A Love All Her Own by Janet Lee Barton Read Free Book Online

he knew. Actually, it was more than several; it seemed he knew most of the people in the dining room. She supposed it was no different than when she was out in Eureka Springs. She’d been born and raised there, and while she knew many people, she couldn’t recall ever being treated with such open respect and friendliness as she’d seen Marcus treated with. It wasn’t a thought she wanted to explore—not at the moment anyway—and she was relieved when the waiter brought the next course and broke into her thoughts.
    The filet of beef was the most tender she’d ever eaten, and she was glad Marcus had suggested it. “This is wonderful. I can see why it is one of your favorites.”
    “I’m glad you like it. Thank you for agreeing to have dinner with me. It’s nice to have company.”
    Abigail had a feeling he could have company any time he wanted, but she didn’t say so. “You are welcome. I don’t really like eating alone, either.” Now why did I say that ? Marcus didn’t need to know that.
    “I’m sure you don’t have to do it often. And once you meet people here, you won’t need to anymore. I’m sure you’ll have invitations from many people and keep me quite busy.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I will be the one accompanying you most of where you go while you are here.”
    “I’m sure you have more important things to do. I assumed you’d assign one of your agents to watch me.”
    “I thought about it, but I’ve decided to do that myself. You are the daughter of the man who helped me start my business. My father makes a good living, but I didn’t want to take money that he might need in his own business. Your father loaned me money when no one else would. . .not to mention that he is an old family friend. And I’m sure that by the time you leave Hot Springs, you will be considered a family friend in your own right.”
    While Abigail hoped he was right—she really liked his parents and could see why her parents regarded them so highly—she reminded herself that in escorting her around town, Marcus would only be doing the job her father was paying him to do. That thought dampened her mood somewhat, and she was glad that their dessert of orange and cream coconut cake was served so that she didn’t have to talk—but she found she’d lost her appetite. She mostly pushed the cake around on her plate until she looked up to find Marcus watching her.
    “Are you all right? This cake is delicious, and you’ve barely touched it.”
    He really had the most brilliantly blue eyes Abigail had ever seen, and looking into them did funny things to her heart. “I guess I’m still a little tired from the travel and all.”
    “That is understandable. Would you like some coffee or tea before we leave?”
    “No, thank you. I’ve asked for tea to be brought to my room each night before bedtime. It helps me sleep better.” At least it usually did. Abigail hoped it would settle her down tonight and make her sleepy. She didn’t want another night like the last one.
    Marcus motioned the waiter over and paid for their meal.
    “You don’t have to pay for mine. They can put it on my hotel bill.”
    Marcus shook his head as the waiter left the table. “No. I asked you to have dinner with me.” He got up and pulled out her chair.
    As Marcus guided her through the dining room, they were stopped several times by diners who knew him, and he made sure to introduce her to the people at each table. By the time they left the dining room, she knew she’d never remember all their names; Marcus knew them all, and she’d just have to count on him to remind her.
    He walked her to her room and, after taking her key, unlocked the door. “Wait here.” He entered, and Abigail assumed he was checking the room to make sure no one was there. When he came out, he handed the key back to her. “Everything is fine. I hope you sleep well.”
    She took the key and was surprised when an electric spark shot up her arm at the brief