Dare to Tempt - Carly Phillips Page 0,18
or photo, probably because they’d all just rolled out of bed. Not the best selfie moment.
He drew a deep breath. “About the suspension. It doesn’t just suck, it’s devastating. I can live with letting myself down because I know I didn’t do it. I can focus on who has it in for me and why. But my team? They need me and it’s a quarter of the season. They don’t deserve to be let down by their quarterback.” He shook his head, looking down at the dewy grass.
“Those who know you will trust you,” she assured him, slipping her hand into his and squeezing tight.
He appreciated her show of support and wrapped his larger fingers around hers. “Yeah, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m out for four games.”
“I understand,” she murmured.
“There’s something else.” He heard himself speak and was shocked at what he was about to reveal to her. “Now that it’s official and there’s no way out, I hear my father’s voice in my head.”
She narrowed her gaze. “So, Quinn told me last year that Austin donated a kidney to your uncle Paul, who admitted to being your real father.”
“Sperm donor dad.” A wry smile lifted his lips. “I love that man. Growing up, when my dad was an asshole, Uncle Paul was always the voice of reason. But now? I imagine Jesse’s disappointment. I can hear him berating me for not being good enough, for letting my teammates down. And it sucks.”
She sighed. “I won’t minimize your feelings and I can’t take them away. I can only tell you that we’ll figure this out, and though it won’t bring back the games you miss, at least you’ll have validation. I’m going to do my best for you.”
“I’m grateful.” Even though she was being paid to do a job, those brown eyes looking up at him with faith told him she was invested in more than a paycheck. Which was a good thing, because he was becoming equally invested in her.
* * *
Evie and Damon remained outside for another hour while the firefighters cleared the building. Mack stopped by to explain that the superintendent was taking the firemen through the apartments, letting them check each one with gas meters before declaring the building all clear.
Her conversation with Damon about his father lay on her mind, as did his feelings about letting his teammates down. She couldn’t help but feel like Emerson getting his opportunity to prove himself meant something to this investigation. But she hadn’t brought up the backup quarterback’s name to Damon again this morning, not wanting to rub salt in an open wound.
Finally, someone began to speak through a megaphone, announcing it was safe to go back inside.
She glanced at Damon. “I appreciate you keeping me company. Stay for breakfast?” she asked. Although she knew he was a client, she also wasn’t ready for him to leave yet. That fired-up moment between them earlier stayed with her.
Her need to offer comfort, her arms wrapped around his, the musky smell of man, and the heat in his eyes afterwards. She didn’t want a relationship, dammit, but she couldn’t turn her back on him when he was at his lowest.
“Are you cooking?” he asked.
She broke into a grin. “You don’t know me that well but no. I’m ordering in from my favorite pancake place.”
His hot gaze slid over her. She already knew what it felt like to rub against that muscular body and how much she’d both enjoyed the feeling and wanted more.
“I’m not sure where you put the carbs, but damn, you wear it well.”
She flushed at his admiration.
“Count me in since I’m not exactly in training at the moment,” he said, unaware of the pleasure his compliment gave her. “I can afford a cheat.” He frowned and she hated that she’d reminded him of his suspension.
“Come on up. I’ll call in the order.”
He nodded. “Give me a minute. I want to talk to your brother and see what they found.”
“Okay.” She smiled and headed in along with everyone else from her building.
* * *
Damon waited until she’d gone inside and strode to where the fire engine sat idle and looked around for Evie’s brothers. He caught sight of Mack and called out his name.
The man turned and strode over to Damon. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
Mack narrowed his gaze. “I know you didn’t sleep here, but you’re here at the ass crack of dawn. Am I right in thinking there’s more between you and Evie than client and PI?”
Admiring