Page 13 of Audra: The Prequel

Perfect. “Then we can both go out and have a nice meal and enjoy each other’s company.”

“As friends.”

“Oh yeah, as friends.”

“Sounds good.” She smiled, and she was so damn beautiful his chest hurt.

Before she could change her mind, Damon made sure they exchanged numbers and then walked her to her royal blue BMW.

“Are you busy this weekend? I have a couple of ideas for restaurants,” Damon said. Now that she’d agreed to go out with him, he wanted to lock her into a date.

Audra stopped at her driver’s side door. “This weekend works for me, but I have a request.”

“Shoot.”

“Although I didn’t know it initially, you’re obviously very famous. I’d like to go somewhere low-key, if that’s okay with you. I don’t want my photo all over the gossip blogs and social media.”

Damon understood her reservations. The blogs could be vicious. When they weren’t dissecting his love life, they were scrutinizing the women he dated—everything from their hairstyles to the shoes on their feet. Most of the women he became involved with were accustomed to the attention, and some welcomed it because of their line of work as actresses or models. Someone like Audra wasn’t used to having the eyes of the public on her and clearly wanted to maintain her privacy.

“That’s not a problem,” he assured her. “Matter of fact, one of the places I’m thinking about would be perfect. We can arrive separately and meet up inside. Does that work for you?”

She seemed surprised by his accommodating suggestion. “Sounds perfect.”

“Good. I’ll make the reservation and call you with the details later.”

“You’ll make the reservation? I figured you’d have a personal assistant who takes care of those types of tasks for you. Someone who orders these flowers every week too.”

“Is that what you think?”

“It’s pretty normal.”

“Maybe, and I’m not saying that I don’t have an assistant. I do. He takes care of a lot of stuff for me, but I order those flowers for you every week, I pick the gifts, and I’m going to handle our dinner reservations.”

“Oh. I didn’t know.” She seemed genuinely surprised, a soft wrinkle appearing on her forehead. Before she climbed into her car, she turned one more time to face him. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why do you handle those tasks yourself if you have someone who can do them for you?”

“Because I want to. You deserve the personal touch.”

If her skin had been lighter, he was certain he would see her cheeks turn red. Instead, she lowered her gaze, and a soft smile touched her lips.

“You’re something else, Damon. I look forward to getting your call.”

Chapter Six

Damon had called, and tonight was the night.

Audra checked her appearance in the bathroom mirror. Black slacks and a purple top, her hair in large curls that rested like dark clouds on her shoulders.

Am I showing too much cleavage?

No, she decided. Considering some of the clothing she’d seen women wearing in the photos with Damon, this outfit was pretty demure.

She turned out the light and went into the bedroom. Kerilyn was lying on her stomach on the bed, playing a video game on an old phone Audra had given her.

Audra picked up her purse. “How does Mommy look?” She turned in a slow circle.

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