Delighting Miss Daisy [Wayback Texas Series]

by Abbey MacInnis

  He stopped her hand. “Daisy.” Sam grasped her shoulders and gently set her away from him. “We can't. Not like this. It wouldn't be right."

  Shock, pain, and embarrassment flooded her gaze. Her passion vanished. Daisy turned away to straighten her clothing. “I ... I thought you wanted me,” she stammered. “I guess I was wrong. My mistake."

  Sam reached for her, but Daisy bounded from the car. Sam swore to himself as he caught her before she could run to the Corvette.

  "Damn it, Daisy. I need to explain."

  She whirled on him, the all-too-familiar fury in her gaze. “Oh no, you don't have to explain anything. You don't want me, that's fine. I know how controlling men like you get your way.” She bit her lip and struggled to hold back her tears, blinking them back furiously. “Damn you, Sam. Why did you kiss me then?"

  She held up a hand, cutting off his reply. “No. Don't answer that. I'm not beautiful, I know. I've heard that before. Just don't apologize for kissing me. It's fine. I'm fine. We'll just put this behind us and move on."

  Sam stepped closer, blocking Daisy up against the car. She didn't move.

  "No, you're not fine. I'm not sorry for kissing you, but I am for hurting you.” Sam framed her face between his hands, forcing her to look at him. “Who told you you're not beautiful?” he asked softly, his hands tingling to get a hold of the jerk that made her feel so low. “He's obviously an idiot if he couldn't see how wonderful you are inside and out."

  Her tears faded, but the wariness remained. “No one hurt me,” she lied, averting her gaze.

  "Okay, don't tell me now,” Sam said. “But you'll have to eventually. I'll need to make sure I erase every horrible deed and negative thought he made you believe about yourself. It's the only way I'll be able to make you see you as I do."

  "Why are you doing this? Can't you just leave me be?"

  Sam shook his head. “Nope, sorry, can't do that. You're stuck with me forever."

  Daisy let out an exasperated sigh as a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, crinkling them. “There's absolutely nothing between us. You can't be so sure."

  "Why can't I? I can't explain it, Daisy, but something happened to me that first day I met you—when I walked into your bakery and saw you smile. I was a goner when you gave that little kid the cookie. And tonight, after seeing your sister, I just wanted to hold you and make all the pain go away. You're so caring and giving. How could anyone not find that beautiful? How can anyone find fault with you?"

  Daisy regarded him as though he'd sprouted a dozen heads with horns.

  "I know you don't see it now, and that's okay. I can wait.” He kissed her forehead. “I will wait as long as it takes. It's all up to you, and whether you're willing to take a chance on me or not."

  "Sam, I really don't know. I've taken chances before and been hurt badly. I'm ... I'm afraid."

  Sam could tell it was hard for Daisy to admit her fears. He admired her honesty. “You can't go through life being afraid to live. We can make each other so happy, Daisy. All I'm asking for is a chance, a chance to show you how wonderful you are, and how great it could be for us."

  * * * *

  A chance? That was all Sam wanted, Daisy thought the next morning as she packed her goods for the bake sale after the assembly. His request sounded so simple, but she had taken chances on love, and lost. She'd lost big. Justin had destroyed not only her heart, but something else inside of her as well. He'd beaten her down, brought her low with his cruel remarks and physical abuse, then suddenly he'd tell her she was the best thing in the world, making her feel beautiful and wanted again. Then he'd turn on her once more, leaving her bruised and defeated, not knowing what to make of her feelings.

  Every woman wanted a man who'd offer his heart on a platter, but only a dreamer would place their heart completely in the hands of another. Well, she wasn't a dreamer any more.

  Daisy looked up as Gina Ballew Logan and Patti Pie Murphy strolled into her shop.

  "Howdy, Daisy.” Gina smiled, a teasing glint appearing in her eyes as they approached the counter. “Didn't catch you at a bad time, did we?"

  Daisy flushed as her two friends assessed her. “Yep, Gina,” Patti observed. “I think we caught her daydreaming about that man of hers."

  A dreamy expression briefly crossed Gina's normally unreadable features and she smiled down at the two-month-old infant in her arms. “Can't say I blame her. How's it going, Daisy?"

