Renaissance: A Contemporary Erotic Romance (Iris Series Book 5) Read Online Free Page A

around him, that didn’t lead to many conversations.
    She sighed as Tony cut and styled.  Well, she was done with being afraid.  She was ready.  And this new haircut was going to help her with her next move.  By the end of the forty-five minutes in Tony’s chair, she had a hard time recognizing the woman staring back at her; this confident, fearless woman who could take the world by storm in no way resembled the same woman who’d run away from the good doctor on New Year’s.
    No, this woman wasn’t afraid of anything.  Tiffany looked into her light blue eyes and examined the new swing of her dark shorn tresses.  Its new length hit the top of her shoulders with her hair just a touch shorter in the back.  Parted on the side, the hair fell sexily over one eye, and the added layers gave her more volume.  Even though Tony had removed several inches, the cut still made her appear to have long enough hair to tie back in a ponytail or topknot.
    She felt…lighter.  More free.  Taking a cleansing breath, she smiled brightly at Tony then gave him a hug.
    “I love it.”
    “You look gorgeous, which isn’t difficult to begin with,” he said happily, running his fingers through her hair, still primping and fluffing.  “What I wouldn’t give for your skin,” he muttered.  “You’ve got one of the most flawless complexions I’ve ever seen.”
    She rolled her eyes, but said graciously, “Thank you.  It’s all thanks to the parental units, I’m afraid.  I can’t take any of the credit.”
    Her dad, who worked for NATO, was an American of British descent and was tall and fair with light blue eyes.  He’d met Tiffany’s mom, a Spaniard, when she’d been working as a Communications Director and he’d been an American diplomat in Spain many years earlier. 
    It wasn’t difficult to see how Tiffany’s mother swept Mr. Daniels off of his feet.  Her mom had been blessed with dark eyes, dark hair, olive colored skin, and curves that didn’t quit.  Both Tiffany and her twin, Luke, inherited the perfect blend of their DNA.  Their height and light blue eyes came from their dad, and their olive toned skin and black hair came from their mom, giving them their striking appearance.
    “Well, either way, you’re a stunner.  And I’m honored you gave me free rein today.  Go out there and conquer the world.  I can’t wait to hear more about the foundation when you come back.”
    “By that time, we’ll be up and running.  The first classes are due to start in May.  Maybe you can give some classes on the art of hair styling,” she suggested.
    He raised his eyebrows and smiled.  “Now you’re talkin’.  I would love that.  Have your people call my people,” he joked.
    “We’ll chat,” Tiffany said and kissed him goodbye.  Once the bill was squared away, she walked out of the salon with an extra swing in her step as she hailed a cab.
    She was supposed to meet up with Emily, who was also her attorney, along with her architect, Todd, at the warehouse in Harlem in the next hour.  They were scheduled to discuss the last minute tweaks needed for the upcoming big fundraiser to be held in a few weeks. This fundraiser would be where they would officially introduce themselves to the neighborhood and to donors.  Tiffany wanted to get to the warehouse a little earlier to go through some paperwork before the afternoon appointments.
    She arrived in Harlem several minutes later and climbed out of the cab to let herself into the building.  Once settled, she took a turn throughout the space to admire how far it had come.
    The large cavernous warehouse was broken into several sections; a reception counter where parents could drop off their girls at the front, as well as a large gym mat area in the back for exercise and where Emily would teach Krav Maga.  In addition to that, there were several classroom spaces available that were walled at the bottom, but had clear glass at the top allowing everyone to see in.