Page 16 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

He certainly knows how to welcome a new employee, Piper thought.

Ramon landed the helicopter smoothly and without incident. Once the rotors stopped, Andrés was at the passenger door holding two flute glasses. Ramon came around to open the door for her and offered his hand to help her step down.

“Bienvenida, Ms. Marshall,” welcomed Andrés, smiling and holding out one of the flute glasses to her.

CHAPTER8

PIPER

“Gracias, Mr. Olivera,” said Piper, taking the offered champagne. “I was welcomed at the airport with champagne and now here. I’m beginning to feel like royalty.” She smiled over the rim of the flute as she sipped.

Andrés returned her smile. “I am simply happy you have joined us and want to make you feel welcome.”

“So far, so good.”

“If you’re not too tired from your flights, I thought I would give you a tour of the main buildings. Ramon will take your bags to the casita.”

“I feel fine and would appreciate a tour. Estancia Luis Grande did look grand from the air. But then, what I saw of Uruguay on the way here made me want to see more of the entire country.”

His smile grew broader. “I’m glad to hear you say that. It’s important to me and everyone here on the ranch that you feel part of our family and come to love our country as we do. Let me fill your glass, and we will begin our tour.” Andrés filled both their glasses at the table. “Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions while we walk,” he said over his shoulder.

When they walked by the hacienda, Piper saw a large courtyard separated two wings, and through a massive etched window, she saw what looked like a dining and kitchen area.

“The hacienda was built after I purchased the property four years ago,” Andrés said. “The interior is a work in progress. It was hurriedly decorated so we could move in quickly, but we are currently redecorating the guest rooms. My estate manager, Eleanor Chambers, oversees anything and everything to do with the hacienda.”

“I’m sure it will be lovely,” responded Piper. It didn’t get past her that he said “we.”

Piper had asked all pertinent questions when they spoke on the phone in England, but she was anxious to see the stables and, most importantly, meet the horses. They came to the two rings she had seen from the helicopter first.

“I like that you have a separate training ring, Mr. Olivera,” said Piper. “It makes a difference when the trainer has space, in my opinion.”

“I would like to make a suggestion, but let me know if it makes you uncomfortable.” Andrés paused. “You will be a valued employee—let me rephrase that—youarea valued employee. Would it be permissible for us to call each other by our first names?”

Piper glanced at him from the corner of her eye. She had guessed from the previous interactions that he had a droll sense of humor, but she wanted to be sure. She abruptly turned to him and held out her hand.

“How do you do? My name is Piper.”

With a slight shake of his head and upturned lips suggesting a smile, he accepted her hand and slowly shook it. “It is a pleasure, Piper. I am Andrés.”

“That settles it,” said Piper, wondering if it was she or him who was not letting go of the handshake.

“Settles what?”

“That you have a sense of humor.”

“My friends think I do.” He had a sheepish grin on his face.

Piper cocked her head to one side and studied him. “I look forward to meeting those friends and learning why they think that.”

“Yes… well… that will likely happen one way or another.” He cleared his throat. “Should we continue the tour?” He indicated she should precede him.

“Yes, of course.” Piper had no idea where he planned on taking her next, but she started toward the stables.

They were walking side by side when Emmett came out of the stables.

“Ms. Marshall, you have arrived. Welcome to Estancia Luis Grande.” He removed his black Stetson and shook her hand. “We met three or so years ago.”

“Yes, Emmett, I remember. The Stetson gave it away,” said Piper.

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