to stride to her side, she said with less impatience, “Thank you, though, for offering again. I really appreciate it. I don't know why Max is deciding to be so difficult all of a sudden."

  Pulling his car keys from his pocket, casually tossing them in his hands, Sam said, “I'm ready when you are. Katherine, as usual, dinner was fabulous."

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  Chapter Eight

  Daisy wanted to strangle Max. She winced and blew out an impatient breath as Sam took her arm. “Thanks again. You can just drop me off at home. I'll make Max jump my car in the morning.” Daisy buckled her seatbelt. Sam shut her door then moved to the driver's side.

  He got in and started the engine. “I'll do it—jump you that is."

  His easy arrogance grated at Daisy's already frazzled nerves. She hadn't counted on seeing Sherrie hiding out at the Dewdrop Inn. Sherrie was her baby sister, and it hurt that she hadn't confided in Daisy.

  Daisy squirmed in her seat. “My car,” she said through gritted teeth. “You're going to jump my car. No part of my person will be involved in the process of jumping my car."

  "So that's another thing you do when you're mad."

  "Do what?"

  "You turn into Miss Hoity Toity. You look like you want to rip my hair out. I'm the nice guy, remember? Max's the one you want to kill. Besides, what's wrong with me helping with your car?"

  The problem? You have to ask? I want you, and I'm scared and confused. “I know. I'm sorry, Sam. There's no problem. Damn it, I don't know what's wrong with me lately. I've never had to apologize twice in one day for being a witch.” She sighed. “It's just seeing Sherrie again. You feel like listening to me gripe a while, or should I go bug one of my girl friends?"

  "Talk away."

  "I won't ask you if you'll get us lost. It would be impossible with Wayback. I could drive around town with my eyes closed."

  "You can close them.” And she did. Daisy felt the car veer left. “I've got the controls. What's on your mind? You seem upset about seeing your sister again."

  "She was in town all this time, and didn't even bother to call us. God, Sam, she went through hell.” Daisy envisioned her sister's scarred arm. “She loved those pictures, but she should have just let them burn instead of trying to rescue them. They can be replaced."

  "Some things never make sense, except at the time they happen. Obviously they were important to her."

  "Yes. She was so young when our parents died. She can't remember..."

  "Wouldn't you have done the same if you were in her position?"

  Daisy hesitated. “You know, I honestly don't know. But that's different. I'm just a small-town baker, not a big success like Sherrie is. I don't have a lot to lose like she does."

  "Do you hear yourself?"

  Daisy opened her eyes as the car came to a stop behind her Corvette. She looked over and saw the disbelief in Sam's gaze.

  "You're not a success? I've seen the pride in your eyes as you serve customers, and the smile you try to hide when you see that they love your baking. You've worked your butt off. I'd say you have a hell of a lot to lose."

  Her cheeks felt like they were on fire. No one, not even Max or Sherrie had really commented on the success of Down Home Delights, or offered so much praise for her efforts. It really touched he
r that Sam did.

  "Need I say more?” Sam leaned over and kissed her.

  It was a kiss like the one she'd given him earlier. Undemanding and light, his mouth explored hers. This time, the street was completely deserted. Their only audience was the chorus of crickets that chirped their noisy mating call as the full moon shone down, bathing them in its glow. She could see the rugged planes of his face, the sharp slant to his cheekbones and the building passion in his dark eyes as Sam slowly deepened the kiss.

  Daisy knew he wanted more. She saw the question in his eyes and felt him restrain himself, waiting for her permission.

  Daisy's lips curved against his as she kept her eyes on his, steady and open.

  * * * *

  Sam didn't reach for her. He watched her closely for any sign of fear as he outlined her lips with his tongue, dipping between to feel the softness within.

  Rather than push him away, Daisy cradled his cheek in her hand as her mouth opened for him. Sam cupped the back of her neck. Drawing her closer to him, he wrapped his other arm around her waist. Daisy moaned as he held her head still and dove in. Her hands wound into his hair, holding him close.

  Sam had known Daisy was a passionate woman, but he hadn't foreseen the full eruption of emotion he'd evoke in her, or she in him, with a simple kiss. Daisy trembled in his grasp. Her hands went from his hair down to his shoulders, over to his chest, and downward as her lips blazed a trail of fire over his face and on his neck. The reins of control that he'd held so tightly began to slide from his grip.

  She'd found the buttons of his shirt, and was quickly undoing them. “Sam,” she gasped. Her lips and teeth moved to nip the skin she'd uncovered. “Sam ... Please. I need you."

  Daisy took his hand and placed it over her breast. She arched up to meet his palm as she guided his hand over her hardened nipple, and down her quivering stomach to stop just above her center.

  "God, can't you feel how much I need you?” She moaned moving against him.

  And he could, Sam thought. If he skimmed his fingers lower, he'd feel her heat through the cotton of her slacks. Did she wear satin or silk beneath? He ached to possess her, to feel the equally soft skin under his fingers, and taste her passion on his tongue, but not like this. He wanted to be sure there would be no regrets for either of them. Daisy needed to be absolutely positive she wanted him.