Page 16 of Her Billionaire Bargain (Kensington Square)

“Oh, do you have children? I mean, makes sense from your previous statement…”

“Just one. Berry. She’s almost nine. Give it a few more minutes, and Dex will tell you my life history.”

“I would if I knew it. Unfortunately, I only know the barest of bones. You left this, by the way.” He finally handed over my purse.

I had the strangest urge to check to see if everything was still in it. Not because I thought he was a thief. He just seemed like someone who liked to snatch things from people, whether odd little details or some trinket.

“Oh, that’s yours. I thought the purse was an unusual fashion choice for Dex. Never know though.” Clint gave Bob an absent head rub and then got to his feet. “Just make sure he keeps well-hydrated and uses the bathroom as he should. You can give him some of that chicken broth I brought you to help settle his stomach a bit later too. Any unusual symptoms, you know where to find me.”

“Thanks, man. You’re a lifesaver. Really.” He stood and gave Clint one of those clap on the back type hugs.

“No problem. Get that locking trash can I linked you, too, okay?”

Dex moved back and saluted. “Will do. What do I owe you?”

Clint waved him off. “We’re good.”

“Wow, you have a vet who works for free?” Slowly, I shook my head. “You know this guy is swimming in money, right? Look at this house. Dripping luxury, minus the swan lamp.”

“Hey, it’s unique,” Dex protested.

Clint glanced around, his gaze locking on the panties still hanging out of the drawer. “I’m assuming those aren’t yours?”

“Absolutely not,” I said hotly as Dex moved to grab them and the stack of phone numbers, depositing both in the trash along with a discarded wine bottle on the floor.

“Not mine either. Had a party last night. They got a little messy.” Proving it, he walked around the room, picking up trash while Bob dozed, snoring loudly on his blanket like the king of the house he apparently was.

“And didn’t invite me and Kitty? Nice, man.”

“It was work-related. Not my actual friends.”

“You bring your cat to parties?”

Dex barked out a laugh. “Kitty is his wife. Handy for a vet, right?”

“Her full name is Katherine.”

“More nicknames. Yay.” I blew out a breath and held up a hand as both men turned to look at me as if I was one pencil short of a pack. I couldn’t even blame them. “Sorry. I’m off my game today. Excuse my rudeness.”

“I’ve known this guy since college.” Clint jerked a thumb toward Dex. “We’re still tight. I have a high capacity for rudeness, so you’ll have to try harder.”

I gave him a weak smile as Dex thanked him profusely and ushered him out the door, since Clint was on call at the vet clinic. He mentioned something about having dinner soon and then we were alone again with a still snoring Bob. The sounds he was making spoke of utter contentment.

“I’m sorry I pulled that crap on you about the judge.” He seemed genuinely contrite as he went back to picking up random trash and righting items that had been knocked over or apparently moved from their rightful spaces. “This place still looks like a damn war zone. I should’ve started cleaning up earlier today but I, uh, overindulged last night.”

“Frequent for you?”

“No. All I do lately is work. And I’m still fucking falling behind. Someday I’ll get it together.” He sat on the edge of the coffee table again and raked a hand through his hair, making it stand up in spikes all over his head. It was only then I noticed the bags under his eyes to go with the far-too-attractive crinkles at the corners.

I gave into impulse and sat beside him on the coffee table. “How do you know my ex?”

He hesitated. “I don’t exactly know him. I presented a case before him some time back. He’s a royal dick.” He cleared his throat. “Sorry, I know he’s your daughter’s father. Though, really, how did you do that?”

I had to laugh. Simply had to so I didn’t start crying. “Young and stupid. He wooed me.”

“I find that hard to believe. That you were ever stupid,” he added softly.

“Oh. I thought you meant the wooing.”

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