Page 89 of Seduce

“Come on, Tessa. I want to meet this man my sister is dating,” her brother, Allen, said on Wednesday evening.

“Allen, I told Dad it’s just something casual.”

“Right, that’s why you call him every evening when you get home.”

Tessa’s cheeks turned pink. Damn it, she’d hoped he hadn’t noticed that. She always made the phone call from her bedroom.

“I knew it.” Her brother crowed. “Come on, Tessa, what is one little dinner going to hurt?”

“If I do this, there are going to be some ground rules.”

“Oh?” Her brother studied her.

“Yes. You will behave yourself and not ask any political questions.”

“I can do that.”

“No big brother crap.” She held up her hand when he opened his mouth. “No asking what his plans are with me or anything like that. Got it?”

“I promise.”

“Keep your promise.” Tessa walked away. She picked up her cell and dialed Damon’s number.

“Hey, sweetie. I’ve missed you.”

Damon’s voice was like a balm to her heart. “Me too. Are you free for dinner tomorrow night?” It was Thursday, and it was quite possible he’d be needed at the club.

“I am. So I get to meet your brother?”

“Yes.” She sighed. “Allen wants to meet you. I’ve already warned him not to do any big brother crap.”

“I thought he was younger.”

“He is, but that doesn’t stop him.”

Damon laughed, and Tessa grinned. She missed him so much. The way they’d talk over dinner, debate local news, and just be together.

“Where shall I meet you?”

“I don’t have a clue.” Most the places her brother would approve of would take reservations at least a week ahead.

“What about the Pleasant Valley Steakhouse?” Damon asked.

“I thought about that, but it’s hard to get a reservation. I guess I could call and see if they’ve had a cancellation.”

“Let me call for you. I can get us a table.”

“Damon, don’t go to any trouble.” She was tempted to let him take care of it.

“Give me fifteen minutes and I’ll call you back.” The line went dead, and Tessa shook her head.

It didn’t even take him that long. He called her back in five minutes. “Got it.”

“I want to know your trick.”

“It’s all in who you know. Tomorrow at seven.”

“Perfect. Thank you, Damon. I can’t wait to see you.”

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