Page 2 of Possess

“It was by invitation only.”

“So, I’m crashing?”

“No,” Dani answered. “I’m allowed to bring someone. You’re my plus one.”

Allyson blew out a breath. “Okay. Why didn’t you RSVP in the negative?”

“Because I was expected to attend.” Dani waved her hands in the air. “Again, it’s complicated.” She blew out a breath. “Look, if you’d rather not come inside, I get it.”

“No, it’s not that.” It wasn’t. She’d support Dani in any way she needed. “I’m wondering why you’re being so secretive about it?”

“I don’t mean to be, but I did some landscaping work for Damon at his home, so he invited me, and I feel obligated to go.”

“And your ex-college lover is going to be there?”

“Yep.” Dani dropped her forehead to the steering wheel. “This was a bad idea.”

“It’s okay.” Allyson put her hand on Dani’s shoulder. “We go in, we mingle, and after an hour, we leave.”

“Thank you.” They got out of the car.

Allyson wasn’t sure what she expected, but the storefront was tastefully decorated with balloons and steamers. She walked in behind Dani.

“Dani, glad you could make it.” A dark-haired man hugged Dani with a smile.

“Hey, Damon. I didn’t want to miss it. This is my friend, Allyson.”

“Well, hello there.” He took her hand and kissed the back of it. “Aren’t you a delicious morsel.”

Allyson frowned.

“Damon, behave.” A woman with light brown hair joined them. Her voice held laughter as she slapped him on the arm. “Excuse him. He’s a flirt. Hi, I’m Tessa.” She held out her hand.

Damon sighed and released Allyson’s hand.

“Allyson, Dani’s friend.”

“Well, any friend of Dani’s is one of ours. Please feel free to look around. The finger food and drinks are over there.” Tessa pointed to where a group of people milled around.

“Thanks, Tessa.” Dani took Allyson by the arm and led her away from the couple.

“So he owns the place?” Allyson asked.

“Yes. Tessa’s his girlfriend. I don’t think they’ve gotten engaged yet.”

“Then why was he flirting with me?” She frowned. That wasn’t very nice of Damon.

“That’s Damon. Trust me; he wouldn’t do a thing to hurt Tessa.”

“Hmmm.”

“Allyson.”

She turned at the sound of her name.

“Hi, Zeke.” What was he doing there? Well, he did do the work so it would make sense he was at the opening. He looked delicious in the perfect fitting jeans and the tight black T-shirt.

“Hey, Zeke,” Dani said.

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