Page 45 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

CHAPTER20

ANDRÉS

Andrés considered himself a lucky and happy man the week before leaving for Kentucky. He had made the right decision in hiring Piper as the head trainer and felt her bond with Señor Alberto Luis made him a stronger horse. And he was happy because he had fallen in love with her and believed she felt the same.

He was pleased that Piper had managed to rally the training team together in her short time with them. Not one employee spoke ill of her, and each remarked how much they enjoyed working with her.

Personally, Andrés cherished their private time together and was in awe of the relationship that was growing between Piper and Luis. He had never dreamed he could love again and have the same woman care as much for Luis as she did for him. He and Piper had spent every night together they could for the last three weeks, and it would be difficult within the close confines they would have in Kentucky. Andrés planned on making the most of their time together that last week.

On Monday of the last week before travel, Andrés was making his rounds around the stables. Emmett caught up to him as he was about to get to Rosamund’s office.

“Andrés, I didn’t tell Piper about the pre-travel blood test you want done. Did you happen to mention it to her?”

Andrés sighed and shook his head. “I didn’t, but shouldn’t it have been on the schedule Rosamund distributes? I’m sure Piper would have seen it.”

“If she did, maybe she thought it meant Rosamund scheduling it with the Kentucky track,” Emmett offered. “I’ll ask her about it, and we’ll get it done. If we get the blood to the lab today, we’ll have results before we leave at the end of the week.”

“I’ll explain it to her, Emmett. I was looking for her anyway, but thank you for bringing it to my attention. Do we have a blood testing kit?”

“Yes, I’ll get it out for her and lay it on her desk.”

“Good. I’ll let Piper know.”

Andrés wanted to stop by Rosamund’s office to pick up a copy of the schedule. As he got nearer to the office, he heard Rosamund’s voice, and it sounded as if she was scolding someone. He stopped before entering and interrupting, assuming she was on the phone.

“You’ve been working too hard; no wonder you’re exhausted. Look what you’ve accomplished in barely five weeks. Piper, this will be a less intense week. Take a break or two each day because it will be a circus when you get to Kentucky.”

Andrés’ ears perked up when he heard Piper’s name, and she started speaking.

“Really, Rosamund, thank you, but I’m fine. I won’t deny it’s been a whirlwind since I arrived, but I’m managing. I can’t promise that I’ll take two breaks, but I promise to take one.”

“I’ll hold you to it,” warned Rosamund.

“I don’t doubt it,Mama,” joked Piper, and the ladies laughed.

Andrés stepped back around the corner so they wouldn’t think he was purposely eavesdropping. He was concerned that Rosamund had seen something in Piper he had not and hoped it wasn’t because of their late nights together. He heard Piper saying goodbye and walked back around the corner as if it was the first time.

“Piper, buenos días! I was looking for you.”

“Buenos días to you! What can I do for you, Andrés?” she coyly asked.

A little smirk was teasing his lips at her flirting. “Uh, I want to speak with you about the schedule. Please wait right here.”

He returned within a minute and asked her to walk to the dining room with him for a snack. Piper said she’d meet him there but had to get a special bridle to Lukas first.

There were no employees in the dining room when Andrés arrived, and he made cappuccinos instead of their usual espressos. He thought if Rosamund was right in thinking Piper was exhausted, a cappuccino would be more soothing. She came in as he was bringing the coffees to a table.

“No espressos today?”

Andrés shrugged as he pulled a chair out for her. “I thought I would mix it up a little. Would you prefer an espresso?”

“Not at all. I also enjoy a good cappuccino now and then. Thank you.” She took her first sip. “Yum. What did you want to discuss about the schedule? Are there changes to be made?”

“No, nothing like that. I want to ask you about the blood testing on the schedule. You did see it, didn’t you?”

“Yes, of course. If Rosamund hasn’t made the appointment at the track, I’m happy to do it.”

“That’s what Emmett thought you might have supposed, but it’s not the pre-race blood test required by the racing commission. One of the steps I insist on when preparing for a race is to have a blood test done by a private lab here in Uruguay for PEDs or other abnormalities so there will be no surprises on race day. The head trainer is responsible for drawing the blood and delivering it to the lab, so that chain of custody isn’t broken. I apologize that wasn’t made clear to you.”

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