Page 39 of Hard Rock Heat

"I can't believe you're really serious about that." Disgruntled disappointment crossed Damon'sface.

"Is dating really that horrible of an idea?" Iasked.

He looked thoughtful. "It's not ahorribleidea," he saidslowly.

"Did some girl break your heart and now you've sworn to never love again?" I asked, halfjoking.

He frowned. "No. I'm not heartbroken or traumatized or anything like that. It's just, why would I have wanted to be tied down to one woman when there have been so many throwing themselves atme?"

I stared at him in disbelief. "So Mr. Rock-Star-Sex-God doesn't want to settle down. It's as simple asthat?"

"I've never had a reason to." He shrugged. "What can I say, I've been drowning inpuss—"

"Don't even finish that disgusting sentence," I warned, cutting him off. I grabbed my purse in a huff and slid out of the booth. "I can't believe I thought we could have one normal afternoon workingtogether."

"I didn't mean it to sound like that." Damon jolted up after me. "Why are you always getting soupset?"

"Maybe I'm just too sensitive," I shot back sarcastically. "I'm sure the models and groupies you sleep with don't mind being tossed aside, but I'm not thatgirl."

"You're so judgmental." His mouth twisted. "All the girls I sleep with know thedeal."

"Exactly," I said, tapping my finger against the back of the booth in agitation. "I know your deal and I don't want any part ofit."

His eyebrows drew down into a frown. "You really have something against fun, don'tyou?"

"Good bye Damon," I ground out through clenchedteeth.

I turned on my heel andleft.

Chapter Twelve

The cafe was noisierthan usual. I preferred to get my coffee at off-peak hours to avoid the crowded lines. But today was my standing lunch date with my sister, so we were right in the middle of the afternoonrush.

"…we're really excited to have everything back to normal, as hectic as it canbe."

I nodded at her and took a sip of mycoffee.

I still couldn't get over what Damon had said. How could he possibly try to feel me up in public and then turn around and start talking about the hoards of girls he has to choose from? How could he be possibly thinking I'd be okay hearing something likethat?

"Cassie's planning a party to welcome him home," Hopecontinued.

"Mm-hm," I saidvaguely.

That jerk had the audacity to hit on me every time we saw each other, and yet couldn't get it through his thick head that I just wasn't interested in casualsex.

"You remember I told you about Cassie?" Hope continued. "The one who took all those photos of Ian on tour? She asked me to invite anyone who might want tocome."

"That's nice," Imurmured.

At this point, I wouldn't even accept if he asked me out on a date. That jerk didn't deserve my time orattention.

"Damon's going to bethere."

I fumbled with my paper cup, nearly spilling the piping hot liquid all over myblouse.

Hope pointed an accusatory finger at me. "I knewit."

I hastened to steady my coffee before I burned myself. "Knewwhat?"