He settled behind his desk and picked up a pen, rotating it between his palms. “Okay, Damon. I’m going to clear you for light aerobic exercise with Jimmy. Once he sees that’s no problem, you can move to step three. Continued aerobic exercise and strength training. You know the drill for return to participation protocol. After that, we can get you into full football activity and clear you. Unfortunately, you can’t play for the next four games. Five weeks pretty much. I’m sorry.”
Damon’s gut churned at the reminder.
“Doctor, do you have any theories on how Damon tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs considering he hasn’t taken any?” Evie asked, perking up now that Doc had reached his conclusion.
The man glanced at Evie, eyes narrowing at her question. It wasn’t every day an NFL player let a woman ask questions about his treatment, that much Damon knew. Unless it was his wife.
Still, Evie had a job to do, and Damon had every intention of letting her do it. He nodded at Doc, encouraging the man to answer.
“It’s as much a mystery to me as it is to Damon. We’ve spoken about it and I don’t know. There has to be something in a supplement or medication he ingested that he doesn’t remember.” Doc picked up his clipboard. “Still an old-fashioned kind of guy. Don’t trust computers completely,” he joked as he made some notes.
Evie didn’t reply.
Damon glanced at her and she had her gaze on the diplomas on the wall.
“I see you graduated from Duke University and stayed for med school. Did you like North Carolina?” she asked.
His expression grew perplexed, obviously confused by her topic of conversation.
So was Damon.
“Good weather, great football and basketball at Duke. No complaints. Have you been there?” he asked.
She shook her head. “But I’ve heard great things.”
“You’d enjoy it. Maybe you could get Damon here to take you on a visit.”
“Maybe,” she murmured. “Did you keep in touch with a lot of people from your college or med school days? I know I’m still best friends with my roommate.”
Doc gave her an amused glance. “I suppose. Some I lost touch with. Others pop up now and again.”
Still perplexed by her conversation, he glanced at Doc. “All set?” He was ready to get out of here.
“I just wanted to ask about your ankle. You’re due for an injection. Unless you want to put it off until right before you return to play?” Doc was already reaching for the cabinet where he kept the small bottles of medicine.
But Damon wasn’t putting another damn thing in his body right now. Not even the usual. “I’ll wait.”
Doc shrugged and closed the door. “No problem. Your choice.”
“What’s wrong with your ankle? What kind of injection?” Evie asked, concern etching her pretty features.
Damon tipped his head. “Go ahead, Doc. I’ll talk to her.”
He nodded. “Good to meet you, Evie. Damon, take care. Call me if you need anything.” Doc picked up his trusty clipboard and walked out, shutting the door behind them.
Evie popped up from her chair. “What’s going on? You never mentioned shots when we talked.”
“I forgot about them, to tell you the truth. They’re part of my routine.” It wasn’t any different than taking ibuprofen for pain. He rolled his shoulders. “Ask any pro player and you’ll find out they’re getting injections of something on one body part or another. Toradol, Marcaine. As long as we can play, we do it.”
She narrowed her gaze. “Huh. Okay,” she said, but she didn’t seem satisfied with his answer.
“What about you? Why all the questions about Duke and North Carolina?”
“I’ll tell you in the car.” And on that note, they headed out of the office and on to their next stop.
Dare Nation.
* * *
As Evie sat in the passenger seat of Damon’s car, she should be excited for her best friend, who was about to have a surprise proposal. Instead her head was spinning. First there was Doc, who’d been utterly shocked to see a woman by Damon’s side, which made sense. For one thing, she was sure any player bringing a woman to a doctor’s appointment was rare. But in Damon’s case, Doc had confirmed her notion that Damon Prescott was a player. She was just the convenient woman in his bed.
She couldn’t deny that Damon was being a great friend, taking her in, honestly worrying about her. But that’s all he was. A friend with benefits. Her stomach twisted but she told herself it was fine. That’s all she wanted from him anyway. No matter how easy it was to fall for him.
