Page 11 of Audra: The Prequel

Two to three times a week, Audra received a surprise at work—flowers or some little gift. The flower arrangements were always different, and the gifts weren’t extravagant but thoughtful. He sent gourmet treats, like artisan chocolates and rich, delicious cheesecake, which she shared with Claudia. He also sent a plant that she placed on her desk. Her absolute favorite present was a puzzle with a picture of him. She thought that was hilarious.

The man was hot, rich, and had a great sense of humor. He was definitely dangerous. She understood why women flocked to him.

She began to look forward to the deliveries and idly wondered,How long did he plan to keep sending her gifts?

Chapter Five

Damon didn’t have a game tonight, but he’d had to practice and watch film and barely made it home in time to shower, change, and arrive at Audra’s workplace at the end of the day. He didn’t want to draw attention to himself and tugged his cap lower on his forehead, hoping not to be recognized.

He watched the employees pouring out the front doors of the building. Then he saw her, looking professional yet sexy in a white blouse and black sarong skirt that showed off her figure. She carried the bouquet of roses he had sent earlier in the day, so she was easy to spot. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail that swayed with each step she took in a pair of black heels.

“Damn,” he muttered, licking his lips.

This wasn’t the first time he’d seen her since the party. He’d stopped by once before and sat in his car, watching as she exited the building. He’d had the same visceral reaction and muttered the same word—Damn.

Pushing away from his black SUV, he shoved his hands in his pockets.

Audra looked both ways and then crossed the street. When she arrived on his side, she veered right, probably toward her car. She hadn’t seen him.

“Audra.” He took several steps as she looked over her shoulder. She paused, her eyes lighting up and a faint smile touching her lips. A good sign.

Damon stayed put, not wanting to freak her out.

“Damon.” She said his name with surprise and wonder.

“Hi. I swear I’m not a stalker.”

“Says the man standing outside my job.”

He laughed. “You have a good sense of humor.”

“I like to think I’m funny.”

His eyes dropped to her full, ruby-colored lips before returning to her dark eyes. “Can we talk?”

“Sure.” Clutching the roses in her hands, she slowly approached and stopped directly in front of him.

“I see you received the flowers.”

“I’ve received all your flowers. And the gifts. Did you get my message?”

She had sent a message through Claudia, who passed it on to Jacob, thanking Damon for the gifts. She hadn’t provided her phone number, though, which was what he’d been hoping for.

“I did, which is why I’m here.” He tilted his head sideways. “Have I made any headway?”

She copied his move by cocking her head and shifting her lips into a moue. “Should I be worried about you?”

“What do you mean?” Damon asked.

“You’ve been sending me gifts for the past three weeks, and now you’re waiting outside my job.”

“That’s a fair point, but I promise I’m not dangerous.”

“Are you sure about that?” she asked.

He chuckled. “We should probably start over, or I need to start over. Honestly, I don’t usually act like this about women.”

“Let me guess, I’m ‘different?’” She did air quotes with one hand.

---