Page 45 of Hard Rock Heat

"If you're looking to leave, you're going the wrong way," hesaid.

I crossed my arms. "I don't want to talk toyou."

"Why?" He looked as put out as I felt. "Because you think I'm an immatureasshole?"

"Yes."

"So I like to play around with my friends," he said, sounding frustrated. "They give me hell just as much as I give them. Cam once put motor oil in my energy drink. Ian pretended to smash my favorite guitar on stage. It's just how weact."

I stared at himsilently.

"I probably shouldn't have messed around with Gael and Cerise the way I usually do," he admitted. "It's just habit. I didn't really think about the fact that you werehere."

"Nice to know how easily you can forget aboutme."

My voice rose with every word. The few people in the hallway with us swerved their heads around in interest, watching the scene we were putting on. I flushed in embarrassment. Damonnoticed.

"Come here." He took my arm gently and lead me through an open door into a parlor room. For some reason, I lethim.

He closed the door behind us. We were the only two people there. He turned to faceme.

"I didn't mean to imply I forgot about you," he saidfirmly.

"Sounds like that's exactly what you did," I saidcrossly.

He ran a hand through his hair, looking exhausted. "Fuck. I've never had to work this hard for anything in my life," he murmured. He met my eyes and blew out a breath. "I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to hurt yourfeelings."

"My feelings weren't hurt," I repliedautomatically.

His lips quirked into a smile. "Is that why you're looking at me like you want to gut me with a rustyspoon?"

I scowled at him, not wanting to give in. Not wanting to admit he really had hurt me with hisstunt.

Damon approached mecarefully.

"I know you think I'm a thoughtless jerk," he started to say. "And maybe I act like onesometimes."

"Maybe?" Isnorted.

"But I'm also a caring brother," he continued, ignoring my comment. "And I'm a loyal friend. And, yeah, sometimes I run my mouth off, but I always say what I mean and I don't playgames."

"Are you saying I'm playing games?" Iasked.

"No." He shook his head. "I just want you to know that although I can be an ass, that's not all Iam."

Damon stared at me silently after his speech, waiting for my response. I didn't know what tosay.

"Why are you telling me this?" I finallyasked.

"Because I like you," he said simply. "Because I care about your opinion ofme."

"Since when do you care what anyone thinks of you?" Iasked.

"Sincenow."

"What are you playing at?" I asked. "What's your angle? I don't getit."

"I told you," he said. "I don't play those kinds of mind games." Damon took my hands in his. I didn't pull themback.