Page 29 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

“Thank you, and yes, I did. The horse, Arion, arrives next week.” He followed her into the tack room. “Piper, you still plan on coming to the hacienda for breakfast tomorrow, correct?”

She looked over her shoulder with a quick smile as she spread the blanket on the rack. “Yes, and I’m looking forward to it. What time should I arrive?”

“Is eight o’clock a good time for you? After breakfast, I hope you will accompany me on a ride.”

“I’ll be there at eight, and a ride sounds good, too. Magnum will be spoiled getting out two days in a row.” She turned around and finally looked at him. “I need to finish a few things in the office. Will you walk with me?”

Andrés nodded and walked beside her. He was bemused by her aloofness but decided there must be something else on her mind, and all was well between them if she was planning on breakfasting and riding with him. They walked together in silence until reaching the stables, and he had thought it best to leave Piper to her work.

“Don’t work too late,” he told her. “If I recall, you have medialunas to make for a breakfast treat.”

She lowered her head, but Andrés saw the start of a grin. “You’re right, I do.” Piper had a full grin when she lifted her head. “I’ll see you in the morning with the most delicious batch you have ever had.”

“We’ll see, we’ll see. Have a good evening, Piper.”

“You, too. And welcome home.”

“Thank you.” Andrés watched her walk through the stables on her way to her office, speaking softly to the horses as she went, her ponytail swinging.

He continued to the hacienda, and Luis came running to him the minute he opened the door.

“Papa, Gregorio came in with your stuff but no you. Where were you?”

Andrés stooped down to his son’s level. “I had some quick business in the stable, but I’m here now. I missed you, mi hijo, even though it was just a few days.” He drew Luis into his arms for a hug. “Have you finished your schoolwork for today?”

“Yes, and I finished my French lesson only a few minutes ago.” He wiggled out his father’s arms and locked eyes with him. “Papa, did you buy the horse you went to see?”

“I did, and he will be here next week.” Andrés quickly rose so Luis would not see him smiling at the serious tone his son used.

“And I can see him?” asked Luis.

“Of course.”

“Luis! There you are,” said Eleanor, coming down the stairs. “Were you sitting on the steps this entire time waiting for your papa?”

“Yes, I was. I just had to see him.”

“And so you have, but Chef has nibbles waiting for you. Hello, Andrés.”

“Hello, Eleanor. Luis, have your snack, and I will tell you more about the stallion at supper.”

“Bueno, Papa.” And Luis ran off to the kitchen.

“Was it a good trip, Andrés?” inquired Eleanor.

“It was. We have a new addition to our breeding program, and with the Italian investors on board, we will continue to build up that program.”

“Excellent. I know you wanted to settle into that by the beginning of next year. Is it possible for you to have a few minutes for me before you see Luis at supper?”

Andrés’ brows came together. “Yes, but I’d like to shower and change first. Is there a problem with Luis or the household?”

“No, nothing like that. It’s something I’ve had on my mind.” Eleanor smiled to relieve his concern. “Should we meet in your study in an hour?”

“Perfect.” He started for the study to get his carry-on bag.

“If you’re going to get your baggage, I had Gregorio take it up to your room.”

He spun on his heels and headed in the opposite direction. “Thank you, Eleanor. What would we do without you? See you in an hour.”

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