Page 62 of Playboy Billionaire

“Nice kid, I won’t hold that against him. Can’t choose your family. Thanks bro. I owe you one.”

“How’s the film coming along? Are you going to bring an Oscar to the Bennett family portfolio?”

He scoffed, “I’ll be lucky to get through it.”

“Faye said things are going well so far.”

“It’s complicated. I may have screwed up big time by getting a little too personally involved with Penelope.”

Kyle chuckled. “Some things never change.”

“I thought this one might be different, but now I’m not so sure.”

“She may be just what you need. You need a woman who can go toe to toe with you. You’ve been way too comfortable in your Lothario role. One of these days you’re going to meetthe oneand settle down. I’ll pay big money for a front row seat to that.”

Griffin’s lips tightened, “You were no saint yourself before you met Ella.”

“Not even a close comparison to you, but I’m not here to bust your balls. I’ll keep the PI on retainer until you say otherwise.”

“Thanks. Later.” Griffin pressed a button on his steering wheel and disconnected just as he pulled into Penelope’s drive.

Dolly opened the door holding Archie, and Griffin could swear he saw pity in her eyes, “Hey Griff, what’s up?”

“Where’s Penelope?”

“By the pool. Um Griff, this may not be the best time for a visit.”

“Maybe not,” he said, as he pushed by her, “but ya know what? I don’t give a shit.”

Her eyes widened. “Well then…” She stepped out of his way. “We’ve been drinking Margaritas since six, a glass of wine before that. I quit a while ago…but not Pen…Do you want one…a glass I mean?”

“No thanks.”

Dolly grabbed his arm, “Go easy on her, there’s a lot you don’t know.”

“Enlighten me then.”

“That’s not my place. Just have patience…give her time.”

“I’ll take that into consideration.”

“I’ll give you two some privacy. I’m going to bed. I’m taking Archie with me.”

“Thanks Dolly.”

When Griffin saw Penelope’s red nose and puffy eyes, his anger dissipated substantially. She appeared so vulnerable sitting there, her head bowed, sipping her drink through a straw.

“Hey Pen,” he said quietly, taking the seat Dolly had occupied earlier.

“Griffin, what are you doing here?” Her voice slurred slightly, and her nose crinkled adorably as she tried to focus.

“I’m here to find out what’s going on with you.”

Her eyes flooded with tears. “Nothing.”

Griffin rubbed his thumb across her cheek catching a tear as it escaped.

“You expect me to believe that? What the hell happened between when I dropped you off and when I saw you less than two hours later?”

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