Since Dr. Harris had arrived, a whole new side of Dash emerged. He was polished, poised, and an extreme gentleman. From his polite manners to serving coffee and dainty snacks, he had serious social game. Me, on the other hand? I was a clumsy, unsophisticated ox. I decided honesty was the best answer.
“You lost me after you told Dr. Harris to have a seat.”
Dr. Harris and Dash spoke a language I’d never heard before, so I sat there quietly. That should be considered a win in my favor.
Dash continued to stare at me as if I’d suddenly grown two heads. Heads… He’d love me having two heads… I was hilarious.
“What?” I said, defensively. “I didn’t fall asleep, that has to count.”
I took Dr. Harris’s low chuckle as a vote in my favor. “I’ve given Dash some hope.”
“More like a lifeline,” Dash replied, his tone clipped with his irritation at me. “He’s contacted Wesley Carter who’s apparently my father’s arch nemesis. Overall, Carter has a completely different take on life than my father. Dr. Harris wants me to contact him. Dr. Harris thinks he might help me find a law school that’ll accept me.”
“That’s a positive, right?” I interpreted Dash’s newest look to meanyou’re a dumbass. So I glanced at Dr. Harris for a nod of approval. He gave it, and I beamed at my mister, unwinding my arm until I clamped my palm over the back of his hand, still on my thigh.
“I respect Carter. He and Dash share similar ideologies. We can make the call now.”
Great. My hand tightened around Dash’s. Good news had been hard to find over the last week.
“And the house, did you figure out a way for him to keep it?” I asked. Based on the sheer volume of paperwork scattered overthe coffee table and everywhere else, they had to have gone over every possibility.
“Dr. Harris believes we have a path forward. I’ll, of course, handle the work which will save us significant money. It’ll drive my father insane which is an added benefit.” Dash’s lip quirked up on one side, which let me know he enjoyed that thought.
Dr. Harris dialed a number on his cell phone and set it to speaker mode before laying it on the center of the coffee table. Shrill ringing filled the room but was silenced almost immediately by someone answering on the other end.
“Carter.” The tone was similar to the one Dash had used moments ago to reprimand me for my inattention.
“Carter, this a good time?” Dr. Harris asked.
“Sure,” Wesley said, his tone changing in seconds. “I didn’t recognize this number. Is Dasham with you?”
Dr. Harris lifted a hand, gesturing for Dash to respond. “I’m here.”
“Great. I’ll be brief as I’m interrupting my date to take this call.” The commotion in the background grew quieter as he spoke. “Dasham, there’s an opportunity for you in Chicago. Summer classes begin soon. You’ll need to make a quick decision, but they’re pleased to have you considering them. You’ve built quite a reputation among your peers.”
My quick glance at Dash revealed instant relief easing the tension on his face, a small smile even appeared. I moved my hand to Dash’s back, caressing there. Proud that others knew how hard Dash had worked in his studies.
“I’m relieved for the chance, but Chicago’s a long commute from Dallas, and my resources are becoming more limited with each passing day.”
“I’ve heard about that as well. Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. I own a building in Hyde Park that can house you. It’s my personal suite that I haven’t used in years. Stay as long as youneed—forever, if possible. A home needs someone looking out for it. It’s not an inconvenience at all.”
Dash’s smile broadened, his eyelids closing as he took a centering breath. Silence fell over the room.
“Based on what I’m seeing, Carter,” Dr. Harris said. “You’ve overwhelmed him.”
“Very good.”
“Mr. Carter, I have a partner now. Is there any issue with him joining me?” Dash asked. He reached for my hand. The phone I’d been using to pass the time while Dash and Dr. Harris discussed all the issues tumbled from my hand, allowing Dash and me to link our fingers together.
“Sure. No problem,” Carter replied. “Drop the mister. That’s a term your father requires, not me.”
“Yes, sir,” Dash said.
“Lose the sir,” Carter said with a chuckle. “I’m not near old enough to be called a sir. I need to end this call. Dr. Harris believes in you, and I trust him. I also don’t like your father. He’ll not appreciate my interfering in his appalling decision, so it works out for both of us.” I could’ve sworn I heard a touch of glee in Carter’s voice with that last statement.
Dash gave a single nod and tilted his chin in my direction. “I need to discuss this with my partner. He has a job here in Dallas that he loves.”
Carter chuckled this time. “I fully understand the importance of having your partner on board. If it helps, I’m certain I can work out a position for him in his chosen field. Dr. Harris has my contact information. Take your time but call me in the morning with your decision. We can get you to Chicago to begin the process.”
