Page 10 of Hard Rock Heat

He hummed an amused sound. His hands ran a slow trail up my outer thighs until he was griping my hips. His thumbs rubbed small circles in thehollows.

The flames inside me rose higher. My nipples peaked under mydress.

With a swift motion he lifted me an inch and slid me off the tablet. As I was set down on unsteady feet, I clung to his tattooed arms. His deliciously muscled arms. He was just as firm and solid as I'dexpected.

Not that I'd been thinking about his arms. Or hismuscles.

I stepped to the side, twisting out from under his grip. I closed my eyes. I breathed in. And out. Calm.Serene.

I opened my eyes. "There, you happy now? Will you please go back to the dininghall?"

He eyed me up and down, slowly sweeping up my legs, lingering on my modest cleavage, no doubt taking in my hardened nipples, until he met my gaze. A full body shiver went through me. I hid it by folding my arms across mychest.

"That was too tame," he declared. "Not nearly spontaneousenough."

With an exasperated noise, I tapped my foot. "This isn't some kind ofcompetition."

"Take off yourpanties."

I choked quietly. "Excuseme?"

"Take off your panties," he repeated, eyestwinkling.

"I don't thinkso."

"Shame. I'd love to see what you're wearing underneath that tight dress ofyours."

My insides tingled at the thought of him seeing under my dress. I took a deep, cleansing breath, resisting the urge to punch him in themouth.

Or throw myself at him and devourhim.

As if he knew exactly what I was thinking, Damon threw me a wicked grin and saunteredoff.

I waited until he was out of sight, then let out a painedgroan.

I was in a world oftrouble.

Chapter Three

"Thankyou so much for coming. It was wonderful to meet you. Congratulations on the award. Hope to see you at the nextevent."

I smiled and shook hands with each guest as they left the venue. They were happy, stuffed with food and tipsy from all the alcohol they'dconsumed.

"Another successful night?" My sister appeared at my side with an armful oftablecloths.

Now that the event was over, we had to clean up. Tablecloths had to be sent to a laundering service, the tables and chairs had to be put away, and all the signage had to beremoved.

My sister had helped out long enough. She'd been working since eight in the morning, just like Ihad.

"Thanks again for helping out, Hope. You can head home with Ian now. I'll take care of therest."

"You sure?" Her eyes shined withworry.

"I'll be fine. Go and finish your date. Thank you for helping metoday."

She threw her arms around me and squeezed, before dashing off to be with her dotingboyfriend.

It was going to be a long night. My boss was out schmoozing with the guest speakers, having arranged to take them to a fancy dinner. My fourth and only intern had disappeared somewhere. Probably with Damon, I reasoned with ascowl.