He tapped his brother’s name on the screen and waited for him to answer, which he did on the first ring.
“Hey, bro. What’s up?” Damon asked.
“Where the fuck have you been? I called you all night.”
Damon winced at the frustration in Austin’s voice. “I shut my phone off. Sorry.” He drew a deep breath. “I lost the appeal, didn’t I?”
“I’m sorry, Damon.”
His stomach tumbled at the news.
“We knew it was a long shot,” Austin was saying. “Without being able to argue the validity of the testing, we never really had a chance. They don’t call it a zero-tolerance policy for no reason.”
“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.
Deke lifted his helmet and scratched his head. “I’d love to talk and hear more, but now that I know Evie’s out of her apartment and safe, I need to get back to work.”
He shot Evie a look that Damon interpreted as I want an explanation for Damon Prescott coming over at this hour later.
“Bye, Deke. Be careful.” She watched him leave, concern etched on her face.
Damon didn’t like seeing her worried or upset. “He’ll be fine.”
She nodded. “I know. It’s his job and he’s good at it. He knows how to be careful.”
He studied her makeup-free face, realizing she was as beautiful with all the artifice as without. In fact, he liked seeing her olive skin glowing and her lips bare. He’d love to devour them and see how she tasted without fake goop on her lips.
He shoved his hands into his jean pockets. “So, any more brothers I should know about?”
She grinned. “Lucas is an EMT and Joshua is a mechanic.”
He let out a low whistle. That would teach him not to jump to conclusions every time she hugged another man. “Must have been hard bringing boyfriends home.”
She chuckled. “They had to be pretty damn brave to face the four of them, plus my dad.” She met his gaze.
“Are they still tough on the guys in your life?” Because he wanted to be her guy. He knew that now.
Driving over here, worrying about her again, he had a sudden rush of certainty. They deserved a real shot. His life sucked and he wanted her to be there while he went through it. He suddenly understood Austin more. How being with Quinn after his infant daughter, Jenny, had arrived, seeing her in a new light, sent his one-time bachelor brother into a man determined to make Quinn his.
Still, the reminder of losing his appeal sent his mood crashing to the ground. “Oh, by the way, I lost the appeal. My suspension remains intact,” he said low enough no one could overhear.
“Oh, Damon. I’m sorry.” Without warning, she stepped forward and pulled him into a hug.
One he hadn’t known he’d needed. Her warm body pressed into his, her breasts crushing against his chest, the thin material of her top hardly a barrier. Her nipples were hard and tight, and his hands slid to her waist, his palms brushing her bare skin. He felt the gun she’d tucked into her jeans and was glad she’d thought to protect herself.
Someone jostled against them and she stepped back, looking up at him with heat in her eyes. He experienced the same warmth sizzling through his veins.
“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked quietly, not acknowledging the moment, instead leading him away from the group of people.
Some pointed but nobody had bothered him for an autograph or photo, probably because they’d all just rolled out of bed. Not the best selfie moment.
He drew a deep breath. “About the suspension. It doesn’t just suck, it’s devastating. I can live with letting myself down because I know I didn’t do it. I can focus on who has it in for me and why. But my team? They need me and it’s a quarter of the season. They don’t deserve to be let down by their quarterback.” He shook his head, looking down at the dewy grass.
“Those who know you will trust you,” she assured him, slipping her hand into his and squeezing tight.
He appreciated her show of support and wrapped his larger fingers around hers. “Yeah, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m out for four games.”
“I understand,” she murmured.
“There’s something else.” He heard himself speak and was shocked at what he was about to reveal to her. “Now that it’s official and there’s no way out, I hear my father’s voice in my head.”
She narrowed her gaze. “So, Quinn told me last year that Austin donated a kidney to your uncle Paul, who admitted to being your real father.”
“Sperm donor dad.” A wry smile lifted his lips. “I love that man. Growing up, when my dad was an asshole, Uncle Paul was always the voice of reason. But now? I imagine Jesse’s disappointment. I can hear him berating me for not being good enough, for letting my teammates down. And it sucks.”
She sighed. “I won’t minimize your feelings and I can’t take them away. I can only tell you that we’ll figure this out, and though it won’t bring back the games you miss, at least you’ll have validation. I’m going to do my best for you.”
“I’m grateful.” Even though she was being paid to do a job, those brown eyes looking up at him with faith told him she was invested in more than a paycheck. Which was a good thing, because he was becoming equally invested in her.
* * *
Evie and Damon remained outside for another hour while the firefighters cleared the building. Mack stopped by to explain that the superintendent was taking the firemen through the apartments, letting them check each one with gas meters before declaring the building all clear.
Her conversation with Damon about his father lay on her mind, as did his feelings about letting his teammates down. She couldn’t help but feel like Emerson getting his opportunity to prove himself meant something to this investigation. But she hadn’t brought up the backup quarterback’s name to Damon again this morning, not wanting to rub salt in an open wound.
Finally, someone began to speak through a megaphone, announcing it was safe to go back inside.
She glanced at Damon. “I appreciate you keeping me company. Stay for breakfast?” she asked. Although she knew he was a client, she also wasn’t ready for him to leave yet. That fired-up moment between them earlier stayed with her.
Her need to offer comfort, her arms wrapped around his, the musky smell of man, and the heat in his eyes afterwards. She didn’t want a relationship, dammit, but she couldn’t turn her back on him when he was at his lowest.
“Are you cooking?” he asked.
She broke into a grin. “You don’t know me that well but no. I’m ordering in from my favorite pancake place.”
His hot gaze slid over her. She already knew what it felt like to rub against that muscular body and how much she’d both enjoyed the feeling and wanted more.
