Page 111 of Her Billionaire Bargain (Kensington Square)

“It was your job to get your client what they wanted. You do it well. How does it make you an ass?”

“Because I forgot there were real humans involved. I did it intentionally too. I knew I wouldn’t be able to do this job for long if I didn’t lock the softer parts of me away. And what else could I do? I don’t have any other skills. I’m a showboater in court. Period.”

“You care about people, Dex. If I’d met you when I was going through my divorce…” She paused and cocked an eyebrow as my lips twitched. “I’m not talking about sex for one second.”

“Dammit. Sorry. Keep going. Please. I want to know what you were going to say.” It shocked me how much I needed to hear her thoughts on this.

“Well, that was a time I was scared and felt so alone. It would’ve helped me so much to have a sympathetic ear who made it clear they were on my side. Fighting for me. Not just to say they won but because they cared about me and my daughter, you know?”

“Yeah,” I said quietly, rubbing her knee soothingly. And to my utter surprise, her steady weight on my lap had calmed me to the point my leg wasn’t jiggling.

I wasn’t antsy and restless and eager to get away from this conversation.

“Do you like Eli?” I asked suddenly.

“Yeah. My former lawyer, remember?”

“Yes. Did he seem like he cared about you and Berry? Did he make you think he was on your side?”

She nodded. “He helped us get through it quickly and calmly. No drama. He handled as much as possible so all I needed to do was sign on the dotted line and I got my daughter. Nothing mattered more.”

“I get that. And I get that fighting for any other reason is pointless and empty. And just feels fucking shallow. I just didn’t know why it didn’t feel like enough anymore.” I blew out a breath and rested my forehead on her shoulder. “I also liked working with my family. I never realized how much until they were gone. Even my asshole father. I want to be part of a unit. My brother has his best friend and his woman and I brought on Isis, and she’s a big help, but I want to be part of a team.” I swallowed hard, lifting my head to meet her eyes. “In all things.”

She brushed my hair back from my face, searching my gaze. “Anyone would be lucky to be on your team,” she whispered.

The knock on the bedroom door stirred us both from, well, staring at each other. The moment had felt heavy and important and I didn’t appreciate being interrupted.

Until I heard Eli’s voice.

“Sorry, man, but Isis needs to talk to you. I’ve got some other stuff on the docket—”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you waiting. I’ll be right down,” I called, holding Shelby’s gaze.

“We can talk more later?” I murmured, rubbing her leg to soothe myself as much as or more than her.

She was fast becoming my touchstone in all things. Her and Berry.

“We can. Go talk to Isis and Eli.” She pressed her forehead to mine. “Not that you asked, but if you’re thinking of bringing on Eli, I think he’d be great for your office. Everyone needs help sometimes.” She winced. “Even me.”

“You? No. I’ll never believe it.” I smiled and gave her a quick kiss before nudging her off my lap.

Ten minutes later, I’d dressed and gotten ready, in Dex fashion—which constituted of a suit and a Batman T-shirt—and combed my hair and shaved. Not bad for a home meeting. But I already felt better than I had upon waking, which probably had as much to do with the orgasm as the Tylenol. And maybe even the chat with my girl.

Shelby was a damn blessing in so many ways.

I strode into the kitchen and stopped short when Isis jerked up from the table. She exchanged a glance with Eli, where he stood leaning against the counter, and took a deep breath and announced, “I started to have feelings for you, but it’s over now. So, nothing has to change.”

Then she grabbed one of the frying pans hanging from the rack above the counter and, though she seemed tempted to hit Eli with it, slammed it down on the range. “Eggs anyone?”

TWENTY-FOUR

I didn’t walk rightout of the room at her admission, but it was a close thing.

And that calmness I’d felt upstairs?

Had now left the premises.

“Say what?” I asked, flummoxed. “Why? You think I’m a childish dick, remember?”

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