Page 46 of The Billionaire and the Maid

I turn to him and glare. “Oh, come on! You were as shocked as I was. There is most definitely a story there.”

“I’m sure there is. But it’s not really any of our business, Ella,” he says.

I roll my eyes and turn back to face the road. “Whatever. I know you’re curious. You think Lorenzo will spill it?”

“Spill it?” Chase asks.

“You know what I mean. Tell us what’s going on,” I say, my voice strained by my frustration.

“Ella. Let’s just let it go. If they want to talk about it, then they will. I mean, you’re close to Greta. Askherif you’re so curious,” Chase says.

“I would, if she’d return my calls,” I mutter, crossing my arms like a petulant child.

Chase pulls up to the stables and Lorenzo walks out, leading a beautiful dappled gray horse that I didn’t see the other day.

I open my car door before Chase can get to me and walk up to Lorenzo and the horse.

“I brought you your gift,” I start as I pull out a tin of cookies I had Elisha bake for the horses. “Special horse cookies. And people can eat them too if you want one.”

Lorenzo laughs. “I love it. Thank you,” he says warmly as he accepts them.

“Who’s this beauty?” I ask as the horse leans forward and noses my shoulder. I giggle and pet his neck.

“This gentleman’s name is Ridgley,” Lorenzo says as he pats the horse.

“Well, you are a real looker, Ridgley,” I whisper. Ridgley gives a low whinny and I laugh as I run my fingers down the soft hairs of his nose.

“He’s yours,” Chase says from behind me.

I frown and look at Lorenzo, who’s smiling down at me, and then turn to Chase who’s also grinning.

“I’m sorry. I think I was hallucinating. What did you say?” I ask, my hand not moving until Ridgley moves, forcing me to continue petting him.

“He’s yours, Ella. Merry Christmas,” Chase repeats.

“No, I can’t. Seriously, Ican’t. I…horses take a lot of time and money,” I stammer over an explanation.

Lorenzo waves a hand in the air. “No worries, my dear. You don’t have to pay a dime. And we’ll board him here,” he says, motioning to the stables behind him. “He’ll be cared for and available to you to ride whenever you like.”

My mouth goes dry, and I feel a little light-headed. Memories of Gunther come flooding back to me. The feel of his brown coat beneath my fingers. I begin to shake and Chase steps up behind me as everything goes black.

* * *

“Ella. Ella! Wake up, beautiful.” Chase’s voice is the first thing I hear. I open my eyes and find myself lying in his arms. Ridgley is sniffing my knees and Lorenzo is down next to me on my other side.

“Are you alright, Ella?” he asks in a very grandfatherly tone.

“I—I’m f-fine,” I manage as I try to sit up, but Chase’s strong arms keep me plastered to him. I’ve got to stop passing out around him. Elisha swears I lose consciousness so easily because I never eat, but who has time or money for food these days. Thank goodness that woman pushes her pastries on me every chance she gets.

“Easy, Ella. Take it slow. Nonno, can you grab her water,” he asks.

“Of course, stay down there,” Lorenzo commands as he gets up, fairly gracefully for his age, and walks into the stables.

I look up at Ridgley who is staring down at me…with concern? Could an animal I just met be concerned about me? Man, did I hit my head?

“You’re lucky I was able to catch you. Are you sure you’re OK?” Chase asks, and I look up at him. He’s very handsome from this angle. His strong jawline clenched. His dark eyes searching mine. His bicep bulging beneath his shirt.

“Yeah. I’m fine. I…it’s just a little overwhelming,” I admit as I struggle to sit up. Chase finally lets me, and we both sit staring at each other until Lorenzo arrives with the water.

---