Romance: Marriage of Convenience Romance: Billionaire's Inheritance Bride ( Billionaire Bad Boy BBW Romance) by Amanda Horton

She had a soft button nose, large hazel eyes, and a curvy beautiful smile. A strange and almost unnerving feeling came over him, but it wasn't unwelcome. This woman was different, and he had to know why.
    Finally, the girls calmed down, bringing their swings to a standstill. “That was a lot of fun,” Lacey exclaimed, short of breath. Still full of energy, however, she jumped off her swing and rushed over to Marie, yanking on her hands. “Let’s do something else!”
    Marie’s eyes went wide. The little girl had changed so much and so quickly. She went from afraid to completely comfortable in an instant, bouncing around and smiling ear to ear. “How about we take a break and get some ice cream?” Marie offered.
    “Ooo.” Lacey cooed, looking to her father. Adam smiled, nodding in consent. He reached forward, about to grab Lacey’s hand, but she immediately shook her head, her pigtails whipping back and forth. She rushed forward and grabbed Marie’s hand instead, a grin on her face.
    “Two can play that game.” Adam retorted, grabbing Marie’s other hand. A wild smirk appeared on his face when he noticed the blush on her face. Adam couldn't stop himself. It seemed natural. She didn't turn away, so they continued.
    He squeezed her hand and took a step forward, leading them toward a local ice cream shop. Lacey skipped along, singing all the songs she could remember from the Wizard of Oz. Marie sang along, a smile on her face. So far, so good, Adam thought. This was going to be easier than he anticipated.
    **
    “I can’t believe how good you are with her,” Adam whispered as they both tiptoed their way out of her bedroom and toward the living room. Lacey was fast asleep in her bed, tightly hugging her faithful stuffed animal.
    “Oh… it was nothing. I’m just glad that she likes me.” Marie’s cheeks turned pink in response as she plopped down on the plush couch. She looked around the living room, her eyes dancing over the huge fireplace, the expensive paintings, and modern-looking light fixtures. “If you don’t mind me asking, how do you even afford to live here? New York living costs an arm and a leg.”
     
    “I’m a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox.” Adam tilted his head to the side where a large, glass display case stood, glittering with numerous trophies.
    “Whoa… no way!” Marie exclaimed. “I felt I knew you from somewhere! I have seen pictures of you with your wife” She realized now who his wife was, and the details of her passing. A car-crash. She bowed her head meekly. “I'm sorry.”
    “Please, don’t be,” Adam grinned, walking over to a mobile bar before squatting down and looking at his selection of wines. “We've had a wonderful day, so why don't we celebrate?” He opened a cabinet, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, but my wine stock is currently a little low. Will some Richebourg be okay?”
    Marie's jaw dropped. “You're kidding. That's 12 grand a bottle.” She rushed forward and took the bottle before he could open it.
    “Of course I'm serious. After making my little girl smile today, you deserve it.” He took the bottle back, popping it open with a sigh. He smiled, pouring them both a drink. He handed her a sparkling, crystal-cut glass before sitting down next to her on the couch.
    Without taking her sight off Adam, she took a sip. Her heart was racing. She couldn’t believe she hadn't recognized him. She couldn’t stop herself from staring at him.
    With the dim lighting in the living room, shadows danced across Adam’s rugged face, making him look even more handsome. Marie bit the corner of her lip, trying to stay professional. This was a job, after all. What kind of actress was she if she fell for the leading man? As her cheeks turned red at the thought, she looked up, her eyes locking with Adam’s.
     
    Marie’s eyes grew wide as she realized how close he suddenly was. Their knees were touching and his arm was stretched across the back of the couch, his