Damon squeezed her hand. “And did he?”
She shook her head, anger oozing through her veins. “Hell no. I’m sick of him trying to ruin my life.”
She rose from her seat and followed everyone down the steps, then turned to the men who’d been so good to her the last couple of days. “Bye, guys. Thank you for including me.”
Each pulled her into a warm hug.
Asher’s lasted the longest. “If this asshole screws things up, call me.” He winked at her and laughed at Damon.
She grinned just as Damon shoved his friend, pushing him away from her.
“We’ll stay in touch. Good luck,” he said to Damon, then turned to Evie. “Take care of him.”
A mixture of emotions floated through her as she wondered for how long she’d have the ability to do just that. “I will.”
Then she and Damon headed to the private garage and settled into his car. He pulled out and headed home, still relaxed, driving with one hand on the wheel.
She used the time to call her brother. “Mack?”
“Jesus, Evie. You said you were going to the Bahamas, not off the grid.”
“Can’t a girl take some time to herself?” she asked. “Before we talk about my apartment, did you find out if the bar had cameras in the back hall?”
“Yes, and you made an excellent call, Evie. We have John on tape with a knife in his hand. We’re looking for him. Just stay at Damon’s and it’ll all be over soon.”
She frowned, wishing she knew where to find John herself. But she had no good ideas. She didn’t know him now, if she ever really had, and he’d obviously spiraled. But she wanted him caught and her life back. No matter what that meant for her and Damon, she needed to feel composed and in control.
“I’ll come to my apartment tomorrow to clean up,” she told her brother.
“It’s done. Deke, Lucas, Josh, and I pitched in. You’re going to have to replace the things John destroyed, but forget about it until he’s caught. If you come home, you’re an open target, and I’m sure he expects you to show up there. We have a patrol car doing drive-bys, looking out for him. Just sit tight.”
“Thanks, Mack. You guys are the best.” Her heart warmed for her brothers and how fortunate she was to have them in her life. “You didn’t tell Mom and Dad, did you?” She didn’t want them worrying.
“Of course not. And don’t thank me. In fact, when you hear what I have to say next, you’re going to want to kill me,” Mack muttered.
Her shoulders stiffened. “What is it?”
He chuckled as he said, “Mom wants us to come to dinner tomorrow night. And she wants you to bring Damon.”
“What?” she shouted, startling Damon as he drove. “Sorry, everything’s fine,” she told him before refocusing on her brother. “Mack, no.”
“I’m afraid so. Derek told her you’re seeing a famous football player and that John was lurking, but you were safe because you’d moved in with Damon. Of course, she told Dad and they want to meet him.” Her brother sounded too amused for her liking.
Her head began to pound. Their pretend game was getting too confused with reality, and her family definitely had the wrong idea about what was going on between her and Damon. “Damon’s too busy to be bothered with a family dinner.”
“No, I’m not. I’m free whenever,” Damon said beside her.
Her gaze slid to his face. A slow grin edged his mouth, and her body reacted because even the man’s damned profile was sexy.
She drew a calming breath until her brother spoke again. “I heard that. I’ll let Mom and Dad know you’ll both be there. Meanwhile, watch your back and I’ll see you soon.”
Leaning her head back against the plush headrest, she groaned. “You do not want to come to a big family dinner with my parents and brothers,” she told him.
He reached over and clasped her hand in his. “Why not?”
“It sends the wrong signal, for one thing.”
“You do realize I could hear Mack’s loud voice. Your parents already know you’re staying with me and we are sleeping together, so we’re not really lying.”
She shook her head. “You don’t understand. They’ll think you’re serious about me when we know the truth. I know the truth.”
“Do you always overthink things? It’s a simple dinner with your parents. They’ll love me,” he said with a charming chuckle.
About that she had no doubt.
* * *
Damon finished lightweight lifting and exercise at the gym where Jimmy O’Roarke worked out when not with the team. He wished he could press weights harder and be ready sooner even if he couldn’t play. Now that he was back home, his anger had returned and he growled his frustration.
“Time will pass,” Jimmy said, clearly reading his mood.
He tossed Damon a towel and he wiped his forehead, but there wasn’t much sweat to be found. Light workout meant taking it easy. His head felt fine and he had no residual effects from the concussion. That was good news at least.