Hot Number (Hot Zone 2)

"Forget me." He slashed his hand through the air. "What I want to know is who the hell raised him to treat women that way?"

So much for a slow lead-in, Micki thought. Impossible when he'd just given her the perfect opening. "Such chivalry from a man who arrived with one woman on his arm and left with another?" She laced her words with teasing innuendo.

"It wasn't intentional," he said, his tone surprisingly serious.

She couldn't argue with his comment and flushed hot, recalling exactly how she'd come on to him after he'd carried her out.

He tipped his head to one side, studying her with too much intense scrutiny for her comfort.

"You need to know that any woman I've ever been with knows the score and agrees to play by my rules."

She swallowed hard and decided to face the consequences. "Is that why you didn't close the deal last night? Because I was too drunk to agree to your rules, whatever they are?"

He shoved his hands into his pockets and stepped closer to the bed. "You remember it all, huh?"

She nodded. "Just like I'm now sure youremember New Year's Eve."

He exhaled hard and shut his eyes.

She was struck by the thick fringe of lashes, so sexy on a man. She also realized she was right. He did recall kissing her and had been avoiding and ignoring the fact ever since. Because he didn't find her attractive and didn't want to admit his mistake in the sobering light of day?

Whatever the reason, whatever his feelings toward her, she had to know and put this crazy attraction behind her once and for all.

"Look," he said, sitting down by her

side.

She ignored the rocking movement his big body caused and forced a steady gaze.

"You and I couldn't be more different," he explained.

She lifted her eyebrows in surprise. "And you have so much in common with the other women in your life."

To her shock, he burst out laughing. "Touché". Reaching out, he tenderly stroked her cheek. "You're better than the rest of them," he said gruffly. "You deserve more than I could ever give. Especially while I'm still focused on keeping this career of mine alive."

The intimate gesture and honest words took her off guard and her heart did a funny leap in her chest. And she finally understood. When it came to women, Damian lived by what he considered a gentleman's code. Get involved with easy women and don't worry about the damage left behind.

She didn't consider herself better than anyone else, but he was right about one thing. She wasn't the kind of woman up for a no-strings affair. Especially not when the dynamic was already complicated by emotion, the way it was for her.

"I understand" she said, letting him off the hook.

He shook his head. "I don't think you do. I have three sisters. If anyone spiked their drink intending to take advantage of them, I'd string them up by their-" He cut himself off. "Well, you get the picture. I wasn't about to take advantage of you."

But had he wanted to? They had broached sensitive topics this morning. She wasn't ready to touch that one. "I appreciate you looking out for me. You didn't just take care of me last night but you protected my business by calling Sophie."

"It was the right thing to do." He shifted on the bed, obviously uncomfortable with her gratitude.

For Damian, chivalry was inbred. Just because he'd come to her aid when she needed him, it didn't mean his views on women, relationships or her had changed, and she cautioned herself against softening her heart.

An awkward silence surrounded them and Micki struggled for something to say when a loud banging on the door sounded.

Damian was startled by the interruption but grateful, too. He hadn't expected such a private, intimate conversation between them. He also hadn't anticipated the warm feelings as he'd watched over her last night, then had seen her struggle to face her actions-and call him on his.

The knocking on the door continued and Damian glanced at Micki. "Any idea who it could be?”

She shook her head, then shut her eyes tight against what must still be pain. "I have no idea," she said.

The banging grew louder. "Micki Jordan, open the door or I'll kick it open myself!" a familiar voice yelled.