Page 12 of Hard Rock Fling

"Hope, you scored an internship at one of the most sought-after companies in the country. Only a handful of people who apply get one. That in itself is impressive."

I gave him a small smile. "The rock star is telling the intern she's impressive? Are you trying to flatter me?"

"Just making an observation." Ian said, parroting the words I'd told him back at me.

I sat up in my seat. "I'm not trying to wallow in self pity. I've got a plan. I'm going to work my way up. If I work hard enough, eventually someone will notice me."

He smirked. "Someone already has."

I flushed, heartbeat speeding up. "I meant someone important."

Ian threw his head back, faking a pained groan. "Shit, you know how to hurt a guy's ego, don't you?"

"No! That's not what I meant. I was talking about one of my bosses. Someone who could hire me for real."

He examined me closely, thinking for a moment. "I could put in a good word for you."

"You would do that?"

"It's like I said last night. Wouldn't want to lose such a pretty face."

My breath caught. I reminded myself it didn't mean anything. He and his brother probably said it to all the girls. "Um. No thanks. I don't want special treatment. I don't want people thinking you're doing a favor for one of your groupies."

"Sweetheart, with the way you've been shutting me down, no one's going to think you're a groupie."

I was melting under his gaze. If that was what he calledshutting him down,I'd hate to see what it looked like when a girl fell under his spell. Then again, bottled water girl had floated off into the clouds when Damon pulled her aside after the concert.

"Ian, with The Twins' reputation, anyone who sees me talking to you is going to think I'm just another groupie."

He looked away. "Can't argue with that," he murmured. His expression turned dark for a brief moment, lips turning down into a frown. I wondered why. Surely he knew better than anyone the rumors aboutDamianand their behavior towards women.

"Not that I don't appreciate the offer," I continued. "I just don't want any favoritism."

"I get it. You want to prove you can do it on your own. Very noble." He grinned, all signs of his earlier frown having disappeared. "It's almost… virtuous."

"Funny."

"Just saying. Everybody uses their connections to get ahead in this industry. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"Yes it is. Can't you understand how mortifying it would be if a famous rock star told my boss to give me a job? Everyone would think—" I cut myself off, flushing.

Ian smirked. "Go on. What would people think?"

I stared into my coffee, avoiding his gaze. "You know exactly what they'd think."

"Maybe I don't. Tell me."

"They'd think that we…" I trailed off, squirming.

Ian leaned forward until our thighs pressed together. He trailed his finger along my jaw. I looked up with a start. "That we what?"

My inner muscles clenched from that touch. The urge to lean into it was as strong as the urge to run away. "You already know."

"Maybe I just want to hear you say it."

My stomach leaped into my throat. I could barely think through the haze of desire clouding my mind.

Then the curve of his smile turned into a wicked smirk and the fog lifted. My brain snapped back in a fit of pique.