Dare To Tempt (Dare Nation 2)

“Does she?” he asked over light crackling on the line.

Shit. Damon hoped they didn’t get disconnected. “She has trust issues I’m working on fixing. An ex who has her afraid to trust, and my past with women isn’t stellar. But I’m working on showing her over time.” By just being there day after day and proving to her he had staying power.

“Good for you. I have faith you’ll get the girl,” his brother said.

“And you?”

“Just not ready to share yet,” Braden said, making Damon wonder if it was serious or not.

Braden always kept things close. Maybe Bri knew more. They were twins and had a special bond. “Well, I’m really glad you called. And I, for one, hope you come home soon.”

Because he really missed his levelheaded sibling.

Chapter Nine

Evie dressed up and drove to the new Miami Thunder Stadium that had recently been constructed, anticipation building inside her. She’d obtained some very interesting information on the team doctor from her computer guru and had put two and two together, knowing the conclusion was good for Damon.

But she hadn’t filled him in. She hadn’t wanted to get his hopes up in case it was a dead end. Instead she’d called Austin, who’d gotten in touch with Ian. And when the team owner had heard her information, he’d agreed to a joint discussion with Gregory Emerson, the backup quarterback.

She gave her name at security, and a man directed her where to park. She made her way through the parking lot, the summer heat baking down on her, and she could admit to herself she was relieved to be rid of the jacket. Revealing her insecurity in the form of the scar to Damon had given her the courage to walk around without covering it anymore. Did the red line still remind her of her mistakes? Yes. But she needed to learn to live with her past. And maybe she was getting closer to acceptance.

She found her way to Ian’s office and she walked up to his assistant’s desk. “I have an appointment? Evie Wolfe.”

The attractive woman with brown bobbed hair smiled at her. “Of course. One moment, Ms. Wolfe.”

Evie waited while the other woman rose from her seat and knocked on Ian’s door. “Mr. Dare? Ms. Wolfe is here to see you.”

She returned to her chair just as Ian stepped out of his office, formidable in his well-cut suit, a black pin-striped jacket, white dress shirt, and a red tie.

As good-looking as he was, and though he shared the Dare gene for those blue eyes, Evie preferred her men more rugged than polished. Still, there was no denying his dominating presence and sex appeal.

“Evie, good to see you.” Ian stepped forward and she extended her hand.

A grin pulled at his lips as he shook it. “How is Damon?” He gestured her to proceed him into his office.

“He’s dealing.” Her gaze immediately went to the photos on his desk, turned, enabling her to catch a glimpse of his beautiful wife and three young children, two adorable girls and a little boy. “Gorgeous family,” she said.

“Thank you. I’m a lucky man.”

She settled into a chair across from his desk and eased her legs to one side. She wasn’t used to the office-dress look she’d chosen, but she understood her audience. She wouldn’t show up here looking like a grungy PI.

“Austin told me about your theory that Gregory Emerson used his connections between his father and our team doctor to drug Damon so Emerson would have the opportunity to prove himself.” Ian’s stern face was enough to intimidate anyone, but she held her own.

She’d also discovered motive and the connection to make her hunch possible. “Yes, and this morning I found out that Dr. Jonas had IRS issues. He couldn’t pay taxes and owed a lot of money. About a month ago, he wrote them a huge check. Some digging into Emerson’s father showed he had the same amount going out of his bank account on that same day. Can’t be coincidence.”

“Son of a bitch. So Emerson’s father paid off Doc’s debts in exchange for Doc dosing Damon?”

Evie sighed. “That’s my theory. Because Damon didn’t take drugs. Someone doped him somehow.”

Ian studied her intently. “I believe that, too, or I wouldn’t even entertain this notion. You’ve got good connections, Ms. Wolfe.”

She grinned. “I manage.”

“Look, I don’t want to believe Emerson would stoop that low. The kid is diligent, focused, and he works hard. I’d like to speak to him. Handle it my way. I just don’t want him to feel like he’s being cornered. I’ve dealt with my share of sports families, and I have my own ideas on how this went down.”

She nodded. “However you want to handle it is fine.” She was just grateful Ian was being proactive on Damon’s behalf.

A knock sounded on the door. “Mr. Dare? Gregory Emerson is here,” his assistant said.