Page 37 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

"Here. Let me take some of those before you lose them again. Where are you headed? I'd be glad to help you deliver them."

At least he was a gentleman, even if he was only doing his job. "That's great, Mr. Campbell, but I see you're the general manager of the hotel. I'm sure you have a lot more important things to do than help me deliver research papers." She hated the disappointment she heard in her voice. What had she expected? Having handsome strangers sweep you off your feet only happened in her romance novels.

"Sean." When she looked at him confused, he repeated, "Call me Sean."

"Okay, Sean. Thanks for the offer but..." He didn't let her finish. He reached out and took almost the whole stack from her arms.

"Lead the way, Traci."

Sean made small talk as they headed in the direction of the ballroom. "Forgive me if this is too forward, but it looked like some of the men from your conference were harassing you earlier. Would you like me to call security to station someone down in this corridor?"

His offer surprised her. "I don't think that will be necessary. Now, if you could arrange for a public flogging session for them, that would be awesome."

Traci's face flamed when she realized what she'd said. She was relieved when Sean burst out laughing at her ridiculous request.

"Well, I'm afraid we had to recently tear out the pillory. It seemed to upset some of the guests. I could check to see if we might have it in storage if you'd like."

They were laughing together as Sean played along. Traci realized how great it felt to share a laugh with the professional accompanying her.

"So where are you from, Traci?"

"Denver."

"That's great. How long are you in town for?"

"Just through Friday."

"So you're here for the psychology conference?"

"Yep."

"You a doctor?"

"No. Just a psychologist."

"That's great. You taking on new patients?" He had a twinkle in his eye.

"Maybe. You almost out of questions? I feel like I'm on a game show. What's the prize if I win?"

They arrived at the table outside of the main ballroom. Traci put her pile of folders down and motioned for Sean to do the same. A full minute had elapsed, but her fun question was still hanging in the air. She noticed Sean had started to look nervous. He faltered before continuing.

"I'm afraid I have one final question and your prize depends on your answer to the question."

The pause was dramatic. He grinned as he delivered his final question. "I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner this evening?"

A date request was the last thing Traci expected. Her nerves flew into high gear and she stood, grounded yet wobbly. Sean sensed her instability and reached out to take her forearms in his, just like he had earlier. They stood linked while Traci got more and more flustered. Sean inched them closer, slipping one arm behind her back to stabilize her.

"I'm definitely out of practice for asking pretty women out on dates, but I do think it's customary for said woman to respond with either a yes or a no. I sure as hell hope you'll say yes.

It may take me years to get the nerve up to ask someone again if you crush my confidence."

Traci chuckled. He was good at disarming her. She liked that. "Dinner, eh? I guess that would be okay. I'd love to see more of the city."

"Then it's a date. I'd love to take you to one of my favorite spots in the city. I haven't been there in a long time. It will be a treat for me, too."

"Sounds good. What should I wear?"

"Something casual. I'll meet you in the lobby at six?"

---