Page 9 of The October Arrangement

“Thank you, Nick. It’s good to be back in New York.”

He drove me home. When I climbed out of the car, Burt ran out and grabbed my bags.

“Mr. Montclair, you’re back early.”

“I am, Burt. It’s good to be home.” I smiled.

“Just to let you know that⁠—”

My phone rang, and I pulled it from my pocket. “I have to take this. Just have my luggage sent up.” I headed toward the elevator.

Inserting the keycard, the elevator rose to my penthouse. When the door opened, Raine came running to greet me. Instantly, my brows furrowed.

“Raine, what are you doing here? Where’s Daisy?” I picked her up.

A scent radiated throughout the space. It smelled like women’s perfume. I headed toward the kitchen and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw four large boxes sitting on the island.

“What the fuck? Daisy?” I shouted.

Suddenly, I heard a scream from behind. Turning around, I saw a woman who wasn’t Daisy standing there, her body wrapped in one of my bath towels.

“Who the hell are you? And what are you doing in my house?” I shouted.

“Oh, God. You must be Daisy’s cousin, Simon.”

My brows furrowed. “You know Daisy?”

“Yeah. From my college days. Why are you here?” She frowned.

“This is my house! Answer my question. Who are you, and why are you standing there in a towel?”

“What do you mean?” She cocked her head. “You said it was okay if I stayed here while you were out of town.”

“I most certainly did not!” I shouted.

“Oh, shit. Daisy didn’t tell you?”

“No. Daisy did not tell me!” I continued to shout. “Go put some clothes on and then tell me what the hell is going on.”

“Okay. Sorry.” She turned and slowly walked away.

I grabbed my phone and called Daisy.

“Hey, cousin. How’s Los Angeles?” she asked in her annoyingly perky voice.

“Would you care to explain to me why I’ve come home and there’s a strange woman in my penthouse?”

“Oh, my God. You’re back already?”

“Damn right, I am.”

“She’s a friend and needed a place to stay temporarily.”

“So, you let her stay at my place without even telling me?”

“I knew you’d throw a fit, just like you are now. She’s super sweet, Simon.”

“I don’t give a fuck, Daisy! Goddamn you. I trusted you with my cat and my plants. And you move in a stranger?”