Playboy Billionaire (The Carolina Series Book 3)

by Jill Downey

  She looked around, her eyes narrowed and unfocused. “Where’s Dolly?”

  “She went to bed.”

  “I’ll have to have a talk with her…she’s got some splainin’ to do,” she giggled.

  “Pen, obviously we’ll have to have this discussion another time. Please just do me a favor and go to bed now. You’ve got a full day of filming tomorrow.”

  “Overbearing much?” she said, glaring.

  “I call it caring…and being truthful. But yeah, in this moment I am feeling like throwing you over my shoulder and taking you home for your own protection.”

  “Ooooh, I like my men saucy.”

  “Stay right here, I’m going to go get Dolly.”

  She fell back against the cushions and closed her eyes. “The room is spinning. I feel like I’m going to be sick.”

  He sighed heavily, “Hold on, let me help you.” He scooped her up into his arms and carried her inside. “Where’s your room?”

  Her arms wrapped around him, her face burrowed into his neck and she nibbled and licked his skin, driving him crazy. She whispered, “Down the hall and right.” She hiccupped and giggled again. “My Sir Galahad.”

  “Do you still feel like you’re going to throw up?”

  “No. But I’m shill lightheaded.”

  “I’m going to have you sit down on your bed for a second.” She sat on the edge of the bed and Griffin kept one arm tightly around her while he pulled back the coverlet.

  “Your suit is still damp, so I’m going to take it off, okay with you?”

  “Shh…ure…you know me, just a hussy.” She giggled then squeezed her eyes shut. A second later she broke into tears.

  “Awww, Babe.” He sat on the bed and hauled her against his chest. Kissing her brow, he murmured soothing sounds as he held her tight.

  “Griff?” Her voice sounded so tiny.

  “Yeah?”

  “Can you stay with me?”

  It was difficult to keep up with her sudden twists and turns and he was doing his best to navigate. “Maybe I should go get Dolly to keep you company.”

  “I jush want you to hold me.”

  “I can do that,” he capitulated, since it was what he wanted to do anyway.

  He pulled the ties on her bikini top and removed it, then tugged her bottoms off. “Don’t move,” he said, then went over to her dresser and rooted around until he found a tee shirt.

  “Put your arms up,” he commanded, she swayed as she held them out for him. He pulled it over her head then lay her down, covering her.

  “Don’t leave me,” she said, sounding panicked.

  “I’m not, I’m just taking my pants off.” He kicked his shoes to the side and stepped out of his jeans. Then he took off his shirt and crawled in next to her with only his boxers on. He sighed. It’s going to be a long-ass night.

  He spooned her from behind and pulled her tightly against him. Inhaling her scent, he took pleasure in her warm soft body melting into him. Within minutes her breathing was quiet and steady…she was asleep. He kissed the back of her head and much to his surprise he found himself getting sleepy.

  As he drifted off, he remembered her calling herself a hussy; what was that all about? She’d said she’d only been with two men…hardly promiscuous. He’d question her about it when she was sober and rested. His last thought as he drifted off was…so elusive.

  Penelope snuggled sleepily into the warmth enveloping her from behind. Her eyes shot open when she felt a hard stiff rod pressing into her bottom. Suddenly she was wide awake. She wiggled her butt against Griffin and his arms tightened around her. His lips rested against her neck for a moment, then he sat up, leaving her filled with a longing for his touch.

  “Where are you going?” she asked. She rolled onto her back and watched him pull on his pants.

  “Home.”

  “Why?”

  “Penelope, we have a few things to work out before we jump back into sex again.”

  She sat up scowling. “You’re blowing me off?”

  “No, I didn’t say that.”

  “It sure sounded like that to me.”

  “You’d better get out of bed and get ready for work Ms. Tequila Sunrise or Stew will have your head. Do you have any aspirin around here? I’ll bring you a couple before I take off.”

