Once I’m satisfied the project is up to scratch, I slide my iPad into my briefcase and turn back to her.
“What do you think?”
“Looks great,” she murmurs, but the flatness in her tone tells me she’s not really here. Whatever was bothering her at the office is still on her mind, and I want to get to the bottom of it. This morning she was so excited when I asked her to work on the lighthouse project—so excited I almost said something I couldn’t take back—but ever since John stepped into my office, she’s changed.
I glance at David, wanting a moment alone with Iris. “Mind if we stay a little longer? If I can get a few last checks done tonight,I’ll send you the site observation report first thing tomorrow and we’ll be clear for fixings and finishes.”
He nods. “Sure thing. Just lock up on your way out.”
I shake his hand again, thanking him, watching as he leaves.
Iris flips her notebook open again with a sigh. “What checks do we need to do?”
“None.” I take the notebook gently from her hand and set it on the counter behind me, taking her hands in mine. “Look at me, Iris.”
Her blue eyes lift to mine, swimming with hesitation, and a knot tightens in my chest.
“What’s going on, sweetheart? You’ve been off all day.”
“I’m sorry. I just…” She swallows, and it sends a nervous ripple through me. “Maybe we shouldn’t do this,” she whispers at last.
My heart plunges.
Fuck. She’s ending it?
I drop her hands, stepping back against the counter. Forcing myself to give her space, even if it’s the last thing I want. She cringes, and unease swirls through me. I have to remember I’m her boss and considerably older than her. My pulse accelerates as I think over our weekend, searching for places I might have misstepped. I bought her clothes, kissed her in that boutique, then there’s what we did in that motel room… I thought she wanted those things, but was I wrong? Did I cross a line without realizing it?
“If I’ve done anything to make you uncomfortable,” I begin, and she gives a vehement shake of her head, stepping forward to take my hands again.
“No, Aidan. Come on. You could never do that.”
Relief trickles through me, but it’s not enough. Not with that deep groove in her brow.
“Are you sure?”
She looks at me as if I’m crazy. “You’re the first person to ever make me feel comfortable.” She hesitates. “I like you so,somuch,” she adds, exhaling audibly.
Oh. Shit.
I lift her hand to my lips, brushing a kiss over the back of it. “Then what’s going on? Is it John?”
She gives a tiny nod. I knew it. She’s rattled after the confrontation with her father. After he made her feel like shit for taking on the lighthouse project.
“You’re risking too much for me,” she whispers, and I pause.
Wait. What?
“Every time you stand up for me, or give me a project… Dad’s never going to make you partner. And I just…” Her voice shakes as she looks down at our joined hands. “I don’t know if I’m worth it.”
I blink in shock.That’swhat she’s worried about?
“Iris… you don’t have to worry about that, okay?”
“But Iamworried about it,” she says, her eyes fierce. “I can’t ask you to give that up for me. I can’t—”
“Hey.Hey.” I lift a hand to her cheek, stroking softly. I think about what I shared on the drive to Wetherly, about my father and sacrifice. Of course she took that personally. “You’re not asking me to giveanythingup. Got that? This isn’t your problem.”
“It is,” she insists. “I want you to have the career you want.”
