Page 16 of Samson

“I know he’s a good-looking guy, but that doesn’t explain why everyone fawns all over him.”

“I may have only been attracted to his date, but even I know he’s more than just good-looking. And with the charm to match, he’s hard to resist.”

“I didn’t think so.”

“Does he bother you because he reminds you of someone you know?”

“André is not Samson.”

“True. Samson doesn’t hide it the way André did. At least with Samson, you know what you’re getting.”

“And that doesn’t bother anyone?”

Luca shrugged. “I don’t think they care.”

“I’ve got to say, I’m surprised you were taken by him.”

Luca laughed. “I’m taken by the business he brings me. Sometimes I wonder if half my diners are hoping to get a glimpse of him. But he always behaves as though he’s genuinely interested in people. If that keeps my customers happy, what more can I ask?”

“You don’t care if he’s a creep?”

“I wouldn’t go that far. He’s confident and assertive, but from what I hear, he’s a decent guy.”

“A decent guy, huh?”

“It’s a relative term. I’m sure he has his fair share of enemies. He’d have to.”

“Like a string of women he leaves in his wake?”

“I haven’t heard any complaints. With a guy like Samson, they must know what they’re in for.”

“How many different women do you see him walk out that door with each week?”

“Hey, I never said you should date him.”

“There’s no chance of that. I don’t date playboys.”

“Oh, I see.”

“See what?”

“He got under your skin like everyone else, and you don’t like it.”

“He got under my skin like one of those burrowing worms. When he walked in last night, he looked me right in the eye and smiled like he expected me to swoon over him.”

“Let me guess, you sent him back a murderous grin?”

“There was no grin.”

“If it’s any consolation, I didn’t think I could get any more proud of you. All the time that Samson’s been coming to Carpi, I have never seen anyone turn him down.”

“Then it’s about time. So what does he do? Wander from place to place enjoying the perks of Daddy’s money?”

“Actually, he works with the government.”

“He’s a government employee? No way.”

“I didn’t say he was an employee.”

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