Playboy Billionaire (The Carolina Series Book 3) Read online

  Playboy Billionaire

  The Carolina Series Book Three

  Jill Downey

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Books by Jill Downey

  Playboy Billionaire

  The Carolina Series

  Book 3

  by

  Jill Downey

  Copyright © 2020 Jill Downey

  All rights reserved.

  Published by Jill Downey

  Cover Design Copyright © 2020 Maria @ Steamy Designs

  Editor April Bennett @ theeditingsoprano.com

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, copied, shared, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author. The only exception is brief quotations to be used in book reviews. All places and locations are used factiously. The names of characters and places are figments of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to real people or real places are purely a coincidence and unintended.

  Dedication

  To my first and forever love…mom!

  1

  Penelope Winters pressed her legs against Raven’s flanks, urging the mare into a rolling canter. Her long blond hair, windblown and tumbling around her shoulders, was in vivid contrast with the horse’s jet black coat.

  The tension that had been her constant companion of late began to ease its grip. There would be no paparazzi lurking behind bushes or popping out of nowhere. This was her safe zone, no hidden agendas, just her and Raven in the endless wild beauty of Montana’s Big Sky Country.

  She hand galloped most of the way back home, riding the final mile at a walk to cool down. Her ranch manager Walt Hardy was there to greet her.

  “You’ve got company,” he said, his brow creased in a frown. He held her reins while she jumped down.

  Her nose wrinkled. “Who?”

  He snorted, “Your manager, Ms. Monroe.”

  “Constance?” she said, eyes widening in surprise.

  “Yepper.”

  “Oh no!”

  “That’s precisely what I thought,” he grumbled.

  “Did she bring luggage?”

  “Yep. Barked orders at Josie and me. I unloaded a suitcase that looked like it could hold pert near a month’s worth of clothing. She’s all settled in one of the guest cabins.”

  “Shit.”

  “That woman had a determined glint in her eye.”

  Penelope rolled her eyes. “When doesn’t she? We’ll see who’s the most determined. Wish me luck.”

  A slow smile spread across his weathered face, the deep laugh lines around his eyes crinkling. “Always. Let me know if ya need me to escort her off the ranch.”

  Penelope laughed. “As much as I hate to spoil your fun, I’m sure it won’t come to that. She really does want what’s best for my career. That is her job after all.”

  “I s’pose. If ya ask me, her priority is to herself.”

  Penny squeezed his arm, “You’re just protective and I truly appreciate it. Will you take care of untacking my girl?” She hugged Raven’s neck, brushing her cheek across the soft coat.

  “Sure enough.”

  “Thanks, Walt.”

  He touched the tip of his cowboy hat, “Good luck. I’ll be around if ya need me.”

  “I know I can always count on you.”

  Penelope quickly ran her hands through her tangled hair then smoothed it down before tucking it behind both ears. Taking a deep calming breath, she strode purposefully toward the house. Her boots clomped loudly on the wooden porch, announcing her arrival before the screen door banged shut behind her.

  Josie came from the kitchen wiping her hands down the front of her flour covered apron, with Penelope’s dog Archie at her heels. “I’m sure you’ve heard.”

  “Yes, and I’m sorry you got barked at.” She leaned down and picked up her pug, who greeted her as if she’d been gone for weeks.

  Josie nodded her head in the direction of the guest house. “She’s settling in. She said she had to make a few calls.”

  Penelope grinned, “Let’s hope it takes her awhile.”

  “That woman is pushy.”

  “That’s one way to describe her.”

  They both turned as the screen door opened and Constance entered.

  “My ears were burning.”

  Penelope and Josie exchanged a glance, then Penelope said, “What brings you all the way out here to the middle of nowhere?”

  “After your last phone call, I thought it would be prudent to come talk some sense into you. Always better in person.”

  Josie held up a hand, “I don’t mean to interrupt but I have pies in the oven. Ms. Monroe, refresh my memory, do you have any dietary restrictions I should know about?”

  “I’m lactose intolerant and gluten-free. Other than that, the sky’s the limit.”

  Josie shot a worried look at Penelope. “I had planned on chicken pot pie for supper, but I suppose I could pull out a couple of steaks to throw on the grill.”

  “Splendid!” Constance interjected, not giving Penelope time to respond.

  “That will work. Just take out one steak; I’ll still eat the pot pie. Thanks Josie.” She placed Archie back on the ground and he immediately began sniffing around Constance’s feet.

  “I’ll put a salad together along with a baked potato for Constance.”

