Page 83 of Playboy Billionaire

He’d never been in love before.Love. When and how had that happened? Sometime between the first scene and the final shoot. That’s about all he knew. One minute he was a confirmed bachelor, enjoying lots of beautiful women, the next he had met one he wasn’t sure he could live without. He’d only been half awake before she’d come into his life.

He might be inadequate, but he’d sure as hell do his best to figure it out…if he was given the chance. With any luck he’d be able to get through to her today. He walked over to the bar to grab a drink.

“I’ll have your best bourbon on the rocks,” he said.

The bartender winked at him suggestively and grabbed a glass, adding ice, then filled it with the amber liquid. “I can’t wait for the film to come out. Our very own local on the big screen.”

“I’m pretty excited about it myself.”

“I just read an article about you inPeople.It said you’d never acted a day in your life before this movie.”

Griffin grinned, “Yep, guilty as charged.” Griffin turned as Noah called out a greeting, with Penelope by his side. Griffin’s hand tightened around his drink at Noah’s smug look of satisfaction.Really Penelope?This is how you’re going to play it?Pretty low to use Noah as her shield now. Hiding behind her ex.

Griffin tipped his glass then downed it. “Penelope, Noah, here we are, crossing the finish line.” He tried to meet Penelope’s gaze, but she kept her eyes lowered.

“Yes, we’ll have a little time off, then the whirlwind of promoting the film begins. Late night talk shows, interviews, podcasts, it’s exciting,” Noah said, turning to order his drink. Griffin only half listened as Noah made idle chitchat with the bartender while she mixed his drink.

“Penelope, can we go somewhere to talk? I’ve been blowing up your phone.”

“I can’t. I’ve got too much going on right now. I wouldn’t want to burden you with my problems.”

Griffin leaned in real close and hissed angrily in her ear, “You’re being ridiculous Penelope. I don’t deserve this.”

“I didn’t deserve to be left dangling in the wind when I needed you the most. You showed what you’re made of.”

Griffin grabbed her arm and hauled her off to a private corner. “Maybe so, but you weren’t going too deep yourself, were you? Couldn’t take the risk of being honest, letting me in. The truth might be too much……for you or for me? Maybe you’re the one who has trouble looking in the mirror.”

Her face paled. “How dare you.”

“I dare alright. I’m calling out your bullshit. You’re the one who’s ashamed…and you’re making me out to be the bad guy! I told you that night, I have no illusions about my moral standing, I’ve led a pretty selfish life. But at least I’m honest with myself that’s more than I can say for you.”

“If you’re so honest with yourself then tell me what you’re so afraid of? That you might actually need someone? Or even worse, that they might need you? Or maybe it’s that they’ll abandon you like your mother did?”

“Maybe. Probably all of that. I’ll admit that I’m still a work in progress, but I do know that I’m willing to look under the rock. It might not be pretty, but I’ll have a go at it. You didn’t look under yours until you were forced to, by circumstances beyond your control. Now you want to use me to punish yourself.”

“Grow up. You dropped the ball and now you’re making excuses.”

“I’m sorry that I didn’t get your script before your little tell-all. It would have been helpful to know how you wanted me to act and exactly what you wanted me to say.”

“This discussion is over.” She turned on her heel and returned to Noah’s side, her back intentionally facing him. Griffin set his empty glass down and stormed out of the party. Nothing to celebrate here.

39

Penelope stayed another hour after Griffin had stormed out, just for appearances. She had a headache, not to mention the ache in her chest. Her throat burned from holding back tears. She had hated the look of pain she’d seen in Griffin’s eyes, but she’d had to stay strong for his sake. If he had sensed the least bit of hesitation on her part, he would have jumped on it.

She knew only too well the double-edged sword of being famous. It was hard to deal with the scrutiny on a good day but throw in a juicy scandal and it was pure misery. They would never survive it so why not let go now, before it became even harder.

Dolly and Ben were whooping it up, and Noah was flirting like crazy with the gorgeous bartender. His attentiveness had faded quickly after Griffin left the party. She could safely leave now without drawing too much attention to herself.

Luke walked her up to the door and waited while she unlocked. “Thanks, Luke.”

“No problem Ms. Winters.”

“I’m in for the rest of the evening. Relaxing is the only thing on my agenda. I don’t think there’s any need for you to stick around.”

“I have orders. You won’t even know I’m here,” he said smiling. “I’m going to take a look around the premises and go through the house quickly if you don’t mind.”

“Of course. It’s such a nice night I think I’ll sit out on the deck and listen to the waves crash.”

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