All I Need: Rod & Daisy (All Of Me Duet Book 2) by A.D. Justice (books to read to improve english TXT) 📗

“Rod, do you want a refill on that drink?” She offers to take my glass with an outstretched hand.

Or maybe she’s just being an excellent hostess and I’m wishful daydreaming.

She helped her mother clean the kitchen after the masses descended on the food like a bunch of vultures. I’m still sitting at the kitchen table, though everyone else has moved into the den, Chelle included. Like a creepy stalker, I haven’t been able to take my eyes off Daisy all day. This corner seat offers the best view in the house.

“No, thank you. I’m finished.”

I push back from the table, walk directly toward her with a predatory swagger in my step, and watch her eyes grow wider the closer I get. She can read my thoughts, though I’m not exactly trying to hide what’s on my mind. She walks backward until her back hits the sink and cranes her neck to look up at me. When I reach around her to rinse my glass, I intentionally trap her between my arms. She inhales sharply before her breaths become ragged, her chest heaving to keep up with the rapid pace.

Electricity ignites fire in my veins when I intentionally brush my fingertips along her arm before placing the glass in the dishwasher. Déjà vu hits me hard, along with the sense I felt when I first met her. Somehow, someway, she and I are connected in a profound way. It’s the same sensation that makes me feel her presence before I see her face. The feeling we’re linked by some unseen force that keeps pushing us together.

“Thank you again for inviting me to have Christmas with you. You have an amazing family. I may just stay here and move in with your parents. They’d adopt me, I’m sure of it.”

“I think you’re right. Mom was bragging about how you helped her cook breakfast this morning before most of the house was awake. Now Dad’s trying to figure out how to wake you early every day so he doesn’t have to cook.” We move to the table, taking a seat beside each other.

“I can see him now, sneaking around my bedroom door, lightly knocking on it, then running back to his room. He’s probably up there right now setting the alarm to wake me at six in the morning, then he’ll play dumb about it tomorrow.”

We chuckle together, imagining all the ways her dad could achieve his goal. It feels good to laugh with her. This easiness flows naturally between us, I don’t know why I’ve fought so hard to stay away. Do I believe a deep, everlasting love develops after knowing someone in such a short time? Not at all. But I developed a genuine affection for her after spending every day and night with her in my arms on the island. Every minute I spend with her only makes me want more, and that hasn’t happened with anyone else I’ve met. Watching her with Jules and Isa in the weeks after our trip cemented my affection, leaning more toward the L-word I’m still hesitant to verbalize.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying being here with my family. They go a little overboard at times, but they love everyone with their whole heart. Any one of them would give you the shirt off their back. I couldn’t ask for a better support system. It’d be great if we all lived closer together, but life had other plans. You’ll get to meet my sister later today. She’s one of a kind.”

“What does that mean? Is that good or bad?”

“She’s the best.” Daisy grins and shrugs her shoulders, but I detect a hint of mischief below the surface.

“I’m sure she’s great, but there’s no way she’s better than Mahoe. You’re still the best, Daisy. You always will be.” I mean that with every fiber of my being.

“That is the best compliment you’ve ever given me. I may swoon from the sweetness. Who knew Hot Rod was a closet softy?” She’s teasing, but her eyes soften despite her best efforts not to be affected.

“Can we keep this little secret between us? I’d hate to ruin my terrible reputation around Atlanta. Rumors would be rampant. People will say all kinds of crazy things.” I lean toward her and keep my voice low, like a secret only shared between two friends.

“Oh, yeah? Such as?” She crosses her arms over her chest and tilts her head to the side. I love how she tests me, never accepting the smooth lines or sweet talk without proof.

“Something along the lines of I’m turning in my bachelor card. Or hell must have frozen over because I’m finally ready to settle down with one woman. If they knew the truth, though, they’d see they’re way behind on their gossip. That happened a few months ago when I met the perfect lady.”

“I’m sure there will still be one or two females who will challenge that notion, see if they can tempt you away from the one who captured you. Someone is always waiting in the wings, ready to test your resolve.” Her bravado wanes, but she refuses to give up. I’m sure she’s also referring to my inappropriate behavior on the island.

Ogling the girl at the waterpark was one of the worst colossal blunders I’ve ever made. I can’t exactly explain my actions were only a desperate act of self-preservation without removing all doubt of what an asshole I am. If I sabotaged our relationship from the start, I wouldn’t have to wonder every day if Daisy would leave me eventually. The nameless girl was only a means to an end, and nothing more. I don’t even remember what she looks like.

If I could change that act of stupidity, I would do it in a heartbeat.

“Their games won’t do them any good. They wouldn’t stand a chance against my girl. I don’t care who they are. You know, there was a time I thought I had to push her away for her own good,