Page 36 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

Andrés wore a self-satisfied grin as he went down the hall to rescue Piper.

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An hour later, Andrés was kicking himself for giving Luis time alone with Piper. They both had manipulated him into agreeing to let Piper put Luis on Magnum to show him what to expect from riding lessons.

Luis could hardly contain himself, he was so excited. Andrés had taken him to the barn to meet Magnum while Piper stopped in the casita to change into riding clothes. They had agreed she would demonstrate the basics, and if Andrés felt comfortable, she would ride around one of the corrals with Luis in front of her in the saddle.

“Piper, your horse took apple pieces from my hand!” beamed Luis.

Piper was dressed in her jeans and black T-shirt and grabbed another apple to slice as she walked into the barn.

“He must like you, Luis. Let’s cut another to feed him. But first, I’m going to say hello to Magnum. It’s important to show your horse kindness, and I always start by extending my hand, and the horse will usually come over and nuzzle the palm of my hand. I give him a handful of treats after that; sometimes oats, a carrot, or a cut-up apple.” She did as she said and then picked up two brushes and gave one to Luis.

“It also helps to start the day by spending some time grooming your horse. Do you think you can help me with that?”

“Yes, I can do it.”

Andrés stayed in the background, observing. He had never seen Luis so animated and happy, and he was in awe of Piper’s skill in capturing his attention and keeping him focused on the tasks.

Piper asked Luis to watch every step in saddling a horse and asked for his help to give him experience. Once Magnum was saddled, she let Luis lead him to the corral. She climbed into the saddle and asked Luis if he wanted to ride around the corral with her. Luis was so anxious to be on Magnum that Andrés had trouble keeping him still long enough to put on a riding helmet. Once on Magnum, Piper showed Luis how to use the reins to tell the horse what to do. His father noticed how he paid attention and asked questions, and he considered rethinking waiting until Luis was eight before starting lessons.

The rest of the day was spent with father and son showing Piper the finer points of fútbol, a picnic in the garden adjacent to the playground, and Andrés finding all the ingredients to make pizza for their supper. He enlisted Luis’ help rolling the dough and getting the toppings on the pizza. When it was ready to go into the oven, they were covered in flour and sticky dough on their hands. A casual supper was served around the large kitchen island.

“This was quite a surprise, Andrés,” said Eleanor. “I must admit you have talent enough to open a pizzeria should your other businesses fail.”

“I think the best part of the pizza was Luis’ idea of adding chocolate chips as a topping,” remarked Piper.

“On behalf of my sous chef and myself, we are pleased you enjoyed it,” said Andrés. “Take a bow, Luis.”

Luis executed a perfect gentleman’s bow and began to laugh. “Papa, what is a sue chef?”

“He, or she, is the first assistant to the chef—a crucial position in the kitchen.”

“Do I get to wear a chef’s hat?”

“What a great idea, mi hijo! But the question is whether we can find one to fit your big head.” Andrés picked his son up and pretended to throw him over his shoulder.

Luis shrieked in mock horror. “Put me down, Papa! I will throw up the pizza.”

Everyone laughed, and Andrés hugged his son close. “Oh, no, we can’t have that happen. Chef will punish us if we destroy his kitchen.”

Eleanor stood and walked to where Luis sat next to Piper. “It is time for your bath, sous chef. I will sit with you tonight so your father can clean up the mess you two made.”

Luis ran over to Piper. “Will you please read to me after my bath, Piper? Papa and I started reading a new book, and you could read the next chapter.”

Piper glanced at Andrés for approval, and when he smiled, she answered. “I would be honored to read to you, Luis.”

“Good. I’ll come to get you after I’ve bathed and put on my pajamas.”

“I’ll be here waiting while I help your papa clear away all your cooking tools.”

Luis skipped off with Eleanor, and Piper began to collect the plates. She looked around for the dishwasher and caught Andrés grinning at her as he leaned his hip against the counter.

“You know, that was your pose the day we first met. Insolent, bossy, and entitled all at the same time,” she pointed out.

“I hope that’s not what I’m conveying this time. I was thinking about how you’ve won over my son and how glad I am that you have. Of course, I’ve played second fiddle to you all day, but I can handle it as long as his hero worship comes around my way again soon.”

His grin widened when he saw the blush creep up her neck to her cheeks.

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