Page 43 of Playboy Billionaire

“I carried that scene and you know it. You were practically flinching every time I touched you.”

“Good thing my character hates her husband isn’t it? I’ll let it slide this time, but be on notice, you’ve had your one and only warning.”

“What has happened to you? You’ve become impossible.”

“If standing up for myself means I’m impossible, I’ll proudly wear that badge.” She held her chin up and put as much distance between them as she could. Fuming, she paced back and forth, doubting herself. Maybe it should be addressed with Stew immediately.

Why was she always so afraid to make waves? Why did women always have to do the accommodating? She sighed. If she was looking for black and white, she knew she wouldn’t find it. Life was mostly lived in the gray areas. She hoped her warning was enough and that would be the end of it. This would be her last film with Noah; now that wasonedecision that was crystal clear.

20

It was nice to have the day off, but even after a morning jog, Griffin was still restless. His cell phone pinged, signaling an incoming text message.

Courtney: Hey, its Courtney. I have a twenty-four-hour layover. Meet for a drink?

He studied the message thoughtfully, surprised at how indifferent he felt. How should he answer? Normally a romp with Courtney would be high on his ‘yes please’ meter, but today it fell surprisingly flat. He scrubbed his face with his hands and blew out a breath. Was this what his thirties were going to be like? Maybe he was becoming a dull and uninteresting bore. Not going to let that happen.

Griffin: Yes. Yacht Club lounge, six o’clock happy hour?

Courtney: See you then gorgeous.

Griffin: Looking forward to it babe.

Settled. Giving up…not an option. Way too young to throw in the towel. Maybe Courtney was just what he needed to get Penelope out of his head. She had taken up a permanent residence there it seemed. In his whole life, everything had always fallen neatly into his lap. Never had to work for it before. Why should he start now? This distraction was perfect timing. He glanced at his watch. Now all he had to do was kill two hours.

A half hour later he merged onto the byway, straddling his powerful Ducati. Nothing like high speed to blow off steam. He’d skipped the helmet, needing to feel the full force of the wind against him. Talk about running against the wind…his gut churned with an unfamiliar yearning. He’d never really needed anyone before. Need…a small word for a big problem…was this what it felt like? Or was it simply a matter of not getting what he wanted…instant gratification was his normal modus operandi. Made sense that he’d be discombobulated by Penelope’s reticence.

Leaning his torso low over the bike he went full throttle and stormed down the highway like the devil was on his heels.

* * *

Griffin sipped his second martini, only half listening to Courtney excitedly prattle on about her latest traveling adventure. This was not going as planned. He was still bored. He couldn’t keep his mind in the game. If he were in Vegas, he’d be losing big time.

Courtney grabbed his arm, “Griffin? Did you hear anything I just said?”

“I’m sorry. I was distracted. Tell me again.”

“I just asked how it feels to be thirty? You did have a birthday, recently right? Does it have you thinking about settling down…maybe a kid or two?”

His brows snapped together, and sounding more irritated than intended, he said, “Why is everyone so interested in tying me down?”

“I was teasing. We’re cut out of the same cloth I’m afraid. Just checking. No one special then?”

“I’m not dating anyone, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“That’s good then,” she slipped her hand down to his thigh and snuggled it against his crotch.

Normally this would have been all he’d have needed to be settling the check and heading to her hotel. Instead he was detached, like it was happening to someone else. When she groped his cock firmly and squeezed, he knew it was time for his exit.

“Listen Courtney, I’m going to have to bow out here. Sorry, but I’ve got to get up early in the morning.”

She studied him, “That never stopped you before. You don’t have to stay the night. Let’s just have a quickie and be done with it. I’m horny as hell. I’ve missed you.”

“Not tonight Court, but thanks.”

“Can’t say I’m not disappointed, but at least we got a chance to catch up. Does this have anything to do with your leading lady?”

“Hardly.”

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