Page 35 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

As they passed Andrés’ chair, he reached out to grasp Piper’s hand, and she felt the spark of electricity between them that was becoming a normal sensation to her.

“He’s not rushing you away from your breakfast?”

“No, I’m finished. I enjoyed it very much,” she answered. She was reluctant to remove her hand from his, but Luis pulled on her other hand. “Join us soon.”

As Piper and Luis went down the hall to his room, the little boy was chatting away while she felt, once again, his father’s eyes upon her and wondered what he was thinking.

CHAPTER16

ANDRÉS

Andrés heard the door to the playroom open and decided he needed another mimosa. He left the dining room and returned to the bar to pour a skosh more champagne and less orange juice than the first ones he had served.

He leaned against the bar and put what he had seen the last hour into perspective. There was no doubt about it—Luis naturally accepted Piper’s presence and seemingly felt comfortable around her. As for Piper, after the first few seconds of shock, she was at ease with the situation and treated Luis with care and respect.

He chuckled at the stony glare she had given him and knew she would expect a thorough explanation.Oddly enough, I am prepared and ready to share it.

Eleanor was the only person who knew the complete story of his life with Lily, and Emmett knew Andrés had a wife who died but not much more than that. Andrés was not foolish enough to believe his other employees hadn’t seen Luis at one time or another, but it was rare that Luis visited the stables when the employees were working.

Eleanor caught him deep in thought when she walked into the great room.

“I think I can guess what you’re thinking,” she said as she sat on the chair Luis had occupied by the window. “May I have another one of those?”

“On its way, my lady.” Andrés went behind the bar, made the drink, and took it to her. He remained standing, gazing at Luis’ playground. “I was thinking that now that I’ve sprung Luis on Piper, she will ask questions.”

“Yes, she will. But you knew that when you invited her to the hacienda, and now you are willing to answer the personal questions she will ask.” Eleanor watched him closely as she drank the mimosa, and looked pleased when she saw a calm claim his features.

Andrés drained his glass and sat on one of the other chairs. “What did you think of the interaction between Piper and Luis, Eleanor?”

Eleanor took her time to answer while she took several sips of the bubbly mimosa. “From what I saw, Piper is a warm and caring woman, and she communicated with Luis easily and not condescendingly. She gave him her time and attention, which is precisely what a young child needs. As far as Luis goes, he took to her right away and is on his way to adoring her.”

“That is what I saw, too.” Andrés ran his hands through his hair and sat forward with his elbows on his knees. “Eleanor, I am attracted to Piper; this is new territory for me. I’m a single father who has somewhat sheltered his only child…”

“Somewhat?” Eleanor’s eyebrows were raised.

“Yes… well… okay, maybe I’ve overdone it,” he admitted. “But it was primarily done to keep him safe from physical harm. Letting a woman into his life, as well as mine, is a risk, and I couldn’t bear it if he got close to someone and got hurt emotionally if the relationship didn’t work out.

“Are you ready to take that risk with Piper Marshall?”

He slowly nodded. “I think so. I’ll see how the rest of today goes with Luis.”

Eleanor finished her mimosa, handed the glass to Andrés, and stood. “Then I suggest you rescue her from Luis’ clutches before he has her promising to be on his American football team or agreeing to talk you into a horse for him before next July.”

“I’m headed that way this minute.” Andrés smiled. “Thank you, Eleanor. You know how much I respect your opinion, especially when it comes to Luis.”

“You are welcome. Like you, my heart would break if he was hurt physically or emotionally. Just to let you know, I like Piper.”

“That makes three of us. You and I will talk more later.”

He had almost turned the corner toward the hall when Eleanor stopped him. “Andrés, what should I tell Chef about supper?”

“Tell him to take the night off. I have an idea to make supper for myself and Piper, with Luis and you joining us, of course.”

She eyed him suspiciously. “What did you have in mind to submit us to?”

“Let’s make it a surprise. I have a pretty good idea of what Chef keeps in stock for meals, so I believe everything I need will be available.”

“That should be interesting. Have a good afternoon, Andrés.”

---