Dare to Touch (Dare to Love 3)

Olivia rolled her eyes. “It’s really annoying that you’re analyzing me.”

Madison shook her head and laughed. “I’m doing no such thing. I walked in here, took one look at you, knew you looked exhausted and that something’s bothering you. I call it friendship, not analysis.” She folded her arms across her chest and eyed Olivia with a knowing but determined gaze.

Olivia let out a sigh. “I appreciate that you care. I just have some things I need to work out in my head.”

“Fine, but don’t let those things keep you from a good man. I nearly did that, and it was a serious mistake.” Madison rose to her feet. “And if you need anything, make sure you pick up the phone.”

“I will.” Olivia knew how fortunate she was to have family and friends who cared, unlike Meg, who seemed like she was alone. And if anyone knew what that was like, it was Olivia.

* * *

Dylan met Olivia downstairs by the exit to the parking lot at five o’clock as planned. Sexy as ever in a black skirt that hit above her knee and loose silk shirt with a subtle V-neck that provided a hint of cleavage, he could look at her all day without getting bored. It was enough to make his mouth water and his body perk up despite the long day he’d had.

“So what do you want to do tonight?” he asked as they walked to their separate cars.

She liked having her car, and as long as he had her, he didn’t mind. “I could make reservations at Emilio’s,” he said of a small, intimate restaurant near Alex’s apartment.

“Would you mind if we didn’t go out tonight?” She hid a yawn behind her hand. “I’m so tired I would kill to go home, change into comfortable clothes, and order in pizza.”

“As long as home is my place,” he said, sliding his hand into hers.

She glanced at him for a long moment, and he thought she might change her mind, but she nodded. “Sounds good. I just need to stop home for a few things.”

“I’ll order, and it’ll be there by the time you arrive.”

“You rock.” She leaned in and kissed him on the lips.

He grasped her waist and pulled her close, sliding his tongue into her mouth and making up for the full day’s absence. He swirled his tongue against hers, teasing her with his teeth and lips until her knees went weak and he was satisfied she’d think about nothing but him until she got home. And it was home.

He slowly released her mouth and rubbed his nose against hers. “That ought to hold me over until later,” he murmured.

A little while later, they ate pizza while discussing the situation with Marcus. Dylan filled her in on his day, and she did the same. He appreciated the daily intimacies they’d begun sharing and hoped she felt the same way.

They’d finished their pizza and had settled in each other’s arms on the sofa. He inhaled the floral scent of her shampoo that he’d become familiar with and slid his hand beneath her shirt, settling his palm against the smooth skin of her belly.

“I had a visitor today,” she said. “Meg came by the office.”

His hand stilled. “You’re kidding. What did she want?” Because if she’d upset the delicate balance he was walking with Olivia…

“She was sweet. She said she was sorry about how things looked on Sunday and that she was used to having you at her beck and call. But she wouldn’t put you in that position again.”

“How did you feel about it?” he asked, holding his breath, hoping this didn’t lead to a problem.

Olivia shrugged in his arms. “I appreciated it. I think it took a lot for her t

o come see me, and I believe she was sincere.”

He blew out a long breath. “For what it’s worth, I do too.”

“She wants to get together for lunch sometime.”

Now that Dylan wasn’t sure about. Those two women together would either make his life easier or give him another uphill battle with Olivia.

“I said okay.” She rolled to the side so she could meet his gaze. “I know she’s important to you. Like Callie’s important to you. So I can be an adult. I want to give something to you for once.”

His chest grew heavy at her words. “Liv—”

“Shh.” She shut him up by crawling into his lap and sealing her lips over his.