Vamps And The City by Kerrelyn Sparks

against his fingertips. At last, positive proof. Darcy Newhart was alive. Alive!
    “Mr. Cartwright?” She pulled her hand from his grip and regarded him with a puzzled look. “Why are you here?”
    He smiled slowly. “Miss Newhart, I’m here because of you.”
    She inhaled sharply and moved back a step. “Mr. Cartwri—“
    “I thought you agreed to call me Adam.”
    “I—I did, but you may have gotten the wrong—“
    “And then, normally, you would reciprocate by inviting me to call you Darcy. Don’t you think?”
    “Normally, perhaps, but this isn’t exactly normal—“
    “You’re right.” He stepped closer. “There’s something special happening here. I feel it. Don’t you?”
    Her eyes widened. She looked nervous, and for a moment, he wondered if he was pushing her too fast. Her agitated state could be caused by desire or by fear.
    She moistened her lips. “I…”
    “Is that a yes?” He touched her neck.
    “I—” Her gaze dropped to his mouth, and she licked her lips again. “I don’t think it’s wise for us to—I mean, I’m the director.”
    “Then, direct me.” He curled his hand around the back of her neck. Her hair was soft against his skin. “Tell me what to do.” God, he wanted to kiss her. But was he pushing too fast? Just a peek into her mind, that’s all it would take. Just a peek.
    It was so easy. His invasion swept in like a breeze, and her mind simply unfurled like a dazzling white sail. He caressed her thoughts. She was warm with desire. Desire for him. Apollo, the sun god.
    He pulled back, surprised. She thought he was like a god? Holy performance anxiety, that was a tough image to live up to.
    Her face flushed. She looked so hot and delicious, he shoved all his doubts away. She did desire him. He’d felt it in her mind. And that was enough to make him feel as powerful as any man-made god.
    Her eyes flickered shut. “I can’t…”
    “You can’t kiss me?” He touched his lips lightly on the corner of her mouth.
    A tremor skittered down her body. “I can’t… resist.” She grabbed his shoulders.
    Wow, she did want him. He planted his mouth firmly on hers, plying and molding her lips with his own. he pulled her tight, and her hands delved into his hair, tugging him closer.
    He invaded her mouth. Jesus, she let him in. She was feeling this, too, this powerful hunger. How could two relative strangers be so damned desperate for each other? It was more than physical desire; it was a hunger from the soul.
    Her tongue entwined with his, leaving the faint taste of chocolate. Oh, she was sweet. Sweet all over. His hands skimmed down her back and encircled her waist. He pulled her forward against his erection. With a moan, she melted against him.
    He nibbled kisses down her throat, then back up to her ear. His hands spread over her rump, pressing into her skin and grinding her hips against his groin.
    “Darcy,” he whispered in her ear. “I knew it. The minute I saw you. I knew we belonged together.”
    Her hands clutched his shoulders, then with a painful groan, she pushed him away. “No!”
    He stepped back. “What? What’s wrong?”
    Breathing heavily, she crossed her arms. “I… I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t be sorry. I’m not sorry.”
    Her face crumpled. “I can’t. I can’t let this happen.”
    “Sweetheart, it already has.”
    “No!” She took a deep, shaky breath, and her face cleared into a stony mask. “We have to keep this professional. I need this job.”
    “I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize it. I would never harm you in any way.”
    She shook her head, hugging herself tighter.
    “Darcy, if you need anything, please tell me. I could help you.”
    She remained silent, frowning as if she was engaged in a private struggle. Finally, she spoke. “If you truly wish to help, you’ll agree to be in the show.”
    “Fine, I’ll do it.” He grabbed a pen off her desk and signed the contract. Risking puncture wounds or death was worth it. “I