Page 46 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

Piper was staring at him with a big grin on her face. “I’m sorry I misunderstood, and I agree that a test should be done before the horse leaves its home stable. That way, any issues have plenty of time to be resolved before the race. I assume you have kits available here?”

“We do. Emmett will leave one on your desk. I realize this is unexpected, Piper, and if you are uncomfortable driving into Tacuarembó for the first time, Emmett or I can do it this time.”

“Absolutely not, Andrés! If it’s my responsibility, I will accept it. Besides, as you pointed out, I haven’t driven my new car yet, and I have my GPS app to get me where I need to go.”

“You’re sure?” he asked with concern in his voice.

With no one around, she put her hand over his. “I am, but thank you for offering your help. There is no need to worry.”

They gazed into each other’s eyes long enough to convey their feelings for each other, then Andrés broke the connection.

“Well, let’s make sure we get you out of here and back before sunset. I don’t like the thought of you driving in the dark your first time going off the ranch alone.”

“I’ll get to the office, pick up the kit, and do the draw. Please text me the name and address of the lab you use. Will you be around when I get back?” she asked, not looking at him as she took the cups to the dishwasher.

Andrés followed her. “Piper, please look at me.” He patiently waited until she lifted her head and smiled when he saw the faint blush on her cheeks. “I will be around.”

“Then I will see you when I return.”

Together they walked out just as Rosamund came in, and she eyed them closely. “There you are, Piper! I stopped by your office to see if you wanted to join me for a break, but I see you’ve already had one.”

Piper laughed. “Andrés didn’t want to make me feel like a dunce for not doing my job, so he invited me for a cappuccino.”

“Andrés, Piper is anything but a dunce, and she does her job perfectly. I’ve even heard you say so. What was the problem?”

Piper immediately answered. “No, no, Rosamund, I was joking. It was just a misunderstanding about the pre-travel test. I’ll let Andrés explain because I’ve got to do the blood draw and get it into town. I’ll see you both later.” She ran out the door.

Andrés knew how much Rosamund cared about Piper when she turned on him again. “I don’t need an explanation of the problem as it seems it has been worked out. But what on earth are you thinking letting her drive into Tacuarembó? As far as I know, she’s never driven her car out the ranch gates, and certainly not into town. And Andrés, couldn’t you see she’s exhausted?”

He frowned. “I offered for either Emmett or me to do it, but she insisted. All I could do was get her out of here sooner than later so she wouldn’t be coming home in the dark. Why do you think she’s exhausted? Did she complain about being tired?”

“No, she hasn’t complained, but she wasn’t quite herself this morning and seemed preoccupied. There are dark circles under her eyes, and I don’t think she’s getting enough sleep.” Rosamund took a deep breath and sharply looked into Andrés’ eyes. “If you care about her, and I think you do, don’t overload her this week or the next two weeks in the U.S. will be hard on her.”

Andrés hoped the flush he was feeling wasn’t obvious to Rosamund. “I hear you. Thank you, Rosamund, for your candor.”

He didn’t give her a chance to respond before he walked out the door. It was clear that Piper’s sense that Rosamund suspected they were involved romantically wasn’t her imagination… it was right on target.

* * *

Several hours later, Andrés returned from a ride on Darico when he saw Piper’s car parked at the casita. She had done what he asked and texted him when she arrived and left the lab. He thought the time between seemed longer than it should have been but took into account that she might have wanted to get something to eat or shop. He handed off Darico to one of the grooms for untacking and grooming so he could get to the casita.

Piper didn’t answer the door right away, and after knocking and calling her name several more times, Andrés grew alarmed. He knew she wasn’t in her office or the stables and was about to call her when she opened the door.

“I thought I heard my name. Have you been out here long?” Piper leaned against the door and yawned. “I sat on the sofa to text you, but I must have fallen asleep.”

He stepped inside, put his arm around her, and closed the door. “Rosamund was right about you being exhausted. I think it would be best if I don’t come here after supper this evening. You should go to bed after you eat and get a good night’s sleep.” He guided her back to the sofa, and she laid her head on his chest.

“No, please, don’t change our plans. I’m not hungry, so I’ll nap while you eat and spend time with Luis.”

Remembering Rosamund’s admonishment earlier, Andrés stood firm. “Piper, I insist. Are you not hungry because you had something after visiting the lab? It seemed you stayed in Tacuarembó longer than necessary for dropping off the blood sample.”

“No, I didn’t eat.” She sat upright and reached for her tote bag. “It was probably longer since I had to go to another lab. Here’s the receipt for the sample.”

Andrés’ attention was on the receipt. “I’m familiar with this lab but I’ve never used them. Why did you have to go there?”

“The technician at your lab said they were too busy to turn it around in time. Evidently, one of the cattle ranches in the area had some outbreak or another, and the lab was overwhelmed with blood samples from the herd. He recommended this place and gave me the address with directions. Did I do something wrong by going there?”

“Not really, but I wish you would have called me first. The technician must be newly hired because I pay that lab for priority over other work they might have.” He saw the distressed look on Piper’s face and didn’t want to make her feel any worse. “No harm done, Piper. The receipt says they will have the results within two days. I’ll follow up with the owner of our usual lab tomorrow.”

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