Page 49 of The Billionaire Invitation

They moved past the Dante conversation and onto round three, and which cake would suit Reagan best. As much as Honesty could have argued that she was whole and complete without Dante around, there was also a part of her that didn’t want him to leave.

She wasn’t sure if she had truly forgiven him for leaving. Had the insight that Jaylyn provided changed her mind?

Maybe.

She’d learned that his loyalty and control wasn’t about him remaining cool and unaffected. His loyalty was more ingrained. He was committed to helping others. To being the hero.

That hero complex had cost him. She was beginning to suspect that he gave to others because it was easier than taking for himself. Or maybe it wasn’t easier, but safer. If he stopped to ask what he wanted for himself, would he choose her? Or like he’d done eight years ago, would he run toward the next crisis and make himself useful?

No matter what happened, Honesty could handle it, and better than she had handled it the first time. As history had taught her, there was one person she could always count on.

Herself.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Last night, on Jaylyn’s insistence, Honesty had drunk one too many margaritas. Considering the pounding of her head this morning, maybe two too many.

In addition to Dante’s sister being an old soul, and a self-proclaimed “good witch,” the woman could also handle her tequila.

Before Honesty realized what happened, appetizers had led to margaritas at the bar. So, yes, too many margaritas. But the right amount of laughter and fun.

It was quickly becoming apparent that Jaylyn could be one of Honesty’s close friends.

“Here’s some Alka-Seltzer. Don’t worry. It happens to the best of us.” Gabby set down a glass of fizzy liquid. Honesty guzzled it down.

“Thank you.” She hadn’t meant to tie one on last night, especially since Dante was coming into her office today at her behest to review details about the charity.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?” Gabby asked.

Honesty waved her off. “You’ve already done too much and it’s not even a workday. I can handle Dante.”

“I bet you can. Can I stick around until he shows up? I want one good look at him in person.” Gabby weaved her fingers together in a pleading gesture.

Honesty had to laugh. “Of course you can. You don’t have to leave, but I don’t want to hold you hostage either.”

“I don’t mind!” Gabby chirped before pivoting on one foot and bopping her way to her desk.

Oh, to have her energy today.

Fifteen minutes later, Honesty couldn’t say she was at one hundred percent, but she was feeling better than when she’d arrived.

As she was refilling her mug with coffee, she saw movement through the window. Dante was dressed casually in chinos and one of those tight T-shirts that sculpted his biceps so beautifully. He waved as she approached the front door. As she flipped the lock to let him in, she heard Gabby say, “Holy…”

Honesty was inclined to agree.

“Good morning.” His rumbly voice made the standard greeting sound far more sexy than it should have.

“Thanks for coming in. Everything I need is here, so it made more sense to… What?” She had to ask because he was inventorying her person, his brows pinched.

“Everything all right?”

“Yes?” She looked down at her floral dress, cropped denim jacket, and sandals. She hadn’t buttoned her dress wrong or spilled coffee on herself. “Is this the part where I’m offended because you’re implying I look terrible?”

He shook his head. “You don’t look terrible. You look amazing. But something in your eyes tells me that last night might have gone on a bit longer than you had anticipated?”

“She’s hungover, but I have been taking care of her,” Gabby butted in to say. “Hi, I’m Gabriela, her assistant. I’m not going to stay much longer, but I did want to let you know that I am available if you ever need any help with anything. Including Honesty. That’s her second cup of coffee. She’s also had some Alka-Seltzer, and a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel from around the corner. She should be well on her way to mending.”

As Dante listened to Gabby, his eyebrows climbed his forehead. He was mildly amused, if the tilt of his mouth was anything to go by.