Page 37 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

“I wouldn’t worry about the hero-worship thing. Luis is your son, and he’s proud of it. You don’t play second fiddle to anyone; the bond between you two is obvious. But I admit he has dazzled me with his personality and humor. He’s a special boy, Andrés.”

“That he is.” Andrés remained where he was with the grin, and his eyes were focused on Piper.

Her blush deepened. “What?”

“I don’t know how you do it. How do you blush a color that complements your hair and beautiful blue eyes?”

“It’s genetic,” she replied with a short laugh, not realizing she had inadvertently opened a door she didn’t want to be opened.

Andrés straightened and took the supper plates from her. “Now that you have met my family, you should tell me about yours sometime.”

Piper moved around him to wash her hands, not wanting him to see the panic in her eyes.

“Sometime,” she repeated.

CHAPTER17

PIPER

“The book we’re reading isBlack Beautyby Anna Sewell—she’s the author,” said Luis. He was sitting cross-legged in his bed, and Piper was next to him, leaning back on the headboard.

Amused at his introduction, Piper hid the smile twitching at her lips. “It’s one of my favorites. Do you remember what chapter you got up to?”

“We started the story before Papa left to buy the new stallion, so he only read two chapters.”

“Chapter three it is, then.”

Piper read two chapters and was amazed Luis stayed awake intently listening after their active day. “Okay, mi amigo, two more chapters down and forty-five more to go.”

The boy’s eyes grew big and round. “Papa didn’t tell me how many chapters it takes to tell the story. It will take a long time to read all of those.”

Piper shrugged. “I don’t think it will take as long as you imagine. The chapters are short, so if two or three are read every night, the end will come fast.” When she placed the book on his nightstand, she saw the photo of a gorgeous young woman with black hair staring back at her with Luis’ big, brown eyes, and gasped.His mother!

Luis’ voice broke into her thoughts.

“Piper?” Luis was biting his lip when she turned back to him. “Piper, my papa goes away on business sometimes. When he’s gone, will you come and read to me?”

The question surprised her, and Piper struggled to find the best way to answer. She had no way of knowing how long she would be in Luis’ life or employed if she was forced to continue with Felix’s scheme.

“Luis, I would love to read to you when your father is not home, but we need to ask him if it’s all right. And I will be away too, every time he leaves for the horse races, because I’m the trainer. There will be occasions that we will be away at the same time.”

“I understand, but when he’s gone and you’re here, will you read to me?”

Piper laughed and put her around him for a hug. “You are trying to trap me into saying yes, but we must ask your papa first.”

Andrés came into the room to find his son with his arms around Piper and her head resting on his.

“It looks like you two have finished reading, and it’s a good thing because it’s time for bed, mi hijo.”

Piper untangled herself from Luis and rose to stand by Andrés. Teardrops had started to fill her eyes, and she discreetly wiped them away before they fell and he saw them.

“I believe he’s ready to be tucked in. Dulces sueños, Luis, and my sweet dreams will be of the special day I had with you.”

“Gracias, Piper. Mine, too.” He laid his head on the pillow, waiting for his father to wish him goodnight.

“Piper, will you wait for me downstairs?” Andrés said. “I want to escort you to the casita.”

“That would be nice. I’ll be waiting.”

---