Page 73 of Playboy Billionaire

“Hey Stew, what’d you forget?”

“Penelope.”

A male voice on the other end, warm, seductive and even after thirteen years of absence, very familiar. She froze, her throat constricted.

“Pen, are you still there? It’s Graham.”

Finding her voice, she said quietly, “I know, thanks for calling back.”

“It’s so good to hear your voice. It’s been so long. Why did you phone me?”

There was a long pause while she tried to regain her equilibrium, surprised by her visceral reaction. It was like she was right back there, thirteen years ago.

“I’m sorry to bother you but have something I thought you should know about.”

He sighed heavily into the phone, “I’d like to think this was a friendly call, maybe to congratulate me, but I’m sure it’s more ominous than that. You mentioned in your call something about photographs?”

“Yes, from our past.”

His breath hissed, “Penelope, did you have something to do with them?”

“What are you talking about? Do with what? I am the one who received photographs last week, a couple of them featuring us. Why would I send myself photos?” she snapped.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I don’t want to discuss this over the phone, but we must talk.”

“When?” she asked.

“I’m sitting in front of your house right now. I took a detour and came straight from DC.”

This time she gasped, “How did you know where to find me?”

“Penelope don’t be so naive, I’m a United States Senator. My assistant thought your message might be important; it was unusual to say the least, so he forwarded it to me.”

“You of all people would know about my naiveté wouldn’t you Graham?” she said.

“Let’s not discuss this over the phone. Can you come out to my car right now?”

“I’ll have to make arrangements with my director first. Then I’ll throw on some clothes and be right out.” She hung up and called Stewart back. He was confused but agreed to work around her. She scrambled into her jeans and a tee shirt and grabbed the envelope with the photographs from her desk on her way out.

She called to Dolly, “Guess who is waiting out front in their car for me…this very second?”

“Griff?”

“No, Graham Warren!”

Her eyes widened in shock. “What? He must know something about the photos then.”

“Yes, there’s something going on. Watch Archie for me, okay?” She asked, swooping him into her arms and kissing the top of his head. “Stay with Aunt Dolly and be good.”

“What about work?” Dolly asked.

“I called Stew. He was confused but understanding.”

“Are you sure you’ll be safe with Graham?”

“I don’t have much of a choice, but yes, I’m sure. But I’m glad I told you everything…at least someone will know who I’m with…just in case. But don’t worry.”

“Yeah right.”

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