Page 17 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

He chuckled. “And you’re the Resistol All Around girl.”

“Yes, sir, I am. Gray is my color.” She grinned. “Call me Piper.”

Andrés smiled at their good-natured banter. “I’m giving Piper a tour, and we were about to see the stables. How is Señor doing now that he’s home?”

“Go on in and see for yourselves. He ate well this morning, and I’m about to take him out for some exercise.”

The three of them went into the stables. Piper was amazed to see the detailed organization of the equipment and the size of the stalls, and she counted five horses, two foals, and three empty spaces. She was in awe of Señor Alberto Luis, standing so regal in his stall.

“He’s a wonder, isn’t he? So beautiful,” said Piper.

Señor whinnied when he saw Andrés, and he nuzzled him as he got closer. Andrés whispered to him and began stroking his neck and shoulder.

“Isn’t he, though?” he agreed.

Andrés and Emmett talked about how much time to give Señor exercise, and Piper heard Andrés tell Emmett that he would take care of exercising the horse the next day so Emmett could have the day off.

After chatting with Emmett, Piper and Andrés left the stables out of the back doors. In front of her were two equally large corrals for grazing horses and a barn behind them. There were two Criollo horses and two Morgans grazing in the corrals.

“Those beauties and two American Quarter horses in the barn are for staff and guests to ride. My horse, Darico, is a Criollo, and Emmett rides the Quarter horse,” Andrés said. He looked down at Piper. “You struck me as an Arabian rider.”

Piper grinned. “You are correct. Arabians have always served me well.”

He made a show of wiping his brow in relief. “Whew! I’m glad to hear that, since an Arabian is what I bought for you.” He laughed at the look on her face.

“You did what? Did you buy a horse specifically for me? What if I leave or you fire me? You are either incredibly generous to your employees or insane. Right now, I’m seriously considering the latter.” Piper was embarrassed, ashamed, and pleased all at the same time. The first two feelings caused her to scowl and quickly walk away before she broke down in guilty tears in front of him.

“Piper, wait.” Andrés followed her and gently put his hand on her elbow to stop her. “I’m sorry for presuming so much. I should have asked you which breed you wanted.”

She closed her eyes to keep the tears from falling, took a deep breath and turned to face him, then felt even more guilty when she saw his regretful expression.

“I’m right—you are insane. What areyouapologizing for? You did something thoughtful and giving. I’m sorry for my reaction. I… I think I’m overwhelmed and tired, and I’ve definitely had too much champagne.” Piper laughed nervously. “Maybe you should show me to the casita, and we continue your guided tour tomorrow.”

“I understand. Come, let’s get you there so you can rest. The casita will be unlocked, but do you have your key?”

“Right here in my tote bag,” she answered, patting her bag and tentatively smiling.

As she walked next to Andrés around the stables and on a flagstone pathway between the stables and the hacienda she guessed would take them to the little house, Piper thought he must think her the most ungrateful person. She was surprised that possibly losing the job before starting made her sad, in addition to being humiliated by her outburst.

The casita came into view, and Piper couldn’t believe what she saw. She started laughing hysterically.

Andrés’ eyebrows raised in confused amusement.

“It’s not so little,” she said between gasps.

“Pardon?”

Piper took hold of her emotions and tried to regain some professionalism. “I was expecting something smaller. After all, casita defines as a small house.”

“I want people who visit or work for me to be comfortable. But if you object to my particular brand of ranch casita living, I’m sure we can make the perfect spot for you in the barn loft.”

Piper turned suspicious eyes on him and was relieved to see a flash of humor in his eyes. “Uh-huh, I dare you to try.”

They smiled at each other and continued walking. Piper decided not to say a word when she saw the new blue BMW parked outside the casita.

Andrés stopped at the door. “Before we enter, I want to say that I am so pleased you accepted my offer, and I want you to feel you are a member of our ranch family and at ease from the start. If I overstepped boundaries by not consulting you about the horse, it was not my intention. And should you feel uncomfortable in any way, I hope you will not hesitate to let me know.”

Without thinking, Piper put her hand on his arm. “I’m so sorry for the way I responded back there. Please believe me when I say that you have not overstepped. Everything, including my new horse, has surpassed my expectations as a new employee, and I am most grateful.”

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