Page 63 of Playboy Billionaire

“I’m sh..orry, I’m just having a bad day.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it.”

Penelope pouted, “Don’t be a meany…”

“It feels like you’re backing off. I’m normally the one terrified of any hint at commitment, so I get you…but…this is different…what we have, I mean.”

“You don’t even know me…you think you do…but you don’t you know…you don’t have a clue,” she attempted to set her glass down and almost missed the table. Griffin’s quick reflexes saved the glass before it crashed onto the cement patio.

“I’m trying to remedy that but, sorry to say, I haven’t mastered mind reading yet.”

She swatted at him and snickered, “You’re sho…so funny.”

Griffin checked himself. He wanted to pick her up and carry her off to his lair. He’d never experienced anything like it.

“Penelope, I’m not judging, but perhaps you’d better lay off the tequila. I think it’s served its purpose.”

“Your normal high-handedness I see…just what I’dspectfrom you. I’ll drink whatever…whenever…I want.” To prove her point, she picked up her drink and sipped from her straw, draining the entire glass in one noisy slurp.

She looked around, her eyes narrowed and unfocused. “Where’s Dolly?”

“She went to bed.”

“I’ll have to have a talk with her…she’s got somesplainin’to do,” she giggled.

“Pen, obviously we’ll have to have this discussion another time. Please just do me a favor and go to bed now. You’ve got a full day of filming tomorrow.”

“Overbearing much?” she said, glaring.

“I call it caring…and being truthful. But yeah, in this moment I am feeling like throwing you over my shoulder and taking you home for your own protection.”

“Ooooh, I like my men saucy.”

“Stay right here, I’m going to go get Dolly.”

She fell back against the cushions and closed her eyes. “The room is spinning. I feel like I’m going to be sick.”

He sighed heavily, “Hold on, let me help you.” He scooped her up into his arms and carried her inside. “Where’s your room?”

Her arms wrapped around him, her face burrowed into his neck and she nibbled and licked his skin, driving him crazy. She whispered, “Down the hall and right.” She hiccupped and giggled again. “My Sir Galahad.”

“Do you still feel like you’re going to throw up?”

“No. But I’mshilllightheaded.”

“I’m going to have you sit down on your bed for a second.” She sat on the edge of the bed and Griffin kept one arm tightly around her while he pulled back the coverlet.

“Your suit is still damp, so I’m going to take it off, okay with you?”

“Shh…ure…you know me, just a hussy.” She giggled then squeezed her eyes shut. A second later she broke into tears.

“Awww, Babe.” He sat on the bed and hauled her against his chest. Kissing her brow, he murmured soothing sounds as he held her tight.

“Griff?” Her voice sounded so tiny.

“Yeah?”

“Can you stay with me?”

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