Page 44 of Playboy Billionaire

“Just checking. She’s certainly a force of nature, couldn’t blame you for falling for her.”

“End of conversation,” he said. Settling their bill, he left the tab open on his charge for Courtney. He stood and she swiveled her bar stool to face him.

“Have a safe flight out tomorrow.” he said, placing his hands on her shoulders. Leaning down he kissed the top of her head.

“You sure about this?” she said, looking up at him through her lashes.

He grinned. “I’ll probably be kicking myself later, but yeah, I’m sure.”

“See you around then?”

“Yeah. Drink up. It’s on me. Order some food if you’re hungry.”

“You always were the consummate gentleman. Thanks.” Winking at him she said, “Good luck with your leading lady.”

He tensed, ready to snap back, then checking himself, he forced his shoulders to relax, “Nice try. See ya.” And he left, wondering what the hell he was going to do for fun the rest of his life.

21

Griffin stuck his head inside Penelope’s dressing room, “Hey how did the shoot go yesterday?”

“A barrel of laughs,” she said, meeting his eyes from her vanity mirror.

“Was it that bad?”

“It wasn’t fun, but whatever.”

Griffin’s eyes narrowed as he spied the defaced magazine on top of her vanity.

“What’s that?”

She grabbed it and tossed it in the trash. “Jack’s revenge.”

He walked in and pulled it out of the trash can, studying it with a dark scowl on his face. “This is bullshit.”

“Don’t I know it?”

“Did you show it to Stew?”

“No, I decided to drop it.”

“Don’t think so babe.”

“What?”

“I said no. You’ve got to report it.”

“What is it with you men? You all say jump and I’m supposed to nod and ask how high? I said I’m handling it and I’ve decided to ignore it.” She stood up and paced.

“Ouch. So now I’m the bad guy?”

“I’m just sick of it! I’m sick of all of you.” She plopped down on the edge of the couch and covered her face with her hands fighting back tears.

Griffin shut the door behind him and sat down next to her. He put his arm around her, and she stiffened.

“Leave me alone.”

“I can’t...believe me I’ve tried.”

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