Rosie, That’s McDreamy, not McSteamy.
Rosemary
Tough crowd today.
I snort at Rosemary’s reply. Even my consecrated Sister (with a capitalS) can’t deny that Landry’s easy on the eyes.
Violet
I don’t get it.
Daisy, did you move in with your hot doctor so he can watch over you? Or is it that you can’t answer us right now because you’re busy fornicating?
I groan. My parents hadn’t even reacted this way when I broke the news to them about Landry and me deciding to share a house. They only traded amused looks as if they had been placing bets on how long it would take me to give up on living alone and reminded me that I could come home as soon as I was ready. NotifI was ready, butwhenI was ready.
Once they realized I was serious and that I was not in fact ready to admit defeat, my dad tried to give me a short lecture about the dangers of putting oneself in a state of unnecessary temptation. I cut in to reassure him that there would be nodangerof anything happening between Landry and me, but he insisted on finishing his sermon with a reminder that pride often precedes the fall. I thanked him for the advice, even though I was sure it wasn’t relevant to my situation. And I don’t think my sisters will understand, either.
I also know they won’t leave me alone if I don’t answer them.
Daisy
Landry and I are renting separate rooms in his sister’s old house. He’s been very kind to me because, and I quote, “he owes it to Rowan to take good care of his baby sister.” And that about sums it up.
Magnolia
Oof. He best-friend’s-baby-sister-zoned you?
Marigold
Oh, honey. I hope this doesn’t make you forget how beautiful you are, both inside and out.
Iris
I still think this is a bad idea. You’re at least going to walk in on one another naked at some point, and it’s hard to come back from that.
Rosemary
I’m just relieved to hear that he’s taking care of you, Daisy. You know we all love you and want you to be safe, happy, and holy. I’ll be praying for you and your roommate to get along well.
Violet
So, no fornication, then?
I roll my eyes and set my phone down on top of that test prep guide. I glance toward the light streaming in from the front window, thinking I could use a little vitamin D. Normally, I’d have brought my book outside to study, but Landry said he was going out to wash the Jeep earlier, and I knew I’d end up talking to him if I went out there. I think I might have to take that risk, though, since I can’t seem to focus inside.
I rise and make my way to the front door, halting in front of the window when I spot the shirtless man wielding the water hose.
“Mercy me,” I hear myself saying on a gasp.
Maybe I should at least go out to water the flowers. I bet they’re real thirsty.
I’m not even sure I’m conscious of what I’m doing as I shuffle out to the front porch and pick up my watering can. I gulp and allow my gaze to run over Landry’s bare back, his muscles flexing as he reaches up to rinse the top of the car. His skin looks flushed beneath a layer of glistening moisture, the origins of which are unclear. Has he been sweating through his grueling labor as the sun blazes down upon him? Or has he simply gotten caught in the spray of the water hose, inadvertently drenching himself as he continues toiling away?
He answers my question when he turns the hose on himself, giving his sun-kissed shoulders a quick reprieve from the heat.
I hear myself whine as I continue gaping. Then I flinch when I realize my feet are wet, too, because I’m literally standing in a puddle. Apparently, I’ve been watering the same pot of hydrangeas for the last two minutes.
“Frick and frack,” I mutter to myself.
