Page 8 of The Billionaire Invitation

Honesty let out a nervous laugh. Okay, so she looked nice. She could admit that the dress had done her a lot of favors, showcasing her toned arms and pushing up her breasts, while being full enough at the bottom to hide any problematic areas. But as good as she looked in the photo, it was far from scandalous. “This is what’s causing such a stir? A standard photo op?”

“No.” Gabby swiped her phone’s screen. “This is the photo that is causing such a stir.”

In this one, Honesty was laughing, her mouth open, eyes scrunched closed. Dante was holding her close, his fingers cupped under her ribcage and dangerously close to her left breast. His mouth was hiding in her hair, his eyes crinkled with mirth.

Right. She’d forgotten about that moment.

“Everyone wants to know what he said to make you almost fall out of that dress. Listen to these comments.” She cleared her throat and read from her phone, “‘Did he propose? What in the Crane is going on? He’d dive into that cleavage if he had scuba gear on.’”

“Oh my God.” Honesty set her coffee aside. Maybe caffeine was the wrong stimulant for this moment. “Do we have vodka in the building?”

“Champagne, you mean? This is so great! You can’t buy publicity like this. I came in early today to get a jump on things, but I had no idea this was going on. I was so lost in the articles and posts and comments I didn’t notice the time flying by. It’s insane!”

It was insane. Honesty rested her fingertips on her temples.

“I thought you’d be excited.” Gabby lowered into a guest chair across from the desk.

“I am. I just…” Wasn’t expecting to be linked to my college boyfriend in the media by morning. “I’m surprised.”

“I understand. I pounced on you before you had your coffee. I’m an animal.” Gabby made swiping motions with her hands like she was a tiger. She hopped off the chair. “I will handle what I can, and we will reconvene in one hour. Oh, and if I hear from Dante Crane or his team, I will patch him through.”

Honesty started to say no, but Gabby was already skipping through the office. And singing. Maybe her friend was right and this would be a good thing?

But as Honesty gripped her coffee mug, she was having trouble seeing the silver lining in this particular cloud.

CHAPTER FOUR

“You’ve been in town for twenty-four hours and you’re already ruining everything.” Jaylyn threw her arms in the air, a move that accidentally flagged the sommelier. She didn’t miss a beat, sitting back in her chair so that the man could refill her wine glass.

After he’d gone, Dante replied to his sister. “I’m not ruining anything. I simply said I wasn’t sure how long I’d be staying in town.”

“They’re getting married.” Jaylyn gestured to Reagan and Brody who were sitting to her right.

“When?” He glanced at Reagan who shrugged. Brody was smirking. “I can’t stay indefinitely, J, I have a⁠—”

“The foundation. I know, I know.” Jaylyn rolled her eyes as she took a hearty sip of red wine.

“Reagan, say the word. I’m on the next flight here to attend your wedding.” Brody’s fiancée chuckled when he added, “Whenever it is.”

“You bet your ass you will,” Brody said before he finished off his last bite of steak. “You’re the best man.”

“We will give you ample warning,” Reagan patted her pregnant belly. “We’re the ones doing everything backwards.”

“Yeah, we weren’t even dating when we moved in together,” Brody shared with a crooked smile.

“Whatever works,” Dante said. He was happy for them. It was rare to find someone to love. Rarer to re-find them. His mind delivered up an image of Honesty and he shoved it away.

“At first I thought J was referring to the photos from the Four Seasons event,” Chloe said. “The ones with you and the Cinderella with both shoes.”

Dante nearly choked on his food. He reached for his water, which unfortunately gave her time to say more.

“But that wouldn’t make sense because those photos haven’t ruined anything. Isa said Eli was excited about the extra press. She called you a genius.” Eli’s wife, Isa, and Chloe worked together, which meant she’d heard it from the source.

“All press is good press,” he said generically.

“What are you two talking about?” Jaylyn reached for her phone that was facedown on the table. She tapped the screen while asking, “What woman?”

“Cinderella,” Zander answered, joining the conversation.