Page 9 of The Billionaire Invitation

“The article mentioned ‘a nutrition specialist for elite Chicagoans,’” Chloe told J.

“Honesty?” Jaylyn aimed that question and her phone at Dante. “Your Cinderella is your college girlfriend, Honesty?”

“Once again I misunderstood and thought J was saying honestly,” Reagan said to Brody as she scooped up a bite of twice-baked potato. “I’ll get it right someday.”

“That was a one-time thing. There will be no need to get it right,” Dante said with a tight smile. Whatever the press wanted to speculate about was fine by him as long as it drew attention to the charity, but he’d take a pass on answering to his siblings.

“I thought she hated you.” Brody reached for a slice of bread.

Dante set down his fork and knife and then wiped his mouth with the napkin from his lap. Evidently he’d have to address the photos his assistant had alerted him of this morning.

“Honesty was giving the keynote about her brother who had worked with Refurbs for Vets before he passed away last year. She is starting a non-profit for military men and women in his honor. I introduced her around.” He picked up his utensils and sliced into his remaining steak. “You’re all worse than the press.”

“Her brother passed away?” Brody shook his head.

“How sad. I’m so sorry for her.” That was Jaylyn, taking a brief respite from giving Dante shit.

“It is sad. They were close.” Dante inhaled deeply before shoving his plate aside. He’d hated that wounded look in Honesty’s eyes when she’d talked about him last night. He’d have done anything to shoulder some of her pain, but that wasn’t his place. Not anymore. “Is anyone having dessert?”

Every pair of eyes at the table was locked on him, their faces broadcasting a mix of apology and curiosity.

“How’d it go with her?” Reagan, ignoring his question, asked. “Was she friendly?”

“Were you?” Zander quipped.

“We’re both adults. It was cordial. It was…fine.”

“You forget the convo last year at Brody’s birthday party where we all divulged our virginity secrets, Dante. We know yours.” Jaylyn circled her fork in his direction like she was casting a spell on him. He wouldn’t say no to an amnesia one.

“‘Cordial’ and ‘fine,’” Zander said, quoting Dante. “I believe that says it all.”

“It was nice of you to introduce her around,” Reagan said. She was the newest almost-addition to the Cranes, so she was more amenable than the others.

“Have I told you that you are my favorite person at this table?” he asked her.

She sat straighter. “Yay! What do I win? Dessert?”

Brody didn’t let him off the hook as easily. “Sure there’s nothing between you two?”

“A pleasant evening with an old friend. Nothing else.” After the way things had ended between them, a pleasant evening was as much as he’d dared to hope for. “And yes, Reagan, you win dessert.”

“What about me?” Jaylyn piped up.

“And me?” Chloe asked.

“Dessert for everyone. I’ll take the check.”

“Do drinks count as dessert?” Brody hoisted one eyebrow.

“Only if we have them in the cigar lounge,” Zander said.

“Go, go.” Chloe shooed Zander away.

Reagan accepted a kiss from Brody.

“Whatever you like, ladies. It’s on me.” Dante pushed in his chair and then followed his brothers across the restaurant toward the open-air lounge. It was outfitted with heaters for the cool night.

Dante opted for a scotch, but skipped the cigar. He turned his attention from the surrounding tall downtown buildings to Zander. “When are you and Chloe getting married?”