Page 76 of The Deal Breaker
A part of her understood. A trip with his closest guy friends would be fun. They fed off each other and could be guilty of tunnel vision when something interested them. But another part hated the hurtful memories being dredged up.
He raised her chin with his finger. “I’m so sorry.”
“Moving into an apartment doesn’t compare to your plans, but I wish you’d have at least remembered.”
Tomorrow was an important day for her. One she’d wanted to share that with him.
“Hey.” His gaze zeroed in on her. “I know how excited you are about having your own place. I made a mistake. Forgive me, please.”
Dash sounded sincere, and the regret in his eyes was unmistakable.
“I forgive you.” She forced her shoulders back. “A bachelor party and the Super Bowl are big deals.”
“So is your first apartment.” His eyebrows wrinkled. “This coming week is busy, but I’ll make it up to you on Thursday. We’ll do something extra-special.”
Her birthday was Thursday. Earlier this month, Dash promised to make up for not getting her a Christmas present. Guess that meant he would go all-out. She wiggled her toes. “I’d love that.”
“It’s a date.” A charming smile lit up his face. “On Friday night, let’s go to Hood Hamlet for the weekend. Henry and Wes have places there. I’ll ask if one is free, and if not, find another place. Sound good?”
Celebrating her birthday for four days would not only be fun but also a first. “I’d love that.”
The timer dinged.
“Pizza’s ready.” She put on an oven mitt, removed the pizzas one by one, and sliced them. “I can carry them to the table.”
“I’ve got the beer.”
She nodded.
“But first”—Dash wrapped his hands around hers—“I know things have come up with my mom, my dad, Mason, and now the guys to keep us apart. But you are the most important person in my life. When we finish eating, I’ll prove it to you with make up kisses.”
“Make up kisses?”
“Trust me.” He kissed her forehead. “Nothing matters more than you, okay?”
Her throat thickened. She wanted to believe him. She really did.
* * *
After dinner and a few rounds of Mario Kart, Iris packed Dash’s clothes for his trip while he sat on his bed watching her. If she let him do this, he’d take sweats, shorts, and T-shirts, and she’d be getting a call from a VP at his company if a photograph showed him dressed that way.
Packing and laying out what he wore was no longer her job, but Janice and Leo had plans to go out to dinner. Iris didn’t want to disturb them. Plus, this gave her more time with Dash.
Her evening had turned out better than she expected given the start. He was sorry, and she would only drive herself crazy dwelling on it, so they’d put what happened behind them and moved on. Winning each race had helped. So did the delicious pizza and Dash’s make up kisses. Knowing he had something special in store for Thursday didn’t hurt. She had a feeling this would be her best birthday ever.
Dash watched her. “I don’t know how you beat me every time.”
Iris tucked the shirt in her hand under her arm and wiggled her fingers. “Mad skills.”
“I’ve practiced.”
“I’m the master. You’re the apprentice,” she teased, adding another shirt into his bag.
He peered inside the suitcase. “We’re flying home after the game on Sunday. I don’t need that many clothes.”
“I texted Henry to get an idea of the itinerary.”
“He’s a clotheshorse.”
