Page 102 of Seduce

“Let me call Max, Sierra, Crystal, and Jordan and see if they’re willing to burn the midnight oil with us. I have an idea, but we’ll need help. Would you mind getting coffee going and some snacks?”

“Anything for you.” He moved her onto the sofa, leaned down, and brushed his lips over hers. “It will be fine.”

“I hope so, because I’m tired of this limbo.” She called Sierra. She had a feeling it was going to be a long night, but she was hopeful Damon and her friends were on her side. They would help her.

CHAPTER TWELVE

“This is crazy,” Tessa said the next afternoon as they parked at city hall. They’d discussed her plan last night. Her gut tightened at what she had to do. And she had an ace in the hole if her father persisted.

“It’s perfect.” Damon turned to her. “Never forget that I love you, and your father can’t ruin me.”

Tessa’s jaw dropped open. “You love me?” Even though he hadn’t said it back last night, she didn’t expect him to.

“I do.” He got out and opened her door, taking her hand. “Together?” Tessa nodded.

Hand in hand, they walked to the front steps of city hall where the press was already gathered, a podium set up with microphones attached to it. Her father was talking about Damon and his businesses.

“Damn him,” Tessa muttered.

“You can do this,” Damon whispered.

“As long as you’re by my side, I can do anything.” Her father frowned when he saw them approach. Damon let go of Tessa’s hand and stayed off to the side, but close enough that he could get to her if she needed him.

“And here is my daughter,” her father announced holding out his hand.

Breathe, Tessa reminded herself. She walked up to the podium. “Hello. I’m sorry you all wasted your afternoon. But there is really nothing for me to say.” Tessa squinted as the sun hit her in the eyes, and she saw her friends off to the side. Turning her head slightly, she saw Damon. “Damon is a good man who runs two very legitimate businesses, both approved by the town council and, frankly, both thriving. I’m sorry my father can’t see through his own prejudice. That’s all I have to say.”

She stepped away. Her father started sputtering. “He’s brainwashed my daughter. The man is nothing but a pornographer.”

“Excuse me,” another strong male voice spoke out.

Tessa watched as a young man walked up to the podium. “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Congressman Potts. I represent this district, and I’m here to show my support for Damon Kline.”

The reporters erupted along with her father. Potts held his hands up. “I understand Congressman Chesterton wants to sully Mr. Kline’s reputation, so I want to inform you of some facts.” He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. “Mr. Kline’s business not only brings in tax revenue, but he is a well-liked businessman. Many people don’t know this about him, but Mr. Kline is our top donor for the city parks, our local kids center, and he’s also part of Friends of the Library.”

Tessa squeezed Damon’s hand, and he glanced down at her. “You are?” she whispered.

“Yes. I prefer to keep it quiet, but in this case, I think it’s appropriate.”

“For anyone who hasn’t been inside Mr. Kline’s store, I encourage you to visit. It’s not some sleazy place as Congressman Chesterton tries to characterize it. It’s a very tasteful store. Mr. Kline’s store also runs a local book club every month that has become quite popular.”

“He does,” someone in the crowd yelled. “I love it.”

“It’s great,” another voice said.

“Thank you,” Potts said. “So as you can see, Mr. Kline is a good citizen, and I am glad he’s part of our town.”

“What about his toy-making business?” a female reporter yelled. Tessa recognized that voice.

Damon squeezed her hand before going up to the podium. “I have several degrees in engineering. I make adult toys for those who choose to use them. I don’t sell to anyone under eighteen, and before you ask, I do that by asking for ID that shows age, but not only that, they must pay by credit card in their name. Not many under eighteen have credit cards.”

“Mr. Kline, why did you pick adult toys and store?”

“Because it’s time for adult sexuality to come out of the closet, so to speak. We’re all human beings, and we are—for the most part—sexual beings as well. It’s our own business how we explore our sexuality, but I would prefer to be open about it.”

There was a small cheer, then the mayor came huffing up the stairs. “I, as mayor, and the town council”—the mayor waved his hand—“stand behind Mr. Kline. I believe Congressman Chesterton is trying to stir up trouble where there is none.”

“He’s taking my daughter down a sinner’s path.”

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