Page 95 of Her Billionaire Bargain (Kensington Square)

“From what I’ve seen of him and Berry, I’m inclined to agree.”

As I turned to face her, she held up a hand. “Not that I think you should rush into anything.”

“I’m not rushing.”

“No matter what Berry thinks,” my father added, smiling in a benevolent way that indicated he didn’t think the idea was as crazy as I would’ve figured.

It was completely crazy. We barely knew each other. I wasn’t someone who rushed into things like that. I had once before, and God, could that whole thing have been more of a disaster?

But then more laughter rang out, and I turned just as Berry leaped down off the swing from up high—nearly ripping a shout from my throat until Dex caught her effortlessly and they fell back, laughing.

“They’re both nuts,” I muttered, covering my face with my hands even as my heart rejoiced. Seeing the way they were together made me so happy. I couldn’t shove it down or tuck it away. They were joy personified.

“Baby girl, you need to follow your heart. It will never lead you astray.” My dad pulled me into a hug. “You know deep down where you’re meant to be. No matter how your mind fights it, you’ll end up there one way or another.”

I pressed my face against his strong shoulder. “I think you’re right. I’m trying not to be afraid.”

“Nothing to be afraid of,” my mom said, crowding into me from behind to make us into a family sandwich. It was impossible not to laugh. “We have a shovel if we need to bury the body, so nothing to worry about. Right, Danny?”

“Right.” My dad’s voice was gruff. “How many times have we talked about finding David and turning him into food for the fish?”

“No reason to take it out on the poor fish. They deserve better.” I let out a sniffly laugh as the back door opened and my two favorite people headed inside, laughing like fools despite the fact that Berry’s lower legs were caked with dirt and Dex’s suit had a tear in the knee. She was still carting the stuffed pug, though he too wore some new patches of dirt.

It was true though. In no time, Dex had also become one of my favorites.

Sidestepping my parents, I wiped my eyes and swallowed down the last of the tears. “What have you two been up to?”

At once, Dex grew serious and crossed the kitchen to grip my chin. “What’s wrong?” His voice was backed with steel.

“Nothing. Everything’s good.” I reached up to encircle his wrist with my fingers. His pulse was so strong and true, so absolutely steady as his concerned green eyes scanned my face.

I leaned up to kiss him until I recalled at the last second we most definitely were not alone—a fact I had forgotten the literal moment his gaze landed on mine.

I was thoroughly fucked.

Berry started humming the “Wedding March” until my mom shushed her and tugged her out of the room. My father soon followed.

He filled his hands with my hair and took my mouth, sinking in with a sound caught between hunger and relief. The same sound echoed in my throat. It felt like it’d been so long since I’d been in his arms, and the brief embraces today just hadn’t put a dent in my need.

“Berry’s cool with spending the night. Are you cool with it?” He eased back to smooth his thumb over my lower lip before leaning in to nibble it while our eyes met. “Please God tell me you’re cool with it, because I may die if I can’t have you again in the next five hours.”

“What if it takes six?”

“Death by Shelby. Pussy deprivation. It’s a thing. Surely you’re not that cruel.”

Flushing, I nipped his thumb then soothed it with a soft suck. Someday I wouldn’t blush every time he used dirty words with me. Maybe. “Probably not. Berry’s bedtime is nine on school nights. I’m very cool with spending the night, by the way.”

“Good. Bring your summer season underwear. Maybe one themed for a cookout?”

I snorted out a laugh. “If you insist. I do have other kinds of lingerie though. Not even holiday-themed.”

“Huh, color me intrigued. Okay, go for whatever strikes your fancy. You could even try a set outside the proper—”

“Mama! Dex!” Berry’s sudden wail from upstairs had us both racing for the stairs, although he stepped back and let me go first despite the clear indecision on his face.

We rushed upstairs, checking rooms until we finally realized Berry was in the bathroom, kneeling beside the partially full tub and clutching not only her sopping pug to her chest but also Uni. I didn’t even realize she had Uni with her today. She must’ve hidden him away in her book bag. Tears streaked down her cheeks.

“What’s wrong, honey?” I asked as my parents emerged from the other end of the house, just a few steps before we made it into the bathroom.

---