Her Billionaire Daddy (Western Daddy Doms #1) - Allison West Page 0,2

lives on the old farm my parents owned. When they passed, she couldn't see to sell it and I certainly didn't need the money." He grimaced realizing he'd said too much. He didn't want to brag or flaunt his earnings. He'd done well for himself and though he was proud of such accomplishments, he didn't need to have her interest in him - even as friends - be solely based on finances. He hated how the people he thought were his friends resurfaced when he'd become well known, begging for money, asking him to invest in their project or wild idea.

"I'm sorry about your parents," Samantha said, her hand soft and delicate, grazing his arm and resting firmly on him as a show of support.

"Thank you," Martin said, exhaling a soft sigh. He hated to break up this reminiscing session, but he had stopped at the bookstore for Rosie. "I guess she's a no-show."

"What's that?" Samantha asked.

"Riley Grant. I'm supposed to pick up a copy for Rosie of her latest book. She's a huge fan, reads every romance that's ever been written by Riley Grant. Looks like she's a no-show though. It's just you, me, and the store clerk."

Samantha's cheeks reddened. Martin had forgotten how her creamy complexion had always flamed quite easily, especially with the dusting of freckles across her cheeks and nose. Martin couldn't help but wonder if the freckles cascaded down her neck and across her breasts. She was the only woman that he would consider off-limits. She knew too much about him to be interested in him. He could get any girl he wanted and well, while his dick definitely wanted her, he couldn't do that - he wouldn't.

"I'm Riley Grant," Samantha said, her eyes glancing down at the floor.

Was she embarrassed?

"No way." He couldn't believe it. "Rosie's favorite author is her childhood best friend. You have to be kidding me." It seemed surreal, to see her again, to hear how successful and accomplished she had become, Martin was happy for her. He stalked toward the signing table, waiting for her to come around the other side. "Then, I suppose I need two copies. One for Rosie and one for myself. I don't usually read romance novels, let alone buy them, but if you wrote it, I'm going to have to read it."

"Don't!" Samantha blurted loudly, her eyes wide like a doe as she reached for the pen lying on the table. "I mean, I'll sign one for Rosie, but you wouldn't care for it, Martin. It's romance."

He couldn't tell if she was embarrassed or honestly believed he wouldn't like her book. It only made him more determined to read her writing. "I'm sure I will love it."

"Wonderful."

Was that a hint of sarcasm he heard? "I believe it is," Martin said, not letting her get away with being snarky toward him.

"How would you like it signed?" Samantha asked, holding the dark purple gel pen in her hand.

"With your name and phone number inside the book to me. The one to Rosie, you can sign it personally to her."

Smiling, she stared down at the pages of the book, writing a note, one to each of them. "Don't read yours until you get home," Samantha said, her tone insistent though he couldn't fathom why. He had seen her scribble a few digits and knew that at least he had won her number. Not that he couldn't have dug it up if he had to.

He sensed her hesitation. "I promise I'll wait until I get home, but that could be awhile."

"Why's that?" Samantha asked.

Martin glanced at his watch, it was nearing dinner and he knew she had to be done soon with the signing. Besides, the bookshop was pretty vacant. He doubted she'd be missed by anyone else. "I was hoping you'd accompany me to dinner this evening."

Samantha stared at him, her expression unreadable. He had no idea if he'd offended her or flattered her. "How do you know I don't already have plans or a husband for that matter?"

He laughed under his breath. "No ring," he said gesturing toward her hand, "and you already wrote your number in my book, which I now have to purchase. Besides, who said anything about this being a date?" He turned the tables on her, wanting to gage her reaction.

Her eyes shined, smiling behind her facade. What was she hiding from him?

"All right Mr. Playboy of the month." She reached for her bottle of water on the table, opening the lid to