Page 42 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

“I’m not fancy. Pasta and salad sound good. What can I do to help?”

“You can find what you want in the salad in the fridge and start putting it together.”

“I’d be happy to do that. I’ll look to see if you have the herbs and olive oils to make a favorite salad dressing of my mother’s.”

“Perfect, and you can also open another bottle of wine. Rosamund, I think it would be better for you to stay the night. We will be drinking a great deal of wine, and I have some PJs you can borrow.”

Rosamund waved her hand. “PJs aren’t an issue, but clothes for tomorrow are.” She studied Piper’s figure. “You and I are about the same size in a blouse, and I can wear these trousers a second day. You’re right that I should stay. Thank you, Piper.”

They got busy preparing dinner, talking, laughing, and drinking wine as they went along. Before they sat down to eat, Rosamund put her arm around Piper’s shoulders.

“I know you’ve been here only a short while and haven’t had the opportunity to meet many new people. But if you ever need a friend to have a party night, retail therapy, or someone to share your thoughts and troubles with, I would be honored to be that friend.”

Rosamund’s words moved Piper. “I am grateful for our newfound friendship, Rosamund, and I promise as long as I’m in Uruguay, you will be the first person I reach out to for support.”

Piper smiled, even as questions were running through her mind.She suspects that there is something between Andrés and me. But why? What has she seen? Has she picked up something in our conversations? Should I mention this to Andrés, or is it my imagination?

With no clue how best to move forward, Piper reached for her wine glass.

CHAPTER19

ANDRÉS

For the next two weeks in October, most of the ranch employees focused on Señor Alberto Luis and the international race that was coming up the following month. The last week before leaving would be less intense for Señor as his training would continue in Kentucky for two weeks before the race. The training schedule required the jockey, Marco Pérez, Lukas, and Piper to be at the stables early in the morning. Lukas was with Señor Alberto at least an hour earlier than the others to feed the champion, check his feet and legs, groom him, and tack him before the other two arrived.

Andrés had informed Piper that he had no business trips scheduled before leaving for Kentucky and hoped they could spend as much time together as possible before then. They’d been together in front of the fireplace in the casita when she’d told him she had an inkling that Rosamund suspected something more than professional was going on.

“It wasn’t anything she specifically said, but her comments on the time I’ve spent with Luis and you trusting him with me so soon.”

“She has said nothing, though, about our interactions with each other being different than usual?” asked Andrés.

“No, nothing like that.”

“Then our attempts at discretion have been successful.” His strong arms held her tighter. “You will have your hands full the next week, so let’s cut Luis’ time with you down to two days. That might shrink any thoughts Rosamund has about a personal relationship.”

“I would hate to disappoint Luis, though. He really looks forward to those afternoons riding.”

“Well, I’ve been thinking. Maybe I relieve his disappointment by telling him he can begin formal lessons with you as soon as we return from Kentucky.”

Piper disentangled herself from his arms and sat on her knees, facing him. “Oh, Andrés, you’ve changed your mind!” She leaned toward him to plant a quick kiss on his lips. “Luis will be thrilled and adore you even more than he does already.”

Andrés laughed and reached for her to return to his arms. “Talk about adoration! He hangs on your every word, refutes anything I say that is different from what you’ve said, and told me he prefers your reading voice to mine.”

Piper was happy but had to keep pushing away the thought that she might not be at the ranch to teach Luis if Andrés knew of her untruthfulness.I should tell him before Felix decides to, for whatever reason he can think up.

“Piper? Are you far away? You went quiet suddenly.”

“I’m here with you, which is where I absolutely want to be right now.”

“Then we are on the same page, because this is the only place I want to be, too.”

Andrés twisted her in his arms and slowly began to outline her parted lips with his finger. Piper gasped at his silky, soft touch. He bent his head to nip lightly at her mouth before completely covering her lips with his. She fell back onto the sofa, bringing him down with her. Between the warmth of the blazing fire and the heat and calm flowing through her body, she realized they were on more than one same page.

* * *

Piper’s eyelids fluttered open, and she felt the heaven that was two arms wrapped around her. She closed her eyes to remember the release of pent-up desires and how all-consuming Andrés’ want and need for her had been. But then the thoughts of Felix and betrayal came crashing in and spoiled her remembrances. She had to think clearly about what she should do and not let her love for Andrés make her forget the reasons that landed her there on his ranch. Piper knew the value he put on loyalty and honesty and worried he would see her as neither loyal nor honest if he found out from anyone else.

“I can feel you thinking.”

---