Page 98 of Seduced By a Billionaire

She found herself slightly breathless from the spell he wove. Kyle saved the day, protectively putting his arm around her and hugging her tightly against his side. “Down boy, she’s already taken.”

“Hey, a guy can fantasize, no harm in that,” he winked at her wickedly.

“I guess no introductions are necessary but for manners sake, Ella this is Griffin, Griffin, Ella.”

“You are as magnificent as everyone has said. Why don’t you dump this shmuck and run away with me? I’m the handsome and charming one of the family. Plus, I like to have fun; my brother can be a real stick in the mud.”

Ella laughed at his audacity, “He’s pretty charming as well, and I’d say he’s learning to loosen up a bit.”

“Finally, a woman who can rescue my workaholic sibling from himself. Sweet!”

“Daddy, Ella, I’m back! Hey Uncle Griffin,” Finn said, running to hug each of them. “Where’s Charlie and Lucy?”

Ella pointed to the round fenced-in area off to the side of the patio. He raced to the gate to let them out. Finn sat on the grass letting the puppies maul him, laughing as they competed for his attention. Kyle went over to Finn and squatted down, having a conversation with his son as Finn nodded thoughtfully.

“My nephew is growing up fast,” Griffin said. His eyes lit up when Faye stepped outside. “Sis!”

Faye ran over, throwing her arms around her brother. “Where have you been, naughty boy. I never see you anymore.”

“Golfing, wining and dining beautiful women, you know the usual.”

Faye rolled her eyes at Ella, “My dear brother, mark my words, you’re going to meet someone someday that gives you a run for your money and you won’t know what hit you.”

“Doubtful,” he grinned.

“Hi Mr. and Mrs. Bennett,” Ella said as they joined them on the patio. A waiter appeared and discreetly took their drink orders.

“Please,ma chéri, call us Giselle and James, we insist,” she said warmly.

“Okay, thank you.”

James Bennett nodded his head stiffly, but his smile actually reached his eyes today. He and Giselle were holding hands, apparently still in love after all these years.

“Mr. Bennett—I mean James, how was Finn’s overnight stay?”

“We enjoyed him immensely. He is a delight.”

“Yes, he is. Kyle and Jemma have done a great job,” Ella agreed.

Another waiter appeared holding a tray of finger foods, everyone piled their napkins with the sumptuous fare. Kyle rejoined the group and they all made small talk. Giselle pulled Ella aside, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Tell me, are you in love with my son?”

Ella’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open, “Um, actually, that would be a yes,” she said recovering from her surprise.

“Good, that’s settled then.Mon trésor, I have never seen him so content. He is so in love, no?”

“I want your son to be happy. I love him.”

“Ma belle, you can make babies, so Finn has little brothers and sisters, no?”

Ella’s cheeks turned pink as she laughed, remembering Kyle’s warning and understanding a little more clearly what he had meant.

“Mother, you’re making Ella blush,” Kyle said walking over catching the tail-end of the conversation.

“I just said Finn needsun petit frère ou une petite soeur.”

Kyle laughed out loud, “Mother you never give up do you?”

Richard appeared with Ella’s best friend Deb following, full wine glass in hand. Ella shrieked, “Deb! What are you doing here?”

---