“I started a new case and will use this week to collect the facts by interviewing witnesses, scheduling depositions and requesting legal documents and such.”
“What kind of case is it?”
“My client was arrested for embezzlement, but he claims he’s innocent. He believes he was framed.”
“By whom?”
“A member of the corporation’s executive team. My job is not only to prove his innocence but also to expose the real guilty person. Or to put enough doubt in the jurors’ minds that they don’t feel sure he’s guilty.”
“Sounds like you’re going to be busy for a while.”
“Somewhat.” And to make clear he knew how to handle his professional life and his private life, he added, “But I will never be too busy to spend time with you, Iris.” Her expression was unreadable. Had she hoped that he would be? If that were the case, he would have to change her perspective on it.
“I guess you heard we were back in theWagging Tonguetoday,” she said.
He lifted a brow. “Why?”
“Candy Sumlar gave a statement. Evidently, she thinks our interest in each other is nothing more than a publicity stunt.”
“She actually said that?”
“Yes. She figures that’s what it is because there’s no way you would prefer me to her.”
“Well, she will soon discover just how wrong she is about that.”
“I agree.”
He was glad she did. “I thought I’d ask you now before your schedule gets full.”
“About what?”
“Going with me to the Scott Motorsport charity event in January. Bronson Scott is a good friend of mine. One of the companies that Dominic and I own together is a sponsor.”
“I know Bronson. He’s a friend of Quade’s. I recall seeing him at Cheyenne’s birthday party,” Iris said.
“We all got to know each other when Quade and Dominic married into the Steele family. Do you think you can go?”
“When is it?”
He gave her the dates.
“I don’t recall having an event planned for those dates, Matt, but I’ll check my calendar to verify and let you know. Thanks for asking me.”
“There is no other person I’d want to ask, Iris.”
* * *
Iris enjoyed spending time with Matt from the first. Whether it was walking around that Saxon Hotel the night they’d met to escape him being overwhelmed upon finding out he was Sid Roberts’s son, to him helping her escape Westmoreland Country during the gender reveal preparations, to them sharing meatloaf sandwiches for lunch at her place, to spending a hot weekend together. She truly enjoyed his company. He had selected the ideal place for lunch, too. Alton’s Sandwich Shop wasn’t crowded, and they served the best sandwiches with fries and iced tea.
“You were hungry, I see.”
Iris glanced over at him and saw the mischievous grin on his face. She looked at his plate. It was just as clean as hers. “So were you, and need I remind you that I got half a sandwich, and you got a whole one.”
“Duly reminded. Have you decided if you want to go to dinner and a movie Saturday night?”
“I don’t want to dominate your time on the weekends.”
“Are you saying that because you don’t want me to dominate yours, Iris?”
