Dare To Resist (Dare Nation 1)

Her parents thought, after helping to raise their kids and her younger cousins, she’d want to be a nanny instead of having a career, and her brother believed she’d be hurt by her ex doing exactly what he’d told her he’d wanted. Or maybe the problem was her family just didn’t understand her.

“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be? I knew Daniel wanted kids. Well, eventually I knew, although it would have been nice if he’d told me from the beginning and not assumed I’d change my mind.”

She glanced at her sibling, who still looked worried. “I realized pretty quickly after we broke up that I didn’t love him the way I should or I would have been a lot more upset by the end of things.” She bit down on her lower lip, remembering that odd feeling of relief after things had ended.

“And by the way, same goes for him. He was engaged again within a year. It’s all good, Matt, but thank you for worrying about me.” She squeezed her brother’s hand and he let out a relieved breath.

From the corner of her eye, she saw the waitress approach Austin once more, lean down, and whisper in his ear. Whatever she said, it was an intimate action that had nothing to do with his drink order, and he placed his hand on her waist and squeezed once in reply, causing Quinn’s stomach to twist at the sight.

“Well, I’m glad to hear you’re okay,” her brother said, oblivious to her inner turmoil over Austin.

She forced a smile, still keeping an eye out as Austin reached inside his pants pocket for his wallet, handing the waitress his credit card. She strode off and brought the bill back for him to sign. And not five minutes later, Austin stood up, hugged his sister, shook hands with Marcus, and started for the door, meeting up with the woman who’d obviously just gotten off her shift. Together they walked out the door.

But not before Austin turned back and his gaze caught on Quinn’s. She hadn’t meant to continue staring. Hadn’t anticipated him turning back and looking her way. Something flashed in his expression before he shuttered it and quickly jerked his head back around and headed out the door.

Quinn sighed. As much as she hated to admit it, watching Austin with another woman hurt more than breaking up with her ex had. She’d grown close to Austin while working for him and had kept that kiss they’d shared close to her heart.

Until today, she hadn’t had to see him with one of his conquests, and reality was a bitter pill to swallow. The truth was, she had no business having feelings for her boss. Her job was too good to lose.

He had every right to do his thing and she’d do her own. Live and let live. And she’d move forward secure in the knowledge her heart wouldn’t get broken by her playboy boss.

Chapter Two

Austin sat in his Porsche 911 Turbo with Marnie in the passenger seat. Enclosed in the small space, he was suddenly aware of the cloying scent of her perfume that would no doubt linger long after she exited the vehicle. Why hadn’t he noticed that it bothered him before?

Dammit, he knew why, he thought, and curled his fingers tighter around the leather steering wheel. As he’d walked out, he’d had a compelling need to turn back around. He had. And he’d met Quinn’s gaze. In her eyes, he’d seen a wounded look that seared him to his soul. Although they weren’t together, he now felt uncomfortable being with Marnie, who’d merely been a substitute for the female he couldn’t have.

As she reached over and placed her hand on his thigh, Austin tensed, wishing he’d made an excuse to go home alone. But he hadn’t and there was no valid reason he couldn’t enjoy this night. He was single, available, and dammit, he needed to get laid, and Marnie was clearly interested.

“I’m so glad you took me up on my offer,” she said, sliding her hand closer to his crotch.

Driving, he grasped her wrist and slid her fingers away from his dick, which sadly hadn’t reacted the way he’d hoped once they got things going between them. Fuck. “Come on, Marnie. We’ll have plenty of time back at my place. I’ll make it worth the wait.”

He caught her pout from the corner of his eye.

“I don’t remember you being so stuffy,” she said.

“I just don’t want to get pulled over because your hand is on my cock and I’m swerving all over the road.” He threaded his fingers through hers, keeping one hand on the wheel. “Relax and I’ll make you feel good soon,” he promised.

“Fine.” She huffed and settled back into her seat.

He turned off at his exit and finally, after what felt like an eternity, drove into his neighborhood and up to his gated property. The house wasn’t truly enclosed, the gates were just for show, ending at the lit pillars on either side of the drive. He pulled all the way up and parked, planning to walk to the front door. With a little luck, he’d be taking Marnie home afterward, so no need to take the car inside the garage.