page32 (1/2)

‘Apparently we’re free to leave after the keynote is finished,’ he continued ‘Before that, though, there is a bit ofto be done’

It wasn’t theshe orried about ‘II’

Have an appointment with a tub of ice cream? Have to wash my hair? Do my nails?

‘You what?’ he asked, nonchalantly leaning against the side of her desk and piercing her with a dark look ‘Can’t think of anything worse than spending an evening alone with me?’

‘I hardly call attending a business function an evening alone with you’

‘I wouldn’t either So why the look of dismay?’ His eyes raked over her face ‘Disappointed that it’s not an evening alone, perhaps?’

The o, of how she had responded to him, lay hot and heavy between them

‘Of course not’ Her chin rose as she fought to slow her heartbeat ‘But what if I already have a date for tonight?’

‘‘Then you’ll have to cancel it,’ he said so softly she kneasn’t a suggestion

She wanted to tell hi, but the look in his eyes stayed her ‘Fine’ She huffed out a breath ‘Fortunately for you, I believe that work iselse anyway’

‘Work is neverelse,’ he said with such conviction she felt a little taken aback ‘But regardless, this is a work function and your commitment to the firm is duly noted’

‘Luckyearlier with a thud ‘Which hotel is the conference being held at? I can meet you there’