Page 32 of Hard Rock Heat

I had succumbed to that man's desires far too much for my liking. I was doing things I'd never done before. Naughty things. Dirty things. I was losing control overmyself.

But a small kernel of doubt still rose insideme.

I sort of…likedthe way I felt around Damon. I liked how he made me feel. Whether he was being an obnoxious ass or making stupid jokes, talking with him, bantering with him, was sort of fun, in an odd way. And it had been a long time since I'd done anything I could considerfun.

Despite my phone being on silent, I still felt the vibrations in my purse. After several minutes, I gave in and checkedit.

Guess I'll have to find someone else to give me those wank pics, he'dwritten.

My heart clenched in mychest.

Who was I kidding. I had to stop torturingmyself.

Yes, this thing between us was hot, and yes, it had been a while since I'd last felt the way, but nothing was going tohappen.

Damon didn'tdate.

I didn't sleeparound.

That was all there was toit.

But, of course, things were never that easy when it came to DamonDrake.

Chapter Ten

After Damon'slittle sexting session, I used work to distract myself, as always. Event planning was a never-ending job. There was always one more email to answer, one more phone call to make. I was grateful for thedistraction.

Unfortunately, today's plans, while a distraction from my family situation, did nothing to help me with the other distraction in mylife.

Damon and I were supposed to visit a few places together today. The first was a community center for disadvantaged youth to speak with their program coordinator. I'd shown up early, hoping to get some of the details hashed out before Damon arrived. When it came to Damon, half the time he was a help, and half the time he was hindrance. I didn't know which he would betoday.

One of the coordinators, a cheery young woman named Jessie, greeted me as I stepped into the front foyer. She waved off my apologies for popping inearly.

"No worries," she said. "I'm just happy to help out. This event you're planning sounds like it's going to be a pretty bigdeal."

"I hope it is," Isaid.

Damon had been the one to mention the place called The Impact Youth Center. He knew of a few people who volunteered there and was able to get me a meeting with one phone call. The man was well connected, I had to give himthat.

"So what exactly are you hoping we can do for you?" Jessieasked.

I gave her a brief overview of the event. She nodded thoughtfully as Iexplained.

"I can definitely put you in contact with some like-minded organizations," she said when I was finished explaining. "We aren't a homeless shelter, but we run lots of programming for disadvantaged kids and teens. We have a staffing firm that does workshops for the older ones looking for jobs. They'd probably love to have abooth."

"We were also hoping to get a couple people to speak at the event," I told her. "Maybe someone who used your services when they were younger and can speak to the importance of supporting this cause. And of course, we want to give some of these kids the VIPexperience."

"I can put together a list of names," Jessie nodded. "There are some kids out there who could really benefit from the star treatment for onenight."

As if summoned by her words, a gaggle of kids run passed us, nearly knocking me down in a flurry of shouts andgiggles.

"Watch it, rugrats," Jessie called out. "No running in thehalls."

I flailed to catch myself before falling down, but my heels slipped on the floor. Two strong arms caught me before I could hit theground.

"You're making this too easy for me, sweetheart." Damon had appeared beside me with a grin, having walked through the doors without me noticing. "I just showed up and you're already swooning in myarms?"

"Quit it." I pushed against his chest. Damon squeezed, keeping his arms wrapped around mywaist.