Dare to Love (Dare to Love 1)

“At least you know I love you for yourself.”

“Amen to that, sweetheart.” He tipped his bottle her way. “I still can’t believe the SOB didn’t call you back,” Alex said, returning to the subject of Ian. “It’s not like I left the damn message,” he muttered.

Remembering that kiss and the electricity that had practically crackled in the air around them, she was surprised too. Hadn’t Ian been at least curious about what she’d wanted? If she weren’t so upset about her career and her future, her feminine ego might be hurt.

“I nearly kicked his ass today,” Alex said.

Riley choked on her soda. “You did what? Where did you see him?” She sat up straighter.

“I headed over to the draft hotel. I figured he needed to know what a selfish asshole he is.”

“Alex,” she groaned. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the sofa. “Couldn’t you have left it alone?” Embarrassment already filled her at the thought of Ian’s ignoring her call, let alone Alex confronting him over it.

“No, I could not. He needed to be taken down a peg. But don’t worry. Dad was there, so we didn’t get violent.”

She glared at him from across the table.

“And I didn’t tell him you lost your job either.”

She exhaled long and hard. “Well, at least you spared me that.”

He grinned. “Did I mention some of my teammates are coming by for poker tonight? You up to staying? You know the guys enjoy your company.”

She groaned. “No thanks.” She made a face. She wasn’t in the mood for the guys or their crude humor.

He rose to his feet, collecting the pizza box. She stood and grabbed the empties. They cleaned up with an ease born of years of friendship. “Appreciate you being here for me,” she said again.

“Always, Ri.” He reached out to ruffle her hair, but, expecting the move, she ducked before he could reach her.

By the time she arrived home, she was exhausted. It didn’t help that during the drive home, she’d mentally mapped out her future options, which mostly consisted of sending resumes to the big sports and distribution chains, some out of state. The thought of having to start over, prove her worth, and work her way back up the corporate ladder once more made her sick.

She loved Miami and didn’t want to leave her stepmother or Alex and her other friends. There were other smaller local companies she planned to scope out, so all wasn’t lost yet. And until all was lost, she wouldn’t mention it to Alex. He’d only get upset and insist on helping. Obviously, people would bend over backwards to help the superstar, and his best friend by extension, but Riley really wanted to try and find a job on her own first.

She let herself into her building, walked up one flight to her apartment, and was startled to find someone waiting outside her door. Even in the dimly lit hall, she recognized Ian Dare’s tall frame, dark hair, and handsome features. Excitement bubbled up inside her, followed by wariness.

“Finally,” he said, leading her to believe he’d been standing there awhile.

She fought against her rapidly beating heart. “What are you doing here?”

He pushed off the wall and strode toward her. “Do you realize I walked into the building without being buzzed in? I just followed behind a couple who were too busy groping each other to pay attention to who was entering behind them.”

He didn’t have to further sum up his point. Riley already knew the argument well from Alex and her stepmom. “It’s perfectly safe. I carry mace and I’m careful. And you still haven’t answered my question.”

Ian ran a hand through his hair, taking the time to tamp down on the anger that had been brewing inside him as he waited for her in this tiny hall that, despite her claim, was far from safe.

Not for a woman with her full breasts and curvy hips. Not for a woman with that mass of untamed hair and wild beauty, dressed in a short denim skirt with a ruffled edge and black sleeveless top that bared a hint of her stomach.

He fought for control over his libido and the desire to take her in every way imaginable. “I realize I didn’t return your call, but I’m here now.”

She met his gaze, brave and unwavering. “Go home. Whatever I needed from you, it’s too late now.”

His eyes narrowed. “That’s what Alex said, but he refused to elaborate. He said it was your business, so I came to the source. I was busy this week. I had meetings for the draft, and I couldn’t call you back.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Bull. I’m guessing there are a whole host of reasons why you didn’t get back to me. At the top of the list is that you hate Alex.”

“I don’t hate him.” He clenched his hands and released them again, searching for focus. “Riley, you left me a message. Just tell me why.”

“It’s too late.” She walked toward him as she spoke.