  “Don’t forget the wine darling,” Constance directed. “A nice Cabernet would be lovely. Please and thank you.” She smiled guilefully, glaring down at Archie. “Homely little thing, isn’t he?”

  Penelope glanced down, smiling affectionately at her pug. “Shh, don’t you dare let him hear you, he’s very sensitive.”

  Constance rolled her eyes. “You and that dog.”

  After Josie disappeared around the corner, Penelope grasped Constance’s arm and tugged her outside onto the porch. “You will not order Josie or Walt around like they’re hired help.”

  “But darling, they are hired help.”

  Penelope mentally counted to ten then blew out a breath. “They’re like my family. I’m lucky to have them, not the other way around.”

  Constance waved her hand dismissively, “Whatever. I will try. Do I have to get your permission to even speak?”

  Penelope glared, “I’m going to take a walk. I’ll come find you in a bit and we can have that talk you felt was so important you had to fly all the way
to Montana. Make yourself at home but stay out of trouble.”

  She bit back a laugh, “Darling, I’d be hard put to even find trouble in this God forsaken place.”

  “Knowing you, I seriously doubt that.” She pivoted and left her standing on the porch.

  Typical of August, it was a delightful seventy degrees and sunny. She’d been clinging to this place for the past six weeks. It was the only thing that had made the grueling publicity tour for her latest film bearable. She needed to quiet the thoughts that were currently cycling in an endless loop of pain and regret. Here, she could hear herself think. She impatiently brushed away her tears. Two years ago today, her mom had lost her battle with cancer.

  Her mom would have been the one comforting and encouraging her while she endured the embarrassment of having her private pain splashed across the front pages of the tabloids. It was hard enough coping with the ugly breakup and betrayal, then to have your life dissected by people who had no clue of what had really happened…it was cruel. She felt as vulnerable as she’d been when she’d left home for the first time with only her hopes dreams and a suitcase. Constance was the last person she’d expected or wanted to see.

  Penelope massaged her neck, feeling a dull headache coming on. She and Constance had finished dinner and were continuing their discussion on the front porch. They had barely sat down before Constance pounced.

  “You’re being incredibly obstinate Penelope.”

  Gritting her teeth, Penelope said, “I don’t know how else I can say it to get you to understand. I do not want to do this film! Obviously, it will be beyond awkward to work with Noah after our breakup and secondly, I need a break. For real. I barely had time to grieve my mama before the last film started production. I’ve just finished the promotional tour. I can’t do it. You have to get me out of it!”

  “Impossible.”

  Penelope crossed her arms over her chest, lips tight. “Nothing is impossible.”

  “Said the girl with her head in the clouds who knows nothing about contract law!”

  “That’s what lawyers are for.” Archie decided at that moment to jump up against Penelope’s leg, demanding attention. Picking him up, she smiled as the dog covered her neck and face with kisses.

  “Yes, and your lawyers agree with me. It would be sheer recklessness to back out only three weeks before you start filming. You would be blacklisted, no one would want to hire you in the future…too big a risk. You would lose a boatload of money; and more than likely you’d be sued by the movie studio. I’m afraid you have no choice.”

  Penelope buried her face in Archie’s fur, holding him close, “I can’t! You don’t understand. I’m suffering. I’m burnt out. I’m grieving, I hate my co-star. It’s going to bomb at the box office. How can I put in a decent performance? I’m not all here. My heart just isn’t in it.”

  “Yada yada yada. Suck it up buttercup. You cannot let Noah Davis ruin your career…Or any man for that matter. The public is rabid to see you and Noah reunited. Surely it’s not beneath you to use that to your advantage.”

  “Wow, you’re sure missing the empathy chip. This is my real life, Constance. I’m not just tabloid fodder.”

  “I’m your manager. I have to keep your eye on the prize even when you won’t…which by the way is your career. You’re hot right now. You must seize the moment. Whether you like it or not, you and Noah rode the wave to superstardom together. Your destinies are forever linked. Think of Miley and Liam, darling.”

  “Yeah and look how well that worked for them.”

  “This is your future. Acting careers are made and broken with the snap of a finger. Your mom wouldn’t want you to continue to grieve. The show must go on as they say. And for God’s sake, don’t throw it all away over a man.” Constance patted Penelope’s arm, as she pressed her point. “It’s a great script. All the Hollywood A-listers would give their right arm to have the lead.”

  “They can have it.”

  “Have you read the script again?”

  Penelope nodded, “Yeah…it is great.”

  “This could be the next Fifty Shades, darling. Trust me, once you begin, you’ll lose yourself in the character just like you always do. That’s what makes you great.”

