Page 5 of Audra: The Prequel

“Uh, yeah,no problema. I can do that. Claudia,venga conmigo.” Eddie extended his arm.

Claudia shot a quick look at Audra, making sure she was okay being left alone with him.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll wait here,” she said.

“Be right back.” Claudia took Eddie’s arm and let him escort her inside.

Damon took a moment to take in Audra—the luscious curves, the full sexy lips, the smooth dark skin, and her long hair. “You’re still here.”

“I decided to hang around a little longer. The food’s good.”

“That’s the only reason?”

“And Claudia’s my ride, so…” She shrugged.

Damn, Audra was going to be a tough nut to crack, but he was up for the challenge. Time to pour on the charm.

Damon leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Listen, I wasn’t completely honest with you earlier.”

“Oh?” One of her eyebrows climbed higher.

“I’m the owner of this condo and the host of the party. I’m The Flash. They call me that because I’m fast on the field.”

She let out a cute laugh. “No, you’re not. If you were The Flash, you would have told me.”

“I’m telling you now.”

The smile evaporated on her face, and the circumference of her eyes expanded. “Tell me you’re joking. Please.”

“I’m not. I’m Damon ‘The Flash’ Foster.”

Her mouth slowly opened in shock, and all he could think about was tugging her lower lip between his teeth. Audra covered her face with one hand and muttered something that sounded like “Ohmigod.”

Finally, she looked at him with embarrassment etched into her features. “I’m so sorry for getting your name wrong in the kitchen and the smart remark I made about your decorating. Actually, now that I think about it, I really like the minimalist approach.”

Damon bit back a laugh. “Now you’re lying.”

She made an unconsciously sexy move, looking up at him with her big brown eyes and sinking her teeth into the corner of her mouth. His eyes dipped for a second to her lips. He was jealous of her teeth.

“Don’t worry, I’ve been called worse things than Shazam. I thought it was pretty funny. But, if you want to make up for your bad behavior… how about you let me take you out to dinner.” He locked eyes with her.

She seemed taken aback and let out a soft laugh, averting her gaze to the parking lot below.

“What did I say that was funny?” Damon asked.

“I’m flattered, but I’m not interested.”

She was actually turning him down. Huh. That was new. Nowhewas the one taken aback.

“Why not? You think I’m ugly or something?”

“No!”

He almost busted out laughing at her mortified expression.

“Actually,” she continued in a careful voice, “you’re very handsome, but… let’s be honest, okay? You could have your pick of any woman here. Matter of fact, I’ve seen you in action, flirting and whatnot. You have plenty of choices at this party.”

“I’m not going to deny I have options, but I’m not interested in the other women here. I’m interested in you, Audra Connor.” He continued to make eye contact so there would be no question about his sincerity.

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