Page 10 of Her Billionaire Bargain (Kensington Square)

I snatched him by his collar and hauled him back although he’d never been a flight risk before. But his tongue was lolling out of his mouth as I opened the door at the same instant the gong sounded yet again—and then it was a contest to see which of us looked more gobsmacked.

Probably Bob, since my tongue was still in my mouth. At least I was pretty sure.

Her arms were already crossed. Pre-annoyed for the win. “Dexter Shaw?” One delicate brown eyebrow climbed for her hairline as she took in my attire. “Or should I call you Dexterous?”

I grinned, the gesture mostly an attempt to hide my annoyance at my best friend. “Talked to Isis, have you?”

“She called to tell me about you.”

“Tell you what?

“Not exactly a warning, but kind of one. She was just looking out for me.”

I tried and failed not to growl. “What exactly did she say? And that nickname is ridiculous and from many years ago, by the way. I’m not saying it’s inaccurate unless you’re disgusted, and if so, then it’s hardly relevant.” I lifted the hand not holding Bob and wiggled my fingers to show their innate innocence.

The eyebrow climbed higher. “She didn’t explain the nickname.”

Thanks, Isis.Though her not mentioning it at all would have been better.

“Oh, then never mind. Won’t you come in?”

She hiked her tiny bright red purse higher on her shoulder. “Now you’ve piqued my curiosity. Also, why are you cradling that dog like a baby slash football?”

Bob chose that moment to lurch out of my arms to French kiss my hopefully new decorator. She shrieked not unlike Lucy fromIt’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,when Snoopy grabbed the same apple while they were bobbing for apples.

To her credit, she recovered quickly, probably because Bob let out an offended bark.

I was offended on his behalf.

“I brush his teeth,” I offered, earning her scowl.

“You know, I had a feeling this would be a waste of my time.”

I sputtered in indignation, but she wasn’t nearly through.

“I expected you to be an arrogant lawyerly type. I did not expect you to have on an Ant Man T-shirt and to own a kissing dog.” She made a show of wiping her mouth.

Why did I have a feeling she might do the same if I tried to kiss her? Admittedly, my technique had miles on Bob’s. He did have me on innate cuteness though.

“He’s never kissed anyone before.”

“Good thing with that breath.”

“You get used to it.”

When she remained silent, I continued. “I can be arrogant, but only sometimes. I’ve worked hard for—”

“In your daddy’s firm?”

“My firm,” I corrected sharply. “Both my brother and my father left me alone. Preston and Bishop started their own firm, Shaw and Stone Family Law, LLC. Which you know, since you decorated their new office for them.” He exhaled. “I mean, I took charge now that they’re gone.”

A brief smile lifted her blood-red lips. “I’m sure.” She looked past me into the hall. “May I come in?”

“I invited you in earlier. You were just too busy taking potshots at me and my dog to hear me. I hope that’s not your usual MO. I need someone open to feedback.”

Her forehead pinched as if she couldn’t believe I was correcting her. Guess it was just supposed to be open season on me, the paying client.

Or would be paying client, assuming we found a way to see eye to eye. Or eye to mid-chest because she was a good bit shorter than I was.

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