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expected him to grin or smile, but he just continued to stare at her in his all-encompassing way.
    She broke his gaze by glancing at the audience. "You should turn sideways so that the class can see you," she advised, trying to maintain a professional tone, although her insides were shaking.
    He lifted a brow and did so.
    Cassie cleared her throat and stared at her audience hoping to get help from that direction. She didn't want to handle him alone. "Would someone like to volunteer to help him?"
    A number of eager female hands shot up, but Drake defiantly shook his head. "Sorry, but I prefer to practice with the best." His eyes met hers. "You are the best, aren't you?"
    She recognized the challenge. "The very best," she said. "So the problem is you've made a bad first impression?"
    "Yes," he agreed. "I came on too strong and I'd like to correct that."
    "That shouldn't be hard to do." Cassie brushed her hands against her dress, wishing he didn't smell so good; she could picture herself floating on the mere scent of him. "Just say something that would assure me or the woman that you weren't yourself."
    He grasped her shoulders and turned her to face him. His eyes danced with mischief. "Tell me when to begin."
    She took a deep breath, convinced she was going to regret this. "Begin."
    "Hello, Cassandra. I'm sorry our first meeting was not successful, but I promise you, like fine wine, I improve with time." She opened her mouth to tell him his statement was fine, but he shook his head in disgust. "No, too trite. Let me see." He gathered the end of her scarf and ran it through his fingers, the movement as gentle as a feathery kiss. "I'm sorry that our first introduction was poor, but in the presence of such beauty a man loses his head and his senses; however, given a chance they will be restored."
    "That's very poetic," she said quickly, embarrassed by how breathy she sounded. His voice had a disconcerting way of invading her senses. "I think that would work." She hoped he would take the cue and return to his seat.
    He didn't. Instead he let her scarf go, lowering his eyes for a moment. "Or I could just be very straightforward and say..." He captured her eyes, his deep gaze sending her a secret message she did not want to interpret yet could not deny. "I would really like a second chance to make a good first impression."
    Cassie could only stare, not trusting herself to speak. He does recognize me , she thought in a panic. His eyes were too knowing. But that was ridiculous. He had been flirting with Adriana only a few hours ago. He was a rogue with a rogue's habit of mischief, and she could feel that mischief challenging her to harness it.
    "Honey," a woman called from the audience, "if she doesn't let you I will!"
    The class laughed, breaking the moment, and Drake returned to his seat, winking at Cassie as he did so.
    Cassie gathered her scattered wits and completed the presentation. It was a resounding success leading to a series of questions afterward.
    Once she had answered everyone's question, she told them the restaurant where they would meet for their next class. She gathered her things, hoping she could catch Adriana before her friend could escape. She glanced around the now empty room filled with the shadow of seats.
    "Looking for someone?"
    All the hairs on the back of her neck stood at the sensuous tenor of a voice. It wasn't an unpleasant sensation. She didn't need to turn around to discover the owner of the voice. She shoved some papers into her bag and snapped it closed.
    "I was, but she has obviously left me."
    "That's good to hear," he said, tapping his umbrella on his shoulder. "Because we're going for coffee. I have a few more questions to ask you." He grabbed her bag and turned off the lights.
    She switched them back on. "I'm glad you enjoyed the presentation but there's no need to take me for coffee. I always have time for questions."
    He shut the lights off again. "I prefer coffee," he said quietly, his tone