Page 21 of Playboy Billionaire

She grinned. “I think you’re pretty awesome. Give her a little time. It takes her a while to warm up to people, once she lets you in, she’ll melt your heart.”

“I won’t hold my breath.”

She laughed. “Yeah, don’t. That would be downright dangerous.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled as he gave her a full-on thousand watt smile. She put a hand to her throat. “Fire alert! Damn Griff, you’re going to give me a heart attack.”

He slung his arm across Dolly’s shoulders and gave her a brotherly hug. He happened to raise his eyes and caught Penelope watching them. She sent him daggers, then turned her back to him before continuing her conversation with their director. Geesh can I catch a fucking break with her?

“Thanks for the pep talk Dolly. See you tomorrow.”

“Yes, and I hope to see you at the cast party this weekend. It’d be a great way to get to know everyone a little better. We have a great pool and view of the ocean. We’re having The Hennessey Restaurant cater it and a chef on premises. It will be a hoot, I promise. This is a wild group when they’re not on the clock. You can bring a date if you want to.”

“I’ll have to think about it, thanks.”

“Welcome.”

He smiled and felt a little lighter than he had before their talk. It was nice to know someone had his back. He felt awkward, like the new kid in school…an outsider most of the time. Everyone was cordial but he still hadn’t made any friends…until now. The olive branch Dolly had offered was a welcome surprise.

* * *

“What was that all about?” Penelope asked.

Dolly remained pokerfaced. “What was what about?”

Penelope’s eyes narrowed, “Yeah right. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Your cozy little conference with Griffin over in the corner.”

“I wanted to compliment him on his performance. You know you could be a little nicer to him. He’s new…doesn’t have any friends on the set. It’s got to be hard.”

“He’s a big boy.”

“Penelope quit being such a hard-ass. I think he’s struggling a little.”

“Doubtful. He knows he’s got the world by the balls. He had the nerve to tease me about my embarrassment right before we shot the last scene.”

“He’s being playful. Do you even remember what that’s like?”

Penelope tilted her head and looked heavenward like she was pondering the question. “Vaguely.”

“You’re too much. It’s obvious you have your mind made up about him but I, for one, plan on giving him a chance. I think he’s lonely.”

“Wolf in sheep’s clothing. Be careful.”

“You’re such a cynic.”

Penelope sighed, “It’s been a rough day. I started this film on a deficit and it doesn’t take much to throw me off.”

“Especially when it comes in the form of a six-foot blue-eyed Adonis! He’d throw me off too.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I know you. Don’t worry, it will remain our little secret. I want you to think about it from his perspective. You are every guy’s fantasy; you’re a huge star and he has to fall in love with you every time you do a scene together. You’re an actress and used to turning it off and on, but he’s had zero experience with that.”

“He’s a guy, he has experience with that, trust me.”

Dolly laughed, shaking her head, she said, “We can argue about this later, I am smart enough to know when to quit.”

“Good. Let’s go home. I’m exhausted.”

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