Daisy’s Secret Crush

***Daisy’s POV.***

Toby and I walked to the dance floor, where some couples were dancing. He puts his hand on my back and I on his shoulder. We move to the beat of slow music. This dance is nothing like my dance with Theo. Every move was more than just a dance and had no space to think about anything at all.

Toby smiles at me and so do I. We were always comfortable in each other’s presence. From the time we met during the university’s theatre practice, we hit it off. The reason was simple: we found a friend in each other, which we were desperately looking for. Me because it was a new place for me and Toby because he was shy back then and only let a few people in.

“They are looking our way.” Toby says.

“They are?” I ask.

“Don’t look. We got their complete attention now, so we have to make better use of it.” He says.

“But how? We are dancing closely. What else could we do?” I ask.

“I have a plan.” He says and when the music changes, he asks, “You remember this song?”

“Yes. They played it at the annual ball at our university.” I say.

“Yes. Do you remember our dance steps?” He asks with a smirk.

“Yes, sure.” I say and we start our little dance.

Toby and I attended that ball as friends, and I prepared a dance routine with Toby. It was his favourite song, and the ball was on the night of his Mom’s death anniversary. Mr. Wright told me to distract him, and I did so as a good friend.

He twirls me out of his arms and then I twirl back in and giggle. We move fluently and as the music comes to the end, Toby twirls me one more time and we end it with him dipping me low. When we straighten up, everybody claps for us and we bow to them.

“That was fun. For a minute, I forgot what we were actually doing.” He says, and a genuine smile comes to his face.

“Me too.” I say with the same smile.

“That was quite a dance, Mr. Wright and Ms. Carter.” Olivia asks as she joins us after a few seconds, “I appreciate you both for entertaining my guests.”

“Well, my intentions were not that. It was just to simply enjoy some time with an old friend.” Toby says and kisses the back of my hand.

“I am thirsty.” I say.

“Here.” A familiar voice says and a glass of water is in front of me.

“Thanks, Mr. Anderson.” I say and take the glass from him, avoiding touching his fingers.

“So, I heard we are all leaving for Bristol tomorrow?” Toby starts the conversation according to our plan.

“We?” Theo asks in confusion.

“Yes. Are you forgetting Mr. Anderson? I am one of your investors. I would help Izzy here to select artwork for your new project. Right, Izzy?” Toby asks.

“Yes. Toby is a wonderful artist. The portrait over there, he made it.” I say, and Olivia’s face softens a bit.

“It looks great.” Theo says, as if confessing a sin.

“So, as we were already trying to find someone who would help us with it, I thought, who is the better option than Toby? It would say some money, too.” I say and pat his arm and Theo’s eyes glares at his arms.

“Oh, you flatter me, Izzy. And I will take the whole payment. But from you.” Toby says with a blush and Olivia looks at him like she has seen a ghost.

It is working!

“Didn’t you think to talk to me about this, Daisy?” Theo asks.

“You left that decision with me, Mr. Anderson. So, I thought you wouldn’t mind. Unless you are judging my decision, then you are the boss and I can’t say anything.” I say with a blank expression.

“Tobias is a talented artist. You can’t find a better one and also he is our investor.” Olivia says.

“So am I hired?” Toby asks.

“Yes.” Theo says with a fake smile.

“So now that is out of the way. Back to the previous topic. We are leaving for Bristol tomorrow so I was thinking we could all go by train.” Toby says.

“Why should we when we can simply take my chopper or a car if it gets cloudy? We will be there sooner than later.” Olivia says as if confused why would someone do that when they have the easiest way?

“Yes, but the train would be fun.” Toby says.

“I don’t think so. I am with Olivia on this. Going by car would be more convenient.” Theo says, then he continues after a second of pause, “But you can take the train. It is your choice. Me and my team would go in the car.”

“Okay.” Toby says.

“Why don’t I accompany you, Toby?” I ask him because I am not losing this chance.

“Didn’t you hear what I said, Ms. Carter? Me and the team involve you too.” He says.

“Yes. But I prefer trains too. And also, I would love to catch up with Toby. And what are we even going to discuss any way in the car?” I ask.

“But the train would take time.” Theo says.

“No. It would take just one and a half hours less than a car, which would take two hours.” I say.

“But I have some doubts about interiors.” He says.

