Page 77 of Someone to Tempt
I pull back and grin down at her. “Even the mayor deserves to play hooky every once in a while.”
She looks affronted. “I’ve never played hooky from anything. Not a day in my life.”
“Let tomorrow be another first.” I kiss the edge of her full mouth. “One day, Iris. No schedules, no responsibilities—just you, me, and the mountains. It’ll be fun.”And possibly the promise of something more.
Her laugh is soft and feels like a victory. “A half-day,” she concedes. “You can pick me up at noon. But if the town falls apart, it’s on you.”It feels like she’s handing me the key to a door we’ve both been afraid to open.
“I don’t want secrets between us,” I say, even as a flicker of guilt sparks across my skin. Spencer Charles isn’t a negative, but it’s still a lie and I need to tell her.
She jerks back at the same time there’s a knock at the door.
“Is everything okay?” Char asks as she peeks her head in.
“Yep,” Iris says brightly and spins on her heel like she hasn’t spent the past five minutes peering into my deepest soul. “We’re ready for our solo.”
Maybe she was reacting to the knock, or perhaps she heard the click of Char’s heels, but something tells me she pulled away for a different reason. There’s no time to question her as we head back into the studio with everyone’s eyes on us.
We take our places, and when her hand settles into mine, I can tell she’s as happy to be in my arms as I am to have her there. I guide us into the first steps, forcing myself to put aside the sliver of doubt that there’s more to her tears than she’s letting on.
As the last notes of the song fade, I hold her gaze for a moment, our connection buzzing in my chest.
“Very good,” Char says as the rest of the class applauds.
Iris steps back and gives the instructor a thumbs up. “We’re getting better.” Her voice is light, and she avoids my eyes. “And we owe it all to you.”
“You okay?” I ask as we line up for the next number.
Her smile is so thin I can practically see through it. “Fine. All good.”
When Char finally claps to signal the end of class, Iris pulls away like the floor’s on fire. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she says, already heading for the door. Her voice is strained, and she doesn’t wait for a reply.
I glance at the clock, considering whether to follow her or let it go. Pushing doesn’t work with my gorgeous, prickly girl, and I’ll have all afternoon with her tomorrow to coax out whatever she’s hiding. And hopefully find the courage to tell her about my secret.
I’m going to get it right this time—the dancing, my future with the foundation. And, most importantly, Iris.
29
JAKE
I saygoodbye to Grandpa and the rest of the group, grab my jacket, and follow her out into the bright October afternoon. The sun is warm on my back as I walk the two blocks to the diner where I’m meeting Daniel Pearson for lunch.
He’s waiting at a table near the front and waves enthusiastically as I approach. I think about Iris’s comment and the ramifications of me basing the foundation in Austin if and when I take over.
“I’m glad you asked to meet,” the program officer says as I slide into the chair across from him. “I love working for your grandpa, but I have a gut feeling you’re going to be good for the future.”
I smile as the waitress approaches and places a menu in front of me, even as doubt slices across my gut. What would Daniel think if he knew my plan to relocate the headquarters to Austin? What would my grandfather say?
A cold shiver runs through me at the thought. The foundation has been rooted in this community for decades—his life's work and legacy. The rational part of me knows this is the right business decision, but I can't help wondering if Grandpa will see it as a betrayal of everything he’s built.
The waitress taps her menu pad and grins. “We’ve got a real treat for you today. There’s a guest chef in the kitchen—kind of an on-the-job interview—which means a couple of amazing specials.”
“I’m all about amazing,” I tell her with a grin.
She winks. “I just bet you are, sugar. First up, we’ve got a meatloaf patty melt on toasted rye with caramelized onions and a tangy tomato aioli.” She taps the menu pad again. “It’s like fancy mayo. And if breakfast for lunch is more your style, we have homemade waffles with crispy chicken strips and a drizzle of hot honey.”
“They both sound delicious. Which is your favorite?”
“The meatloaf. You don’t want to miss it.”
