Page 65 of Seduce

The book club lasted longer than ever. With new people, there was a lot of conversation. They sold out of the chosen book in record time. It was almost eleven before they got everyone out of the store.

“I think your advertisement went too well,” Damon said to Destiny.

“Yeah, but we made record money tonight.” She smiled.

Damon glanced at his watch. He told Tessa and his friends he’d meet them at the coffee shop, but that was an hour ago.

“Go meet everyone, Damon. I’ll lock up.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, boss, I’m sure.” Destiny all but pushed him out the door. She locked the door and turned the sign to Closed once again.

Damon made his way to the coffee shop, happy to see his friends still there, chatting away.

“About time,” Jordan said.

“Sorry.” Damon leaned down and brushed a kiss over Tessa’s lips. “I never expected us to get that busy.”

“It’s a good thing,” Sierra commented.

“It’s wonderful.” Damon took his seat.

“Americano?” a woman said next to Damon.

“That’s his,” Tessa said.

The cup was set in front of him. He smiled his thanks at the server before he took a long sip. “Thanks, sweetheart,” Damon said to Tessa.

“I told her earlier that, when you joined us, to bring it over. I didn’t expect you to be so late.”

“Me either. Are you going to be okay at work tomorrow?”

“It will be fine.”

“Aw, aren’t they sweet,” Tessa remarked.

Damon glanced over to see Crystal had her head on Jordan’s shoulder. Then he looked back at Tessa.

Max cleared his throat. “Since we’re all here, Zeke came out and looked at what I want to have done.”

“And?” Damon leaned forward.

“He can do it. The thing is the cost.” Max leaned back in his chair.

“That much?” Jordan asked.

“Actually, it’s better than I thought it would be. Zeke figures around two hundred thousand total.”

“That’s not bad,” Damon said. He’d figured more. “So roughly about sixty-seven thousand from each of us.”

“Yes. Zeke is willing to work with half up front and half at completion,” Max said.

“That works for me,” Jordan said.

“Me too.” Damon knew he had enough money to cover the expansion of the club and buy the retail space next to his store. Not that he was going to pay cash for the space. He’d finance it. But he didn’t have any worries at all.

“You guys have that kind of money sitting around?” Tessa asked, amazement in her voice.

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