Dare To Tempt (Dare Nation 2)

“Send him in, Dana.”

As Emerson entered, he smiled for his boss, then the grin slid off his face as he realized they weren’t alone. “Evie. What are you doing here?” he asked, obviously confused.

“Come sit,” Ian said.

“I don’t understand.” Emerson looked from Evie to Ian and back again.

“Greg, Evie’s a private investigator. She’s working for Damon to help prove he didn’t knowingly take PEDs.”

Through narrowed eyes, Emerson asked, “And what does this have to do with me?”

Ian clasped his hands together and leaned forward at his desk. “Did you know your father and Dr. Jonas were frat brothers at Duke?”

“Yes.” Emerson let out a slow breath, shoulders slumping. “But I never wanted to get anywhere in my career by nepotism or favoritism, so I don’t discuss it. Never told anyone. Ever. As far as I’m concerned, it has nothing to do with me.” He ran a hand over his face. “Why is this coming up now? Are you accusing me of something?” He clenched his fists at his sides.

“Not accusing. Asking you flat out. Are you working with Doc to drug Damon so you have a shot to prove yourself?”

“Fuck no!” Emerson slammed his hand on the arms of the chair and propelled himself out of his seat. “And if you think that, fuck you. I won’t be disrespected like that.” He started for the door.

“Sit,” Ian said in his commanding voice. “I believe you.” He glanced at Evie. “I’ve always relied on my gut and this is no different.”

Her stomach twisted, feeling like it was plummeting to the floor. “But Damon—”

Ian held up a hand and waited.

Finally, Emerson turned around and met his boss’s gaze. “I don’t think Damon took PEDs, either.”

“Then what do you think happened?” Ian held the other man’s stare and, along with Evie, waited for him to reply.

The clock seemed to tick as they sat in silence.

“My father has high expectations,” Emerson finally said, shoulders slumped.

Ian rose and walked around his desk, sitting on the corner near Emerson. “And how far would he go for you to meet those expectations?” he asked, his voice deep and low, as if they were the only two in the room.

Emerson swallowed hard. “I guess I need to find out.” He looked up at Ian then and glanced over, including Evie. “If my father did anything, not only didn’t I know, I don’t approve. And I’d gladly step down and give the captain back his starting position on game day.”

Suddenly Evie could see why Ian had provided the man the benefit of the doubt. He might be the puppy dog who looked up to Damon, but he was also a man with pride, and he’d grow into himself as an athlete on the team. On his own merits.

“Evie, let me speak to Greg alone. We’ll get this sorted out and tell Damon I’ll be in touch.”

Evie nodded, her mood somber despite being so close to clearing Damon she could taste victory.

On her way home, Ian called to let her know Emerson was going to confront his father and get them all some answers.

* * *

Damon had just stepped out of the shower, towel wrapped around his waist, when Evie arrived home. One look at her in a slim black skirt that ended at the knee, a white camisole top, and those red heels he loved so much and his cock perked up, telling him his shower had been a waste of water and time.

“Hey, gorgeous.”

She grinned, sitting down on the bed and kicking off her shoes. “Why do women like these things?” she asked with a groan.

“Because they show off those long legs and make me think dirty thoughts.” He strode toward her, ignoring the towel when it unhooked from his waist and fell to the floor.

Her gaze locked on his erection that grew more solid the longer she stared. And when she licked her lips, he let out a low growl.

Stepping between her legs, he urged her to lie back on the bed.

“Don’t you want to know where I’ve been?” she asked, breathless, but from the gleam in her eyes, she obviously had something to tell him.

He rose and pulled her up. “Talk while you strip.”

She rolled her eyes and pulled off her top. “This morning my computer guy came up with huge news.”

He listened as she explained about her meeting with Ian and Emerson and Doc’s debts and the check written to him that same day he paid off the IRS. “Jesus. I can’t believe he sold me out for cash. Drugged me. Fucked with my career.”

“If it’s any consolation, Ian and I don’t believe Greg knew about it. He was pissed and he’s going to confront his father.”

Damon lowered himself onto the bed next to her, sex forgotten for the moment. “I know what it’s like to have a father who pushes and pushes. If Emerson didn’t break under the pressure, he’s strong.”