Page 15 of Hard Rock Heat

His warm hand engulfed mine. Small sparks went through me as skin touched skin, almost as intense as when he'd laid his hands on my thighs. His griptightened.

I pulled away hastily, not lingering. I hid my trembling hand behind myback.

"What are you doing here?" I asked again, aiming for a more politetone.

"This is Damon Drake," Martha said. "He's come to us about an event he'd like tothrow."

"I know who he is," I said automatically. I stared Damon down. "What isthis?"

"You're an event planner," he said easily. "I need someone to plan an event. You see how thisworks?"

I had to look away, unable to meet his stare anymore without wanting to throw my shoe at his head. My Diana Six brand pumps were cute as hell. I wasn't going to risk breaking the heel because of someone likeDamon.

"Out of all the event planning companies in the world, you decided to choose mine?" I kept my eyes trained on the whiteboard behindhim.

"Why wouldn't I?" he countered. "I have experience attending your events, and you come highlyrecommended."

My boss glowed at the praise, even though it was meant for me. I couldn't just shut him down like I usuallywould.

Swallowing down a growl, I nodded sharply. I gestured to one of the high-backed leather chairs surrounding the conference room table. "Take aseat."

Damon sat. I chose a chair on the opposite side. He stood once again, switching chairs, taking the seat next tomine.

That smirk on his face made me want to claw his eyesout.

"If you two already know each other," Martha began, "then I'm sure you're aware Mr. Drake is in the entertainmentindustry."

I nearly snorted. "That's one way of puttingit."

That made him sound too legitimate. Damon ran around on stage like a maniac, slept with a different girl every night, and drank like tomorrow was the end of theworld.

I snuck a quick glance at him. His eyes swept up and down my body, lingering on my chest, angling his head to take in my legs. My heart thumped a quick beat in mychest.

"This is excellent timing, Mr. Drake." My boss flashed him an eager smile. "We've been looking to expand our business and this sounds like the perfectopportunity."

"What exactly are you looking for us to do?" I asked. "We don't have experience planning the sort of… events… you normally attend." If a raging rock star party could be called anevent.

"I want to throw a charity fundraiser," hesaid.

I blinked, taken aback. That was about the last thing I'd expected to come out of hismouth.

"A fundraiser?" I repeated, just to clarify. "Forcharity?"

"Yes." He leaned forward in his chair, tapping his fingers against the table. "I want to raise money for homeless and at-riskteens."

My breath caught. I stared into his eyes, shining withsincerity.

"This is an issue close to my heart," he continued. "I could always just donate money myself, and I do, but it's not just about money. It's about awareness. Mental health and addiction issues, being subjected to neglect and abuse, exploitation and violence…" he shook his head. "There are so many vulnerable kids out there, and all that shit can really mess a person up if they don't gethelp."

Something in my chest, a ball of something hard and unyielding, began tomelt.

"Mr. Drake, you sound like quite the philanthropist." Martha beamed at him, slathering him with compliments, as she always did with potential clients. "As you know, my company has a long history of working with non profits. I'd love to work together on a proposal foryou."

"I'd actually like to work with Faith on this one. I have a feeling she'll be able to give me everything I need," hedrawled.

That melting trickle froze to solid ice. I met his wicked expression with aglare.

Martha nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, of course. Faith is our best event specialist. Whatever resources you need, she'll make sure you getthem."