Page 53 of Playboy Billionaire

“That must have been an eye opener.”

“Yeah. It was profound.”

“What did you major in?”

“Non-profit Management. Pretty demanding curriculum.” He grinned. “Cut into my party time, but academics seemed to come easy for me.”

“I’m intrigued.”

He smiled, “Good, that’s right where I want you, completely captivated. What about you? What makes the beautiful Penelope Winters tick?”

“Well you already know about my mom and that I have no brothers or sisters. I never knew my dad. I’m kind of a loner anyway. Not sure if that’s because of my career choice or my nature really.” She smiled up at him. “I’ve always had a few great friends which made up for the lack of siblings. In high school I couldn’t wait to get away from the small town I grew up in. I waitressed and saved up my money to move to Hollywood and chase my dreams.”

“You moved all by yourself?”

“Yeah, it was pretty scary.”

“Makes me feel like a sheltered prince.”

“That’s because you are one,” she said, laughing.

Griffin’s forehead furrowed. “You’re joking, but I look at my brother and sister and see how happy they are. They’ve both found their mates...their niches. Recently I’ve been wondering about myself…what’s wrong with me? Why don’t I have any ambition? Why do I avoid commitment like the plague? The more I think about it, the more I realize that I’ve been running.”

“From what?”

“From myself.”

She looked up at him under the brilliant star lit sky. “Do you know why?”

“I’ve reached the conclusion that I don’t like what I see if I slow down for too long.”

“What do you see?”

“A man without a purpose, one who is hiding…hiding behind his privilege…a man who’s alone. I think I’ve mistaken being needed or needing someone as too much responsibility. A loss of freedom. You know, a while back you said you’ve only been with two men in your life. Truthfully, I’ve been with lots of women, but I’ve never let anyone in.”

“You’ve never been in love?”

“Nope.”

“That’s so sad.”

“I’m not normally given to introspection, but lately it seems like I can’t avoid it. I’ve been pondering life’s meaning,” he said, trying to laugh it off.

“Maybe it’s just the natural progression of things,” she said. “The twenties are for exploring, adventure, finding out who we are…separate from our families, ya know?”

“Maybe. But lately it feels like there’s a void in my life. If I didn’t know better, I’d have to call it loneliness.”

“I’ve certainly felt lonely…as cliché as it sounds…even in a crowd,” Penelope said.

His thumb caressed her bottom lip. “What I’m feeling with you is all new to me. I feel contented when I’m with you. That scares the shit out of me. I’m afraid of these feelings you’re stirring up.”

She studied his beautiful face, so earnest. “Griffin, I’m very drawn to you as well…but I’m certainly not ready to dive into anything serious.”

“I know that. I respect that, but I’m trying to be one hundred percent honest with you.”

“I appreciate it.”

“I’m not asking for anything more than a chance to see where this attraction leads us.” He pulled her into his arms. Bending down he kissed her softly. “You’re different from anyone I’ve ever known.”

---