  “In the bathroom.” She watched his broad shoulders and muscular back as he strode toward her en-suite. “I suppose you undressed me and put me to bed?”

  He returned with two pills in his palm and a small glass of water.

  “Here.”

  She popped them into her mouth and swallowed.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  “Too soon to tell. How bad was I last night?”

  “Let’s just say I got here in the nick of time…you were a hairbreadth away from passing out.”

  She looked at him from under her lashes, and felt her cheeks grow warm, “Did I say anything that I should, A…apologize for or B…be embarrassed about?”

  He smiled down at her and took her chin in his hand. “Your secrets are safe with me.”

  She stiffened and all the color drained from her face. “Wh…wha…what do you mean by that? What did I say?”

  “Hey, I was just kidding. Penelope? Are you alright?”

  “I guess I’m more hung over than I thought. You can go now,” she said, jerking her chin from his grasp.

  “See you on set.” He turned abruptly and stomped out of the room.

  Her hands shook as she tied the sash of her robe. She felt terrible. Instead of thanking him for taking care of her last night, she had hurt him. How am I supposed to work today? But they were depending on her and she would have to suck it up. Nobody’s fault but her own. Coffee first, then she would get it together.

  29

  Griffin grabbed his cup of Joe from the coffee bar and turned as Penelope approached. “Hey,” he said.

  “I’ve been looking for you.”

  He stopped in front of her and his eyebrows rose as he waited. She licked her lips which sent desire coursing through him.

  “Griff, I’m sorry. I had some unexpected news yesterday and I was trying to wrap my head around it. I didn’t mean to push you away. Forgive me?”

  He tilted his head. “Are you alright now?”

  “Yes. I have some things to deal with that I’m not ready to talk about just yet, but I’m handling it.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help? I’ve got very broad shoulders you know.”

  “Just be patient with me.”

  “Patience is definitely not my strong suit, but I’ll do my best.”

  A smile lit up her face, and her eyes sparkled. “I’d appreciate that.”

  “I’d like to whisk you away for another quick trip. After tomorrow, we don’t have any scenes for a couple of days.”

  “Can I think about it?”

  He reached down and stroked her face, “Do I have a choice?” Her eyes closed as she rubbed her cheek against his hand. Griffin sighed, “Right now, all I can think about is you pressed against me in bed this morning. I want to kiss you breathless right now. This distance at work is killing me.”

  She dissolved into laughter, “What do you think would happen if we came out? That we’d be making out all day between sets? We’d still be in the same boat. We have to keep things professional.”

  He grinned salaciously. “Says who?”

  “Me. I’ve got to find Stew. I have a couple suggestions for my next scene. I’ll get back with you later about the getaway.”

  “I saw Stew in the meeting room right before I came for coffee.”

  She met his gaze, “Thanks, I’ll see you later.”

  It was taking an extreme amount of self-control to keep his hands off Penelope. He craved her. If her burning gaze was any indication, he wasn’t alone.

  “Later.” He watched her disappear around the corner then headed to his dressing room. He needed to hit up Dolly for a favor. He was hopi
ng to enlist her help in surprising Penelope. That is, if Ms. Winters said yes to his suggestion. They needed time to play together…she needed to forget about whatever demons she was fighting. Dolly was the best ally he could think of.

  Penelope and Stew had hashed out some scene details and now she was pacing in her dressing room gripping her phone, summoning up the courage to make the call to Graham. She knew it was ridiculous to be nervous. There was no way she’d reach him today and she had a slim chance that he’d return her call at all. Well here goes nothing.

  She dialed the number for his local office. “Yes hello, my name is Penelope Winters and I’d like to get a message to Senator Warren; it’s important that he return my call.”

  “You must get teased a lot for having the same name as the movie star,” the receptionist said good-naturedly.

  “You have no idea,” Penelope said.

  “I can try to make sure that he receives this message, but he’s in DC and out of this office until the end of the week. No guarantees. I can make sure his assistant gets it though.”