“I’m not sure where you put the carbs, but damn, you wear it well.”
She flushed at his admiration.
“Count me in since I’m not exactly in training at the moment,” he said, unaware of the pleasure his compliment gave her. “I can afford a cheat.” He frowned and she hated that she’d reminded him of his suspension.
“Come on up. I’ll call in the order.”
He nodded. “Give me a minute. I want to talk to your brother and see what they found.”
“Okay.” She smiled and headed in along with everyone else from her building.
* * *
Damon waited until she’d gone inside and strode to where the fire engine sat idle and looked around for Evie’s brothers. He caught sight of Mack and called out his name.
The man turned and strode over to Damon. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
Mack narrowed his gaze. “I know you didn’t sleep here, but you’re here at the ass crack of dawn. Am I right in thinking there’s more between you and Evie than client and PI?”
Admiring his blunt assessment and the fact that he didn’t give a shit about Damon’s fame, Damon decided to answer with respect and not a smart-ass none of your business comment.
“I like your sister,” he said.
“Define like.”
Like, now it was none of his fucking business, Damon thought, but didn’t say it. “Like I want to get to know her better.” He doubted Mack was aware of Damon’s nonexistent dating history.
Hookups? Yes. Dating? No.
Because he’d watched his mother stay with a man who’d been a dick to her kids, Damon hadn’t ever thought he’d find someone who would make him want to try for more than a night or two max. He couldn’t say he’d seen a loving relationship growing up. His mom spent her time making sure she was a buffer between her husband and children. Austin hadn’t gotten the brunt of Jesse Prescott’s wrath as he was more of the natural athlete. Although Damon knew Austin thought Damon hadn’t had it that bad, Damon had built his own resentments toward their father. But Evie? She was complex and unique, and she made him want to know her on a deeper, more emotional level.
Mack digested Damon’s comment, his intent, and puffed out his chest. “You know what I’m going to say, right?”
Damon squared his shoulders. “I have a sister, which means, yes, I know exactly what you’re going to say. And I’m not going to hurt her,” he said preemptively. If anything, he’d been more open and honest with Evie in a short time than with any other woman ever.
Watching him warily, Mack said, “Good, because I don’t care how famous you are, she’s got four brothers willing to kick your ass if you do.”
“Point made,” Damon reassured the man. “Now about the gas leak. What did they find?”
Mack looked toward the truck, where the guys were wrapping things up. “Nothing. Not a damn thing as far as I know.”
Just then, Deke strode over, a sheen of sweat on his face from wearing his uniform in the Florida heat. “What’s up?” he asked, looking from Damon to Mack.
Mack shrugged. “Just warning the famous athlete to watch himself with Evie or he’ll have us to answer to.”
Before Damon could respond to that, Mack asked, “You and your guys find anything?”
Deke, who’d begun to look Damon over, shook his head. “Either the call to 911 about a gas leak was a false alarm or a prank.”
“A prank.” Damon frowned. Something felt off to him about it being a hoax, what with Evie’s asshole ex roaming around, but he wasn’t about to tell her brothers and have them hovering even more. Not when gut instinct was all he had.
“Hey, Wolfe!” another firefighter called out, joining them. “Did you see an unfamiliar-looking guy wearing one of our uniforms lurking around?” he asked Deke.
Damon narrowed his gaze while Mack jerked to alertness.
“What do you mean?” Deke asked.
A young guy, younger than Damon at twenty-five, lifted his hat and ran a hand through his hair. “An old woman said she asked one of us to make sure we didn’t let her cat out of her apartment when we did the door-to-door checks. Told him to come back and let her know her apartment was safe. She was frantic. Probably age related, you know? Anyway, she saw the guy again after and called out to him
, but he ignored her. Instead he got into a car and drove away. She was giving Chief an earful when I saw you guys and walked over here.”
“You come and go in the truck only, right?” Mack asked.
The new guy nodded. “Any of you see anything odd? Deke, you see anyone unfamiliar?”
“No.” He folded his arms across his chest and looked at the men milling around the front of the building and the engine.
“Motherfucker,” Damon muttered. “That bastard has something to do with this, I’m sure.”
Deke jerked his head around. “Who?”
With a groan, Mack spoke. “John, Evie’s ex.”
Deke’s eyes opened wide. “What the fuck? That bastard surfaced again?”
A loud whistle sounded. “Come on, Wolfe, Holmes. Haul ass. We’re out of here,” someone called from nearby.
Deke glared at his brother. “I’ve got to go but you owe me an explanation.” He and his fellow firefighter jogged over to the truck, whose engine had already been started.
“You didn’t tell him about the gift?” Damon asked.
Mack flushed a deep red. “Didn’t want him freaking out, but I’ll get him, Josh, and Lucas together and explain.”
Damon’s gut twisted with dread. “I’ve got to get upstairs.”
“And I’m going to find out more about this supposed firefighter,” Mack said. “Keep an eye on her,” he instructed Damon.
As if he planned to do anything else.
Chapter Four
Evie hadn’t asked Damon what he wanted for breakfast, but his eyes had lit up at the idea of pancakes, so she ordered her favorites. The restaurant knew her by name and was aware of her usual order. Apple pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, because she liked both and always had one of each, and an order of plain just in case Damon didn’t want to share what she’d chosen.
She washed up quickly and changed into a pair of sweats and a long-sleeve shirt. Damon hadn’t noticed the scar yet, and she didn’t want to have to get into an explanation now. She set the table and had just finished when Damon knocked. She heard his voice telling her it was him from outside.
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