Page 62 of The Billionaire Invitation

Becke either didn’t pick up on the change in the air or didn’t care. “The two of you knew each other before this partnership, correct?”

Since Becke was looking directly at Honesty, the question was meant for her. Rather than look to Dante to answer, she boldly met the other woman’s eyes and told her the truth.

“Dante and I attended Northwestern together, so yes, we’ve known each other a long time. When I saw him at the Refurbs for Vets event, we started chatting about Long Live Food. He stepped in to advise.”

“That’s so kind.” Becke looked to Dante. “Is this a professional investment for you, Mr. Crane, or is it also a personal one?”

“Business involves people, and where people are involved, things become personal, Ms. Crawford. If anyone tells you otherwise, they’re not being honest with you. Or themselves.”

Becke wrote on the notepad resting on her knee. “That’s a memorable quote. But I am referring to you and Ms. Benitez specifically. Are you seeing each other romantically while you’re working on the charity?”

Honesty leaned forward and tapped the red button on Becke’s phone to stop the recording. “What difference does that make to the veterans who are getting back on their feet after coming home with injuries? Some of them, like my brother, with only one foot to get back on. What Dante and I do or don’t do is no one’s business.”

Becke nodded. “I respect that. I also would like to sell issues of this magazine. Piquing the public’s curiosity and then steering them toward how they can give to your charity is a smart tactic.”

“We understand public interest,” Dante interjected. “Piquing their curiosity in this case sounds more like⁠—”

“Baiting them,” Honesty finished for him.

“Exactly.” Dante smiled his approval.

“I am happy to appease your readers,” Honesty said. “But it has to benefit everyone. Dante and I are not on display. We’re building something worthwhile. Worth talking about. Let’s keep the focus on Long Live Food.”

“All due respect, Ms. Benitez, but you two are stars. And if people love you, they will love what you have to offer. And that will go very well for Long Live Food.”

“She’s not wrong,” Dante told Honesty. “You are the face, the heart, and the soul. Don’t be afraid to utilize everything you have.”

“I apologize if I overstepped.” Becke pointed to herself. “Journalist. I will respect your boundaries and come at this from a different angle. Can we begin again now that we have an understanding?”

Honesty nodded. She was beginning to see that the charity world came with a lot of window dressing. But, to Dante’s point: how much more could she do if she utilized everything she had to offer?

A ton, she imagined.

Honesty was glad he was here. As difficult as it had been for her to ask for his help, she’d needed his advice on far more than she’d imagined.

“Let’s continue,” she told Becke.

Becke pressed record and wrapped the interview politely. The remaining questions had focused on the charity and the types of services Long Live Food would provide. Once they were done, she invited them for a tour.

After a brief peek upstairs at bedrooms that had been turned into closets, storage, and offices, Becke moved them through the rest of the downstairs area. The living room appeared to be from another era, which she explained with one hand resting on the red velvet settee.

“This room is as close to the original estate’s decor as we could manage. Some of the older pieces had to be reupholstered, like this settee, others replaced with antiques or reproductions.” Next, she led them to the back of the room and opened a pair of French doors. The topiary-and-white-flowers motif continued, as did the curved stone arches. On the wide patio were loungers with fluffed pillows and low tables with plants on them. Several steps led into an expansive green lawn and to the lake.

“Under that tree, or near it, is where we’ll do the remainder of the photoshoot. Both of you, together, if you’re willing. We’d like to capture a moment similar to the photos that went viral—where the chemistry is popping off the page. That, Mr. Crane, will sell magazines.”

“I’m okay with it if you are.” His dark eyes were trained on Honesty.

She folded her arms but agreed. “Whatever it takes to help spread the word about Long Live Food.”

“Crane Hotel is technically closer,” Dante said as they approached the city on the drive back.

“Is it now?” Honesty grinned over at him. “You bribe me with French fries and now you’re talking me into going up to your penthouse? Truly desperate, Dante.”

“Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

They’d stopped at a fast-food restaurant because she’d been so hungry after the shoot. He’d asked if she was sure she was “allowed” to eat a burger and fries, and she had rolled her eyes and told him that yes, a healthy lifestyle could include burgers and fries. “It’s about balance,” she’d explained, which was damn near her mantra when it came to clients.

She fed Dante a fry. He’d eaten his burger in two bites, and she’d made sure to tease him about it. “Are you sure a burger isn’t too far below your pay grade to enjoy?”