Page 72 of Playboy Billionaire

“Perfect,” she said.

* * *

They’d been successful in avoiding detection at the airport and their driver had dropped each of them off at their own homes. Griffin was now sprawled out on his couch watching a PGA tour on TV, his concentration continuously disrupted by remembering how good it had felt to be with Penelope.

He understood why she was worried about the unwanted attention and what it would do to them. It was unsettling. He felt protective of her and of his growing feelings for her. But this fell under theI have absolutely no controlcategory, and he knew he had to shut down his worry. They’d figure it out…or not. Only time would tell.

Maybe it was time he admitted to himself that it was much more than a wild sexual attraction…or that he was more awake than he’d ever been in his entire life…it was also like feeling he’d been out in stormy seas and had finally found safe harbor. Did she feel it too?

* * *

“You’re just going to have to tighten up security and assume someone is always watching. I’m afraid we’ve all gotten used to a certain level of freedom here. That’s probably all about to change,” Dolly said.

“I know. Lots of films have been shot around here and they’ve managed to keep it under the radar for the most part. I’m hopeful this will blow over after a few weeks,” Penelope said. “Especially if they don’t get any new material! If those photos from my past are made public…” she shuddered.

“Don’t even go there. Nothing back from Graham I take it?” Dolly asked.

“No. I didn’t expect to so soon. Maybe I’ll hear from him tomorrow. How can I be sure he’ll even get the message?”

“I’d keep leaving messages until you hear back,” Dolly suggested.

“I suppose you’re right.”

“What did Stewart say when you talked to him about the media?”

“He was upset that I hadn’t warned him about Griffin and me. I told him we hadn’t said anything because it wasn’t serious.”

“Most everyone on set had an idea. They’re not blind or stupid. He had to have had an inkling.”

She softly kicked Dolly who was laying at the other end of the couch, “Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

She grinned, “Of course. Fuck ’em. It’s nobody’s business.”

“Speaking of…how’d it go with Ben?”

Dolly blushed, “Good. I like him. It seems mutual.”

“It’s about time.”

“Yeah, I’m not getting any younger.”

Penelope snorted, “You’re only twenty-six, but it’s been two years since you’ve been serious about a guy. I just want to see you happy. But my advice, don’t marry anyone before you’re thirty. How old is Ben anyway?”

“He’s twenty-five.”

“He seems older.”

“I know.” Her eyes were unfocused and dreamy.

“I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks. I’m happy forBenters,” she said, giggling as Penelope playfully glared at her.

“On that note, I’m heading for bed,” Penelope said. “Night.”

33

Penelope hung up the phone, relieved that Stewart was over his snit. He was sending a car to pick her up in an hour. Her phone immediately rang again, and thinking it was Stew, she picked up.

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