  “That will have to do. Will you personally follow up on it for me?”

  “Absolutely, now what is the message?”

  “Please tell him that I have some old photographs that he might be able to use for the campaign. Tell him to call me. I know he’ll be interested. Here’s my number.” Her hands were shaking as she rattled off her number. He promised to follow up with her after he delivered the message and they disconnected.

  It would be perfect timing for a getaway with Griffin. She needed the distraction, or she’d drive herself crazy waiting for the return call. Penelope glanced at her watch. She’d better get a move on if she didn’t want to be late.

  Like they were in perfect sync, Dolly knocked at that exact moment and popped her head in the door.

  “I’m here. Sorry I’m a little late, Griffin cornered me.”

  Penelope arched a brow, “Did he now?”

  “Yes, and I promised to twist your arm about his surprise trip. Can I just say, he is so romantic! You’ll love this itinerary.”

  “Spill.”

  “I can’t, I promised. But I do have a job assigned to me after I get you to agree.”

  “You’re playing it that way, are you? I had you pegged as the loyal type.”

  “I am. I know what’s best for you.”

  “I was going to say yes anyway. I called Graham and left a message with his local office in Nevada, but he’ll be in DC until the end of the week, so he probably won’t get it until then.”

  “Perfect. You’ll get to take a break with that gorgeous hunk, and no more mysterious packages to freak you out while you’re away.”

  “How will I know what to pack if you two won’t tell me where I’m going?”

  “That’s part of my job. Pack for you and find a great costume disguise so you won’t be recognized.”

  “You’re kidding right?”

  “Nope. I’ll make it easy, so you won’t have to spend hours on it.”

  “I take it I won’t be going as an alien then?”

  Dolly snorted, “No, I’ll make you just as beautiful as you normally are, I promise. A good wig will probably be enough.”

  “Can I make guesses and you can tell me if I’m hot or cold.”

  “No. Quit digging. My lips are sealed.”

  “For now. I’ll get it out of you.”

  “Now sit so I can do your makeup. Look at those rosy cheeks, Griffin is good for you.”

  “I really like him Dolly, I just keep reminding myself to be in the moment. Nothing is promised.”

  “I don’t know…I have a feeling about this one.”

  “What about you and Ben?”

  She blushed, as she applied foundation to Penelope’s face using a moist sponge, “We’re friends. I’m taking it slow, but I like him.”

  “He seems sweet. I’ve never worked with him before, but he seems dedicated.”

  “He loves his job. He is also funny as hell, which is like kryptonite to me.”

  “You’ll have a couple nights to yourselves with me gone.”

  “Pout your lips,” she said, holding up the lipstick tube. “It hadn’t even crossed my mind.”

  “And I don’t believe you.”

  “Finishing touch. You’re good to go. I managed to cover those dark worry circles under your eyes. I’m a miracle worker. You’re welcome.”

  “Marvelous job. Thanks. I’d better high tail it out of here.”

  “I’m thinking red.”

  “What?”

  “Your disguise…for your getaway with Griffin.”

  “I’ve always wanted to be a redhead.”

  “That should be enough to disguise you…that and sunglasses whenever possible.”

  “Right. See ya.” She ran out the door to the set which was on location today. She wouldn’t see Griffin again until late afternoon. They were reshooting a short scene that Stew thought needed a few changes. She didn’t have any nude scenes for the rest of the week. For that she was thankful.

  She determinedly put aside analyzing the puzzling photographs. There was nothing to be done about it for the time being. She’d focus on work then she planned to throw herself into the trip. A flash of Griffin’s sexy smile made her lips turn up at the corners. She’d be happy as a clam to hole up in a bedroom for the entire time. That would be quite alright with her.

  30

  When Griffin saw Penelope, he had to do a double take. If she hadn’t been standing at her own doorstep, he wouldn’t have recognized her. “Damn, Dolly is good.”

