She forced herself to look up at him.“Do you want to staywith me at all?”
Nate had been with Ian and Alex most of the day, or helpinghis mother get comfortable.They hadn’t talked much after he’d held her whileshe cried.She’d wanted some time alone.Was reality hitting him hard?
He frowned.“Why wouldn’t I?Is this about the mess withyour father?Love, I never once thought you were some saint.Or a virgin who’dsaved herself for her one true love.Though you should know I do intend to beyour one true love, and I’ll keep you so satisfied you won’t look at anotherman.”
She wanted to believe him.“Nate, I wasn’t lying to myfather.Not this morning.I got into a lot of trouble as a kid.Or rather Ididn’t.I was good at covering my tracks.I drank and I had sex probably waybefore I was truly ready.And I can’t blame them because they were greatparents.”
“There’s no blame, Dais.You were a kid and youexperimented.I was sixteen.”He sat across from her.“I shouldn’t have done itin the billabong.There was probably bacteria and stuff, but she was seventeenand I was willing to risk a lot.”
Daisy couldn’t help but smile.And realize there was zerojealousy because this was his past and she wanted his future.“I was nineteen.Though I’d done a lot of sexy stuff before that, it was my first penetrativesex.It wasn’t great, but I knew I was just missing something.I’ve read a lotof romance novels.I know I should say I never had decent sex until I met theman of my dreams.”
There was a dimple in his chin when he smirked that made herheart beat faster.“Well, you met me practically at birth.”
She was so crazy about this guy, but she had to give himevery out.“I’m trying to be honest with you.”
“No, you’re letting guilt seep in, and it could ruineverything.There’s no reason to feel guilty about having good sex.I had somegood sex, and I hope it was good for the women I was with.Now I’m only goingto have sex with you, and it’s going to be the best,” he said.“I love yourpast because it made you who you are.”
She sniffled and stood up, moving into his arms.“Thank you,Nate.I wish my father felt the same.”
She moved back and looked down at what he’d brought her.Atea setup with a couple of mini sandwiches and some cookies.She poured the teainto one of the cups.
“He’ll come around.I assure you my father’s working onhim,” Nate said, standing over her.“What do you think your father meant aboutsaving you?”
She was sure her da was doing something ruthless.Her fatherwas incredibly smart, and he could handle things when the going got rough.She’d been thinking about this all afternoon.“He’ll probably figure out a wayto start a war between cartels so the guy who wants me dead gets killed inprison.It’s what I’d do.”
Nate huffed, but he leaned over and kissed her forehead.“Now I understand what your mum meant.You think a lot like him.”
Daisy pointed to the second cup.“Do you want me to pour youone?”
He shook his head.“Can’t.I’m hopping on a call with myboss.I’m supposed to report in.It shouldn’t take too long.Then I’ll check onMum and come back and hang out with you.Besides, you have other company.”Henodded as her mother stepped outside.“Avery, you should try the lemonade.Thetea is… Well, it’s for my proper Irish girl.”
“Oh, then I’ll definitely have some of that.It’s been aday.”Her mother sank down on the sofa opposite her.“Thanks for this, Nathan.”
Nate tipped his head and strode for the door.“Anything forthe O’Donnell ladies.I’ll see you in a little while, love.Listen to yourmum.”
So this was going to be a lecture.She took a sip of the“tea” that was really whiskey.And then another.“This is so much better thanwhat Da used to keep.”
Her mother smiled wryly.“Well, your uncle has far moreelevated tastes than your father.”She poured herself a cup and took a sip.“I’m afraid in so many ways your father is still the poor Irish kid who had tofind a way to put food in his brother’s mouth when his mum was off doing herimportant work.”
“You mean trying to drive the English out of Belfast?”Sheknew her family history.
“That’s what I mean.”Her mother took one of the sandwiches.“Your father had a rough life.Unlike me.Or you.I need for you to think aboutthat while he’s gone and think about forgiving him for acting like an ass.Heloves you.”
Daisy wasn’t sure.“He loves the idea of me.”
Her mother’s head shook.“No.He loves you.He loves theDaisy O’Donnell who’s always been a walking ball of chaos.And who’s alsoalways been kind and loyal to her friends.Who’s been a good daughter, despitethe experiments with teenaged drinking.”
“Aidan always covered for me,” Daisy admitted.“And he wouldmostly be there.He and Tris would hang out with us, but we knew what they werereally doing.Supervising.”
“Yes, and he never said a word to me or your da.So youshould think about forgiving him, too.”
“I already did, though it was mean.He came very close toruining my positive self-image.I thought maybe I was losing my mojo or Iwasn’t attractive to Doms, which was sad because I like a top.”
Her mother took a long swig.“See, I think this is what yourfather has been avoiding.”
“Knowing I like sex?”
“Knowing how much like him you are,” her mother pointed out.
