Dare to Touch (Dare to Love 3)

Olivia blinked into the glare, her eyes watering. “Are you crazy?”

“Nope. You need to get up. Dylan called me earlier. He couldn’t reach you. He took a red-eye home. Anyway, he’s going to be here any minute, and you need to get ready.”

“He’s home?” She couldn’t hide the excitement in her voice, and her sister grinned.

Avery headed to the closet and began sorting through Olivia’s dresses. “He said to tell you his sister is having a family barbeque for his niece’s birthday and he wants to bring you with him.” Avery pulled out a halter dress with small pink flowers. “I think this dress will look pretty for an outdoor party, don’t you?”

Olivia could pick out her own clothes, as they both knew, but Avery was a fashionista of the first order, and Olivia indulged her.

Still, she couldn’t resist teasing her. “You do know I hate you this early in the morning, right? You’re too perky, and I haven’t had my coffee yet.”

“You love me and my perkiness. So how do you feel about meeting his family?” Avery turned worried eyes her way.

Olivia’s stomach did a little flip. She didn’t know what would come of her relationship with Dylan, but he’d mentioned that his older sister was his family and that they were close. She really wanted to make a good impression. And wasn’t that telling when it came to her feelings for the man?

She swallowed hard. “It’s a first for me,” she murmured.

“And that’s why I’m here to help.”

Olivia slid out of bed, glanced in the mirror, and cringed. “I need to shower.”

“Then get moving! I told him you’d be up and ready.”

“Neither one of you thought I might have other plans?” she asked.

Her sister grinned. “Not really. And even if you did, I knew you’d cancel them for this.”

“Why does this feel like a setup?” Olivia muttered.

“Because I want you to be happy. And Dylan seems to do that for you. So when he called, I said you’d go with him. He’ll be here soon, so move it.”

“How can I be annoyed with you when you say nice things like that?”

“You can’t.”

With a sigh, Olivia pulled out sexy underwear from her drawer, in case she and Dylan ended up alone later, then picked up the dress Avery liked. A little while later, Olivia had managed to wake up, courtesy of Avery’s coffee, a warm shower, and thoughts of seeing Dylan.

She was dressed and ready to see him. It was the first time they’d be alone since their time in Phoenix, and meeting his family, no less. She placed a hand over her nervous stomach. She didn’t want to question too hard what it all meant—him bringing her with him and her serious nerves about meeting the people he loved.

She drew a deep breath and walked out of her bedroom, surprised to find Dylan drinking coffee with her sister. “Well, hi,” she said. “I didn’t hear the doorbell.”

“He knocked,” Avery said from where she sat at the table, feet propped on a chair.

Dylan rose to his feet. “Good morning.” His voice slid over her like warm honey. Sweet and oh so good.

“Morning.” She held out her empty coffee cup. “Is there any more for me?”

“You can get more on the road. We need to make a stop to buy toys on the way to my sister’s.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Toy shopping? Is that your new idea of a date?” she asked, teasing.

“Depends on what kind of toys we’re looking for.” His eyes darkened with a sensual look she recognized.

A look that had her pulse pounding and her body responding, ready for anything he desired.

“Just eew!” Avery said, jumping up from her seat. “Good thing I know this is just a Toys“R”Us trip. Go. Both of you.” With a shake of her head, she headed for her room, closing the door behind her.

Olivia laughed and Dylan merely grinned.