Dare to Tempt - Carly Phillips Page 0,38

did some research into your backup quarterback. Did you know his father is a doctor?”

“Nope. It’s not like we sit around and talk about our parents in the locker room.” He shot her a curious look. “So … what’s this about?”

She bit down on the inside of her cheek. “His father is Dr. Lyle Emerson, the Chair of Duke University School of Medicine. He’s a pediatric oncologist. His mom’s an investment banker at Circle One Investments. Obviously in North Carolina. His father graduated from Duke.”

Silence surrounded them in the car as she waited for him to make the connection.

“You think Emerson’s parents have something to do with Doc dosing me with an illegal substance?” His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel.

“I think it’s something to consider,” she said carefully.

He shook his head. “The man’s been treating me since day one. He’s like a father to us when we’re injured.” His voice rose defensively.

“Relax. I’m just pointing out the possibility. I haven’t made an official connection yet.” But she planned to dig deeper and find out.

Knowing she’d pushed enough and he wouldn’t want to hear supposition, she turned her focus to their afternoon. “In the meantime, can we go home so I can change? My best friend and your brother are about to get engaged.”

Chapter Seven

Evie and Damon walked into Dare Nation, where they were greeted by the receptionist, Hannah, who Evie had come to know in the last year Quinn had been working there. Evie and Quinn often met for lunch, and because Evie made her own hours, she often came by Dare Nation to pick up her friend.

“Hi, Hannah.”

“Hey, Hannah,” Damon said.

“How are you?” the pretty brunette asked.

Evie smiled. “Hanging in there. Busy. You?”

“Same. I’m excited,” she whispered. “Mr. Prescott is having everyone gather in the conference room.” She glanced toward Quinn and Austin’s office and gestured for Evie and Damon to follow her the other way.

They ducked into the large room and Evie blinked. The space was filled with red roses. They lined every counter space, the table, and the pedestals in the corners.

She couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face, happiness for her best friend filling her. Across the room, she caught sight of Paul Dare and some other agents, along with clients she knew Quinn was fond of and Damon’s sister, Bri.

Damon strode toward them, and as she watched him go, her heart skipped a beat. All morning she’d been in PI mode, doing her best to pay attention to the doctor and his demeanor and put what was going on between her and Damon out of her mind. Except now, in a more personal setting, she couldn’t take her eyes off him.

He was handsome in a pair of black jeans that hugged his thighs and a white tee shirt that accentuated his bulging muscles. Although her gaze was on his ass at the moment, he hadn’t shaved today, and the scruff on his face added to his sex appeal.

She sighed in delight and headed over to make small talk with someone she knew. The longer she mingled, the more crowded the room grew. Apparently Austin had invited their immediate world. And it was sweet.

She picked up a glass of champagne from the drinks on the corner of a credenza and took a sip of the bubbly. “Mmm.” She smiled at the delicious taste.

“Someone looks happy … and, in case I didn’t mention it earlier, gorgeous.” His hot gaze skimmed over her tight wrap blouse with a slight teasing V and black leggings that tied at the ankles, her red stilettos completing the outfit.

Knowing she was going to be seeing people in Damon’s industry, she’d dressed up to play his girlfriend. But a part of her couldn’t help but wonder, when the job was over, if he would still like her as the real Evie. Not that he’d complained when she’d gone to the doctor in jeans and a tank, but sometimes with these people she felt out of her element. Though she really did like this outfit even if she did save it for undercover-type work.

He cupped her face in his hands, leaned close, and slid his lips over hers, making her forget everything but him. She gasped in surprise, but when he nipped on her lower lip, she melted into him and kissed him back, a tongue-tangling duel that had her head spinning and desire ramping her up.

“Ahem. Am I interrupting?” a male voice asked.

Evie gasped and jerked back,