Page 28 of Hard Rock Heat

"Your intern," he said. "Is shesingle?"

I gritted my teeth at the smirk on hisface.

"Kidding," he said. "I wanted to tell you I've got a few friends on board. I thought you might want to know sooner rather than later. I know you hate things being sprung on you at the lastminute."

My jaw slowly unclenched. I supposed that was thoughtful of him. Sort of.Maybe.

"And you couldn't tell me through email?" Iasked.

"I wanted to see your face when I told you." He looked at me expectantly. "Diana Six has agreed to sponsor theevent."

"Diana Six." I blinked. "The same Diana Six I'm wearing right now on myfeet?"

"They're going to bring donated clothing," Damon said. "Professional work outfits, slacks and collared shirts, stuff like that. Help give the kids a leg up when looking forjobs."

My mouth dropped open,speechless.

"And here I thought you weren't a fangirl," he said when I couldn't make words leave mymouth.

"I don't think you understand how many pieces of Diana Six clothing I have in my closet," I finally managed tosay.

"I'm sure I have an idea. Your sister toldme."

I took in a slow breath, calming myself. This was beyond awesome. Katherine had been right — this might end up being the event of the year. That also meant the probability of something going wrong was even higher. I should have been intimated or overwhelmed. Instead, the challenge made it just that much moreexciting.

I really did love myjob.

"How did you pull that off?" Iasked.

"You know those models I fuck in the back of limos?" he said. "Turns out they've gotconnections."

"I'm surprised any of them still talk to you after being thrownaside."

"Hey, the girls I sleep with know the deal. It's all justfun."

"You've got a weird sense offun."

Damon's phone rang before he couldrespond.

"Sorry, you mind if I answer?" heasked.

I was surprised he even asked. Damon seemed the type to take phone calls or text whenever he felt like it no matter whom he was supposed to be speaking with in person at thetime.

I gestured for him to go ahead and went back to taking pictures. I'd need to speak to the stadium manager, or whoever kept it operating, to find out its max capacity. I didn't want the fire marshals to shut us down because the event turned into a firehazard.

After a few more snaps, I turned back to Damon, planning to tell him I was done and ready toleave.

His head was bowed, hair falling to cover his forehead and cheeks. What I could see of his face was pale, his bloodless lips pressed together firmly. He spoke into the phone with low tones. I couldn't hear what he was saying. His pale face made him lookill.

Concern immediately began to gnaw at my chest. I'd never seen Damon like that. I'd rarely seen anyone likethat.

I stood to the side, awkwardly waiting while he finished his conversation. His voice rose at the end, a near hiss, lips curling into a sneer. He said a final word and dropped the phone from his ear. He looked at it like it was a snake ready to bite, his fingers clutched tight aroundit.

"You okay?" I askedcarefully.

He nodded sharply. "Yeah," he said, not looking atme.

"Was it badnews?"