Page 20 of Playboy Billionaire

Penelope laughed. “Down girl.”

“How are you not swooning?”

“I told you, I’m off men…maybe permanently.”

“I give you another week until you’re completely under his spell.”

“Gee, I thought you were my friend. Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“I’m rooting for you, can’t you see? You two would be perfect for each other,” she said, her eyes twinkling.

“Places everyone,” Stew said.

Griffin returned to stand in front of Penelope, his eyes veiled.

She looked up at him from under her lashes and felt that annoying heat dance across her cheeks. He smiled at her and winked. As if he knew. That did it. Her irritation canceled out the embarrassment and she glared.

“There she is…” he whispered.

“Three…two…one…action.”

Noah entered the set and it was game on.

10

Griffin breathed a sigh of relief when Stew called it a wrap for the day. He was a bundle of nerves and if he didn’t get away from Penelope soon, he could potentially embarrass them both. After the first scene, he had managed to contain his desire for her, but it was taking its toll. His neck muscles felt as tight as guitar strings and his stomach was in knots. He grabbed his water and was walking off the set when she called to him. He turned and watched her approach.

“Hey, I’ve invited the cast and crew over for a catered cookout this Saturday. Can you make it?”

He bit back a laugh, “What? I thought you didn’t like me.”

Her body stiffened, “You know what? Do whatever you want. I was trying to be nice. I didn’t want to leave anyone out.” She pivoted and stomped off.

“Penelope,” he called out, but she ignored him and kept walking.

He stood there scratching his head. What a bitch. That woman was as prickly as a cactus. He couldn’t seem to find the right approach with her. He was continually off balance. She was moody, aloof, and frustrating. He’d tried charm, which had gone over like a lead balloon, he’d tried cool, she didn’t even notice, he’d tried funny, she had no sense of humor…now he had offended her over a simple off the cuff comment.

Whatever. He could usually read women, but he was failing miserably with Penelope. She was complicated. Never one to shy away from a good challenge, it took sheer force of will not to get sucked into finding out what made her tick. She was almost irresistible. Almost. He had to fight it; this was one challenge he’d have to pass on. She’d made that perfectly clear.

Dolly touched his back as she passed him on her way out. “Hey, great job. Honestly, you’d never know you weren’t a seasoned actor. You’re keeping up just fine with the headliners.”

He grinned at her, “You sure about that?”

“Cross my heart.” She nodded her head toward her friend Penelope. “I’m not trying to be disloyal here, but I just wanted to say, don’t take it personally.”

He comically widened his eyes and put his hand to his chest. “Who,moi?”

“She can be a bit intense but she’s just defending a very vulnerable heart.”

Griffin looked skeptical, “If you say so. I don’t know what I did to piss her off, but she sure as hell knows how to hold a grudge.”

“That’s just it. You didn’t do anything. It’s really not about you, I swear.”

“She hates men then…is that it?”

“Pretty much. With good reason, I might add.”

“Dolly, thanks. I could use a friend here on set.”

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