In Your Eyes (Man of the Month 6)

"On the contrary, I'm using my money to buy myself something I truly value, support twelve excellent causes, and incur significant tax deductions. Sounds like a win all around to me." He lifted his hand, signaling to Jenna, who was talking with Beverly.

Both women came over, and though it was clear that Jenna was about to say something, he cut her off with one quick motion. "I'm afraid I have to go deal with a crisis, and I need to head out."

"Oh. But Taylor said the results will be tallied any second."

Megan leaned forward, intending to say that he could certainly stay for a few more minutes, then shocked herself by explaining his plan to add an extra zero to every donation. "It's a shame he has to run," she concluded. "But it's such a generous offer. And think of the positive press coverage for The Fix that will go along with it."

She nodded at the two other women, who looked at each other, both appearing slightly baffled.

"I appreciate your understanding," Parker said to them, then added, "Ms. Clark? I believe my car's waiting on the street. Walk with me?"

Megan shot Jenna what she hoped was a what can you do expression, then hurried to match Parker's stride as she fought an almost overwhelming urge to giggle.

As he'd predicted, a car was waiting for him on the street. "When did you manage to send a text to your driver?"

His slow smile sizzled. "I'm a man of many talents."

"I'll just bet you are."

He put his hand on her lower back as he led her to the car, but they both stopped when Griffin called to them from the door. "Manning! Hey, Manning."

Parker turned, Megan at his side.

Griffin strode over, his eyes fierce. "What kind of game are you playing? And don't even think of bullshitting me."

"Nothing Megan hasn't agreed to."

"Griff, please..."

For a second, Griff said nothing, and Megan actually feared he was going to make a scene or ask Parker his intentions or insist on coming along as a chaperone.

Instead, he cocked his head and said, very slowly and clearly, "If I learn that you hurt her in anyway--one tear, one pricked finger, one bruised ego--I will ride your ass so hard you'll swear I was a hemorrhoid."

"Not loving the imagery," Parker said. "But I get the message. And you have my word."

Griff met Megan's eyes, and she silently pleaded with him to please, please just go back into the bar.

Thankfully--miraculously--he did.

Parker watched him go, and when he turned back to face Megan, she was surprised at the expression on his face. Not irritation, but something warm and friendly. Something like approval.

"You have a good friend in him," Parker said once they were both in the backseat. "Or is he more than a friend?"

"No," she admitted. "We'd thought maybe ... but no."

"Good." Parker's gaze locked on hers, his words sending a warm rush of pleasure through her. She had no idea how she'd gone from completely screwing up the flyer to being the recipient of such heated glances and sensual awareness, but she wasn't going to complain.

But at the same time...

She tilted her head, studying his face, and he looked back at her, amused.

"What?"

"It's just ... well, why good?"

His brows rose with obvious confusion.

"I only mean that if this is a one night thing, what does it matter if there's something between me and Griffin?"