Page 2 of Seduce

“What?” She’d tried yoga, bubble baths, hell, even meditation. Nothing seemed to work.

“A night of passionate sex.”

Tessa opened her mouth and closed it. She’d fallen right into that one. Yet, in her mind’s eye, she saw her body entwined with Damon’s. She wasn’t considering his suggestion…was she? Nope.

“Sorry, no deal.”

“Come on, Tessa. We’d be good in bed together.”

“We’ve known each other a couple of weeks, and we’ve only been together with our friends present. Hell, we haven’t even had a first date.”

“All that complicates life. I’m talking one night.”

She stared out the passenger window, not answering him. Crap, she wanted to take him up on his offer. It had been a while since she’d been with a man, by her own choosing. Oh, she’d gone out on dates, but nothing special. Nothing that made her want to take a man home to her bed. Damon tempted her, in more ways than one. But she wasn’t going to fall for his routine. He probably used it on all the women he dated. Didn’t all men have a line to seduce women into their beds? She’d been burned enough.

Her apartment building came into sight. Relief flowed through her. Damon pulled into a parking spot, and she turned to him.

“Thank you for the ride. And for the offer, but no, thank you.” She reached for the door latch.

“Tessa.” His quiet voice and hand on her arm stopped her. “I told everyone I’d walk you to the door.”

“It’s not necessary.”

“Yes, it is.” He released her and climbed out of the SUV. He helped her down and cupped her elbow.

Tessa pulled her keys out of her purse. The main door to the complex was unlocked, again. She’d have to call the management company…again.

“Shouldn’t this be locked?” Damon asked when she pulled it open.

“Yes.” She marched down the hallway to the elevator. Maybe it was time to move. She didn’t want to yet, as she hadn’t found the perfect house. The trip to her apartment on the fourth floor was swift. “This is me.” She stopped in front of 403 and inserted the key into the deadbolt.

“Allow me.” Damon pushed her hand away and turned the handle, then put the key in the doorknob lock and turned. “It’s better to have two keys,” he said as he pushed open the door.

She rolled her eyes but kept silent. The lamp in the living room was more than enough light to see inside.

“Stay there,” Damon ordered before he disappeared inside her apartment.

What the— Tessa stepped inside her apartment. “Damon, what are you doing?”

“Making sure you’re safe.”

He strode out of her bedroom and down the short hall to her spare room. Tessa hung her purse up on the hook by the door. She tapped her foot, waiting for Damon to reappear. When he did, she crossed her arms over her chest.

“All clear,” he said, striding up to her.

“Why were you prowling around my apartment?”

“Making sure no one else was here.” He stared at her.

“What business of that is yours?”

“You’re important to Sierra and Crystal, which means you’re important to Max and Jordan, which means you’re important to me. It’s about safety.” He kept his gaze on her. “Hasn’t a man ever watched out for your safety before?”

Tessa tilted her head. “No,” she whispered. Her heart melted a little bit.

“Then you’ve been hanging out with the wrong men.” He ran a finger down her cheek. “Until we meet again, sweet Tessa.”

Damon brushed past her and pulled the door shut behind him.

---