Dare to Touch (Dare to Love 3)

She didn’t sound disturbed or concerned by Meg calling. Maybe she was making progress with things, Dylan thought.

They finally made it through the long aisle of seats, up the row, and exited through the big doors. Vendors were packing up shirts but still selling to willing customers. He shook his head. “It’s fine.”

A niggling feeling in his gut bothered him, but he pushed it aside.

Olivia slid her hand into her sister’s, and they followed her to the nearest security guard. She flashed a guest pass and asked where they should go.

“This way.” Avery pointed in the opposite direction.

“Hey, are you sure you want to do this?” Olivia asked.

Avery nodded. “Except … I think I’m going to go alone.”

“What?” Olivia shook her head. “No. If it’s awkward or he’s got groupies hanging all over him, you may need me.”

Avery faced her sister with a forced smile. “I love you for coming this far with me. You kept me calm while I waited. But this is something I need to do myself. But thanks for reminding me of the groupies. That was a reality check I could have lived without.” She winked at Olivia.

“Oh God, I’m sorry, Av—”

Dylan stepped up. “Do you want us to walk you wherever you need to go?” he asked Avery.

She drew a deep breath and shook her head. “Nope. Again, I’m going to do this myself. But thank you. Really.”

“How will you get home?” Olivia asked.

“I’ll get Uber. Don’t worry.”

“Okay. Text me so I know you’re home safe or I swear I am calling 911.”

“Okay, Mom,” Avery said with a groan.

Avery hugged her sister and kissed Dylan on the cheek. “You two go on. I’ll fill you in tomorrow.”

Since Olivia seemed about to argue, Dylan grasped her hand and tugged. Avery seemed set on her decision. “Come on. She can handle it.”

With a sigh, Olivia nodded, and Avery strode off. “He’s probably a spoiled rock star,” she muttered.

“And Avery is an adult who can judge for herself.”

“Fine.”

He clasped her hand, and they wound their way out of the arena. When they hit the humid Florida air, he pulled out his phone. Olivia did the same.

“Meg called me too,” she said. “I’d turned off my phone.”

“How does she have your number?” he asked.

“I gave it to her when she came to see me.”

Dylan hit redial, knowing if she’d tried to reach Olivia as well as him, something was wrong. He met Olivia’s wide-eyed gaze, shaking his head when the call went to voice mail.

“Have you spoken to her recently?” Olivia asked in a soft voice.

He shook his head. “I think I was a little rough on her at my sister’s. She hasn’t been in touch.” He’d planned on calling, but he’d been overwhelmed with worry for Olivia, and he’d forgotten. He winced at that.

“When I saw her that day? At my office? She was waiting for her ex to call her back so she could tell him about the baby. She didn’t think he’d take it well. Do you think something could have happened?”

“Shit,” he muttered. “The guy’s a lazy ass, but I didn’t think he’d hurt her.” He tried her again as they walked to the car.