“Nothing that we can’t discuss on the train or maybe after reaching the actual site.” I say and Theo’s jaw clenches as I know he has no other reasons left to stop me.

“Fine. You both go on a train. Olivia and I will come in the car.” Theo says.

“Yes. I won’t be going on the train.” Olivia says, but I see indecision in her eyes.

“Great.” Toby says, “Then I will pick you up tomorrow afternoon.”

“Thanks. I am getting hungry now. Shall we eat?” I ask him.

“Sure. Excuse us.” Toby says and I nod at them before walking away with Toby’s hand on my back which is literally shaking.

“Calm down, Toby.” I say.

“Thank god you intervened. But now how shall we make them come with us?” Toby asks.

“I saw Olivia waver a little and Theo would join us too if she came as he won’t enjoy being alone. So, whatever happens, don’t cancel on me tomorrow.” I say as I have some soup.

“Why would I do that?” He asks.

“Because Olivia could try to convince you to not go with me. But you have to come. Okay?” I ask.

“Okay.” He says.

After dinner, he introduces me to some people he knows, and we join the dance floor again. I excuse myself to use the restroom and when I come back; I see Olivia dancing with Toby, or more like seducing him.

“Would you care to dance with me?” Theo asks, suddenly coming out of nowhere.

“I am sorry but I am tired.” I say and try to pass by him, but he grabs my hand and drags me to the dance floor.

“What is this?” I ask, showing fake anger.

“I didn’t dance till now and I am not interested in asking other women who would take a different meaning from it.” Theo says, and I try to concentrate on what he is saying rather than the heat of his palm on my naked back.

“Not every woman has those thoughts.” I say as he turns me around so my back is to his front.

“Really?” He asks, then turns me again rapidly that there is no gap left between us, “So you are saying you are an exception?”

“What are you really at, Mr. Anderson?” I ask, trying to control my body’s reaction to him. No, I won’t lose to him.

“What are you at, Daisy?” He asks me and the palm of his hand pushes at my back to bring me closer to him.

“I am at nothing. Unlike you, I am very clear with my thoughts.” I say and push at his chest to move, but he grabs my wrist and puts both of my arms around his shoulders while both his hands are on each side of my hips.

“I am clear about what I want. But as usual, you are hell-bent on distracting me.” Theo says as he lightly moves his hands up and down my sides, almost close to touching my bare skin.

“I am sorry if I am such a bother, Mr. Anderson.” I say and only concentrate on my goal, which is not to melt in his arms.

“Please stop it with this, Mr. Anderson. You were not calling me that when I was kissing you.” He says with a heated look in his eyes.

“Well, that was when you didn’t make the rules. And now you are my boss. You only said we are going to be strictly professional, Mr. Anderson.” I say, throwing his words at him with a fist bumping the air in my mind.

Before he could say further, Toby interrupts, “I am sorry to interrupt. I am leaving.”

“So?” Theo asks rudely and I glare at him.

“I need to talk with Izzy about our plan.” Toby says.

“Sure. I was thinking of leaving too. I am too tired now.” I say as I get out of Theo’s arms but he still doesn’t let go of waist.

“I can drop you.” Toby says.

“No need. I am leaving too and we are in the same hotel. I am taking her.” Theo says with more meaning behind those words.

“Okay.” Toby says.

“Excuse me.” I say to Theo to go with Toby. But he feels reluctant to let me go. Once we are alone I ask, “So, what is it you want to talk about? And why are you leaving so suddenly?”

“Olivia asked me to stay, which meant only one thing: me ending up in her bed.” He says.

“That doesn’t sound bad.” I say and try to hold back my laugh.

“Don’t laugh. It is hard to resist her. On the top of it, I am falling for her, which makes it easier for her to lead me wherever she wants. So, I am running home.” He says.

“Okay.” I say.

“Also, I will call you when I come to pick you up tomorrow. Be ready.” He says.

“Okay.” I say.

“Now give me a hug and cheek kiss to burn them both.” He says, and I laugh and hug him. I give him a friendly kiss on the cheek and he leaves. I wave at him until he goes.

“He is not going to Mars. Stop waving, we have to leave too.” Theo says and takes my hand to leave the party.

“Don’t you have to say goodbye to your hostess?” I ask as I follow him.

“I did that when you were busy with your friend.” He says and the way he says friend makes me smile like an idiot.

Oh my dear, Theo! I love to see you burn.