Page 22 of Seduce

Once at her apartment complex, he pulled into a visitor slot and got out. Jordan had called him this morning to tell him Tessa agreed to have Damon as her trainer in the club. Not that she needed one, but it was something they did.

He’d have to talk to Max and Jordan about that. Now that the three of them had women in their lives, they were going to need some help.

The lobby door of the apartments was unlocked again. He needed to find out who the management company was and tear them a new one. Damon knocked on Tessa’s door.

“Just a second,” she called out.

He smiled as he heard the deadbolt click. When the door opened, his breath caught in his throat. Tessa had left her hair down and was wearing a soft-looking blue dress with a gold necklace. His dick twitched, and his gut tightened. This woman not only took his breath away but caused his libido to wake up and pay attention.

“You are beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Her voice was soft. “You didn’t say where we were going for dinner. Do I need to change?”

“What? No, you’re perfect.”

She picked up a small clutch and stepped out.

Damon wanted nothing better than to pull her into his arms and kiss the lipstick off her lips, but he wouldn’t. Consent was needed. Technically, he had it, but he wanted to make things clear to her tonight.

Tessa locked up and dropped her keys into her purse before turning to him.

Damon cupped her elbow and led her to his vehicle. “By the way, the main door was unlocked.”

She tightened her lips. “I’ll call them again tomorrow. They promised to fix it.” She glanced at him. “Where are we going?”

“I made a reservation at Pleasant Valley Steakhouse.” He’d chosen the place because they could have some privacy.

“Sounds good.” She waited until they were on the road. “Did the books you checked out help you?”

“I’ve barely scratched the surface of one, but yes, they’re helping.”

“Good. If you need something further, let me know.”

“Thank you.” Damon flashed her a grin. She really seemed to like her job. “Why a librarian?”

“I like books.” She gave a little laugh. “I honestly do. I was pretty much a bookworm most of my life and hung out at my local library as much as I could.”

“Natural job for you.”

“Yes.”

Damon pulled up to the front of the restaurant. One valet opened her door while the other opened his. Damon dropped his keys in the valet’s hands and escorted Tessa into the restaurant.

The waiting area was full, as was the bar. “Mr. Kline, so nice to have you here tonight,” the hostess said with a smile. “If you and your guest will follow me, we have the table you requested ready.”

“Thank you.”

“You requested a table?” Tessa’s voice was hushed.

“I did. I wanted some privacy.”

The hostess led them through the crowded room. The muted voices of patrons, along with the clanking of silverware, filled the air. Waiters and waitresses bustled around. “Here we are.” The hostess stopped at one of the high-backed booths in a corner.

Damon watched as Tessa slid onto the deep brown cushion and slid around before he took his own seat. “Your server will be here shortly.” The hostess handed them each a menu before leaving.

“Have you been here before?” Damon asked.

“I haven’t.”

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