Dare to Touch (Dare to Love 3)

He loved how she stood up for him. “I think she wants it. But she’s petrified of having it—and losing it. Again.” He explained about how Olivia had grown up with just her mother home, the blow with her father’s other family, then the pregnancy and cheating boyfriend and subsequent loss of her baby.

“Oh, that poor girl.”

“Yeah. But she’s not that girl anymore. And I want her to see that.”

Callie stepped back. “If she’s as smart as I think she is, she’ll come around. I know that’s not much to go on…”

He laughed, the sound hollow. “But it’s all I’ve got. Trust me, I know.”

“Are you seeing her tonight?”

Dylan shook his head. “I wanted to come here, and she promised her sister she’d go see a movie. I think a little separation is good. Healthy.” Something he might need to get used to if she decided not to fight for them.

* * *

Olivia followed the directions to the address that Madison had given her. A medical building on the nice side of town. The psychologist Madison recommended, someone she thought would mesh well with Olivia’s personality and needs. That made her laugh since Olivia didn’t know what she needed. She only knew what she couldn’t afford to lose.

She’d told Dylan she was going to the movies with Avery because she had a feeling she’d need time alone after this appointment. If she wanted to get past the fear of losing every good thing that came into her life, if she wanted to have the life he envisioned, she was going to need help. The help she’d walked away from years ago.

A little over an hour later, she walked out of the same building, eyes red, feeling completely drained. The older doctor was warm but direct, expecting Olivia to answer questions and be honest. The doctor warned her that therapy took awhile, change didn’t happen overnight, and she’d have to be willing to do the work in order to get past the emotional barriers she’d put up to block her own happiness.

And when Olivia had explained that she might not have time because she could, in fact, be pregnant now, the doctor assured her there was always time. And Olivia supposed that was true.

She climbed into her car, exhausted but aware of one thing. She’d taken that difficult first step. Regardless of what happened with Dylan, she knew now she had to do this for herself most of all.

Before she started up her car, she checked her cell. Avery had left a message, and Olivia played it back. Apparently Avery’s first love, lead guitarist for the famous rock band Tangled Royal, was back in town for a concert. He’d taken off and made it big. He’d wanted Avery to go with him, but ever since her younger sister had donated bone marrow and had been forced to face Sienna’s cancer at a young age, Avery had a need to remain around her family. Instead of taking off with him, she’d nursed a broken heart, which had always made Olivia sad for her vibrant, outgoing sister.

As far as Olivia knew, Avery hadn’t seen or heard from Grey Kingston since he’d left town. But since he was famous, good-looking, and splashed all over the tabloids, it was impossible not to be aware of his every move.

Avery had offered up two tickets, one for Olivia and one for Dylan. Beneath the offer and the bravado, Olivia sensed Avery’s need for her older sister, and she intended to be there for her sibling. And a concert would keep Olivia busy and surrounded by people, as opposed to being alone with Dylan, her thoughts and the words of her new therapist crowding in on her.

* * *

The next morning, Olivia asked Dylan’s secretary to let her know when he arrived at work. When she got the call, she headed right over and knocked on his open office door.

His eyes opened wide, pleasure washing over his face at the sight of her. He rose to his feet. “Morning,” he said in a husky voice.

“Morning.” Her pulse picked up speed at the sight of him.

“Shut the door,” he said.

She automatically did as he asked.

“Now lock it.”

“What?” She blinked at his second command.

“I haven’t seen you since yesterday, you’re here now … so lock the door.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his commanding tone. “Dylan…”

“Olivia…”

“Fine.” She flicked the lock closed and strode toward him, one purpose in mind. “I’m here to invite you to a concert tonight. With me and Avery.”

He tipped his head to one side, studying her. “Tonight works fine for me. Now come here.” He crooked a finger her way.

She rolled her eyes. “What’s with the orders?”