Page 77 of The Deal Breaker
“Henry is stylish, and you shouldn’t wear something that’s dirty and smells.”
“I—”
She shot him a hard look. “Remember when you came home for spring break your freshman year of college?”
He’d only brought clothes that fit into his backpack, so he could carry his various gaming consoles in his roll-on suitcase. His mother nearly passed out when she’d done his laundry.
A sheepish expression crossed his face. “I was eighteen.”
“Old enough to know better.”
“I’ve stopped doing that.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “Excuse me? You’ve stopped?”
He winked. “You make sure I don’t end up on the Board’s naughty list.”
“That’s part of my job.” Or was. Dressing him was Leo’s responsibility now.
When Dash was in his early twenties, Maya Ruiz had been hired to be VP of customer service and, unofficially, Dash’s handler. She helped him to adjust to running a multi-billion-dollar company and kept the young founder with Iris’s help from showing up to shareholder events or media interviews in a stained hoodie, holey sweats, and ripped Chucks.
“You’re old enough to know how to dress. You just take the easy way out by having someone pick out your clothes for you.”
“It’s a billionaire perk,” he said nonchalantly. “But I still won’t wear half of what you’re packing.”
“You’ll have them if you need them.” She’d done her job.
For the last time.
Iris brushed off the twinge of sadness. He was in good hands.
His black travel kit went in next. It contained smaller portions of what he used at home and remained packed for his trips. “That’s the final item.”
Admiration glinted in his eyes. “You’ve got this down to a science.”
She zipped the suitcase and then set it on the carpet. “I’ve practiced.”
He laughed. “I’ll miss you.”
Iris wished he didn’t have to go. “You’ll be back soon.”
“I’m not talking about this trip.” His gaze grew serious. “If you don’t like living in the apartment, for whatever reason, you have a place here.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “Thanks. I hope I love it, but I appreciate having a backup plan.”
“Sit.”
She sat next to him on the bed.
“I have something for you.” Dash wiped his hands on his pants before leaning over and pulling a piece of paper off his nightstand. “I need you to fill out the information that’s marked with the flag.”
Iris took the document and unfolded it. She gasped. “It’s a car title.”
“I’m making you a joint owner on the Range Rover. You won’t have to worry about insurance or maintenance. Just gas. Unless you want a gas card.”
“No, thanks.” A part of her loved having access to the car. That would help when she had her externship at a local restaurant or café in Portland to gain professional experience, but… “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t want to be someone youhaveto give things to.”
“You are nothing like my mother and father. You’ve never asked me for anything. That’s why I want to do this for you. Plus, I’m being selfish.”
