Page 70 of The Deal Breaker
Dash didn’t want to know the answer, butfor nowwas better than the alternative—nothing. “So our friendship comes first.”
“Yes, but…” She bit her lip. “Being friends has to be a priority.”
“It is,” he blurted, not wanting her to doubt him. “I’ve learned my lesson.”
“I didn’t mean you.” Iris held his hand. “I said that aloud to remind myself with classes starting.”
“Neither of us will forget.” Dash wanted to reassure her. He squeezed her hand. “I promise I won’t.”
“I promise, too.” Iris moved closer until she was almost on his lap again. “Want to seal this deal with a kiss?”
Dash answered by pressing his lips against hers. She met his kiss with an eagerness of her own, putting her hands in his hair before he could get his arms around her. The blood in his veins heated, not that it had cooled much.
This kiss was better than the last one. He couldn’t wait to see if the trend continued. Kissing Iris was now his new favorite pastime.
* * *
On Monday morning, Dash sat at his desk, reviewing a quality report from one of their engineers about the new prototype. A text notification sounded. He glanced at his cell phone’s screen, and warmth flowed through him.
The selfie of Iris wearing her culinary school uniform—a pair of black pants and a white coat with embroidery on the left side above a pocket was like a ray of sunshine breaking through this wet, winter Northwest day. Her hair was pulled off her face, and she wore a white cap. Her happy smile told him that she was where she needed to be.
Even though he’d fought it, he agreed and supported her. She deserved the opportunity to finish what she’d started ten years ago. Smiling, he read her message.
Iris:Took me forever to remember how to tie the neckerchief, and you can’t even see it. At least I look like a chef. First step to becoming one.
Dash:You look great.
Iris:Only eighteen months to go. LOL!
Dash:It’ll go by fast.
Iris:Break over. TTYL.
Texts didn’t convey emotion, but Dash sensed her excitement. The feeling was contagious because this meant so much to her. He wanted to do something special for Iris to celebrate her first day. Those were sometimes the hardest and most tiring since it was something new. She had classes early tomorrow, so going out wouldn’t work, but a meal at home with a special dessert and a foot rub might be nice.
He texted Tony.
Dash:Any chance you can make a dessert to celebrate Iris’s first day.
Cook:I’ll get on it. She’s still a chocoholic, right?
Dash:Yes.
Cook:It’ll pair nicely with tonight’s menu. Thanks.
No, thank you.He should change the “Cook” to “Chef” or “Tony,” but part of him hadn’t been sure the guy would last. Especially the way he’d flirted with Iris. That didn’t worry Dash now.
Hours later, he found himself in the middle of a project about to implode. He checked the time. No way would he be home for dinner, which bummed him out. Dash had been thinking about seeing Iris all day, but he needed to be here. He typed a text.
Dash:Have to work late. Fire needs extinguishing.
Iris:Good luck!
Dash:Tony’s making you something special.
Iris:So that’s what smells delicious.
Dash:My idea, so I deserve full credit unless it’s bad.
