“Yeah.” Disappointment and rage warred within him. Even though he hadn’t done anything wrong, the suspension resulted in him letting his team down and he hated it.
“I’m out four games beginning with the start of the season. In a contract year.” He didn’t give a shit about the money penalty. Just about letting everyone down.
“Breathe, Damon. Ian knows you. He won’t base the contract offer on this situation.”
Damon ran a hand through his hair. “Ian has a salary cap and the reputation of himself and the team to worry about.”
“And we have Evie. Give her a call. Regroup. Come up with a plan. At least you’ll feel proactive.”
“Yeah,” he muttered. “I’d rather drink myself stupid.”
“Except it’s seven in the morning, not to mention it’s not good for your body or your concussion. Just calm down and we’ll deal with this. I promise.”
“Thanks.” Damon disconnected the call, feeling sick. Knowing what and who he needed, he picked up the phone and texted Evie.
* * *
As Evie waited outside with her neighbors, she glanced at her phone. A little after seven a.m. It buzzed and she turned it over, glancing at the screen to see a text from Damon.
Damon: Morning, sunshine.
She grinned and texted back: Morning
Damon: Checking in.
Evie: I’m fine. Gas leak at my building. Standing outside.
Damon: Keep an eye out around you. I’m coming.
She wanted to roll her eyes, but she couldn’t. She’d grabbed her gun for just the possibility that John decided to mix into the crowd.
No need to come, she typed, but there was no read confirmation beneath the words.
Her stomach flipped at the possibility of seeing him, and she lectured herself about how crazy those unwanted feelings were. He was a client. She couldn’t let herself give in, because she’d sworn off men after she’d misjudged John so badly.
“Evie! Evie!” her brother Mack yelled, finding her in the crowd.
“Mack!” She waved and he met up on the grass. “What’s wrong in the building? Do you know?” she asked, realizing he’d probably heard the news on his police scanner.
“Someone called in a gas leak,” her brother said.
She blinked. “That could be serious.” She lowered her voice. “The building could explode.”
He nodded. “The fire department is setting up near the fire hydrant and going in with meters. Meanwhile, the police are moving you all back farther,” he said, just as a uniformed officer directed them far from the building.
“Is Deke here?” she asked of her brother the firefighter.
“I haven’t seen him yet but he’s on shift. I’m sure he’s around somewhere.” Mack glanced over people’s heads.
Evie patted his shoulder. “Why don’t you go see what you can find out?”
“Good idea. Stay put.” He kissed her forehead and strode off, leaving Evie to wait … for Damon.
* * *
Once again, Damon found himself driving too fast to Evie’s apartment, concern gnawing at his gut. At least his symptoms were lessening. He didn’t know why he felt the need to rush over. Gas leaks happened, and most likely they’d clear things out and let them back into the building.
He parked far from the building and the crowds and made his way toward the people who were probably tenants. He glanced around the group, looking for Evie, which wasn’t difficult given his six-foot-four height. He saw her face peeking out from the side, while a large man in a firefighter uniform had her in a bear hug. Damon’s stomach twisted with what he acknowledged was jealousy, and he strode up to them just as the man released her.
She turned. He stared, taking her in at a glance. Wearing a pair of tight jeans and a tank top, her nipples poking through the thin fabric, she was his every dream come to life, and his twitching cock let him know it.
“Evie,” he said in a gruff voice.
“Damon!” She appeared happy to see him, her smile warm and welcoming.
He glanced at the other man, who, now that he turned around, looked very much like Mack, from his dark hair to his brown eyes and facial features.
“Let me guess. Another brother?” he asked, the relief running through him intense.
Evie grinned. “Deke, this is—”
“Damon Prescott! Hey, man, what an honor!” Deke extended his hand and Damon shook it. “What are you doing here?”
“He’s a client.”
Deke’s brows furrowed in confusion, no doubt because there was no reason for a client to be here this early and especially during an evacuation.
It was time for Damon and Evie to have a talk about their status. If she was his fake girlfriend, she needed to act like it all the time. And since their kiss had been impulsive and not in front of an audience, they definitely needed to nail down what was going on between them. Damon knew what he wanted. To see where things between them could go. In the real world.