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Iris set her fork down and pushed her plate back a touch. She shifted her attention between our two plates,noting that I’d left not a stitch of food on mine. “Can I assume you enjoyed your dinner?”
“It was delicious.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t make any dessert. I didn’t wake up this morning expecting any of this to happen, but I promise I’ll make something special for dessert the next time.”
Containing the emotions that moved through me at her indirect admission of wanting me to come over again was an effort. I wasn’t the kind of guy who needed dessert after a meal—I often avoided it—but if Iris was offering to make something, nothing would stop me from missing it. “No apologies necessary. You name the time, and I’d be happy to come back again.”
Her eyes brightened. “You really turned my day around, Landen. I owe you.”
The last thing I wanted was for her to think I’d done any of this with the idea that she’d be indebted to me. I merely wanted all the time I could get with her. “Don’t think too much about it. This was a very nice change of pace for me, too. I’m just sorry I couldn’t help you out with the email situation.”
Iris’s features softened. “It’s truly okay. Not everything about this evening was bad. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to spend some time with you outside of the gym. And it was nice not having to eat alone. It’s only on the rare occasion that Walter comes over, so this was wonderful.”
If I had anything to say about that moving forward, Iris wouldn’t be going home to an empty house every night. Even if I could see her just a few nights a week, I had to believe it’d improve both our lives.
“I should help you clean up before I head out.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s only an extra place setting. I’ll take care of it. You’ve already done so much today.”
“I don’t mind.”
She gave me a nod of understanding. “I know. But I promise it’s okay. I can walk you to the door.”
Iris and I made our way to her front door, where I slipped on my sneakers. “So, am I going to see you at the gym tomorrow, or are you going to sleep in, since you have the rest of the week off from work?”
She thrust her chest out, her shoulders pushing back. “I’ll be there. I’m not missing that for anything.”
“Alright. Then I guess I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
There was a moment of awkward hesitation before Iris opened her arms and offered a hug. I nearly fumbled over myself at the invitation, but quickly recovered and wrapped my arms around her. “Thanks, again. I appreciate what you did for me today.”
The feel of her body against mine like this was everything I thought it would be, and then some. I offered a gentle squeeze in return. “It was all my pleasure. I’m just glad you’re feeling better now.”
She loosened her hold on me and took half of a step back. “Have a good night. And drive safely.”
I smiled at her. “I will. Goodnight, Iris.”
“Goodnight, Landen.”
A moment later, I was out the door and walking to my car. My body buzzed with the lingering effects of hugging her. And I didn’t stop smiling from ear to ear the entire drive home.
TWELVE
Landen
You’re not just some guy.
The words had echoed in my head since last night. Since Iris said them to me and admitted she’d be interested in going on a date.
I couldn’t have asked for anything more, especially not when she’d shown up in my office, looking like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Unfortunately, I was quickly learning there was one small problem with what happened between us.
It was late Thursday morning, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Iris. About the time I spent with her yesterday and the words we’d exchanged. I was doing everything I could to focus on actual work instead of only her, but it was proving to be rather difficult.
No matter how hard I tried to concentrate on the cases in front of me, visions of Iris danced in my head.
Prior to yesterday, all the thoughts I’d had involvingIris always felt like impossible longing. Like I was a kid in a candy store without a dime to my name. I could look all I wanted, I could long for just one taste, and I’d never get the chance.
