Page 10 of Playboy Billionaire

Griffin reluctantly led Brianna over to the table.

“Griffin! Great to see you!” Patrick pumped his hand enthusiastically. “I’d like to introduce you to some very special people!”

Griffin shook hands with Noah and Stewart as the introductions were made. Penelope was sitting on the far side of the booth, he nodded hello. Brianna tugged on his belt. Sliding his arm around her waist he pulled her forward.

“This is Brianna Wescott,” Griffin said. “Patrick I’m sure you know her parents, Donna and John Wescott.”

“Yes, of course! They’re big sponsors of the Heritage Festival. Nice to meet you Brianna.”

She gushed, “It is so thrilling to meet you all!”

Griffin happened to lock eyes with Penelope, and his nerve endings tingled as if a bolt of electricity had shocked him. Vaguely aware that Patrick was still talking, he forced himself to focus on the conversation.

“We were lucky enough to persuade the producers to film right here. They’ve rented the entire Butler House as their headquarters. They’ll be here for the next several months.”

“Quite the feather in your cap, Patrick. Congratulations. Great boost for the local economy.”

“We’re thrilled of course.” He turned toward his guests, “Griffin Bennett comes from one of our most prominent families. Bennett Enterprise is responsible for many of the developments in this great state as well as locally.”

“When did you arrive?” Griffin directed his question at Penelope.

She ignored him and let Stewart squirm uncomfortably, trying to cover the gaffe.

“I’ve been here scouting locations for about a week. Penelope and Noah just arrived yesterday.”

“A pleasure to meet you all. I hope you enjoy your time here on the island,” Griffin said coolly, trying to ignore the magnetic pull toward Penelope.

“I’m sure we will. Nice to meet you,” Stewart said.

Noah had been sitting back lazily, observing them as if he were bored with the whole exchange. Penelope had folded her arms across her chest and her eyes were downcast.

Griffin nodded and grabbed Brianna’s hand, leading her away. “Let’s grab our table.”

She smiled and said enthusiastically, “I am such a huge fan of both of yours...Winoah,” she said giggling.

Penelope rolled her eyes and Noah snorted with laughter, “Thanks, Brianna, webothreally appreciate it.”

Griffin highly doubted that by the expression on Ms. Winters’ face. He signaled to the maître d’ that they were ready to be seated. As soon as they sat down, he ordered another stiff one. The only good thing about the evening…Brianna was so narcissistic that she didn’t even notice he wasn’t listening to her. As long as she had a warm body to talkat,she was happy. He just had to murmur here and there…make a little noise, and she was content. And he wondered why he was bored?

5

“Chug—chug—chug,” the small but rowdy group chanted.

“What are we, twelve?” Griffin said, laughing as he tipped back the birthday shot of bourbon, grimacing as it burned its way down his throat.

“It’s not every day a person turns thirty!” His older sister Faye said, ruffling his hair affectionately. She owned the establishment they were currently celebrating in and had just taken a break to join them while her fiancé Jesse Carlisle tended bar.

The place was packed, unusual for a Thursday night. Since Faye had hired a cook, her business was really picking up. Nothing fancy, great bar food, southern style. Fried everything. From oysters to hushpuppies to collard greens and green tomatoes…if you were looking to eat healthy, you’d probably want to bypass the Pelican. But it was damn good.

Jesse yelled over, “Food’s up.”

Griffin and Faye’s nephew, Tyler, walked by on his way to the kitchen with a tray loaded with empty beer bottles. “I’ll get it Faye. Sit down and celebrate with your brother for a few minutes.”

Faye smiled her thanks then leaned in close to Griffin’s ear. “You’ll never guess who’s been hanging out here.”

“Wanna bet? I’ve already met them.”

“No way! The people from the film? The big stars haven’t been in yet but the director and some of the crew have. They love it here. The director said he may want to rent the place out for a private party. They may even shoot a scene here. I just have to name my price.”

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