He then recalled she had told him that the day he had driven them there for lunch. “So, is there a more significant meaning behind your decision?”
“I guess you could say, I see inviting a man to share my bed in a house I consider my private space too personal for an impersonal relationship.”
“An impersonal relationship?”
“Yes, one I know wasn’t going anywhere. One I know does not have a future.”
Was that her way of saying that was how she viewed what was happening between them? A relationship without a future? An impersonal one? If that was what she thought, starting tonight he intended to prove her wrong. Tonight would be as personal as it could get, and it wouldn’t be one and done. He’d stopped being involved in those kinds of affairs years ago.
This one was different. He felt it. Deena liked her. Dominic liked her. All the people that mattered to him who had met Iris, liked her, even his godparents who had met her at Cheyenne’s birthday party. But more importantly, he liked her. A lot. In fact, he could see these feelings blossoming into something even more significant. For the first time ever, he was embarking on an adventure he didn’t think he would ever pursue. He was chasing a second chance.
His first time with Rhonda had been so traumatic, he swore he would never again take a second chance at love. But being with Iris had made him rethink that vow. Although it had been made for a different reason, her vow was similar to the one he had made with himself. And if he could change his viewpoint on things, she could certainly do the same. He wouldn’t rush her. It would take time, and if that’s what she needed, then he would give it to her, while he tried like hell to break down her defenses. Soon enough, she would realize their relationship did have a future.
“Would you come to my home with me tonight, Iris?” he asked.
She smiled. “Yes, Matt, I’d love to.”
* * *
“Welcome to my home, Iris.”
“Thank you,” she said, glancing around the place she knew Matt thought of as not only his childhood home, but the house where he had lovingly raised his daughter into womanhood. He said he had thought of getting something smaller; she could certainly understand. The size of this house was too humongous for one person. As far as she was concerned, it was too large for two. He said that, excluding his master bedroom, there were eight bedrooms with a private bath in each. Two downstairs and six upstairs.
He’d teasingly said it helped that his bedroom was on the other side of the house, which was perfect for those times when during her teen years, Deena would have weekend sleepovers with her girlfriends. During those times, Dylan Emanuel and his band’s music would be as loud as it could get.
“Your home is beautiful, Matt.”
“Thanks. However, it’s time for a facelift.”
“A facelift?” She glanced over at him and nearly went speechless while watching him remove his tuxedo jacket and then his tie. Why did he have to look so sexy while he did it? Could it be that she knew at some point tonight, the rest of his clothing would be removed as well?
“Yes. Five years after moving in, Deena suggested we change things up a bit. Make the decor a little more modern without changing any furnishings, since some of the pieces were the ones Mom had selected. Timeless and priceless. I’ve changed the curtains and flooring, and I’ve totally redone the kitchen with new appliances. I let Deena redecorate all the private baths and will admit she did an awesome job.”
He came to stand directly in front of her. “Would you like a tour?”
She preferred having a tour later since his proximity was causing an ache between her legs like she’d never experienced before. Not that she figured they would rip each other’s clothes off the moment they were inside his door, but it seemed to her that he was intentionally drawing things out. To intensify the heat between them? If that was his aim, then it was working.
“Show me around, Matt.”
Taking her hand, he gave her a tour of the downstairs that included a spacious dining room, and his eat-in kitchen was to die for. It had everything she’d always wanted in hers. Namely, multiple ovens and sinks, durable countertops, a walk-in pantry and layered lighting. He had the perfect kitchen for someone who enjoyed cooking.
“You like to cook, Matt?”
He grinned. “Never enjoyed it until I had a child to feed. A child whom I was determined would eat healthy. That meant I had to learn to cook our meals instead of eating out. We only did so on occasion.”
“I used the same approach with Garlan. The first time he ate a fast-food hamburger, he nearly gagged. He said mine were a lot better and tasted like real meat.” She flashed a smile, then said, “I knew then I was on the right track. But Mom set the stage before she died for me to learn how to cook and take care of not only a home but also business matters. Dad had no problem keeping up the training. This is a to-die-for kitchen.”
“Glad you like it. You can come over and use it anytime.”
Iris didn’t say anything. Was he hinting at something long-term between them? She didn’t have a problem with that since she preferred exclusivity. However, the one thing she couldn’t and wouldn’t promise was permanency. Maybe she should explain her position on things now. After taking another whiff of his cologne, she decided there would be time to do so later…after taking care of a need for him that increased every time she inhaled his scent.
The tour downstairs ended after he showed her the two guest rooms and baths, a room he used as an office, a laundry room, a half bath and a theater room. He also had a six-car garage. He explained that his godfather had been into collecting antique foreign cars. He still was.
“Now for the upstairs,” he said, tightening his hold on her hand as he led her up a beautiful spiral staircase. The twin staircase led to his bedroom on the opposite side. However, the two landings were connected by way of an indoor glass courtyard.
Iris nodded while her heartbeat kicked up a notch. She was looking forward to seeing his bedroom. The place where he slept, got undressed, showered and re-dressed. It was also the place where she hoped he would make love to her tonight.
He showed her the six beautifully decorated bedrooms. “Who did the decorating?”