Dare To Tempt (Dare Nation 2)

Damon had every intention of helping her reclaim her belief in herself. It wasn’t like he had a game to play, he thought, frustrated. He did, however, have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow to get cleared from concussion protocol, which was a start toward coming back. The team physician was someone he met with for cortisone or Toradol shots for his ankle that often gave him trouble—because what athlete didn’t need injections to help pain? And now Doc would check his head.

Grabbing the pizza, he stopped by the kitchen for paper plates and napkins, slipped two bottles of water under an arm, and headed back to the bedroom.

A little while later, they were talking about his career and still mulling over how he could have tested positive when he decided to change the subject.

“So why did you leave the DA’s office? Actually, why did you become an investigator to begin with?” he asked, taking a bite of his third piece of pizza.

She’d called a halt at two but was drinking from her water bottle. “Dad was a cop. I went to Florida State University, majored in criminal justice.” She shrugged. “Everyone in my family serves in one way or another, and though I was fascinated by the system, I had no desire to be a cop and work my way up that ladder.”

“You’d be sexy in uniform though.” He grinned, causing her to laugh and toss a napkin at him.

“Anyway, I had interned at the DA’s office for two summers and met people. One thing led to another, and after graduation, I applied for a job and got it.”

“Makes sense. And the reason you left?” He knew he was pushing, but he really wanted to understand her.

A flush rose to her cheeks. “I was embarrassed. Thanks to John’s scene there and then his attack, everyone knew I’d been duped. 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.