Page 40 of The Billionaire Invitation

Dante felt a swell of pride at that compliment, but his response was an automatic “It was a great opportunity to expand.”

Eli slid him a glance that said You’re not fooling anyone.

Except myself. Dante had been doing that for over a decade. From thinking he was cut out for college, to leaving his home for the greener pastures of LA, he had become an expert at being delusional.

“It is amazing timing,” Isa said. She slid him another knowing look. What she thought she knew, he had no idea. “We’ve been looking to expand into more complete care for the people who need it most.”

“Food is such an integral part of life,” Honesty said.

“And dessert,” Dante couldn’t help mentioning.

She gave him a wide-eyed warning.

During lunch, it had come out that they knew each other when Isa, who was not shy about prying, had asked directly. Honesty had glanced over at Dante for guidance, so he’d told the truth—in part. “We attended Northwestern together.”

But Isa hadn’t left it alone. “I’m happy that you two found your way to each other again.” Her smile had turned sly. “It’s important to be with partners we trust.”

Trust. There was a word.

Trust between them had come easier than he would have believed. He had wondered over the years how Honesty would react to him if they ever crossed paths again. There seemed to be a consensus in his head that she’d snub him or pretend to have no idea who he was.

That was his guilty conscience having its way with him, he supposed. He had known in his gut that she never would have been petty or lied to him, even to save herself. When she’d reached out to ask for his help, he hadn’t planned on inviting her to his penthouse. He’d seen it as a favor he owed her. What he hadn’t counted on was that the easy connection they’d had years ago was still there—just under the surface.

This wasn’t a reunion either of them had planned. But it was working, and it reminded him of when he’d first met her. Everything between them had been simpler back then.

Until it hadn’t been.

At her apartment last night, he’d tied on the apron to save the salmon from burning. She’d been lounging on the couch, laughing at his bare ass, visible beneath the bow. He’d made a plate and grabbed two forks, and they’d sat side by side—him wearing an apron and her wearing his T-shirt—and had eaten some of the most amazing food he’d ever put on his tongue.

Over the years he’d had his fair share of interactions with women. None of them had been long term, but many of them had been pleasant. Zero of those interactions had been as satisfying, fulfilling, or fun as the ones he’d had with Honesty. Because she allowed her vulnerability to lead, she’d given him permission to access his own.

Which was damn dangerous.

Honesty had introduced feelings he hadn’t anticipated. He’d intended to keep his touch light, his involvement minimal. But them sleeping together had been more than convenience and geography. His admiration for her went beyond her achievements. And supporting her dream to honor her brother was so much more than lending his knowledge to the cause.

He was used to acting out of duty and loyalty. Used to being there whenever someone needed him. “Being professional” was what he had been trying to convince himself he’d been doing with Honesty.

Now he knew better. Without his permission, things between them had advanced. Suddenly, they were more than they had been.

But he wasn’t willing to define what that “more” was, to label it and complicate it further. More could simply mean indulging now and then detaching when he left Chicago. And yet his brain warned him that if he opened that particular can of worms, he’d be responsible for the Worm Invasion of Chi-Town.

“I found a client for you to work with, by the way,” Eli told Honesty.

Dante blinked away the B-movie visual in his brain.

“He’s a good guy. Bit of a challenge. I met him and thought you could help.” Eli dipped his head.

“I was hoping you wouldn’t mind me asking to work with someone right away. I won’t let you down,” Honesty promised.

“We know you won’t,” Isa said with a kind smile.

“His name is Michael Tillsbury,” Eli continued. “Twenty-six. Lost most of his right arm in combat. If your thing works, he’s who it works for.”

“I’ll reach out right away.”

Everyone stood from the table. Isa gave Honesty a hug. “I’m so happy to meet you, and your program has incredible potential. Having Dante in your corner is a huge win.” Isa eyeballed Dante meaningfully.

He resisted the urge to toe the floor at the compliment.