Page 47 of Audra: The Prequel

Damon winced. Admittedly, the dress had been short and showed off the model’s slender frame. “It’s a dress. A one-of-a-kind,” he murmured.

“Good for her for finding a creative way to publicize the outfit, but why did you participate in something like that if you’re in a relationship?” Audra demanded.

“Hardly anyone knows about you and me, Audra, so I didn’t see the harm in helping her out.”

“Oh, is that what you callhelping her out?You took her dancing?” she asked with a sarcastic edge to her voice.

Damon temporarily closed his eyes. This was going to be hard as hell. With other women he’d dated before, he could tell them anything—the truth or lies, didn’t matter—and they always understood. They always forgave him. It was clear he would not have such an easy time with Audra.

“You know what I mean,” he said.

“And you don’t get anything out of this arrangement? You did it because you’re a nice guy?” Audra asked.

“I do get something out of it, but not what you think. I’ve been figuring out ways to generate income after baseball. I’ve done a little modeling, but I want the opportunity to do more. My agent and Nami’s manager are old friends. Nami’s manager agreed to help me make those connections in exchange for getting eyes on Nami while she was in New York.”

“You must be really excited to start modeling because you looked like you were having the time of your life. The way you two were smiling at each other—if that was fake, you deserve Academy Awards.”

“Audra, of course I was acting.”

Silence reigned on the other end of the line. He waited her out.

“You should have told me,” she said.

“I didn’t have time. It all happened so fast. My agent tossed me the idea, I said yes, and Nami and I went out after the game. The photos weren’t supposed to be printed until next week, so I thought I’d have time to explain everything to you.”

“Well, you didn’t have time, and maybe the whole world doesn’t know about our relationship, but my family does. Do you have any idea how humiliated I’ll be if any of them see those pictures? And you know what, if you’re such a great actor, how do I know you’re not acting when you’re with me?”

Elbows to knees, Damon buried his face in one hand. “You know me, baby.Come on.I would never hurt you like this. I would never riskusand what we have.” He blew out a breath. “How did you find out about the photos anyway?”

“Kerry called and told me.”

Her ex.Motherfu?—

“I’m glad he did because I might not have seen them otherwise. To be honest, Damon, I don’t know if I can trust you.”

His head snapped up. “What are you saying? Are you going to let this ruin our relationship? Audra, I don’t want our relationship to end over a damn misunderstanding.”

“It’s more than a misunderstanding! You were with another woman under very suspicious circumstances. I don’t travel with you, so how do I know what you’re doing when you’re at the away games? You’re gone for days at a time.”

“Baby—”

“I have to figure out if what you’re saying is true, and I’m not so sure.” The finality in her voice propelled Damon to his feet.

“Listen to me. I screwed up. I admit it. I take full responsibility. I should have called or texted you right away.That’s my bad, but I’m not willing to give up on us. Tell me what to do.” Damon held his breath as he awaited her reply.

“I’m not sure what you can do. Maybe nothing.” Her voice trembled.

“Don’t say that, sweetheart.” His world was crumbling around him, and there was nothing he could do? This couldn’t be happening!

“I have to go,” Audra said in a thick voice. She sounded on the verge of tears.

“Audra, baby?—”

“Good night, Damon. I need time to think. Don’t call me for a while.”

“Don’t say that. Baby?—”

Click.

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