Page 28 of Her Billionaire Bargain (Kensington Square)

Reality was a dish best served very cold.

“Aren’t you curious who called me?” Bishop asked while I debated using Bob as a pillow to continue my nap.

I shrugged.

“Eli Turner from my former place of employment. He’d heard through the grapevine that you were looking to expand.”

“What grapevine?” I hadn’t discussed the Eli possibility with anyone but Isis.

But if Isis thought she was helping me, it wouldn’t be above her to go to Bishop before I’d even finished considering the possibility.

Some might think that was disloyal of her, but if she thought she could ensure Eli would consider my suggestion, she would. And I suspected she was concerned I’d taken too long so she thought time was of the essence in contacting him.

Not everyone got our relationship, but I knew she always had my back. Even if it didn’t always look that way at first glance.

And the truth was, Ihadtaken too long to contact him.

It hadn’t helped that I was under vastly more stress with my brother and father gone. Before, stress was a word I’d avoided like the plague.

As close as Isis and I were, even she didn’t know about my recent ADHD diagnosis. I’d only figured out what was wrong with me a matter of months ago.

Who found out they had ADHD when they were an adult? Me, that was who.

My mom had gotten me tutors in high school, and then in college I’d worked with them of my own volition, because I’d been determined to get through law school one way or another. And I had, even if I’d failed the bar twice.

Shaking his head, Bishop got to his feet. “Expanding, really? So you’ve been making payroll?”

I gestured around me. “Do I look like I’m suffering, man?”

“No. You look worn out. The bags under your eyes are deep enough to swim in.”

Preston leaned forward and locked his hands between his knees. “Look, Dex, I can come by, take a look at things. Maybe help out some during this transition period—”

“No,” I snapped. And as much as I loved Isis, we would be discussing the need for discretion when it came to work matters. Even if she thought she was helping me.

I didn’t need that kind of help. Not yet. I could handle this.

Iwouldhandle it one way or another.

Actually, I preferred people thinking I was just a screwup rather than telling them there was a reason. ADHD was something that kids got. Not grown men. Not lawyers. Even if I’d likely had it since I was a child.

“Look, Isis was trying to help but I’m not expanding yet. Not saying I won’t be, but I’m not right now. So, please let Eli know I don’t need him. Just like I didn’t need you.”

Of course not, because Bishop hadn’t wanted to work with me in Preston’s stead. Oh, the option had been on the table after Preston had given his notice, but the traitor had jumped ship to do family law with my brother. Naturally. No one cared if I drowned on my own.

Worse, I half wondered if they were waiting for it to happen.

Deep down, I knew I should talk to Eli. I just wanted to put it off as long as possible.

“Jeez. Your famed charm is missing with your deodorant today, huh?”

I resisted the urge to sniff my pits to make sure. I’d showered yesterday morning, but then I’d cleaned most of my house. Maybe I did smell rank.

“Are you sure you’re doing okay? I can help, man.” Preston’s voice almost sounded…kind. Not smug and know-it-all. “Honestly, I always wanted you to just admit you needed—”

“Needed what?You?” I snorted. If that had been his big plan all along, he was about to be sorely disappointed. I wasn’t good at admitting I needed help. “I’m not about to tank the company, big bro, fear not.”

“No one’s worried about that. Your flair for the dramatic in court has always served you well.”

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