Page 61 of The Deal Breaker
Blushing, Iris shrugged.
Dash remembered the many pages of questions he’d answered for Hadley. “You filled one out?”
“Of course she did.” Hadley answered before Iris could. “Well, after I talked her into it. I didn’t have anyone in mind for her then, but I had a feeling it was only a matter of time.”
A matter of time before some guy, most likely a wealthy one because Hadley wasn’t cheap, swept Iris off her feet and took her away to live happily ever after.
He forced himself to breathe. “What about culinary school?”
“That’s my focus right now,” Iris said without a hint of uncertainty. “Hadley knows that.”
The matchmaker nodded. “I’m aware of your priorities, but one date won’t hurt.”
Dash wasn’t so sure about that. He and Wes had each agreed to go on one date. That was all Wes went on, but not Dash. He’d dated Raina for months. That meant one date could turn into another for Iris. Whether culinary school was important or not, she could be wearing a diamond engagement ring before she graduated.
His heart palpitated.
Iris touched his arm. “You okay?”
No, but he didn’t want to worry her. “I’m fine.”
Dash didn’t like being jealous, but he’d gotten used to it. The sense of dread building inside him, however, was new. He didn’t like that at all.
“Could you give me a hand, Iris?” Tony asked, standing in front of the stove.
Iris’s concerned gaze met Dash’s. “If you need me…”
Dash would always need her. To what extent, however, was something he needed to figure out. “Go help Tony.”
“I’ll talk to you later,” Iris said to Hadley and Blaise before rounding the island to help Tony.
Blaise’s eyes darkened. “What’s wrong?”
Hadley glanced at the kitchen. “Is something going on between you and Iris?”
“I’m not sure,” Dash admitted. “We’re friends. Well, working on it. But please don’t set her up with that client yet. Not until I—we—figure this out.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
The second game ended with cheers and boos, since people were split on which team they wanted to win, but no one wanted to stick around to see the post-game interviews and trophy presentation. Dash accompanied his friends out to their cars, leaving only Iris and Tony inside.
From chaos to quiet in a matter of minutes.
Iris didn’t mind at all.
Water flowed from the kitchen faucet where Tony washed a pot. His apron was wet, and sweat gleamed on his skin. Nice eye candy, but he was definitely the look-don’t-touch type. She had to admit he’d been completely professional today. He'd toned down his flirting with female guests and worked hard. He looked like he needed a shower, a cold drink, and then sleep. Not in that particular order.
Iris carried glasses from the great room. “Fantastic job. You put together a great menu, but my favorites were the crab appetizers you made for the second game. Mouthwatering good and clever use of puff pastry sheets.”
“Thanks.” As he rinsed the pot, more water splattered on his apron. Tony laughed. “I’m out of practice washing everything myself.”
She set the cups on the counter. “It’s not like a restaurant.”
“No, but I’m enjoying this. And I love the hours.” He turned off the water. “I appreciated having you for backup today.”
“Happy to help.”
Tony dried his hands. “I can’t believe you did these parties on your own.”
