Page 25 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

They walked around the buffet table to the French doors leading to the garden. From the doors to the bottom terrace, there were three stone steps between each terrace. The first two terraces were lit along the edge and had tables, chairs, and chaise lounges arranged on the manicured lawns with flowering plants growing in decorative pots. The bottom two were adorned with native pampas grass and colorful wildflowers lit by in-ground disk garden lights, and beyond was a swimming pool surrounded by South American jelly palms and more chaise lounges. The palms were lit with fairy lights among the fronds, and bronze post lights lined the steps to the pool.

“This is gorgeous,” said Piper. “It really invites relaxation and calm.”

“That’s precisely what I was aiming for,” Andrés said, pleased. “Would you care to walk down to the pool?”

“I’d like that.”

They sat on the edge of two lounge chairs which were side by side. There was an awkward silence between them as they sipped the champagne, and Andrés wondered if he was the only one who felt it. He heard a sigh escape between Piper’s lips.

“So… do you think it will rain tomorrow?” she asked.

“What?” He was puzzled by the arbitrary topic until he turned to her and saw a playful smile grace her glossy lips. He hung his head and began to snicker, then lifted his head and grinned at her. “It is absurd that we don’t know what to say, isn’t it?”

“It’s more me than you. You see, I have this rule that, other than work gatherings, I don’t socialize with my employer nor do I date coworkers,” offered Piper. “So far.” She took a quick drink from her glass.

“Is that the message you were trying to convey when you arrived and gave me that strained smile?”

She nodded. “I guess I was nervous that you might disapprove of me accepting Armand’s invitation.”

“I did at first, expecting that having you here would break my precept that my personal life is to be kept separate from my professional life. But as of tonight, I am rethinking that.” Andrés was slightly smiling as she lifted her head in surprise. He felt almost relieved that he had said it out loud and could no longer deny he was attracted to Piper.

He would never be certain if it were the champagne, impulsiveness, or both when he spoke next.

“Piper, I am leaving for Argentina tomorrow to negotiate the purchase of a new breeding stallion but will return on Friday. Would you consider joining me for breakfast at the hacienda Saturday morning to commemorate your first week of work?”

Andrés’ eyes were glued to Piper when she rose, moved to the pool’s edge, knelt, and ran her fingers through the water, silent.

“The water is warm,” she said. She stood up and smiled at him. “I would like to join you for breakfast, but I’m afraid I must insist on contributing my world-famous medialunas.”

He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath as he waited for her answer. Andrés let out a deep laugh. “I will let Chef know he has competition. His medialunas are flakier than French croissants and are topped with a rum and sugar glaze.” From where he sat, he could see her eyes sparkling like rare blue diamonds from the garden lights.

Andrés stood before her and raised her hand to his lips for a kiss that softly grazed her knuckles. “Thank you for accepting. I should get you back to the party, and I must return to my Italian guests. I believe they are inclined to invest in our thoroughbreds.”

His hand rested on the small of her back to guide her up the steps. It had been a long time since he had felt as light-hearted as he did at that moment.

CHAPTER12

PIPER

Piper told Andrés she would leave as soon as she found Armand to thank him. She wished him good luck with the investment group and the negotiations for the stallion. She didn’t have to look far for Armand because he came to her as Andrés was walking away.

“My good friend stole you away,” remarked Armand.

One thing Piper was never able to master was blushing when frazzled or embarrassed; at that point, she felt both. “He wanted to show me the gardens. I’m sorry if I abandoned you.”

Armand regarded her closely. “Please, ma chérie, no apology. The gardens here really are beautiful.” He looked around the room. “I like this hacienda, and I find myself comfortable here. I am renting it right now, but I’m considering making the owners a purchase offer.”

“Oh wow,” Piper said. “Would this be a permanent residence for you?”

He shook his head. “No, I would be in France most of the summer and fall and return here at the harvesting of the grapes.” Armand shrugged. “I think that would have me coming and going from here from October through April or May. Except, of course, when I have my travel excursions with Andrés during racing season.”

“Of course. Thank you, Armand, for this evening, but I should be going. This is my first week, and my days start early.”

“I understand, and I will have the driver meet you outside. Piper, you were a most charming addition to tonight’s guest list, and I’m guessing Andrés ended up thinking that, too.” He smiled knowingly, which caused a blush to return to Piper’s cheeks.

“Yes, well, thank you once again. I’ll wait for the driver on the veranda.” Piper was prepared that time for the exchange of cheek kisses, and Armand walked her to the door after having word sent to the driver that Ms. Marshall was ready to leave.

In the limousine, Piper’s mind reeled from the intimate conversation she and Andrés had shared. She felt he must trust her if he was willing to break his rule about keeping his personal life apart from business life, which meant, in this case, not getting involved with employees.

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