His friend was there in an instant. “What do you need?”
“I’m going to undo this arm. When I tell you, would you undo her other one?” Max nodded. Damon unfastened her left arm. It fell limply over his shoulder. Damon slipped his left arm around her waist. “Now, Max.”
Tessa slumped against him. She was out of it. Totally and completely out. “Can you grab me the blanket, please?”
Max picked up the blanket and handed it to Damon. “Go to the aftercare area. I can clean up for you.”
“Thank you.” He had wonderful friends. Damon picked Tessa up in his arms and made his way to one of the sofas in the aftercare area. Her head lulled against his shoulder when he sat down, but a smile curved her lips.
“Tessa, sweetie,” he said, trying to pull her back to him.
“Just a few more minutes. I’m enjoying myself.”
“All right.”
* * * *
Damon held Tessa in his arms for a half an hour before she spoke again. She was all soft and relaxed. “I’m not sure I’ll ever move again,” she said softly.
He smiled at her. “Enjoyed that, did you?”
“You and your damn toys. I think I’m still having mini orgasms.” Damon chuckled. “Don’t laugh, you sex fiend.” Her fist thumped his chest.
He couldn’t hide his happiness. Seeing his friends laughing, talking, and cuddling with their women, he wanted what they had. Damon was well on his way with Tessa. He gazed down at her.
Oh yes, he was falling for her. He wanted to be with her all the time. It was too early to tell her, but he would soon.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Tessa glanced at the text from her brother. His plane had landed, and he was getting a car to drive to her house, which gave her about two hours before he’d arrive. She sighed.
“Damon, I need to go home.” It wasn’t unusual for a Sunday afternoon, and she did have to work tomorrow.
“Okay.” He pulled her into his arms. “Dinner tomorrow night?”
“I’m not sure.” She pulled back.
Damon frowned. “What’s going on, Tessa?”
“What?” She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’m distracted.” She sighed again. How would Damon take to knowing about her brother’s visit? Heck, that wasn’t as worrisome as meeting her brother. “My brother is coming to town.”
“So that means you can’t see me?” His voice grew deeper.
“Yes and no.” She cupped his cheek. “I don’t want to pull you into my family politics. That’s all.”
He studied her, and Tessa held his gaze. She was falling for Damon. He was becoming more important to her than anyone. She had no clue what her brother wanted, but she didn’t want Damon caught in the middle.
“I don’t even know how long my brother is staying. Maybe later in the week?” God, she hated telling his half-truths. But she couldn’t risk it right now. What if her brother pulled a fast one? In her heart, she knew Damon wouldn’t betray her, but she didn’t trust her brother.
His eyes lightened. “All right.” He brushed his lips over hers. “Call me.”
“Always.” She’d gotten used to calling him when she got home from his house and from work. Damon was protective and part of her liked that. “You’re going to be busy with the new store. You get the keys tomorrow, right?” The real estate agent had called him today. He’d sign the closing papers tomorrow.
“True.”
Tessa slipped from his arms and picked up her bag. “See you soon.” She walked to her car and drove away, watching Damon fade in the mirror. Her heart crumpled. This was going to be a long week.
* * * *