  “I heard that,” Dolly said, stepping around the corner. “I think she makes a gorgeous redhead, don’t you?”

  “She does indeed. Those eyes…green-eyed redhead. Instant boner.”

  “TMI,” Dolly said, plugging her ears.

  “Hey, you two, I am standing right here you know.”

  Griffin swooped down and planted a kiss on her full lips, “You look ravishing.”

  “Thank you. I’m kind of enjoying the red hair.”

  “It suits you.”

  She slipped on her sunglasses and Griffin grabbed her suitcase.

  Dolly followed them to the front door holding Archie. “You guys have fun and forget about everything.”

  Penelope kissed the top of Archie’s head. “I’m always leaving you…my poor baby.”

  “He’ll be fine. Go!”

  “Thanks for your help, Dolly,” Griffin said, over his shoulder.

  “Welcome.”

  He held Penelope’s door and she slid into the luxurious Audi. Jogging around, he jumped in and fired up the powerful engine.

  “Mmm these seats are sinfully sensuous,” she said, sinking into the soft leather bucket seat.

  “What do you want to listen to?”

  “Bruno Mars? With your sound system it should be awesome.”

  “Sure, sounds good.”

  “Now will you tell me where we’re going?”

  “I’ll give you a hint, Mickey and Minnie.”

  She squealed, delightedly. “We’re going to Disney World?”

  He looked over at her and nodded, his throat tightening seeing the joy on her face. Her smile was devastating.

  “You approve?”

  “I’ve never been! I feel like my life kind of skipped that part.”

  “Stick with me, I’ll show you the world,” Griffin said, then realized that he meant it. He wanted to give her everything she’d ever wanted.

  “Oh my God! This is perfect. Thank you.”

  “We’re flying down in the company jet. I’ve booked two nights at the Four Seasons. After we check in, we’re going to go insane for a couple of days.”

  Penelope detected a bit of jealousy coming from Natalie, the flight attendant. She was pleasant enough, but she could sense a coolness. Penelope couldn’t help but notice the way Natalie looked at Griffin, as though she’d like him to be her next meal. Who could blame her? He was rocking his desi
gner stubble and always managed to pull off a sexy, carelessly cool look. Faded blue jeans hung low on his hips, a Vee-neck white tee shirt molded to his body, biceps strong and tanned, check…check…check…all her boxes. Damn him!

  The disguise seemed to be working since neither the pilot nor Natalie had recognized her until Griffin had introduced them. She had to promise the pilot a selfie before disembarking. Natalie was less impressed. Penelope bit back a smile, she certainly didn’t expect her to be asking for an autograph any time soon.

  Griffin was acting as excited as a little boy and he pulled out his laptop to show her the things he wanted her to experience while they were at Disney World.

  “Number one priority is Haunted Mansion. It’s dark and we’ll ride through it on Doom Buggies…get it? Doom buggies,” he said.

  She laughed. “I get it. Is it scary?”

  “It’s just fun and silly…nothing jumps out at you. It’s my personal favorite thing there. Sparks my imagination.”

  “How many times have you been?”

  “At least a half dozen.” He flashed her that killer grin. “What can I say? I’m a big kid.”

  “I love this side of you,” she said, her heart melting in her chest. Griffin got real still and looked at her so intently that she had to look away. She swallowed then asked, “What else?”

  “Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, which is a wild stunt show with the Indiana Jones movie theme. Now that’s a job I could get into. Then there’s the Kilimanjaro Safari, it’s like going on a real African safari tour. The scariest is Expedition Everest…high speeds, drops, creatures jumping out, backward plummets, a train careening up the mountain. It’s a blast! They closed my previous favorite, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, but they’ve replaced it with Guardians of the Galaxy, and it will be new for both of us. You aren’t afraid of heights, are you?”

  “Why?”

  “Just answer the question,” he said.

  “No.”

  “Afraid of the dark?”

  “No, but should I be starting to worry here? I know you’re the adventurous sort.”