Dare to Love (Dare to Love 1)

Riley recognized Alex’s sister’s name and turned to stare. She knew how strained the relationship between Ian and the other side of the family was.

“Whoa. Did hell freeze over?” Olivia asked.

His mouth tightened. “No, I made a bargain with the devil.” Ian’s gaze slid from his sister’s to Riley’s, warming as their gazes made contact. “And it was worth it.”

Riley shivered beneath his heated stare.

Olivia’s eyes narrowed, catching Ian’s not-subtle wink at Riley.

Just what kind of deal had he made and what did she have to do with it, Riley wondered.

“Why do I have the feeling the deal didn’t include me doing your dirty work?” Olivia astutely asked.

Ian grinned, and Riley assumed he’d gotten his way with that smile many times in his life.

“I remember going to a certain party for you and Avery the other night, so…”

Olivia raised her hands in a gesture of defeat. “Fine. I’ll invite them. Just add it to my to-do list,” she said, grabbing a piece of paper and jotting something down.

“Add Alex and Jason too,” Ian said, escaping out the door before Olivia could stop him.

“Argh! Brothers!” Olivia grumbled, lowering herself back into her seat. “They are such a pain in the ass.”

Riley laughed. “I wouldn’t know. Only child here.”

“Well, my oldest brother is bossy, but maybe you know that already?”

“He’s…persuasive,” Riley said.

“And you’re diplomatic. Anyway…” Olivia gestured to the chair across from her desk. “Have a seat. Relax. And we’ll get you set up here.”

A few hours later, Riley had been to HR, filled out paperwork, and found herself officially employed by the Miami Thunder organization. She was given a desk in a small side office, a computer and a password into the system, and her own instant message name within the company.

All the things a working girl could ask for. Best of all, she didn’t feel like she was being given special treatment, which had worried her.

She was just about to sign out for the day when her message box blinked on her computer.

Ian: Hungry?

She laughed and typed back: Always

Ian: I’ll come by and take you for dinner.

She wrinkled her nose at his bossiness.

Riley: That’s not asking me if I want to go.

Ian: That’s because I’m not asking. You’re hungry, I’m hungry. We’ll go get something together.

And there it was, the presumptuous side coming out. She swallowed hard, not liking the idea of being pushed.

Riley: It’s been a long day. I planned to grab something at home.

Without warning, he stepped into her office. His shirt was unbuttoned, revealing an enticing expanse of tanned chest, his tie hanging loosely around his neck, and he’d slung his jacket over one arm, clearly finished for the day.

“Ready?” he said, looking more attractive than any man had a right to.

“I didn’t say yes. I’m going home.”