Clearing her throat, she forced her mind back to Damon’s case and the information she’d come up with at Doc’s. From the minute she’d laid eyes on Dr. Jonas’s diplomas on the wall, she’d made the connection. She just didn’t know if Damon would want to hear it. Whether he’d believe it or think it was just coincidence. She was trying to figure it out herself.
“Hey. Are you going to tell me about North Carolina?” Damon, one hand on the steering wheel, turned toward her for a second and asked.
“I’m going to put out a scenario, and I want you to keep an open mind.” She shifted in her seat and tucked a leg beneath her.
He nodded. “Go ahead. I’m listening.”
“Okay, I did some research into your backup quarterback. Did you know his father is a doctor?”
“Nope. It’s not like we sit around and talk about our parents in the locker room.” He shot her a curious look. “So … what’s this about?”
She bit down on the inside of her cheek. “His father is Dr. Lyle Emerson, the Chair of Duke University School of Medicine. He’s a pediatric oncologist. His mom’s an investment banker at Circle One Investments. Obviously in North Carolina. His father graduated from Duke.”
Silence surrounded them in the car as she waited for him to make the connection.
“You think Emerson’s parents have something to do with Doc dosing me with an illegal substance?” His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel.
“I think it’s something to consider,” she said carefully.
He shook his head. “The man’s been treating me since day one. He’s like a father to us when we’re injured.” His voice rose defensively.
“Relax. I’m just pointing out the possibility. I haven’t made an official connection yet.” But she planned to dig deeper and find out.
Knowing she’d pushed enough and he wouldn’t want to hear supposition, she turned her focus to their afternoon. “In the meantime, can we go home so I can change? My best friend and your brother are about to get engaged.”
Chapter Seven
Evie and Damon walked into Dare Nation, where they were greeted by the receptionist, Hannah, who Evie had come to know in the last year Quinn had been working there. Evie and Quinn often met for lunch, and because Evie made her own hours, she often came by Dare Nation to pick up her friend.
“Hi, Hannah.”
“Hey, Hannah,” Damon said.
“How are you?” the pretty brunette asked.
Evie smiled. “Hanging in there. Busy. You?”
“Same. I’m excited,” she whispered. “Mr. Prescott is having everyone gather in the conference room.” She glanced toward Quinn and Austin’s office and gestured for Evie and Damon to follow her the other way.
They ducked into the large room and Evie blinked. The space was filled with red roses. They lined every counter space, the table, and the pedestals in the corners.
She couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face, happiness for her best friend filling her. Across the room, she caught sight of Paul Dare and some other agents, along with clients she knew Quinn was fond of and Damon’s sister, Bri.
Damon strode toward them, and as she watched him go, her heart skipped a beat. All morning she’d been in PI mode, doing her best to pay attention to the doctor and his demeanor and put what was going on between her and Damon out of her mind. Except now, in a more per
sonal setting, she couldn’t take her eyes off him.
He was handsome in a pair of black jeans that hugged his thighs and a white tee shirt that accentuated his bulging muscles. Although her gaze was on his ass at the moment, he hadn’t shaved today, and the scruff on his face added to his sex appeal.
She sighed in delight and headed over to make small talk with someone she knew. The longer she mingled, the more crowded the room grew. Apparently Austin had invited their immediate world. And it was sweet.
She picked up a glass of champagne from the drinks on the corner of a credenza and took a sip of the bubbly. “Mmm.” She smiled at the delicious taste.
“Someone looks happy … and, in case I didn’t mention it earlier, gorgeous.” His hot gaze skimmed over her tight wrap blouse with a slight teasing V and black leggings that tied at the ankles, her red stilettos completing the outfit.
Knowing she was going to be seeing people in Damon’s industry, she’d dressed up to play his girlfriend. But a part of her couldn’t help but wonder, when the job was over, if he would still like her as the real Evie. Not that he’d complained when she’d gone to the doctor in jeans and a tank, but sometimes with these people she felt out of her element. Though she really did like this outfit even if she did save it for undercover-type work.