  Daisy turned her attention to her friends. “Take a load off.” She gestured to the empty stools. “Y'all know you're welcome here anytime. What can I get you?"

  "Hmm.” Patti's blue gaze wandered to a slice of chocolate French silk pie. “That'll go right to my hips."

  Gina snickered, taking in her friend's delicately-boned features. “Hell, what hips? I'll have a nice piece of that lemon meringue pie there, Daisy. Nash won't mind a bit. He loves my hips."

  "He loves everything about you,” Daisy remarked.

  A look of pure contentment came over Gina's face. Even a year after their wedding, she and Nash both walked around Wayback looking like they'd inherited the moon and stars. They only had eyes for each other and tuned out everyone around them, sealing themselves, and now their son, Carter, in their own little world.

  With a pang of envy Daisy didn't like one bit, she acknowledged she wouldn't mind finding that kind of happiness for herself. She tried to smile as she set their orders in front of them.

  "Yep, she's thinking about Sam.” Patti chuckled, picking up her fork. “This place could fall down, and she wouldn't even notice."

  "Stop it, Patti. Daisy's in love."

  Daisy's head shot up at Gina's frank words.

  "Ah,” Gina gave Daisy a knowing smile. “I knew that would get your attention."

  "I'm not in love,” Daisy protested, her tone belying her words. She flopped back down onto her stool, sighing heavily. “I really don't know what I'm feeling. Scared, for one thing. I haven't felt this way since ... since Justin. And thinking about him brings back too much. I can't let myself have these feelings again. Not after what happened."

  Her friends regarded her sympathetically. Patti reached out a slender hand, gripping Daisy's in her own. “I know you're scared, honey, but what if you could be happy with Sam? If you bury these feelings inside instead of acting on them, you'll never know what you're giving up. He could be the best thing to ever happen to you."

  "Our little Miss Sunshine has a point,” Gina agreed. “I almost lost Nash for good after that first weekend we met, and it about ripped my heart in two.” Gina looked down at her son, whom she cradled with one hand while she toyed with her pie with the other. “If he hadn't come back to me, I'd have gone after him. I'm a strong woman who knows what it's like to be alone, but having Nash in my life has given me so much. When I found him it was like the last piece of my puzzle was put into place."

  Daisy watched Patti send Gina a worried glance. Gina's eyes narrowed as she scowled. Patti continued to hold Daisy's hand.

  Sensing something was wrong, Daisy pulled her hand from Patti's and removed their plates, walking toward the sink. She glared at them both. “What's the matter? If you two have something to say, spit it out."

  "While Nash and I were at the Rodeo Arena this morning, I saw Justin drive in."

  The two plates slipped from Daisy's slackened grasp to shatter on the floor. Cold dread sloshed through her bones as her throat burned. “Shit, Gina,” Patti reproached, dashing around the counter to put a hand on Daisy's shoulder. “Did you have to tell her like that?"

  Daisy's knees shook and her hands turned to ice as Patti guided her back to her seat then reached for a broom and dustpan.

  Daisy watched, detached, as Patti moved with ease around her shop.

  "What, Patti? You think we shouldn't have told her?” Gina demanded. Little Carter Logan began to whimper and she bounced him gently. “Christ, the bastard nearly killed her, and you want to keep it a secret?"

  "You got
any whiskey in here, Daisy? You're looking awfully white.” Patti asked, replacing the broom and dustpan.

  "No.” Of course she didn't have any whiskey. “I'll be alright. I was just ... shocked is all.” Daisy regained her feet. Busying herself again, she packed up the last of the things she'd need for the bake sale.

  "Honey, are you gonna be alright?” Patti asked. “You want us to call Naomi or close up the shop for you?"

  Daisy shook her head. She didn't want Patti's compassion. She much preferred Gina's abrupt, straightforward attitude. She'd crumble if Patti kept watching her with her wide kind eyes. “No. She'll be here any minute now anyway, and I'll be fine."

  "I'm sorry I broke it to you like that, Daisy,” Gina said, her eyes softening. “I figured you'd want to find out from friends instead of getting a nasty surprise if he shows up on your doorstep."

