Dare to Tempt - Carly Phillips Page 0,40

couldn’t deny how much she wanted to find hers in Damon’s arms.

* * *

The engagement party had been more difficult than Damon had thought it would be. Pretending to be together with Evie when he wanted a relationship in reality was wearing on him, but he was certain he was handling her right. Getting her to a place where she could finally realize she could put her fears behind her and trust him was the only way to go. If he sprung his growing feelings on her now? Well, she’d run and that would put her in more danger with her stalker ex.

But when it came to desire? On that they were in agreement. He saw the heat in Evie’s eyes. It matched the fever running through his veins. Despite the fact that they’d had a long night and morning of hot sex, he wanted her again now. Hard and hot, his cock cocooned in her damp heat.

As much as he wanted to take her home now, she had a job to do. More research on Doc and Emerson’s father first. Much to Damon’s relief, Ian had taken off after congratulating the happy couple, enabling Damon to relax. He had no desire to face his cousin or the disappointment in his eyes again. It didn’t matter how much Damon proclaimed his innocence, right now the failed test spoke louder than his words.

First up, though, the congratulations. While Evie finally got her time with Quinn, Damon made his way to his brother and pulled him into a hug. The rest of the family had already given him their best—his mom, Bri, and Jaxon. Only Braden, still abroad with Doctors Without Borders, was missing. He made a mental note to try and get through to his sibling soon.

“I’m happy for you, Austin. You deserve the best.” He slapped his brother on the back. “Quinn is perfect for you.” He glanced at the woman now holding Jenny and grinning as she spoke to her best friend.

“Your time will come,” Austin said, not subtly glancing at Evie. “I saw that kiss,” he said, his voice low. “I get keeping up appearances but don’t hurt her. Don’t put me in the middle of you and Quinn.”

Damon scowled. If either of them was going to get hurt, he had a hunch it would be him. Still, he resented his brother’s implication. “Don’t think so little of me,” he muttered. “I know how to treat a lady.”

“Not from what I’ve seen up until this point.”

Damon held up his hands. “Fine. Fair. But none of them were Evie.”

Austin’s eyes opened wide. “It’s serious between you?”

“It is for me. For her? I’ve convinced her we’re having fun for now. It’s the only way I could start to make inroads.” But Evie was worth the work and the effort. He shoved his hands into his front pockets. “I’m trying to show her we can work.”

A slow grin lifted his brother’s lips. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

“Damon!” His mother, Christine, called his name, and Damon turned as Austin faced another well-wisher.

“Mom!” He gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You look wonderful.” Wearing a simple patterned dress, her blondish-brown hair resting on her shoulders, his mother was beautiful as always.

“How’s my baby boy?” She patted his cheek and he groaned.

“Not a baby.”

“Okay, sorry. You’re all my babies. But seriously. How are you?” she asked with an amused smile.

He swallowed hard. “It’s rough,” he admitted to one of the few people he’d be truthful with. “I didn’t do it. The world thinks I did. My teammates think I let them down. I don’t know how Emerson will play and I’m sick over it all.”

She placed a hand on his cheek. “Listen to me, Damon Prescott. You are a strong man. You survived your tough father and you’ll get through this.”

“Mom—”

She shook her head. “I never said anything and I know this isn’t the place, but I’m sorry. Sorry I stayed. Sorry I thought I could temper his personality with you boys.”

“Don’t go there. It’s in the past.”

“But it made you tough, and because of that, I know you’ll handle this.” She managed a smile. “That said, I also notice you aren’t doing it alone. Who’s the woman I saw you kissing, hmm?”

“Yeah, Damon. Who did we see you kissing?” His brother, Jaxon, put one hand on their mother’s shoulder and another on Damon’s.

“Go away,” he jokingly said to his brother.

“No can do. I’m in town so here I am. Well? Who is she?”

Deciding