Page 76 of Hard Rock Heat

"Yes."

"Let me see thebag."

I handed it over. He took out the remote. My inner musclesclenched.

He didn't do anything. He simply tucked it into his pantspocket.

I relaxed somewhat, the anticipationreceding.

'The waiter said the hors d'oeuvres will be out soon," hesaid.

"That's good," I said, trying to play it cool. "I'm gettinghungry."

"Make sure to leave room for dessert," hesaid.

I half expected him to pull out the remote and start using it rightthen.

"Is there where you make a joke about oral sex?" Iasked.

The moment the wordsoral sexleft my mouth the waiter appeared. I flushed and pretended to play with the cloth napkin to avoid hiseyes.

"The first course," he said politely, setting the plates on the table in front of each of us. If he'd heard my remark, he wasn't reacting to it. "Bonappétit."

The first course was pâté with a loaf of French bread. Damon took the bread knife and cut the loaf into thin slices. He took his time, carefully applying the knife to the bread, sawing his way through. He spread a bit of the pâté on a slice and placed it on myplate.

I squirmed the entiretime.

"I've never had this one before," he noted. "Let me know if you likeit."

"Sure," I muttered. I shoved it in my mouth and chewed, barely tasting it. His eyes were locked on mine. One hand slid underneath thetable.

I tensed up. Was he reaching for theremote?

But nothing happened. I relaxedslightly.

"How is it?" heasked.

I swallowed. "Good."

He nodded and began applying pâté to his own slice with care before taking a bite. I stared at him as he chewedslowly.

"You're right, it is good," he said when he finished. "I hope the rest of the meal is just asdelicious."

I saw his arm move at his side. I inhaled a sharp breath and held it,tensing.

He pulled out his phone and thumbed the volumebutton.

"Sorry, I forgot to put it on silent." He shoved it back into his pocket. "Don't want to be rude and interrupt ourmeal."

"Why aren't you—?" I blurted out, before stoppingmyself.

His lips curved in a playful smile. "Are you soeager?"

"You're enjoying this," Iaccused.

"Fuck yeah I am," he said breezily. "I love watching yousquirm."

"You're evil," Isaid.