“That’s a pretty strong statement coming from the lady tasked with making Landry Reed’s coffee every morning,” she replies.
“What can I say? He sleeps in his underwear. I enjoy the view,” I admit before I bring Penny up to burp her over my shoulder, and Loren giggles.
“And you’re really not concerned about, you know, your policy?” she ventures.
I shake my head. “Like I said, Landry doesn’t see me that way.”
“Sometimes that kind of stuff can sneak up on you, though. All it takes is a moment of weakness, and … well.” She gestures to Charley in her arms.
I laugh softly. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. I’m kind of a professional virgin at this point, and Landry acts like a prude half of the time.”
Although, I could swear he’s flirting back with me for the other half.
“Hmm,” she hums thoughtfully. “He does have a hard time conveying his affection. It’s always been easier for him to take care of everyone than to come out and articulate his feelings for them. I guess if he worries about you to the point where he starts bossing you around and snapping at you, then you know he really loves you.”
I huff. “Well, then, maybe I am one of his favorite people.”
She smirks. “Welcome to the club.”
“He loves you more than anyone, you know,” I tell her.
She furrows her brow. “I don’t know. My brother is easier to love than to get along with most of the time.”
I frown. “He does take really good care of me, for the record. And he may not seem very open with his emotions, but I think that’s because he actually feels a lot more than he lets on.”
“Does he know how you feel about him?” she asks carefully.
I sigh. “He thinks I have a crush, but that’s all.”
“Maybe you should make a move,” she suggests, patting Charley on the back.
“Oh, I don’t think he’d appreciate that,” I say, shaking my head.
“Daisy, I know we all have our insecurities. But if my brother’s are anything like mine, then it’s going to take him a while to see himself as worthy of your love. You’ll have to be persistent.”
I nod. “Yeah. I guess I could see that.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m absolutely on board with Team Tipsy Daisy,” she adds, gesturing to my phone, and I purse my lips as I consider her advice. “Well, Charley’s out. Wish me luck.”
She stands carefully and tiptoes toward the girls’ bedroom. And I snatch my phone up and reply to Landry’s last text before I lose the nerve.
CHAPTER 17
landry
“Why didwe have to come all the way to Baton Rouge for this?” I muse to myself.
“Because there’s another surprise later,” JD says, winking as he hands a credit card to our Top Golf waitress.
We’ve rented out a whole bay for our group, which consists of Blake, JD, Ethan, Blake’s friend Aaron, Emmett, my dad, and myself. I must admit, I was a bit surprised to receive an invitation to Blake’s bachelor party, and even more so by the venue. I certainly hadn’t expected Blake the Snake to choose a guys’ brunch at the driving range for his last foray as a single man. But then again, there’s probably another leg of this itinerary later tonight, one that doesn’t include all of us.
“Is that the part with the strip club?” Ethan asks hopefully.
“Sorry to disappoint you, Big E,” Blake replies, patting him on the shoulder. “Even if I’d requested a trip to the local gentlemen’s club,Padrewould never,” he whispers the last part and gestures toward JD. “Especially not with you.”
JD rolls his eyes. “For the record, you specifically told me you didn’t want that kind of party. And I quote, ‘keep it low-key, just the guys, no strippers … make sure I’m back in time to help Lo get the girls to bed.’ ”
Blake smirks and shrugs. “I did say that. And this is perfect. Thanks, man.” Then he turns to me and gestures toward the selection of golf clubs. “Ready to get your ass handed to you, Lando?”
