Page 20 of The Deal Breaker
He shook his head. “That explains the pantry.”
“What?”
“Nothing.” Dash stared at her, a muscle ticking at his jaw. “I had no idea you weren’t happy. Name your salary. Whatever it is you want, I’ll pay it.”
Of course he would because he had enough money to last a hundred lifetimes. He wouldn’t miss a million or even ten million dollars.
“I don’t want your money. You pay me way more than you should.”
“Then tell me what will make you happier.”
“I’m not unhappy, Dash.” She wanted him to see this from her side, not his. “My plan was always to finish the culinary school program. I didn’t have the money to do that after my mom died, so I’ve been saving since then. Thanks to your Christmas bonus, I no longer have to wait.”
“Christmas bonus, huh?” Dash’s nostrils flared. “When do classes start?”
“A week from Thursday. I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. That’s on me for not giving two weeks’ notice.”
Mumbling again, he glanced up at the ceiling. “I don’t care about that. I don’t want you to leave.”
“The new staff are skilled. They’re super nice. You won’t know I’m gone.”
His face reddened. “How can you say that? You’ve been taking care of me, my apartment, and then this house for six years. You’re irreplaceable. And not only for what you do. You belong here. We’re friends.”
“We don’t see much of each other these days.” And even less now that he was dating Raina.
“But I like knowing you’re around.” He paced again, moving his arms in front of him as if he were having a conversation in his head. “Tell me what I can do to change your mind.”
“Nothing.” She didn’t hesitate answering. “This isn’t about you or the job. It’s about me. My mom’s illness derailed my plans when I was nineteen. Then my dad’s midlife crisis three years later made me put off what I wanted to do again. I’m twenty-eight. It’s time to go back. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
“But—”
“It’ll all work out.”
“No, it won’t.” Dash sat on the love seat, his shoulders slumping. He dragged his hand through his hair. Light brown strands stuck up, making him look rumpled. If not for his frown, she’d call him adorable, too. “Please don’t do this. I’m begging you.”
“I hired the best people for you.” She wanted to convince him he would be okay. “Janice and Leo Peabody will handle the house. They’ll also manage the lawn and maintenance crew. Leo is a trained butler. Janice is a housekeeper. Tony Chivas will be your personal chef. We were classmates at the culinary school, and we’ve kept in touch over the years. He’s worked at a variety of places since then but was looking for a position without the crazy hours a restaurant entails.”
Dash’s gaze narrowed. “You hired three people to take your place?”
She nodded. “I couldn’t find one person to do it all. Janice and Leo are like getting a two-for-one deal. They are moving into the cottage on Friday.”
Dash’s jaw dropped. His face hardened. “You are not moving out.”
Iris flinched. She wasn’t used to him raising his voice. “I can’t stay here if I’m not working for you.”
“This is your home.” His voice softened a little. “You’re staying.”
His earnest tone tugged at her heart. Iris blew out a breath. “I love this cottage and your estate. I’ll never forget helping you pick out this place, but it’s time for me to move on. I don’t own a car, and I’d rather not have to buy one right now, so I’m hoping to find an apartment that’s close to school.”
“Wait.” He straightened. “You don’t have an apartment yet?”
“I put a deposit on a place, but it fell through,” she admitted. “Henry took me out today to look at a few apartments, and I plan to go out again tomorrow.”
Dash’s lips parted. “Henry knows you’re returning to culinary school?”
“Yes. He thinks it’s a good idea.”
Dash rolled his eyes. “Henry would because he doesn’t know any better.”
