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Something vulnerable slipped into her eyes when she confirmed, “Yes.”

“Good.”

“Who are you bringing? Barbie or Bambi?”

Ah. Back on the clock.

“Neither,” he answered truthfully.

The answer seemed to fluster her. “Why do you want to take me, anyway? It’s your big night. The last thing you need is me butting in while you’re bragging about how wonderful you are.”

The barb bounced off him. He’d like to take her because it’d be nice to share the spotlight with someone who knew what she was talking about. Shooting the shit with his peers was easy, but accepting compliments from them wasn’t on the very short list of things he was good at.

“Believe me, after my speech—” Even the word made him overheat. He tugged his flannel off his arms before grumbling, “I’ll gladly hide behind you.”

Her attention was on him, and he had the idea that she was working something out in her head. Crap. He didn’t like being carefully examined by highly intelligent women.

“Marcus Black,” she said, her voice lilting gracefully.

Shit. He leaned away, as if that might help him escape whatever she said next.

Her lips lifted into a sweet smile. “Are you…nervous?”

CHAPTER SIX

She’d meant to tease him, but Marcus didn’t laugh her off. Instead, he reached for her iPad and tapped the screen. Avoidance.

Interesting.

His head-in-the-sand reaction came as a surprise. There was simply no way this confident, talented, alluring man was battling a case of nerves over an acceptance speech. All he had to do was say “thank you” and talk about how he became retail design’s golden boy. She couldn’t wrap her head around the idea of him being insecure about addressing his colleagues. Addressing anyone.

Figuring his worry was due to lack of preparedness, she asked, “Do you have your speech memorized?”

“Of course.” He looked up from the tablet, eyebrows drawn.

“Well, let’s hear it.” Practicing aloud always helped her before an important presentation.

The corners of his mouth turned down. He dropped the iPad on the mattress between them and licked his lips, distracting her for a split second. Because really, his mouth was…

Well. She wasn’t going to think about what it was.

Rather than turn her down, he surprised her with a gruff, “Okay. Fine.” Then he rolled his shoulders, cracked his knuckles, and wiped his brow.

“It’s a speech, Marcus. You’re not signaling me to throw a fastball.”

“I’m getting to it.” He scratched the back of his neck, scrubbed his chin, and cleared his throat. She bit her lip to keep from smiling. “Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Cameron Designs and my fellow colleagues, I’d like to…” He trailed off. “What?”

“You’re frowning.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Are, too.” She made a peace sign and separated where his eyebrows met over his nose. The moment the pads of her fingers touched his skin, everything changed. She became aware of the heat rolling off him, of the intensity of his whiskey-colored gaze. Of the supercharged air zapping between them.

She snatched her hand away. “A-and speak slowly. It might sound odd to your ears, but taking your time will put your audience at ease.” She intentionally slowed and softened her words. “And you’ll be more relaxed, too.”

She waited for him to argue, but instead he said, “Thanks. That’s helpful.”

“Oh. You’re welcome.” Being the recipient of his gratitude was new territory. She shook off the urge to blush…and decided to lighten the mood. “No sense in worrying about the speech. We’re not going anywhere if we don’t find my car keys.”