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“Dead battery, that was all.”
“Finally something goes my way.”
“You mean things weren’t going your way?” His tone was silky; his eyes gleamed. “And here I thought your day had improved tremendously.”
She licked her lips. “I’ll clarify—things are continuing to go my way.”
“As they should.”
“Spoken like someone who’s used to things always going his way.”
“Not always,” he admitted.
“Ninety percent of the time?” she asked, teasing him.
He shrugged, not smiling in response. “I didn’t get where I am because of luck.”
“Are you a workaholic?”
“Would I have blown off a business meeting to spend the afternoon with you if I were?”
“Thought you didn’t have a meeting.”
“I didn’t, not officially. Sometimes I pop in on my staff by surprise.”
“Your staff.” She stiffened, recognizing the implications. “You run a business that has offices in this part of Arlington?”
Another shrug. “Just a start-up, and it’s not entirely mine. There are other investors. I’m not even sure if it’s going to last a year. It could all blow up in my face.”
Just a start-up. In this zip code.
Viv found herself wondering if she’d gotten in over her head. Judging by his clothes and his self-confidence, she’d already pegged the guy as wealthy and successful. She hadn’t, however, banked on him being a one-percenter. She’d had experience with a few überwealthy men. They were usually spoiled, and could be petulant when they didn’t get what they wanted.
Of course, Damien was going to get what he wanted, as was she. And considering he wasn’t an arrogant jerk, she suspected he was only moderately well-to-do, which suited her just fine.
He glanced at his gold watch. God, his hands were strong, yet elegant. Every inch of him was a mix of masculinity and grace. Again she found herself comparing him to the other men she’d interacted with recently, and found them all lacking.
She wanted him. Badly. And she didn’t want to wait any longer to have him. Those dozen—or thirteen—orgasms were practically screaming for her to hurry things along.
“It’s after five. Early dinner, or more drinks?” he said, his tone silky, as if he could read her mind.
“I don’t want my senses dulled the least little bit tonight,” she said, the words almost purred. “So let’s skip the next round.”
She noted with satisfaction that his hand shook the tiniest bit. He might be Mr. Calm, Smooth and Seductive, but he was definitely affected by her. God, it was good to feel the surge of feminine power that pushed up through her. It had been too long since she’d allowed herself to play this sexual game. She’d once played it very well, and was glad to know she hadn’t completely lost her touch.
Dropping a few large bills on the table, Damien rose from his seat and walked around to pull her chair out. He didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to. They were both caught up in the excitement of what was about to happen.
Viv had had a few one-night stands over the years, but none had ever excited her like this. Knowing she would never see him again after tomorrow had forced away all her inhibitions—what few there were. There was a special kind of freedom in realizing she could do, have, take or give anything she wanted from the sexiest man she’d ever met. There would be no embarrassing run-ins in days to come, no wondering if he’d call, no stressing over whether he’d thought she was good. Nothing but wonderful memories of a night she was already sure she would never forget.
It was the perfect treat she could give herself as consolation for her lousy day, week, month, summer and year.
Not that anybody would ever complain about having Damien Black for a consolation prize.
As they exited the bar, he put his hand low on her spine again and she shivered. Her jacket was slung over her arm now, and only her silky, thin blouse separated her skin from his. Her nerve endings sizzled and sparked at the faint brush of his fingertips on her body, and she almost arched her back, wanting to invite him to keep exploring downward. His big, strong hand would cup her rear end perfectly.
“The hotel restaurant is great, but the room service menu is pretty extensive, too,” he murmured, his voice sounding a bit strained, as if he’d be disappointed if she said she wanted to eat in the restaurant.
She hadn’t even considered that. “How’s the room service breakfast menu?”
“Also extensive.”
“Then we don’t have to leave your room for a good fifteen hours, do we?” she said, certain it would be ages before they got around to eating anything resembling food.