He cupped her face in his hands, leaned close, and slid his lips over hers, making her forget everything but him. She gasped in surprise, but when he nipped on her lower lip, she melted into him and kissed him back, a tongue-tangling duel that had her head spinning and desire ramping her up.
“Ahem. Am I interrupting?” a male voice asked.
Evie gasped and jerked back, but Damon kept ahold of her, his arm around her waist. She’d forgotten they were in public.
“Uncle Paul.” Damon grinned.
“So, is this for show?” he asked in a low voice. “Or is it real? Because it looked pretty authentic to me.” He chuckled, low and deep.
“It looked that way to me, too,” Paul’s partner, Ron Mayburn, said, also keeping his voice down. He obviously understood the necessary discretion in their circumstances.
She swallowed hard, unsure of what Damon would say. They’d agreed to enjoy each other for now, but that wasn’t something she’d admit in public.
“We’re showing people what they need to see,” Damon said, but he pulled her close to him.
Her throat filled and she couldn’t swallow, because a part of her wished it could be real, but she also had just been put in her place. Which was good, because as she understood, not only were they from two different worlds, she just couldn’t imagine herself taking that leap of faith in a man again. Once Damon returned to playing football full-time, he wouldn’t have time for her, anyway.
“It looks like everyone’s here,” Paul said, interrupting her thoughts.
Evie glanced around and waved at Quinn’s family, who congregated in a corner.
“Wow. Austin really wanted an audience,” Damon said, chuckling.
“I think he wants to prove to her this is it for him,” Paul explained.
Damon nodded. “My brother never expected to get married, let alone have a baby. Now he’s got a family and I’ve never seen him happier. He wants to nail it down.”
“We’ll catch up with you later,” Paul said, walking away with Ron just as an unfamiliar voice spoke.
“Damon.”
He stiffened, keeping Evie hugged close to his side. “Ian. Good to see you.”
Recognizing the name, she realized this was his cousin and team owner, and she imagined Damon wasn’t thrilled to face him at the moment.
But Damon remained calm. “Ian, this is Evie Wolfe. Evie, my cousin and the Miami Thunder team owner, Ian Dare.”
“It’s a pleasure,” Ian said, shaking Evie’s hand, but he looked at Damon grimly. “Any news?”
Evie glanced at him, wondering if he’d mention the connection between the team doctor and trainer.
“We’re working on it,” was all Damon said.
Before Ian could press him more, the conference room door opened and Austin stepped inside, his baby daughter in his arms and an obviously confused Quinn by his side.
“What is this?” she asked, taking everyone in. “The people, the roses…?”
“The ring,” Austin said. “I decided since we didn’t get together in a traditional way, my proposal wasn’t going to be traditional, either.”
“Proposal?” Quinn squeaked out. “Now?”
Evie grinned at her friend’s shock.
“I thought it was important to have our friends and family around us for this moment,” he said.
As Austin reached into his pocket, Damon pulled Evie tighter against him. Instead of fighting it, she leaned into his solid warmth.
Austin held out a ring box. One look and even Evie recognized the red and gold Cartier logo and color.
Quinn gasped and covered her mouth with her hand, happy tears in her eyes.
He handed the baby to Hannah, then got down on one knee. “Quinn, before you, I was alone, lonely, and I hadn’t given the idea of family a thought. Before us”—he glanced at the baby his assistant bounced on her hip—“you thought you didn’t want one.”
He grinned. “But then this little munchkin came and brought us together … when we really belonged with each other all along. Quinnlyn Stone, will you marry me? And adopt Jenny because you’re the only mother she’ll ever know?”
Quinn’s eyes bright, cheeks flushed, her smile wide, Quinn said, “Yes. Yes, of course I will.”
