Page 24 of Audra: The Prequel

Damon.

She gasped, her pulse jumping erratically. He’d followed up the call with a text.

Hey there, hope you aren’t ignoring me. I called to see if ur free on Saturday night. If not, clear your schedule. I’m taking you out again.

Biting her bottom lip, Audra replied.

Was that a question or a demand?

A minute later, he responded.

Which one would have you saying yes?

Honestly, either.

Good to know. So you’re free?

Yes.

I’ll pick you up at 7:15 for dinner. Casual dress. Comfortable shoes. We’ll be doing a little walking after our meal.

I’ll be ready.

“What are you smiling about?” Claudia stood beside Audra with a hand on one hip. Her blonde hair was styled in a single braid that rested over one shoulder.

“I have another date,” Audra said. She had been worried she wouldn’t hear from Damon and couldn’t stop cheesing because she had.

“Is it with the person I think it’s with? Mr. Foster of the Atlanta Braves?” Claudia asked.

“Yes, it’s him.”

Claudia let out a quiet squeal, and Audra joined her.

“Aren’t you glad you came with me to that party?”

“I was already glad because I had a good time. Now I’m doubly glad,” Audra admitted.

“Keep me posted.”

Claudia sauntered off, and Audra sat at her desk, staring at the messages exchanged between her and Damon.

Saturday was too far away.

Chapter Ten

“The Aquarium?” Audra exclaimed, eyes wide as the chauffeur pulled up to the building.

When Damon had told her to dress casually and wear comfortable shoes, she had silently worried about what that meant but was open to new adventures. Anticipating an outdoor activity, she wore black jeans, a floral, loose-fitting top, and wedge heels.

This, however, was a surprise.

The Georgia Aquarium was an animal sanctuary of more than 600,000 square feet and contained more than eleven million gallons of water. She hadn’t visited in two years, when she had been a chaperone for her daughter’s preschool class trip.

“This ain’t no regular schmegular trip to the Aquarium. You’re about to get the VIP access tour.” Standing outside the car, Damon extended a hand and helped her out.

“Oooh, VIP? I can’t wait.”

They had stayed in touch the entire week and talked almost every day on the phone—even when he was out of town. She loved hearing his voice and discussing everything under the sun, which made her feel closer to him, as if they’d known each other for years.

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