  She chewed on her bottom lip, “I suppose…”

  She beamed at Penelope like a proud parent. “Good girl! Now that we have that settled.”

  “You win…as always. Now I’m going to bed.”

  “I’ll be leaving first thing in the morning. You’ve made the right decision. I know I may seem heartless, but its tough love. You’ll thank me later.”

  “I hope so.” Penelope put Archie down and he happily followed her as she headed for bed. The minute she escaped to her room she deflated like a punctured balloon. She threw herself on top of the king-sized bed, buried her face in her pillow and sobbed. Archie rooted his snub nose in Penelope’s thick mane of hair, attempting to comfort her. Fourteen pounds of wiggling energy had her smiling through her tears.

  “I guess we’ll be going to North Carolina whether we like it or not.” Archie looked at her with worry in his intelligent eyes, sensing all was not right in his mistress’s world. She kissed him on his cute little mug and tucked him against her as she burrowed into her pillow, her eyes already heavy.

  The following afternoon, after seeing Constance off, she decided to take another quick ride. This time, she chose to ride Breeze. She could certainly use the attention and exercise. She bridled the chestnut mare then hopped on bareback. They rode for some time, her seat warm from the direct contact against the mare’s back. Their bodies moved like one, sensing and in sync with one another. When she reached the mountain-framed meadow she hopped down. She stroked Breeze under her thick chestnut mane. Her gaze took in the breathtaking grandeur of the mountains and wild grassy view. It never got old.

  Taking a deep breath, she exhaled slowly. “It’s beautiful isn’t girl?” The mare nickered softly and rubbed her large head against Penelope’s chest.

  The air was crisp and fresh, permeated by the scent of sagebrush, prominent after last night’s rainstorm. When she wasn’t in LA or on location filming somewhere, this Montana ranch was her sanctuary, the place she ran to anytime she felt overwhelmed. Here she felt connected to the bigger picture and it comforted her.

  She walked Breeze to the stream’s edge for a drink. The spirited four-year-old Morgan pawed at the water playfully before dipping her head down to drink. The water rippled over the rocks and stones, soothing Penelope’s frayed nerves.

  She could almost forget about the next project, only three weeks away. Almost. Constance had dashed her tiny remaining hope that she could get out of it. Unless a miracle happened, she was due on set in a seaside town in North Carolina the last week of August.

  She pulled out her peanut butter and jelly sandwich and thermos of tea from her backpack, then plopped down on a rock to eat her lunch. Breeze nudged her impatiently and Penelope pulled out the apple slices she’d packed. The horse’s lips felt like velvet across her palm as they searched for the treat.

  The mare nudged her for more. “You’re getting spoiled. I’m nothing more than your vending machine here.” She dug the last two slices out and Breeze quickly finished them off. As Penelope took the last bite of her sandwich, she imagined what it would be like to have a full year off from the bright lights. Hunkered down here in her fortress. This is what she needed most. Time alone, time to heal. She sighed, If only…

  2

  Griffin Bennett peered covertly at the cards he’d just been dealt and blew out his breath in disgust. His hand was so bad, it wasn’t even worth a bluff. He waited his turn so he could fold. Glancing down at his watch he was surprised to see that it was only one a.m. He’d give lady luck another hour to make it up to him. She was fickle and hadn’t given him any breaks at the table tonight…understatement…he was having an ice-cold streak.…down seventy grand, and he’d only bankrolled one hundred thousand.

  On a whim
, he’d made a spontaneous decision to fly into Vegas earlier this evening in the family’s corporate jet. His intentions had been to leave first thing tomorrow morning, however, unless his luck changed directions, he would extend his stay another night to try to recoup his losses.

  The gorgeous cocktail waitress was flirting outrageously, making it abundantly clear that she’d be available for some after-hour socializing if he was interested. She’d been ogling him since he joined in the high-stakes poker game. Nothing he wasn’t used to. He was not only used to it, but he took it for granted. Women loved him. He’d always had his pick of beautiful women vying for his attention. He could have anyone, anytime he wanted.

  He winked at the waitress and nodded his head, signaling he was ready for another bourbon on the rocks. Her eyes gleamed with interest, like a cat eying the canary. She exuded confidence and he was fairly certain that she usually captured her prey.

  As she served his drink, she made sure to give him an eyeful of her cleavage. She was so close Griffin could smell her perfume, an exotic musky scent, applied a bit too heavily for his taste but what the hell. He could live with it.

  She whispered, “I’m off at two.”