Austin slid the ring on her finger and then she was in his arms, Jenny scooped up and cuddled between them.
Evie sniffed, watching as Quinn’s big family surrounded her, followed by the office staff.
Evie waited, knowing she’d have time with her best friend later.
“Who knew you were a softie,” Damon said beside her.
She glanced up at him. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Prescott.”
He grinned. “Then I look forward to peeling back more layers and finding out what else lies beneath.” At his double entendre, her nipples puckered and her panties grew damp.
She wanted him, and in this, at least, they were on the same page. He was going through a life crisis. She was dealing with the return of her stalker ex and she didn’t trust her judgment with men, especially this handsome, famous playboy football player. But they both yearned for an escape from reality, and she couldn’t deny how much she wanted to find hers in Damon’s arms.
* * *
The engagement party had been more difficult than Damon had thought it would be. Pretending to be together with Evie when he wanted a relationship in reality was wearing on him, but he was certain he was handling her right. Getting her to a place where she could finally realize she could put her fears behind her and trust him was the only way to go. If he sprung his growing feelings on her now? Well, she’d run and that would put her in more danger with her stalker ex.
But when it came to desire? On that they were in agreement. He saw the heat in Evie’s eyes. It matched the fever running through his veins. Despite the fact that they’d had a long night and morning of hot sex, he wanted her again now. Hard and hot, his cock cocooned in her damp heat.
As much as he wanted to take her home now, she had a job to do. More research on Doc and Emerson’s father first. Much to Damon’s relief, Ian had taken off after congratulating the happy couple, enabling Damon to relax. He had no desire to face his cousin or the disappointment in his eyes again. It didn’t matter how much Damon proclaimed his innocence, right now the failed test spoke louder than his words.
First up, though, the congratulations. While Evie finally got her time with Quinn, Damon made his way to his brother and pulled him into a hug. The rest of the family had already given him their best—his mom, Bri, and Jaxon. Only Braden, still abroad with Doctors Without Borders, was missing. He made a mental note to try and get through to his sibling soon.
&nbs
p; “I’m happy for you, Austin. You deserve the best.” He slapped his brother on the back. “Quinn is perfect for you.” He glanced at the woman now holding Jenny and grinning as she spoke to her best friend.
“Your time will come,” Austin said, not subtly glancing at Evie. “I saw that kiss,” he said, his voice low. “I get keeping up appearances but don’t hurt her. Don’t put me in the middle of you and Quinn.”
Damon scowled. If either of them was going to get hurt, he had a hunch it would be him. Still, he resented his brother’s implication. “Don’t think so little of me,” he muttered. “I know how to treat a lady.”
“Not from what I’ve seen up until this point.”
Damon held up his hands. “Fine. Fair. But none of them were Evie.”
Austin’s eyes opened wide. “It’s serious between you?”
“It is for me. For her? I’ve convinced her we’re having fun for now. It’s the only way I could start to make inroads.” But Evie was worth the work and the effort. He shoved his hands into his front pockets. “I’m trying to show her we can work.”
A slow grin lifted his brother’s lips. “Well, I’ll be damned.”
“Damon!” His mother, Christine, called his name, and Damon turned as Austin faced another well-wisher.
“Mom!” He gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You look wonderful.” Wearing a simple patterned dress, her blondish-brown hair resting on her shoulders, his mother was beautiful as always.
“How’s my baby boy?” She patted his cheek and he groaned.
“Not a baby.”
“Okay, sorry. You’re all my babies. But seriously. How are you?” she asked with an amused smile.
He swallowed hard. “It’s rough,” he admitted to one of the few people he’d be truthful with. “I didn’t do it. The world thinks I did. My teammates think I let them down. I don’t know how Emerson will play and I’m sick over it all.”
She placed a hand on his cheek. “Listen to me, Damon Prescott. You are a strong man. You survived your tough father and you’ll get through this.”
Dare to Tempt Page 10
