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successful beyond her wildest dreams.
    Cheryl, manager of The Ladies Club, also known as TLC, had fallen in love with Kate’s collection from the beginning, encouraging her to push the envelope on fantasy design. Cheryl had become one of Kate’s biggest customers when she started carrying the panties, Victorian bustiers, and lacy push-up corsets in TLC’s boutique. Now, for the first time, TLC was presenting an exclusive look at Kate’s winter line at a show for members and invited guests. The high-powered crowd included executives, fashionistas, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and entertainers. The fashion show was to be followed by an informal dinner in the Ballroom, featuring a menu based on the show.
    Naturally, the decadent dessert would be chocolate by Josef—bittersweet chocolate lemon cups to be exact, Chef Deidre had told Kate earlier. They had been going over the names of Kate’s designs, which Deidre attached to mouthwatering entrees and appetizers. Shameless was a spicy Pasta Putanesca , and Moonlit Dreams was an indolent round of baked brie en croute .
    Cheryl had invited Kate to stay and enjoy TLC’s many amenities after the show, and Kate had been more than looking forward to the experience. Yet now that she was here, the thought of being uninhibited, completely shameless, and living out her hidden fantasies was making her a nervous wreck.
    When she could shove aside her apprehension, she felt fabulous in her elegant but sexy dress of her own design. The lipstick-red creation suited her classic blonde looks and was festive for the holidays. The jade pendant for good luck and the Jimmy Choo stiletto heels were the finishing touches. Despite the overt sexuality exhibited in her fashion statements, she had never been a daring dresser—until tonight. Beneath her tasteful clothing, she felt deliciously naughty in her stockings, garter belt, and thong—samples from her new line.
    Glad she was in the back of the room so she could watch everyone unnoticed, Kate studied the crowd of wealthy club patrons, recognizing several television newscasters and Broadway actresses.
    She sighed. For too long she’d put aside her own needs and desires, striving to succeed in the cutthroat fashion world. Men who approached her socially usually turned out to be intimidated or perverted about her career. Even worse, some of the men wanted to steal her ideas, as if undressing her would be a moneymaking proposition. She wondered if the CEOs of Victoria’s Secret or Frederick’s of Hollywood had run into her problem.
    Kate let a smile spread slowly across her face. Hard work, endless hours, and a non-existent social life would be exonerated tonight, and Kate Reynolds was determined to enjoy her visit upstairs. She was counting on a man who could light her fire, and give her the best sex of her life. Which wasn’t saying much, she’d confided to Tessa who convulsed into hopeless giggles when Kate had added, “Most men confuse the g-spot with the gall bladder.”
    “Congratulations,” Tessa’s cheerful voice jolted Kate from her thoughts.
    “I think they’re enjoying the show,” Kate replied with a smile as she looked up at Tessa, “And thank you for everything, it’s so great working with professionals.”
    Tessa gestured to the guests who were marking off fashion numbers on the programs. “Oh, I’d say you’re definitely a hit.” She leaned close and added in a teasing voice, “You so deserve to be rewarded tonight, Kate. Are you ready for a man who can fan your flames?”
    Heat crept up Kate’s neck, and she was glad it was dark enough so that Tessa couldn’t see her blush. “You embarrass me, and I’ll turn as red as my dress.”
    Tessa gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “The man Cheryl has in mind for you is so hot you might need a fire extinguisher in the room,” she said with a touch of envy in her voice.
    Kate’s cheeks grew positively scorching. “You girls like to torture, don’t