Page 40 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

“Buenos días,” he said, smiling. “By chance, is there coffee in that cup for me?”

“Yes, there is, but if you prefer an espresso, I will make another. I’ve already had one. I came to wake you because of your Sunday services.”

Piper was suddenly timid and reluctant to say more until he did. Her feet wouldn’t move forward, and she smiled shakily. He seemed to understand what she was feeling and came toward her, but she didn’t know what to expect. Andrés took the mug, placed it on the chest next to the door, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her forehead.

“The coffee will be perfect. Thank you.” He rested his cheek on the top of her head. “Do you agree we shared an extraordinary night?”

Piper felt her heart lighten at his words and put her arms around his waist to lean back and look into his eyes. “I do, and I’m happy you think so, too.”

Andrés placed a brief kiss on her lips and finished buttoning his shirt. “I apologize for rushing out, but I wouldn’t want to keep the bishop waiting.”

“I understand. Will there be questions about you not sleeping at home from either Luis or Eleanor?”

“No. My room is at the opposite end of the house from theirs, and I have a private patio with a door key that only I have. I sometimes go for night rides on Darico and enter the house at the door so no one else is disturbed. May I use your bathroom to wash up?”

“Of course, I’m happy to return the hospitality.” Piper laughed at the confused look on his face.

“Oh, I get it now—you did the same thing at the hacienda. It’s too early in the morning for me to have a sense of humor.”

“I’ll have to remember that,” said Piper. She sat on the edge of the bed to wait for him. “By the way, help yourself to the medialunas I put on the island.”

Andrés returned, sat with her, and held her hand. “I will, thanks. Luis will want another ride on Magnum; will you be free later today?”

“Yes, I will, and I’m thrilled you’re letting him do it. He is, too.”

“Ha! You two maneuvered me into a position that I couldn’t refuse. I’ll see you in a couple hours, and we’ll stop by to walk with you to the barn.”

“Okay.”

Andrés grabbed a pastry and, at the door, kissed Piper in a way she didn’t want to end. She closed the door and pressed her hands to her lips.

“Yes, Piper, Caroline, or whoever, you are in love with that man, and it could mean disaster when he learns you are not who you say you are.”

* * *

The next week was like a dream for Piper. She spent the days working with Lukas and Emmett and the late afternoons after the workday was over with Luis and Magnum. She joined Andrés and Luis for supper several times after the sessions with Luis, and each night found her in Andrés’ arms.

One late afternoon, Andrés brought Luis out to her, but he had to return to his study for a teleconference and said would be back to join them when he was free. Piper was proud that he trusted her alone with Luis, and they had completed their second time around the corral when she noticed Rosamund standing by the fence. Piper remembered what Andrés had told her about the few employees’ knowledge of Luis and assumed Rosamund must be one of them. As she led Magnum in Rosamund’s direction, she was proven correct.

“Buenas tardes, Rosamund,” called out Luis. “I’m learning how to ride.”

“Buenas tardes, Luis. I see that. Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Sí, Rosamund. I don’t know if Papa will let me take real lessons with Piper before my birthday, but he does let me do this riding with her behind me.”

“I thought you’d be on the road home by now, Rosamund,” said Piper.

“Eduardo is away on business, and I had to wait for a call from Kentucky about exercise times for Señor Alberto Luis. Would you like to have dinner together tonight?”

“She can’t because…” began Luis before Piper interrupted him.

“Because it will depend on when Andrés comes to collect Luis after his business call. If you don’t mind waiting for me, I’d like to make something for us at the casita.” Piper had a feeling Luis was making some puzzled expression based on how Rosamund tilted her head and smiled. “I can give you the key if you want to wait there instead of your office.”

“I think I’ll watch you and Luis, and I can get to know your teaching style for my children when I have them.” Her lips were turned up in what Piper read as a suspicious smile.

“Uh-huh,” said Piper under her breath. She nodded and continued with Luis. “Luis, do you think you’re ready for Magnum to trot instead of walk?”

“Yes, but why didn’t you tell Rosamund you would be eating with us tonight?”

---