Page 31 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

“Like the new stallion you bought!”

“Exactly,” Andrés said. “It’s about the adventures a young boy and a black stallion have together.”

“I think we should begin to read it immediately,” said Luis, smiling up as his papa.

Andrés put his arm around Luis and glanced at the photo of Lily kept by Luis’ bedside. “I want to talk with you about something first.” He paused. “I have invited our new head trainer over for breakfast tomorrow. Her name is Piper Marshall, and I hope you will use your best manners while she visits us.”

Luis sat up on his knees and faced his father. “Yes, I promise. Where is she from, Papa?”

“Ms. Marshall is an American, like Emmett. But she has worked in Argentina and England.”

“She must love horses if she works for you. Is she pretty like a princess?”

Andrés smiled. “I think so.”

“But is she as beautiful as my mama?”

Andrés thought carefully before answering. “I think that is something you must decide after meeting Ms. Marshall. Everyone sees beauty differently, but she does have eyes that are a lovely shade of blue.”

“My favorite color!” Luis’ frowned. “But does she like our fútbol or American football, and which can she do better, kick or throw?”

“You should ask her yourself tomorrow.”

Luis settled himself under his bedsheet. “I will because I need to know before we play. Let’s start the story, Papa.”

“One more thing, Luis. Part of using your manners is calling her Ms. Marshall until she tells you otherwise.”

“I know that, Papa,” said Luis impatiently. “You told me that when I met Uncle Armie. Can we start reading now?”

“Okay, okay.” Andrés had a feeling all would be good when Luis met Piper, and he opened the book. “As I said, the book is titledBlack Beauty,and the author is Anna Sewell. What does the author do, Luis?”

“Writes the story.”

“And what does an illustrator of a book do?”

“Draws the pictures.”

“Correct.” Andrés cleared his throat and began to read. “The first place that I can well remember was a large pleasant meadow…”

CHAPTER15

PIPER

Piper had found a porcelain china serving plate in one of the cupboards and placed the perfectly browned and glazed medialunas on the plate. The placement of the crescent shape of one nestled into another took up half the plate, and mini condiment bowls of butter, jams, and lemon curd were placed on the other half. She spread a linen towel over the plate and left it on the island while she dressed.

She carefully considered how casually she should dress for the breakfast date. Even though breakfast was being served in Andrés’ home, she would probably meet Eleanor and other household staff. She had only brought one casual dress with her but felt it was too summery. Piper studied her sparse closet and chose her ever-faithful black pencil skirt and a white silk blouse accessorized with sterling-silver hoop earrings. She French-braided her hair, applied a light coral lip gloss, and stepped into black heeled ankle boots. Standing in front of the mirror, Piper pronounced herself fit to attend breakfast at a billionaire’s hacienda. Giggling, she picked up the plate of medialunas and walked confidently through her door.

She felt her confidence slip away when she used the door knocker on the beautifully carved entrance door and was welcomed by a small boy with dark curly hair.

“Bienvenida, Ms. Marshall. I am Luis Alexander Olivera, and I am pleased to meet you.”

Stunned, Piper looked from the young boy to the tall, attractive man standing behind him and realized she was meeting Andrés’ son. Glaring at her host, she held out the plate of medialunas for him to accept, which he did. A smile found its way to her lips, and she focused on Luis.

“Bienvenido, Luis, y gracias por la amable bienvenida.”

Luis was surprised, swung around, and whispered not so quietly to his father. “Papa, she thanked me in perfect Spanish.”

“So I heard, Luis. You might want to invite her in and ask how she learned to speak Spanish so well,” hinted Andrés.

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