Page 99 of Seduce

“Look at this morning. Sundays are slow, which is why I do inventory then. Not today. Damon, people aren’t as prudish as we think.” She looked up. “Speaking of which…”

Damon glanced up. “Mr. Mayor and the town council,” he greeted them as he stood up.

“Damon,” the mayor said, shaking his hand. “We thought we’d stop by and offer our support.”

“I really appreciate it.” Maybe Destiny was right.

“Yes, and I’d love to hear more about your book club?” one of the female council members said.

“I’d love to chat about it,” Destiny said. “Anyone else?” Several members followed Destiny.

* * * *

Tessa closed her eyes when someone pounded on her apartment door Monday night. Work had been a challenge today. At least the reporters had stopped hanging around, though this new gossip column was sure to bring them back to her doorstep.

“Tessa, you open this door right now.”

Shit. She jumped up, unlocked the door, and opened it. Her father swept by her along with his chief of staff. “What are you doing here, Father?”

“I’ve come to save you.”

“What?” She barely prevented herself from rolling her eyes.

“I saw the article about that man you’re dating.”

“It’s old news.” At least she hoped it was, but the article yesterday made her doubt it.

“I’m not talking about the one with your brother. I’m taking the one that was in yesterday’s paper. What are you thinking, dating someone like that?”

“Like what?” She put her hands on her hips. “Damon is a good man.” He was. He was the man she loved. Tessa froze. When had she’d fallen in love with Damon? She almost laughed out loud. Loving him had snuck up on her, and for the first time in a very long time, she trusted in that love and in Damon.

“You told me there wasn’t anything between you.”

Her father’s voice brought her out of her musings. She had, but the relationship had been so new. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It does. Pack a bag.”

“What?” Her head was spinning.

“I’m taking you to my hotel where I can protect you. Tomorrow, at my press conference, you will denounce this man and his business.”

“Like hell.” She wasn’t going to leave her apartment with her father.

“Don’t talk like that.” He grabbed her arm. “Let’s go. Perry can pack your clothes.”

“No.” She pulled away. There was a knock at her door. “Now who?” This time, she looked out the peephole and opened the door.

“Tessa.” Sierra enveloped her in a hug.

“Inside, honey,” Max said.

Sierra shifted so they were inside, and Max closed the door.

“Who are these people?” her father demanded.

Max’s eyebrows rose at her father’s tone. “Max Preston, Mr. Chesterton.”

“How does he know?” Tessa whispered to Sierra. There was no way they decided dropped by.

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