Page 23 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

When he introduced Piper, Andrés intentionally did not elaborate further on her qualifications or linger for further conversation for fear of sounding more personal than professional. And he was sure that’s why he was the recipient of a frown from Armand.

“That was abrupt, my friend. Do you evenlikeher?” asked Armand discreetly as the group continued to peer into the stalls.

“Don’t be ridiculous! I like her,” Andrés replied, more sharply than he meant to.

“Well, I intend to be more polite. You go on, and I will catch up.”

Before Andrés could object, Armand turned and said something to Piper as he came up behind her.

Not knowing who he was more aggravated with, himself or Armand, Andrés moved on to rejoin the Italians who were now talking animatedly among themselves. They asked a question about the empty stalls, and he explained that he was in the process of adding more one-year-old thoroughbreds for training. There were no more questions, so Andrés directed the men to Señor Alberto Luis. After being awed by Señor Alberto and commending him on Señor Alberto’s win, Andrés suggested they had time to see the corrals and the horses in the barn.

He looked over his shoulder to see Armand and Piper still talking and was inexplicably annoyed. Turning on his most charismatic smile, he asked the men to follow him. He was explaining the corrals were used for a different purpose than the training rings out front of the stables when he heard Piper’s laughter, and Andrés’ head spun in the direction of the sound. Piper’s broad smile was shining on Armand.

Andrés’ jaw clenched, and he glared at them, wondering how they’d gotten so cozy so fast. His eyes met Piper’s briefly, and then she said something to Armand that seemed to please him. He would have a question or two for his good friend later.

* * *

“You shouldn’t have invited her to the party, Armand.” They were in the study, and Andrés was pouring a glass of red wine for Armand, but his beverage of choice was an aged Scotch whisky in the hopes of feeling more relaxed. “You are well aware of my rule of keeping my private life separate from my professional life, especially with regard to employees.”

“Yes, I am, which is why I will send a car for her instead of her coming with you purely for convenience.” Armand was checking the nose of the wine and took a sip. “This is an excellent wine.”

“It should be; it’s from your winery, but don’t change the subject. Why did you invite Piper?”

“I found her enchanting, and you didn’t mention how exquisite she is. I would like to get to know her better.”

Andrés’ eyes almost popped out of his head as he glared at his friend. “You mean you are interested in Piperromantically?”

“I would not go that far yet. I am interested in seeing her socially and, as I said, getting to know her.” Armand watched the wine swirl in his glass. “Is that objectionable to you?”

Andrés cleared his throat and took a drink of the whisky. “No, no, not all. After speaking with her for a few minutes only, I am surprised you feel that way.”

“There you have my reason for extending the invitation, mon ami! I want to spend more time with her.”

There was a knock at the study door.

“Papa, is Uncle Armie with you? I want to show him something.”

Hearing his son’s voice released some of the tension Andrés had been feeling, and he chuckled. “You realize that name is never going away?”

“I do.” Armand smiled.

“Yes, he’s here, Luis. You may come in.”

The study door swung open, and Luis came bounding into the room with a drawing pad in hand.

“Bonjour, Uncle Armie! I drew that flying car we talked about last time.”

“Bonjour, Luis! Then let us sit and see what you have decided should be the model.” Armand sat on the cognac-colored leather sofa, patting the place next to him. “You have been practicing your French, no?”

“Uh-huh, and I try to use sentences, don’t I, Papa?” Luis looked at his father with adoring eyes.

“You do, and your language tutor is impressed with how quickly you’ve picked it up.” Andrés sat in the leather chair across from them and beamed at his son with pride.

He watched and listened as Luis explained the design of the flying car while Armand asked questions. And he pretended not to notice when Luis pointed to Armand’s wine glass and was given a quick taste. He even had heard Armand whispering to Luis about grapes and vineyards and the flavors to expect from wine. Andrés slightly smiled as he thought of where the interests of a seven-year-old might lead him. He could be a winemaker, a champion equestrian, or the designer of futuristic automobiles.

“Ah, look at the time, Luis!” Armand said finally. “I must leave now, but when I visit again, let me see the changes we discussed for your miraculous flying car.”

“I will work on it tomorrow after my lessons, Uncle Armie.” Luis turned to his father. “Papa, are you leaving with him?”

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