Page 21 of Audra: The Prequel

Damon didn’t smile. “Nah. More than friends.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her off. “I know you think my lifestyle is a bit intimidating, and I understand. Being in the public eye definitely has its drawbacks, but no one has to know about us right now. We can keep things low-key, get to know each other without all eyes being on us. Unless…”

“Unless what?” she prompted.

“You and Kerilyn’s dad are still…”

Her eyes widened, and she shook her head so vehemently her hair fell across her face. “No. Absolutely not.”

She was so adamant, he almost laughed. Damn. Her ex must be a real jerk.

“Okay, so I don’t have to worry about him.”

“He and I are done and have been for years. His name is Kerry. Yes, I named my daughter after him.” She rolled her eyes in disgust at her own decision-making. “Anyway, let me repeat—he and I are done.”

Damon stepped closer. “In that case, we can see each other again.”

She frowned slightly. “You can have any woman you want,” she said, sounding perplexed.

“Except you?”

Uncertainty flickered in her eyes. “I’m not looking for a serious relationship right now, and I know you aren’t either—obviously.”

“Obviously?”

“You’re a serial dater. You don’t stick to one woman very long, and there’s nothing wrong with that,” she added hastily. “I enjoyed myself with you, but I have to be honest. I’m not sure dating you would be a wise decision, and I make terrible decisions.”

He didn’t particularly like her assessment of his dating life, but she was right about one thing—a serious relationship wasn’t in the cards for him right now. He was young and rich, and though he did want to spend more time with Audra, he didn’t know how long his interest would last and didn’t want to make her any promises he might break.

She wasn’t like some of the other women he dated. She didn’t seem like the type looking to get pregnant and be set for the next eighteen years. Nor was she an up-and-coming celebrity or model seeking free publicity by being on his arm. From everything he’d learned about her tonight, she seemed like a regular person, and right now, he wanted regular. He craved it in a way he never thought he would.

“We can take things slow if you like. I enjoyed myself tonight, and you enjoyed yourself. We can kick it and see where things go.”

“Just kick it, huh?” Audra said, uncertainty remaining in her expression.

Damon took her hand and gazed into her eyes. “You have to at least help me decorate my place, right? Might as well get the perks of dating me too. What do you think…?”

“You’re persistent, I’ll give you that,” Audra said with a short laugh.

“Does that mean I’ll see you again, Audra?” He held his breath, his belly oddly tight with the stress of worrying that she’d answer no.

Finally, she smiled. “Yes. I look forward to it.”

He grinned. He wanted to pull her into a kiss but suspected that would be too much for her at the moment. He carefully brushed her hair away from her face, and for a moment, his eyes dipped to her upturned lips. Full, lush, temptingly red.

Using monumental self-control, he kissed her cheek instead. Her skin was soft, and she smelled like heaven. Biting back a groan of hunger, he stepped back.

Audra seemed surprised.

“Good night,” he said.

“Good night, and thank you for a great evening.” She studied him for a moment, as if trying to figure him out. Then she disappeared inside the house.

Grinning, Damon jogged down the steps and climbed into his SUV.

Chapter Nine

Damon didn’t have a game tonight, but he was on his way to the gym to work out. After he merged into traffic, he dialed his father’s number in Arkansas.

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