Page 97 of Seduced By a Billionaire

“Are you awake?’ he murmured into her ear.

“Barely.”

“I love you Ella Palmer.”

She wiggled her butt against him, “I love you too, hot stuff.”

“Is hot stuff still a thing?”

“Most definitely.”

“Are you ready to hang out with my entire crazy family tonight?”

“Yes, the only one I haven’t met is Griffin.”

“Warning, my Mom will be all over you.”

“I can handle it. What’s Griffin like?”

“He’s the baby of the family and it’s obvious. Doesn’t take anything too seriously. Playful, a big flirt, charming, most women would say movie-star handsome, but don’t get any ideas,” he said, eyes narrowed.

“I would have a hard time believing anyone could be any more handsome than you.”

“Good answer. Let’s hop in the shower,” Kyle suggested.

“Do I really have to move?”

“Yes, my parents are early risers. They could show up anytime, plus we need to get the pups out of their crate.”

“They slept through the whole night. Amazing considering the rodeo going on right next to them,” she said, grinning.

“Come on, get up,” he pulled her along and they quickly showered and dressed. They headed downstairs carrying two squiggly bundles who were raring to go.

“I love puppy breath,” Ella giggled as Lucy licked her face.

“You want to take them outside while I throw breakfast together?”

“Sure,” Ella said.

“Hurry back,” he caressed her cheek then watched as the puppies happily trotted behind her to the great outdoors.Life was good…no—life is great!

45

The chef was in the staff kitchen with his assistant, busy preparing hors d’oeuvres for the party. Richard had brought someone in to decorate the pool area festively. The large covered outdoor table was set, adorned with a bright red tablecloth and vases filled with colorful fresh cut flowers. Music streamed through the sound system as the decorator lit the candles inside hurricane lamps that hung from shepherd hooks scattered around the patio.

The decorator’s assistant leaned over the pool, placing floating battery-operated lights made to look like lily pads in the water. The gas outdoor fireplace had been lit purely for ambience since it was turning out to be a beautiful summer evening. The only thing missing were the people, who would arrive shortly.

Ella had decided to wear a gauzy white and dark green floral print with an alluring lace-up back and V-neck front. It had a wrapped maxi skirt with flouncy ruffles and a high-low hem. At the last minute she remembered to put on the pearls Kyle had given her, in what seemed like years ago. How far they’d come.

She glanced over at Kyle, desirable as hell in his cream linen slacks and tucked black tee-shirt. He wore his hair slicked back and a relaxed smile as his eyes did a last-minute sweep over the patio. Catching her eye, he winked and said, “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

“Absolutely!”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Warn her about what?” A man stepped out through the French doors with a martini in his hand. His hair was dark brown, worn shaggy and slightly long; even without the introductions, his cobalt blue eyes were a dead giveaway that he was Kyle’s younger brother, Griffin.

“Well, well, well, I always knew you had exquisite taste. You must be Ella,” he took her hand and leaned over to kiss the back of it. Holding on to it a little longer than necessary, his eyes boldly sparkled with curiosity.

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