Places in My Heart by Sheryl Lister

he talked to his smooth reputation when it came to the ladies. “I don’t have a new girl. Just a new agent.”
    â€œThis I have got to hear.”
    They shared a smile, and Omar filled him in on what had led up to him firing Roland and hiring Morgan.
    Later, after arriving home, he decided to shower first. Then he’d call Morgan to let her know about his conversation with Jaedon and invite her to be his date for the fund-raiser. Now that he’d fired Roland, he was free to be seen with her in public and wanted to introduce her as his new agent. He only hoped he’d be able to keep his hands off her.

Chapter 5
    M organ added the finishing touches to her makeup Saturday evening and surveyed her look. The navy off-the-shoulder floor-length gown dipped modestly in the front and had a front slit to the knee. Nothing too revealing. She didn’t want to give Omar or anyone else the impression that their relationship was anything but business. The fluttering increased in her stomach. Ever since Omar had asked her to attend a benefit dinner with him—their first public appearance together—her nerves had been on edge. Though this was supposed to be business, somehow it felt like a real date. What would people think? And what would her family say? Outside Malcolm, she hadn’t gotten up the courage to tell the rest of them. Siobhan was due back to work next week, so she’d talk to her.
    Her mind went back to the benefit. Omar had mentioned it being held for a mental health center, but he hadn’t been specific about the details. Morgan’s curiosity was piqued, and she wished she knew more. The intercom sounded and her heart started racing.
    â€œYes?”
    â€œOmar,” came the warm baritone.
    She buzzed him in and drew in a deep, calming breath before opening the door. Her breath caught at the sight of him looking as if he’d just left a photo shoot for GQ magazine.
    â€œSo...can I come in?” Omar asked with a knowing grin.
    Morgan wanted to kick herself. No way would he take her seriously about keeping things strictly professional if she stared at him like a starstruck groupie every time she saw him. “Of course.” She stepped back, waved him in and walked over to the end table where she’d left her purse.
    â€œYou look stunning.” His gaze made a slow tour down her body and an even slower one back up. Their eyes met. “Stunning.”
    What have I gotten myself into? Morgan didn’t see how she would be able to resist him for the next few weeks. She didn’t know if she’d make it through tonight. “Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself.” Instead of all black, he had opted for a white jacket. His tuxedo caressed his tall, lean frame, and she had visions of undoing—
    Abruptly halting her erotic fantasy, she chastised herself again. She had never lost her mind over a man before and had no intentions of starting now. “I’m ready.” Morgan slung the thin strap of her silver evening bag over her shoulder and started for the door. Omar caught her hand. The contact sent an electric current up her arm.
    â€œMorgan, I just want you to know how much I appreciate you taking a chance on me.” He bent and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
    She ignored the potency of his cologne and the sensations flowing through her that his kiss invoked and said, “You’re welcome. I could say the same for you.” They shared a smile. The intensity of his stare made her pulse skip, and she turned away. “We don’t want to be late.” Morgan locked the door behind them and hurried down the walk. He led her to a newer-model silver BMW and held the door open. She slid in and leaned back against the butter-soft leather.
    Omar stepped in on the driver’s side and got them underway. “I’ve never seen your hair straight like this. I didn’t know it was that long. I like it.”
    â€œThank