The Real Deal by Debbi Rawlins

Author:Debbi Rawlins [Rawlins, Debbi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Category, Lose Yourself
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2010-10-01T23:00:00+00:00

WITH HER FEET CRAMMED back into her loafers, remnants of sand wedged between her toes and a splinter spearing her heel, Emily tried not to limp as she walked through the spacious modern lobby of Nick’s building, aware that half a dozen pairs of eyes followed her. Of course, Nick walked alongside her, but these people knew him. She was the one who stirred their curiosity. Whether it was because she looked like hell right now or because she didn’t fit his normal type, she didn’t know, but it made her terribly uncomfortable. She was reminded again that fame came at a high price.

One of the uniformed doormen hurried ahead of them to press the elevator button. “Two boxes were delivered for you this morning, Mr. Corrigan. Would you like me to bring them up now or later?”“Later, Angelo. Thanks.”

“Sure thing.” The man smiled at Emily, and then stepped back when the elevator doors slid open.

As soon as they were safely inside, alone, the doors closed and she glanced down at her bedraggled appearance and sighed.

Nick caught her hand. “What’s wrong?”

“I hate that everyone saw me looking like this.” She tried to wiggle her toes and dislodge some of the sand, but that only caused more discomfort. “Is it okay to take off my shoes?”

“Why are you worried about what you look like?” he asked, his eyes alarmed. “Were there paparazzi outside? I usually can spot them right away.”

“Paparazzi? No, at least I don’t think so.” Of course he was tabloid fodder. She’d thought it was bad enough being a target of so many fans, but the paparazzi were jackels. “I just meant the people in the lobby.”

“Ah.” He seemed to relax. “You look beautiful.” He slipped his arms around her and briefly kissed her lips. “Better than beautiful. Why do you think I told Angelo to bring the boxes up later,” he said with a mischievous grin.

“Who knew you were this hard up?” she teased, but her pulse had quickened and the tingling had started at the base of her spine.

The elevator doors soundlessly slid open, and he took her hand and led her down the short hall.

Her heart was beating so fast she’d forgotten about the sand in her shoes or the splinter she’d picked up on the ancient boardwalk.

“Let’s stay in the rest of the night and this way you won’t have to worry about being seen with me…given how hard up I am.” He pulled a key out of his pocket.

“Only if you have room service,” she said, relieved that each word came out clear and concise and not a jumble of incoherent mutterings to match her erratic heartbeat.

“I have something much better than room service for you.”

The cocky grin was back, and she surrendered to the goose bumps that declared war on her body.

Too nervous to come up with a witty reply, she decided she was better off keeping her mouth shut or risk sounding like a giddy schoolgirl.

He gestured for her to precede him

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