Dare to Tempt - Carly Phillips Page 0,32

They knew my judgment was suspect. I couldn’t face them and I didn’t think higher-ups would trust me the way they used to.” She glanced down, but she’d put her water on the nightstand, her fingers tracing the scar on her arm. “Becoming a PI was a natural transition. So was working for myself.”

He finished his slice and leaned back on the bed, studying her. From her embarrassment to her lack of faith, he thought he understood the leather jacket wearing now, but he needed her to admit the truth.

“Why wear the leather jacket all the time? Because it covers the scar?”

“It’s more complicated than that,” she murmured.

“Hey. You’re looking at someone who understands what it’s like to have their word and judgment questioned. You can tell me.” He put his hand on hers and pulled it away from her arm.

Lifting her head, she met his gaze. “Because it reminds me that I failed. That my judgment sucks. That I was made a fool of by a man I trusted.” Her eyes filled and she pulled her hand back to swipe at the stray tears.

“Hey. You’re strong, Evie. From the day I met you, I knew you were tough and could handle anything. Including me.” He grinned and she managed a laugh.

“Thank you,” she whispered. He could see the gears working and wasn’t surprised when she asked, “So where am I sleeping?” And with that, she changed the subject.

“Do you want to go to a guest room?”

She shook her head. “I want to clean up and then I want another round with you.”

He could definitely get on board with that.

Chapter Six

Evie slept in, yet she was up before Damon, which was odd, given his normal early schedule. Although she’d risen at eight a.m., they’d been up late last night with what she could only describe as sexual acrobatics. The man was insatiable, and with him, she could claim the same.

She’d woken up in Damon’s arms and a panic attack had set in. Not only had she slept with a client, which she could justify because it was her own business but was still unprofessional, she’d slept with a man who got under her skin. Who she was coming to know and like.

But she wasn’t ready for a relationship, and he’d never denied being happy with his single life and them being a fun fling. Besides, she didn’t trust her judgment, especially when it came to men and her personal life. She’d confided in him. She’d trusted him with her deepest fears and insecurities. Though she didn’t think he’d use the information to hurt her, it drew her closer to him. And that scared her.

She liked the independent version of Evie Wolfe. Not the woman who needed a man. Reminding herself they’d agreed to enjoy each other for a while, she calmed down and slipped out from under his arm. He didn’t move.

After washing up, she made her way to the kitchen and found his coffee machine, brewing a cup and taking a seat at the granite table. She looked around the brand-new state-of-the-art kitchen. The appliances had foreign names she didn’t recognize and the refrigerator was a Sub-Zero, large enough to hold food for an army. Or a big man like Damon, she thought with a grin.

“I like that smile,” Damon said in a gruff morning voice.

She glanced up to see him leaning against the doorframe wearing a low-slung pair of sweats and nothing more. She took in his muscular frame from the top of his shoulders down to his bare feet. Even those were sexy.

“Good morning,” she said, taking a sip of her coffee, her gaze never leaving his.

“It’s a great morning. After an even better night.” Striding over, he leaned down and pressed his mouth to hers, parting her lips and tasting her with his tongue, leaving a hint of mint in his wake. She moaned at the delicious invasion.

He lifted his head. “Any idea what time your brother will be here?” he asked.

She shook her head. “But I can text him.” She picked up her phone and sent Mack a message. He answered immediately. “Since we’re up, he said he’d come by in an hour.”

“Plenty of time then.” His slow smile caused flutters in her stomach that only increased when he took her hand and pulled her to her feet.

“What are you doing?”

He grasped her hips and lifted her onto the island in the middle of the kitchen, also granite like the table.

“Ack! It’s cold!” She’d pulled