Celia: Daisy Hills B&B, #1

By Kali Hart

Celia

I'm excited to move back to my hometown and open the B&B that my sisters and I inherited. All that's left before the grand opening is the kitchen remodel. Since I'm the chef of the family, it's my job to oversee it. Too bad no one told me Malcom Maxwell was the man hired for the job. I used to have an embarrassing crush on him in high school. But he never noticed me. He's the last person in Daisy Hills I want to be stuck alone with, but no one else can get the job done in time.

Malcom

I don't remember Celia from high school. But for the life of me, I can't understand why. She's a curvaceous beauty with a fiery, take-charge personality. I'm drawn to her the instant she walks through the door. Too bad she wants nothing to do with me. But the harder she tries to push me away, the more determined I am to break down her barriers. I may not have noticed her in high school, but she's all I see now. I'm not giving up on her without a fight.

Welcome to Daisy Hills. Where love is waiting around every corner for those who are ready to accept it. This small town has a little bit of something for everyone. Daisy Hills B&B is the first of many series to come, set in this charming world filled with guaranteed HEAs. All sweet & steamy short instalove romances. Come, stay awhile and make yourself at home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie M. Wallick
• Release date: Jan 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9798223612032

Book preview

1

CELIA

Is there anything better than banana pancakes from Daisy’s Diner? I ask my sister with a swoony sigh after our server takes our order. My stomach rumbles with anticipation. Never mind that I’m a chef. My best attempts can’t rival Daisy’s masterful creation. Over the years, I’ve tried and failed many times, but I just can’t seem to figure out her secret ingredient. I’m convinced it’s magic.

Now that you’re home to stay, you’ll be able to have them all the time, Isabella says, raising her coffee mug in toast. She drinks coffee like some fitness junkies chug water. She’s already on her second cup, and we’ve hardly been here five minutes.

I’m sorry I couldn’t be in town sooner. Six months ago, my four sisters and I inherited our great aunt’s old Victorian house. After some debate, we decided to renovate it into a bed and breakfast. Kind of our way to support the tourist trade our hometown is trying to build, and a way to get all of us back under the same roof.

Except, I’m not sure how I feel, moving back to Daisy Hills. It’s some weird mixture of excitement and doom, and my emotions keep rollercoastering between the two. My sisters are the only true family I have left. As happy as I am to be close to them again, I never quite felt like I fit in Daisy Hills. Now it’ll be home. Permanently.

It’s no worry, really, Isabella reassures. I have to admit, there isn’t even a trace of judgment in her tone. Impressive, since I’ve been pitching in through video chats and emails this whole time. Our other sisters are taking a well-deserved break. And you’re here for what matters—the kitchen renovation.

As the family chef, my sisters unanimously decided to let me personally oversee this project. I’m not a picky person by nature, except when it comes to my kitchen. I don’t tolerate imperfection in my work space. Bianca’s in Alaska. Where’re Miranda and Adriana?

Adriana had one last event to plan and oversee. She’ll be here the night before we open. Isabella empties her coffee mug and refills it. They apparently know better than to take away the coffee urn when she’s here. Miranda flew back to pack up her stuff and she’s determined to road trip it back.

So, just you and me for this kitchen project?

Isabella’s coffee mug stops halfway to her lips. About that.

You’re not leaving town, too? I just got here. Literally. As in about fifteen minutes ago. And the grand opening is a little more than a week away.

I’ll be around, Isabella says hesitantly, like she doesn’t want to tell me something. Out of all my sisters, I’m probably the one best known for my temper. I don’t like surprises. I’ve never had a good one.

Out with it, I demand.

The bells above the diner entrance jingle, drawing my eyes automatically. Daisy’s Diner is a staple in Daisy Hills, named for the owner and one of the town’s most prominent figures—Daisy Maxwell. Traffic flows in and out all day long. But that little fact doesn’t prepare me.

My breath stalls in my lungs when my gaze falls on Malcom Maxwell—Daisy’s oldest grandson and my high school crush. Okay, crush is putting it mildly. I have a whole box of notebooks with Mrs. Malcom Maxwell written on every page.

Hazel’s still training to be my replacement at Dresses for Days, Isabella explains, though it’s hard to focus on her words. I promised I’d help her all this week. You don’t need me in the kitchen anyway. I’ll just be in the way.

You’ll still be around if I need something, though? I ask, my gaze falling on Malcom no matter what I do. It irritates me to no end. Yes, I had an uber crush on him. But Malcom never once noticed me. I might as well have been invisible throughout junior high and high school. Over the years, it’s turned into resentment. I make a mental note to burn those notebooks when my moving pod arrives.

Just a text away.

You’re sure the kitchen remodel will be finished in time for the grand opening? I pray Isabella doesn’t turn her head over her shoulder and see him. She’d give me shit for sure.

"Oh yes. We have a contractor working around the