Dare to Hold (Dare to Love 4)

Hell, all of her was more responsive, to his hands, his mouth and, yes, even his cock. Her body accepted him easily, clasping him in amazing heat and shattering more easily each time. At this point, he was willing to concede prowess to her hormones, he thought wryly, not that he was complaining in the least. He just wished the emotions between them weren’t such a minefield, laden with unforeseen traps and triggers.

“Thank you,” Meg said. Her gaze raked over him, and a soft smile pulled at her lips. “You look pretty good yourself.”

He glanced at his black pants and white long-sleeve button-down and shrugged. “I shaved earlier.”

She laughed and the sound lightened the mood. “Then that’s it, I guess.”

“Ready for dinner?”

“I’m starving,” she said.

He frowned. “That’s because you missed lunch.”

“I had a shake a little while ago.” She picked up a small straw purse. “All set,” she told him.

He hooked his arm in hers and led her down to his truck. He helped her into the seat, ignoring the feel of her waist in his hands, swallowing a groan. He slammed her door shut and headed around to the driver’s side.

The trip to Miami passed quickly, music on the radio, easy conversation around them. This was what he’d missed, he thought. Although they hadn’t been together long, their first weeks had been so easy. Had he ever been with another woman who fit him so well? Thank goodness that thought hit just as he pulled up to the parking lot near Emilio’s and he pulled down his window to deal with the attendant.

A few minutes later, they were seated across from Olivia and Dylan in the small Italian restaurant. Olivia had made a reservation, and Anna had reserved them a private table in the corner. His sister had already ordered sparkling water. Dylan and Scott passed on hard alcohol. They ordered quickly, Olivia asking Emilio to serve slowly so they had time to relax and talk.

Talk made Scott nervous, especially when his sister was involved, but Meg and Olivia had developed a close friendship in a short time, so he hoped the women would carry the more intense parts of conversation.

Scott knew exactly what had him on edge. Olivia was intuitive and would notice any problems. His sister had already warned him about hurting Meg, and looking back, Scott should have listened harder. Thought more. If Dylan got a whiff of tension tonight, he’d be in even more trouble.

To make matters worse, his sister couldn’t be trusted not to dig into private, personal conversations better left alone. Especially when it came to his love life. Knowing how much Olivia cared about Meg, he could only hope she was smart tonight.

They started with football, a conversation that was always fun and easy, and segued into Scott’s new position within Tyler’s firm.

“I’m enjoying the freedom involved, catching up on client files and getting to know what everyone needs. It’s been challenging on a whole different level,” Scott explained.

“I bet,” Dylan said. “It’s great to do something you enjoy.” As travel director for the Thunder, Dylan knew what he was talking about. The man loved his job. “Meg, how are things at school? Kids still keeping you on your toes?” Dylan asked.

And just like that, easy conversation ground to a halt.

“Umm, I—” Meg stammered.

“Meg is fine,” Scott said, hoping to help Meg bypass the answer entirely.

“Actually I’m not. I’m on temporary leave,” Meg said, going on to explain how the situation that her ex had escalated, leading to the principal strongly suggesting she take leave.

“Oh my God! Why didn’t you say anything?” Olivia asked. “I’d have come over … called, something,” she said, offering all the support she could.

“I’m going to kill the bastard,” Dylan said, his hands curling into fists.

“Well, get in line, because when I find him, he’s going to wish he’d never been born.” Though Scott appreciated Dylan backing Meg, when it came to protecting her, he wanted that job and didn’t mind letting the other man know it.

Olivia studied him, eyes narrowed, and Scott swallowed a curse.

“I don’t want anyone confronting Mike for me. He’s dangerous,” Meg said. “But I’m meeting with his parents on Wednesday.”

“We’re meeting with his parents,” Scott reminded her.

Meg raised an eyebrow. “I was going to discuss that with you in the morning. I think it’s better if I go alone. Rick will keep an eye on me.”

Scott tensed, clenching his jaw and wondering when things had spiraled out of his control. “We’ll talk about it when we’re alone,” he said, well aware of Dylan’s and Olivia’s intense stares, taking in every word and action that Meg and Scott made.

“Well, regardless, I’m not worried about meeting with them anymore. Luke said the background check turned up all good things. Lydia and Walter seem to be rational, decent people. They support children’s charities and—”