  Daisy jumped as the bell over the opened door sounded, bringing Sam over the threshold. “Daisy's just on her way out, Sam, but Naomi should be arriving any minute if you'd like to place an order,” Gina said as she and Patti stood side by side, guarding her.

  Sam's eyes met hers. Daisy stepped around her friends. “Thanks, ladies.” He nodded to them, never keeping his eyes off Daisy. “I came to see if I could offer you a ride to the assembly, and to give you these."

  Sam extended his hand that held a simple cluster of white daisies. “Flowers for my flower."

  Daisy heard Patti sigh and whisper to Gina, “He's so sweet on her."

  Naomi Laughton, Daisy's assistant, rushed in, throwing down her purse and keys on the counter. “Sorry I'm late, again,” she panted leaving her items as she swirled into the back kitchen.

  Daisy took Sam's gift and sent him a strained smile. “Thanks. I'll just put these in water, and I'll be right out to follow you to the school."

  Daisy felt Sam's keen gaze follow her about the shop as she found a small vase for the flowers. She avoided his stare, knowing full well he'd demand she tell him what was wrong. He'd make her tell him everything, even if she wasn't ready.

  * * * *

  Daisy wouldn't meet his gaze. The frightened look he'd seen last night was back in her eyes. Sam figured it was about damn time she told him what was going on.

  Behind Daisy's back, he nodded toward the two ladies who watched Daisy with such protective care. The darker one with the baby met his gaze and he sent her a slight nod. She mouthed, “Watch out for her,” as she gestured to Daisy. Sam nodded his agreement. Then she and the petite blonde bid Daisy goodbye and left.

  "I'm sorry I'm not ready,” Daisy said as she placed a lid on the last tin. “Things have been busy here this morning."

  Sam covered her hands with his as she went to lift them. “Leave those. We should talk."

  "But I need to take them to the car."

  Catching his eye as she walked from the other room, her assistant hurried over. “I'll take these to your car, Daisy."

  "Um, thanks, Naomi.” Her hands shook in his.

  Daisy sent him a worried glance, her lips pursing as the door shut firmly behind the lanky brunette. “Uh ... okay, talk. Sure, but not now. We need to go. We'll be late."

  "The assembly can't start without me,” Sam replied wryly. “What's your hurry?"

  "I'm in no hurry.” Daisy's gaze remained fixed on the door. “I just want to get there in plenty of time to set up, that's all."

  "No, that's not all, Daisy.” Sam rejoined. “You're looking like a frightened deer again. What's wrong? Are you in trouble? Is someone after you? Please tell me. I hate seeing you like this."

  Her eyes finally moved from the door to focus on him. “I know we need to talk,” she began seriously. “There are things I need to tell you-things I want to tell you, but I need more time. I swear I'll tell you everything when the time's right."

  "And just when will that be?” Sam challenged, holding her gaze. “If you can't open up to me, how will I ever get the chance to steal your heart?"

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Nine

  Daisy stood in the back of the gymnasium listening to Sam's speech. The kids sat still, not shifting or fidgeting, listening attentively as he spoke. He'd opened with a joke that made everyone laugh, and kept their attention riveted on him for nearly an hour as he laid out the life-altering consequences of drinking and driving.

  Last night after Sam had jumped her car, Daisy had driven to Max's house to spend time with Sherrie. It had been so good to see Sherrie again, to have her sister to confide in. They'd both been burnt by love, but last night they'd convinced each other to give it another chance.

  Talking with Gina and Patti in the shop hadn't hurt either. She saw how happy Gina and Nash were, and that gave Daisy the tiniest bit of hope to cling to. She would tell Sam about her past. Feeling Sam's stare, even across the length of the gym, she glanced up and met his intense dark eyes.

  "Sometimes, taking chances can change your life for the better,” he said looking straight at her, “but there are other times when they're not worth it. When your life, or the lives of others are at risk, that's when it's really cool to play it safe."

  Everyone applauded, and Daisy waited for the mad rush to her table to begin.

  As Sam made his way to her table, a few stragglers still waited to get their goodies. A tall, burly kid with an acne-covered complexion and a mean gleam in his eye stalked toward Soledad Serrano, a friend of Daisy's family. Soledad had a baseball cap perched sideways on her head, wore a pair of baggy jeans that were two or three sizes to big for her, and had a belt wrapped around her waist with a snarling silver skull glinting from its buckle. She grinned at one of her girl friends, then saw Daisy, turned and waved.

