Dare to Love (Dare to Love 1)

He shook his head hard to clear his thoughts. “Hey, I said maybe, a long time ago. Not anymore. I’m fine.” And he was, except…Ian and Riley’s engagement made the stark contrast of his life clear.

He had his bimbos, and Riley? She had a soon-to-be husband and a life that didn’t include him. Certainly not the way it used to.

“Okay. I’ll accept that for now. I’m going to talk to Mom, okay?”

Another weird thing. Ian had invited their father and Savannah. Talk about making a huge concession and reaching out. Even Alex had to admire the man for that.

“Hi!” Riley walked over, a glass of champagne in hand. “I know you’re not having the best time, but I’m really glad you’re here.”

He shook his head. “I’m having a good time,” he lied. “And I love you. I wouldn’t be anywhere else. You’re happy, so I’m happy.” And that much he meant. Absolutely.

Female laughter captured his attention, and he turned toward the sound. Not far from where he and Riley stood, Ian spoke to a beautiful blonde. She wore a fitted black skirt that hugged delicious-looking curves and a purple satin top that covered more of her than it exposed. He was used to women who flaunted their assets and would definitely consider himself a breast man. He couldn’t see a damned thing about this woman’s cleavage, and yet he couldn’t tear his gaze away. Something about the way she held herself, so tightly composed and not overtly sexual, appealed to him on a visceral level.

Really unlike his usual type too. Huh.

“Who is she?” he asked Riley, thinking that something about her looked familiar.

“You don’t recognize her, do you?” Riley laughed. “That’s Madison Evans, the social worker you met at the hospital after…” Her voice trailed off, and he understood her not wanting to mention or think about her father, who Alex hoped was miserable during his stint behind bars.

“No shit?” He blinked. This woman with the flowing, blonde hair was the same female who’d all but ignored him the one and only time they’d met.

He shouldn’t be shocked though. She’d worn a prim little skirt then, paired with a blouse that hid her assets, and even then, he’d been drawn to her. It’d pissed him off too. Not because she hadn’t recognized him, as unusual as that was in his world. But because she hadn’t given him a second glance. Madison Evans had bruised his ego as much as she’d surprised him by attracting his attention in the first place.

“I know that you saw her for a couple of sessions afterwards, but if she’s your therapist, what’s she doing here?”

“I finished therapy.” Riley smiled. “I really didn’t want to spend years rehashing things. Anyway, Madison and I became friendly, and I don’t have many close women friends.” Riley shrugged, as if that explained it all.

He supposed it did.

“Why are you so interested in her?” Riley asked. “Because I noticed the same reaction the first time you laid eyes on her.”

Alex cocked an eyebrow. He’d been wondering that himself. Something about the woman called to him in ways he didn’t understand. He shrugged, deciding he didn’t need to understand, he needed to get her attention.

“Uh oh. What’s that sudden focus in your eyes?” Riley waved her hand in front of his face. “You look… determined.”

He’d been bored at this party, looking for something—or someone—to capture his interest. He’d found her.

He started toward her when Riley’s voice stopped him. “She’s not your usual fare.” Her tone held a wealth of warning.

Alex turned and grinned. “That’s what I’m counting on.”

Dare to Desire – Alex & Madison

Coming Spring 2014

Thank you so much for reading Ian’s story. The Dare to Love series will continue in 2014 with Alex’s story – Dare to Desire. Stay up to date with what’s happening with the Dare to Desire series by visiting these links:

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