Page 91 of The Deal Breaker
“Not everyone has good role models,” Blaise admitted. “But you learn. I have, through trial and error. Thank goodness Hadley puts up with me.”
“Hear, hear,” all but Henry agreed.
“Many of us could say the same,” Kieran added. “But what you can’t do in a relationship is give up.”
Dash rubbed his face. “She wants nothing to do with me. Becoming an obsessed stalker wouldn’t endear me to the board or shareholders. Or her.”
Mason nodded. “Truth.”
“I’ve driven myself crazy thinking how this could have played out differently, but I was selfish. I forgot her birthday and our date. I broke my promise. And she’s correct, it wasn’t the first time, and she deserves better. You guys helped me in January, but this time, she’s done. Nothing I do or say will change her mind.”
”So you’re giving up,” Brett said in a matter-of-fact voice.
“What part of she doesn't want me in her life don’t you get?” Dash asked.
Henry touched Dash’s arm. “We’re just trying to help.”
Shame burned on his face. “I’m sorry. I’ve slept little this week.”
“Or eaten,” Adam said.
Dash nodded. “I blame myself. Iris told me what she expected. But I knew no matter what I did, she would be there. At least I thought she would be.”
“Did you tell her you loved her?” Brett asked.
His mouth dropped open. “I… I didn’t. I wasn’t sure what I felt, but it was different with her than anyone else.”
“Love,” six of the seven spoke in unison. Only Henry remained silent.
Dash stared at each of his friends. “Would telling her have made a difference?”
“No one can know for certain,” Kieran said.
“I should have told her, but after what I saw with my parents, I didn’t believe love was possible.” Dash rubbed his gritty eyes. “Now it’s too late.”
Henry tsked. “If you’re giving up that easily, you don’t deserve her.”
Dash glared. “Haven’t you done enough?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Henry’s perplexed expression matched his voice.
“You kissed her on New Year’s Eve. You convinced her to chase her dreams. You found her dad. You bought a building, so she’d have a place to live. Is there anything I missed?”
“Other than making sure Iris had a happy holiday while you were off celebrating Christmas with Raina, I’d say your list is complete.”
Dash rolled his eyes. “If you hadn’t—”
“She’d be sitting in that cottage in your backyard, trying to figure out what else you needed.” Henry raised his voice. “Instead of pursuing her dreams and doing what would make her happy, she would be taking care of you. That you still want that tells me she’s better off without you.”
Each word hit, puncturing his heart like a bullet. Dash buried his head in his hands. “It’s true. She is better off without me. But I’m not better off without her. I love her. But if this is how love feels, I want it to stop. I hate it.”
Someone snickered—sounded like Mason. “It’s not always like this.”
“And it’s never too late,” Adam said. “Blaise…”
Dash glanced up.
Blaise raised his hand. “Trust me. It’s never too late, or I wouldn’t be with Hadley.”
