Page 2 of Playboy Billionaire

“That’s one way to describe her.”

They both turned as the screen door opened and Constance entered.

“My ears were burning.”

Penelope and Josie exchanged a glance, then Penelope said, “What brings you all the way out here to the middle of nowhere?”

“After your last phone call, I thought it would be prudent to come talk some sense into you. Always better in person.”

Josie held up a hand, “I don’t mean to interrupt but I have pies in the oven. Ms. Monroe, refresh my memory, do you have any dietary restrictions I should know about?”

“I’m lactose intolerant and gluten-free. Other than that, the sky’s the limit.”

Josie shot a worried look at Penelope. “I had planned on chicken pot pie for supper, but I suppose I could pull out a couple of steaks to throw on the grill.”

“Splendid!” Constance interjected, not giving Penelope time to respond.

“That will work. Just take out one steak; I’ll still eat the pot pie. Thanks Josie.” She placed Archie back on the ground and he immediately began sniffing around Constance’s feet.

“I’ll put a salad together along with a baked potato for Constance.”

“Don’t forget the wine darling,” Constance directed. “A nice Cabernet would be lovely. Please and thank you.” She smiled guilefully, glaring down at Archie. “Homely little thing, isn’t he?”

Penelope glanced down, smiling affectionately at her pug. “Shh, don’t you dare let him hear you, he’s very sensitive.”

Constance rolled her eyes. “You and that dog.”

After Josie disappeared around the corner, Penelope grasped Constance’s arm and tugged her outside onto the porch. “You will not order Josie or Walt around like they’re hired help.”

“But darling, theyarehired help.”

Penelope mentally counted to ten then blew out a breath. “They’re like my family. I’m lucky to have them, not the other way around.”

Constance waved her hand dismissively, “Whatever. I will try. Do I have to get your permission to even speak?”

Penelope glared, “I’m going to take a walk. I’ll come find you in a bit and we can have that talk you felt was so important you had to fly all the way to Montana. Make yourself at home but stay out of trouble.”

She bit back a laugh, “Darling, I’d be hard put to evenfindtrouble in this God forsaken place.”

“Knowing you, I seriously doubt that.” She pivoted and left her standing on the porch.

Typical of August, it was a delightful seventy degrees and sunny. She’d been clinging to this place for the past six weeks. It was the only thing that had made the grueling publicity tour for her latest film bearable. She needed to quiet the thoughts that were currently cycling in an endless loop of pain and regret. Here, she could hear herself think. She impatiently brushed away her tears. Two years ago today, her mom had lost her battle with cancer.

Her mom would have been the one comforting and encouraging her while she endured the embarrassment of having her private pain splashed across the front pages of the tabloids. It was hard enough coping with the ugly breakup and betrayal, then to have your life dissected by people who had no clue of what had really happened…it was cruel. She felt as vulnerable as she’d been when she’d left home for the first time with only her hopes dreams and a suitcase. Constance was the last person she’d expected or wanted to see.

Penelope massaged her neck, feeling a dull headache coming on. She and Constance had finished dinner and were continuing their discussion on the front porch. They had barely sat down before Constance pounced.

“You’re being incredibly obstinate Penelope.”

Gritting her teeth, Penelope said, “I don’t know how else I can say it to get you to understand.I do not want to do this film!Obviously, it will be beyond awkward to work with Noah after our breakup and secondly, I need a break. For real. I barely had time to grieve my mama before the last film started production. I’ve just finished the promotional tour. I can’t do it. Youhaveto get me out of it!”

“Impossible.”

Penelope crossed her arms over her chest, lips tight. “Nothing is impossible.”

“Said the girl with her head in the clouds who knows nothing about contract law!”

“That’s what lawyers are for.” Archie decided at that moment to jump up against Penelope’s leg, demanding attention. Picking him up, she smiled as the dog covered her neck and face with kisses.

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