The Love Game

“You were a natural on stage. I could have heard a pin drop during your presentation.” Am I babbling?

“Let’s get some dinner.” Tyler laid his large palm on the small of her back to guide her toward the hotel’s front doors.

“We sho

uld get ready for your interview with the reporter from The Gamer’s Seat.” Iris struggled to keep Tyler focused on the convention. It was hard enough keeping herself on task when she could feel the heat of his touch through her deep gold suit jacket.

Tyler continued toward the hotel’s entrance. “That’s not until tomorrow afternoon. We have plenty of time.”

“Why don’t we just eat in the hotel?” Iris pointed behind her toward the busy restaurant that was fast disappearing from view as Tyler moved her relentlessly through the lobby.

“Iris, we’re in San Diego.” Tyler escorted her through the glass-and-metal doors. “We’re not spending the entire convention in the hotel. Let’s try to enjoy at least part of our time here.”

Iris blinked at him. Since when had Tyler Anderson, an admitted workaholic, wanted to enjoy himself? “I thought your idea of enjoyment was spending long hours at your desk.”

Tyler gave her a sarcastic look. “I’m taking a page from your book and learning to enjoy my surroundings.”

Iris had a hard time remaining immune to an uptight Tyler Anderson. Did she have the fortitude to resist his more fun-loving, even sexier persona? Did she want to?

* * *

Almost three hours later, Tyler escorted Iris to her hotel room. He’d capped his media day success with a great Mexican dinner and the company of a charming and intelligent woman. He didn’t want to end the evening.

“Thank you again for dinner.” Iris dug her room card key from her handbag before looking up at him. “It was the perfect way to celebrate your triumph.”

Tyler matched his footsteps to Iris’s as he walked beside her down the hotel’s hallways. “It wouldn’t have been a success without you. I feel like the high scorer in a quest game.”

She gave him the smile that punched him in the gut, taking his breath away. “Are you finally glad you’re here instead of Van?”

Tyler was lost in her warm, coffee eyes; tempted by her full, red lips; intoxicated by her cool feminine scent. “I suppose I am.”

“Even though you have another interview tomorrow afternoon?” Iris stopped in front of her room. She unlocked her door, then pushed it open.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Who are you and what have you done with Ty Anderson?” Iris’s low laughter caused the muscle beneath Tyler’s belt to stir.

Tyler let the door close behind them and scanned her room. It looked uninhabited. Where were her personal items? He wanted to see the perfume she wore. What brand of lipstick gave her lips that moist, kissable look? Where was the lotion that made her skin so soft? The only items in plain sight were her laptop and project folders.

Iris crossed to the desk. “I was going to review this with you after the press conference this afternoon.”

“I’m glad we went to dinner instead.” Tyler tracked her progress across the room—long, graceful strides in her three-inch heels. Her dark gold shoes were an almost perfect match to her skirt suit.

“So am I.” She passed him the top folder.

Tyler took it from her and grasped her hand. “I meant what I said. The success we’re having at this convention is all due to you.”

Iris blushed. “You have a talent for promoting Anderson Adventures’ games. Don’t discount it.”

“You bring out the best in me.”

“That’s one of the nicest things anyone’s ever said to me.”

Tyler stepped closer. “You’ve helped me come out of my shell. With your help, I’ve done things I never thought I’d be able to do, like the launch presentation to our associates and media day.”

Iris’s dark eyes held his. “But you’ve always had the ability in you.” She tapped her slender palm against his chest twice. “Right here.”

Tyler captured her hand, holding it in place.