  As she reached the door, the big guy called out, “Hey, Serrano, I heard you like hanging around the pool halls. Maybe you and I will do it on a pool table someday."

  "Get off my back, Cody, you jerk.” Soledad lifted her chin and glared at him, as she tried to step around him to leave.

  Cody didn't budge, but moved even closer. “You dress like a boy, but I bet there's a woman inside you."

  Daisy stepped out from behind her place at the table as Sam turned and headed for the punk and his pals who now surrounded Soledad. Soledad was a nice kid, in a rough situation. Her half-brother, Jake Serrano, had a long history with Sherrie. That was close enough to count, in Daisy's world. She never let family fight their battles alone.

  "I'm not on your back yet, but I'd like to be.” A few of Cody's pals snickered.

  Soledad's eyes widened. “Leave me alone,” she cried, trying to maintain her tough composure, but Daisy could see the pain and tears standing in her eyes. Daisy felt her own blood boil.

  "Leave the young lady alone, and get back to class.” Sam warned. Cody and his pals didn't move. Soledad glanced up, her eyes widening with surprise.

  Daisy reached Sam's side, the two of them stepping between Soledad and Cody.

  Sam glared at the young man. “Didn't you hear what I said? Stop harassing her."

  Cody sneered. “Mind your own business. I was just having a little fun with her."

  Sam grabbed Cody around the neck and pushed him up against a wall. “Oh yeah, come on. What do you say you and I go have a little fun outside?” He glared right into Cody's face as he held him pinned up against the wall. “I told you to leave her alone. If you don't we're gonna go have a little chat, you and I. And believe me, you won't be the one having fun."

  "Come on, man. Let's go,” one of Cody's buddies entreated. “The principal's coming."

  "Well, what are you waiting for? Get going."

  "Okay, okay. I'll leave her alone. Everyone knows she's trashy. Just like her mama."

  "Don't you dare talk that way about my mama.” Soledad spun to follow the group of kids, murder in her green eyes. She halted as Principal Miller approached.

  "Is everything alright here, Soledad?"

  Soledad just shrugged. “Fine, Ms. Miller."

  "Some big thug was gi
ving her grief,” Daisy piped up. “I think his name was Cody."

  "Again? I swear he never learns, no matter how many detentions he serves."

  Soledad shook her head, sending the principal a watery, relieved smile. “Everything's fine, Ms. Miller. I don't think they'll be bothering me anymore."

  "Good,” she said, turning to Sam and Daisy. “Thank you for such a wonderful assembly. I actually think they'll listen to you, Mr. Howard. You're welcome back here anytime. And as usual, Daisy, those treats are delicious. The teachers and I thank you for sending the kids back to class on a sugar high."

  Daisy chuckled. “Always glad to do it."

  The principal went on her way, and the three stood in the hall, other students standing about, all staring and pointing at Soledad.

  Sam placed his hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay? Has that pig been bothering you long?” Soledad's lip quivered as her bravado faded.

  Daisy put an arm around her waist. “Don't listen to him. He's just trying to get under your skin. Bullies do that."

  "Thank you both.” Soledad sent a pleading gaze to Daisy. “Please don't tell my big brother about this. I'm fine. I'm used to it by now."

  "If he gives you any more trouble, just let me know. Better yet, I can show you a few moves.” Sam smiled as he playfully elbowed Daisy in the ribs.

  "Hey.” Daisy retorted laughing, with a playful punch of her own.

  Sam gasped as she sent a fist straight in the center of his stomach. “Oomph! Okay, okay, I think she gets the point.” Sam doubled over as she hit him again.

  Soledad laughed as she turned around to face them.

  "No one should ever get used to being treated like crap.” Sam grabbed Daisy's hands. “Not even a big guy like me. You don't deserve that Soledad, and neither do I."

  He had an interesting way of making others feel good, and Daisy appreciated him caring enough to help someone he didn't even know. “Sam's right, Soledad. The guy's a jerk. Deck him if he tries anything else."