Page 55 of Playboy Billionaire

He buttered her toast and placed a plate with a mound of scrambled eggs and way too much bacon in front of her. “Thanks Griffin, looks delicious.”

“Not as luscious as you look, all sleep tumbled, soft dreamy bedroom eyes, I wish we didn’t have to leave the house for the next week.”

She sighed, “Me too.”

She dug in and in no time at all was polishing off the last bite of bacon and pushing her plate aside. “Looks like I won’t have enough time to do the dishes. Too bad.” She grinned, not the least bit sorry.

“As if…” he dazzled her with his smile before kissing her full on the lips. “Man, those lips were made for kissing.”

Her eyes flickered with desire. “We’d better leave soon, or we’ll never make it out of here.”

“I’m ready, I’ll drop you off and come back to shower.”

Once in the car, they held hands all the way to the beach house. After he dropped her off, Penelope felt an ache in her chest.What was happening to her?

* * *

Penelope was practically floating from the weekend, so when she and Dolly pulled up to work, she was mentally unprepared for the small crowd of tourists loitering around the front entrance. So far, production had been successful in keeping their filming locations under wraps. The non-disclosures had been effective. No leaks. Until now. Because the location was off the beaten path, most paparazzi wouldn’t waste their time. But it was bound to happen, and when she spied a couple of professional photographers in the group, her thoughts immediately went to Jack.Damn.

Penelope slid way down in her seat, practically sitting on the floor, and pulled her cap low over her forehead. Glancing at her watch she noted that they were still a half hour early.

“Can we sneak in the back door?” Penelope asked.

“I’ll drive around and check it out. Stay down.”

The paps weren’t stupid and when they saw a car slow down, then suddenly change directions they pursued. “Shit shit shit!” Dolly said. “They’re following.”

“Just turn around and pull up close to the front door. I’m afraid the back door will be locked. I’ll hop out and run in and you can park the car.”

Dolly parked right in front and said, “Now!” She giggled as Penelope contorted her body like a crab to try and escape from the car without being discovered. “Hurry! They’re descending upon us.”

“Easy for you to say.” Keeping her body below the window height was damn near impossible. She managed to open the door and fell out of the car. Dolly was snorting with laughter as Penelope scrambled quickly to her feet and ran for the entrance.

The tourists had their cells out snapping photos and selfies with Penelope darting inside as their backdrop.

Still breathing heavy from her sprint, Penelope swiped her card and entered her dressing room, flipping on the overhead lights. She stepped on something crunchy and looked down to see another manilla envelope under her foot. Filled with dread she bent over to pick it up.

She took in several deep breaths. Her hands were shaking so badly, she wasn’t sure she could open the envelope. She examined it closely, looking for a return address or any clues that could point to the sender. None. Same neatly scripted writing as before. How had Jack managed to slip past security?Did security even stick around on the weekends?

Her heart pounded in her chest as she slid her finger under the flap and ripped open the envelope. She reached inside and pulled out a handful of photographs. The room spun as her stomach lurched. She threw the photos down and ran to the bathroom making it just in time before she began to retch.

Kneeling in front of the commode, her breath came in rapid shallow bursts as she fought to control the anxiety and her gag reflex. Who had sent them…and why? She had so carefully buried her past. Why now?Slow deep breaths…her nausea dissipated.

When she was sure the sickness had passed, she splashed her face with cold water and brushed her teeth. She had to hide the incriminating photos before Dolly arrived.

She picked up the offending pictures, her face heating with shame as she shuffled through the half dozen photographs. Her on the arms of various powerful men. A lifetime ago, but now the memories rushed back like it was yesterday.

She fought as the bile rose again, burning the back of her throat. She looked so young and innocent.Well, that’s because you were, Penelope, you were barely nineteen years old for God’s sake.She heard someone outside the door and quickly stuffed the photos back into the envelope and hid it in her bag.

“I brought you a coffee and a donut from the buffet,” Dolly said, handing her a to-go coffee container and a white paper bag. Penelope tried to smile her thanks, but it was half-hearted at best.

Dolly looked at her friend with concern, her forehead furrowed, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, my stomach is upset. I’m sure it’s from the narrow escape.”

“Are you sure that’s all it is? Your face has absolutely no color. Should we call the doctor?”

“No, I’ll be fine. I just need a few minutes.”

---