Page 87 of Her Billionaire Bargain (Kensington Square)

“I got her a stuffed dog like Bob,” I told my mom. “I sent it to Shelby’s parents’ house in case she still hated me. Long story.”

“Oh, how nice.” She slid Shelby a sidelong look full of innuendo. “I don’t think Shelby hates you.”

“I definitely do not hate him.” Shelby held up a hand. “No, I was not using him for sex. I don’t even want to know what that’s all about.”

I swallowed a chuckle. “Blame Isis.”

“Comedy of errors there, but when you don’t tell me stuff, I fill in the blanks myself.” My mom rolled her eyes as she dropped down beside me on the bench. “You’re in a full monkey suit today. Court?”

“Yeah, damn Donnelly case. I think Harvey’s giving in finally. Mary wants the Colorado estate, and he seems amenable. Finally. Between Pres and I, we’ve been dealing with their damn divorce for the better part of two years.” I raked a hand through my hair, before I pinned Shelby in my gaze. “How long did your divorce drag on?”

When she didn’t immediately answer, I tipped back my head and stared up into the sun. I’d left my damn sunglasses in the car. “I need flash cards. I should know better than to ask things like that.”

She sat next to me on my other side and cupped my suddenly jiggling knee. My mom’s gaze lingered on us, but her smile warmed enough to prove she had no problem with our closeness.

Not that I would’ve moved away in any case.

This near week apart had made me do some hard thinking. I had no idea what this was between us or what it could be, but whatever happened, we would handle it.

I would help Shelby handle it, no matter what it took. I wasn’t running or taking an easy out. Being with her—with them—was worth any difficulties or bumps in the road.

“At the time, it seemed like forever,” Shelby cleared her throat, “but all the papers were signed and the custody agreement was in place in less than a year.”

We linked fingers on my leg. Just her touch was enough to settle me, and I couldn’t help drawing her into my arms, even with my mother right there.

My mom didn’t blink, just skipped right to more garden talk.

“Best part about those camellias over there, the showy pink flowers, is they grow in dappled sun. We finally had those trees cut back along the fence but the lack of shade over there isn’t a problem for the flowers. Not only are the camellias beautiful, but if Fifi eats them, no problem. Not that she does. She’s the typical chihuahua, never staying still for a minute.”

“They’re so pretty. I’ve never seen that particular flower before.”

“Oh, I’ve been researching dog-safe ones. All of the flowers I’ve been putting in over the past couple of years are. Those tall sunflowers over there, the magnolias, the bamboo…all safe.” My mom grabbed her straw hat off the hook on the back of the bench. “That also means you can bring Bob over to run around anytime you like, Dex. Fifi likes him. Hint, hint.”

“Last time, Bob tried to hump her.”

“So? She’s spayed. No harm, no foul.” My mom looked pointedly at Shelby. “And bring Berry by too, please. I’d be thrilled to meet her.”

“Oh, she’d love that. Speaking of,” Shelby turned over her wrist to look at her bangle watch, “it’s just about time to go pick her up.”

“We can stop by your parents’ house on the way to her school?” I was already rising and tugging Shelby with me.

“Don’t you have to go back to work?”

“Nah. On court days, I usually leave early. But I’m meeting with someone to help with my workload in any case. Tomorrow, as a matter of fact.” I shifted to look at my mother. “Is Dad going to be home later?”

“You’d have to askhim. We’re getting divorced.” Her smile never dimmed, but the gleam in her eyes died down, just a fraction.

So, I wasn’t the only one keeping secrets.

“You can’t be that surprised,” she said as we walked back through the backyard and circled the house to reach my car. “I know you and Preston disapproved of my choices.”

“Not your choices, his choices.”

“I can’t blame him for what I chose to tolerate. I should’ve divorced him years ago. But, well, I didn’t see any reason to. He did what he wanted with his life and so did I.”

Shelby’s body went rigid at my side as she moved even faster. “I can leave you two alone,” she began, yanking open the passenger door before I could.

“No, it’s fine.” I rested my hand on the small of her back. “I’m not hiding anything, and besides, as your sex toy of record—”

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