Page 18 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

“Then we are okay?” His hand covered hers.

It felt too warm and personal, and Piper slipped her hand away to take her key out of her bag. “I have my key.” She could have sworn there was a flush on his tanned cheeks.

“Let’s make sure it fits.” Andrés took the key, and it inserted into the lock perfectly. “Excellent.”

Piper took a step in as he held open the door. The casita’s main room was designed to be open concept. There was a highly polished white oak floor, and the color palette in the room was navy blue and gray with accessory touches of yellow. A striking navy-blue suede sectional sofa was front and center, with a dining area and full kitchen to the left. There was a hallway that undoubtedly led to the bedroom. She fully stepped in and walked around the sofa to the double sliding doors to view the patio.

Andrés followed and stood beside her. “Do you think you can find peace and relaxation here after a long day?”

“I can’t imagine why I wouldn’t. It’s perfect.” She turned and spread her arms out toward the room. “Thank you for all of this.”

“You are welcome. I’ll leave now so you can rest. Should I send one of the housekeepers over to help you unpack?” Andrés placed her key on an end table next to the sofa.

“Heavens, no! I don’t have that much to unpack and will do it later. But thank you—again.”

“You haven’t yet met Eleanor, so if there is anything you need, please call me. There’s a phone on the desk in one of the bedrooms with a connection to my study, Eleanor’s office, and the kitchen.”

Piper went with him to the door. “I’m sure there’s everything I could possibly need.”

“Oh, and the pantry and refrigerator should be well-stocked for you.”

Piper felt if she thanked him one more time, he would think her on repeat, so she smiled and nodded.

“I would like to take you on a riding tour of the ranch’s acreage tomorrow afternoon if you are willing.”

Piper’s eyes lit up. “I would love that, and it will give me a chance to meet my horse.”

“Yes, it will. Shall we meet in the stables at one o’clock?”

“Sounds good.”

“Get some rest, Piper, and I will see you then.”

He had stepped out onto the path when Piper called out to him.

“Andrés, by chance, you didn’t name my horse?”

He threw back his head and roared with laughter. “No, I felt that should be your prerogative.” He continued on the path.

“Okay, just checking.” She closed the door, smiling at her jest.

“Did he say ‘one of’ the bedrooms? This isnota casita.”

* * *

Five hours later, Piper woke and padded barefoot to the great room. She had showered and dressed in comfortable sweats before collapsing on the bed.

The living area of the casita faced west, and Piper could see the sun was about to set. She found a bottle of sparkling water in the fridge, poured a glass to take to the patio, and sat in one of the two floral lounge chairs. There was also a glass-and-rattan round table with four barrel-style rattan chairs and a smaller glass table between the lounge seats.

She had discovered there were indeed two bedrooms, and they were the same substantial size and impeccably decorated. Piper chose the room styled in purples, oranges, and yellows of a sunset, which was the room with the desk. There was also a thick, richly colored rug and something she had never had before—a dressing table. Sitting in the cool evening air, she recalled the events since she landed in Montevideo.

“A limo and champagne, a helicopter and champagne, and a personal welcome with champagne for starters. Next, a private tour of the property with Mr. Handsome Billionaire, Andrés Olivera, and then an Arabian horse and a BMW.” She paused in her recollections to watch as the sun slipped behind the sloping hills. Piper remembered seeing a white wine bottle in the fridge.

“The sun has gone down, and it’s past the time for wine,” she said to her empty water glass. She rose and went to the kitchen for the wine, found the wine opener in the cupboard with the wine glasses, and poured a full glass for herself before sitting cross-legged on the sofa.

“So, where was I, Miss Not-a-Casita?” Piper asked aloud. “Oh, yeah, walking into you. You are fabulous! Andrés does not have to worry about my comfort while I live here.” Her silent thought was that she would be there less than six months if or when he found out why she accepted the job.

“Most likelywhen,” she said quietly. “Bottom line is that he’s a gracious and generous man with a dream. I may have been wrong about his billionaire personality.” She laid her head back on the sofa cushion.

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