Page 11 of A Sudden Romance

Although he stammered a bit, his voice was steadier than yesterday.

She shifted on her stool to face him, tinkering with her ear and wishing she’d remembered to wear her earrings so she’d have something to touch rather than yank her ear.

“I’m hoping to help you make breakfast today.” She raised her chin, trying to stay her normal self. She was also hoping to have conversation starters with him before they spent an entire day discussing and navigating through their list.

His brown eyes widened beneath the lights. His mouth opened, no doubt to protest, but he didn’t say anything before moving into the kitchen. She’d wait until he got situated before she followed him. What was with her heart racing anyway?

All she could think was that Sabastian Diakos was as intriguing as the controversial and strange skyscrapers in the world.

CHAPTER 4

Nothing had prepared Sabastian for this day and this moment in his kitchen. Iris wanted to cook with him? Lord, have mercy. When she greeted him, maybe it was all in his mind, but she’d blushed before she stared at the bouquet on the granite island. The way she’d looked at him though, with a flicker in the depth of her eyes, had made it hard to look away. It felt like she’d noticed him for the first time, in a different way.

No. It had to all be in his mind. Speaking of insanity, he needed to catch up on sleep because, right now, he couldn’t think straight.

He’d tossed and turned through the night, then moved to the living room where he’d sat staring at the details in the Boston globe she’d given him. Studying the skyline and landmarks, he’d envisioned where she walked past each day to get to work and wondered where her office was. The website had an address, but he’d never pinpointed the location on the map. Not that he’d visit her, but it didn’t hinder him from dreaming. He’d always cherish that globe the same way he cherished the sweatshirt she’d given him three years ago when she’d drawn his name for the family Christmas gift drawing.

As she more than consumed his mind last night, he’d tried talking himself out of helping her. But he was a man of his word. Even if he weren’t, the raging battle and desire to be near her wouldn’t let him back out.

God was always his plan A and final plan, so Sabastian started his morning at four, prayed, and read his Bible. He’d even rehearsed what and how to talk to Iris today. But God had to help him do the talking, or Sabastian would end up making a fool of himself again.

Iris seemed to be reading her Bible, which was good since he was still figuring out what to do and how she could help. He turned on the recessed lights, flooding extra light into the kitchen.

There were no dishes in the sink, and Iris and Regina wouldn’t have left them in the dining room. He’d intended to come back and clear the table, but fear had overcome the urge to do his job. Not that they expected him to clean up after them, but it was always the right thing to do.

While the Stone family had money, they never made him feel less than, and they didn’t want him to cook during the reunion. They preferred he take a break to join the festivities. They considered him family and always treated him like it. Except, he got paid, and that made him feel like an employee.

He cleared his throat to address his lack of efficiency yesterday. “I’m sorry I didn’t clear the dishes.”

Iris looked up from her Bible and waved him off with a flick of dainty fingernails, their subtle purple sparkling. “You don’t have to apologize.”

Her voice was always so jovial, and her hair bounced with her motion, all shiny under the pendant’s spotlight. He loved the waves at the back of her neck, barely touching the lavender sweater. Gone were the blonde highlights she’d had in the summer, now replaced with red tints.

“You should know I’m not a cook.” One of her trimmed eyebrows lifted, matching the mischievous curve of her smile. “I’ll try not to burn down the kitchen, though I should’ve taken some classes before offering to help.”

“No worries.” Good. He managed a normal response this time. His prayers had been answered. However, if anyone was going to burn down the kitchen, it’d be him while flabbergasted by her.

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