Page 82 of The Deal Breaker
“Fine.” But first thing tomorrow, Dash would be at Iris’s door with a phone charger. Either hers, or one of his.
* * *
So much for being at Iris’s door first thing. Henry hadn’t mentioned the building’s security system, but knowing strangers couldn’t walk in off the street pleased Dash. That made up for him standing in the dark outside the building. His breath hung in the air. At least he’d worn gloves, thanks to Leo.
Iris’s name wasn’t on the listing, but Henry had told Dash the address and unit number. He shifted the bag of donuts into his left hand and then glanced at his phone.
6:18 AM.
She was always up this early at his house.
Dash hit the button for her apartment.
“Hello?” She sounded tentative. At this hour, he didn’t blame her.
“It’s me. Dash,” he said into the speaker. “You forgot your phone charger. I brought it to you.”
“Oh, thanks. I’ll let you in.”
A second later, the door buzzed. He went inside to the lobby. The air smelled like lemons. The hardwood floor gleamed. Numbered mailboxes lined one wall. Artwork hung above a table on the other. An upholstered chair sat in the corner by a staircase.
Kudos, Davenport.
This was nicer and cleaner than Dash expected.
He climbed the stairs to the second floor, located Iris’s apartment, and knocked.
The door opened.
She wore a sweater and a pair of black leggings tucked into suede boots. An outfit he’d seen her wear before, but his pulse kicked up a notch.
“Good morning.” Iris motioned him inside. “I figured you’d sleep in today.”
Dash held up her charger. “I wanted to return this, drop off doughnuts, and do this.”
He pressed his lips against hers. So warm and sweet. His thoughts stilled, and he lost himself in her kiss. Iris returned his enthusiasm until she stepped back. “Did you say doughnuts?”
Laughing, he handed her the bag and then surveyed her apartment. Small, but nice. He didn’t see any furniture except a bed in what appeared to be an alcove off to the right. “I like your place.”
Iris’s smile lit up her face. The result—breathtaking.
“I love everything about it.” She pointed to the window. “Except for the view of the building next door. But I’m not one to stand there and ponder the world through a piece of glass, so I’ll be fine.”
“I missed you.” The three words couldn’t adequately describe how being with her filled him with joy. “I’m happy you love your apartment, spot to ponder aside, but I missed you. I hate that this week is so busy for me.”
“But you’re here now.” She raised the bag. “Bearing gifts. And we’ll see each other on Thursday and spend the weekend together.”
“I’ll pick you up at six-thirty.” Henry had suggested a trendy private dining club as a special place to take Iris. All Dash needed to do was confirm their reservation since tables were hard to get. “And Henry’s house in Hood Hamlet is ours for the weekend.”
She inhaled sharply. “Can we go sledding?”
Dash laughed. “That’s not what I expected, but we can. I’m happy to do whatever you want, including chocolate tasting.”
“I can’t wait.” Iris bounced up on her toes, planted a kiss on his lips, and then lowered herself. She peeked inside the bag. “I need to eat a doughnut before I head to school. Do you want one?”
“No, thanks. I need to get to work.” He wished he could stay with her all day, but she had somewhere to go, too. “Enjoy them.”
“I will.” Her gaze softened. “I… I really appreciate you dropping by this morning.”
