Page 77 of Safe and Sound

“I am not.” When I continued staring at him, he replied, “Okay, I’m not the official godfather. That role went to my brother, Quinn. But my other brother and I were honorary godfathers.”

“You’re really serious.”

“I am. I stood at the altar and everything.”

Blinking at him, I replied, “No offense, but after what transpired with us last night, you’re hardly godfather material.”

“I resent that.”

“I think you mean youresemblethat remark,” I joked.

Dare laughed. “Just because I’m building a casino and I own a nightclub, it has no bearing on my ability to guide Henry’s spiritual journey.”

“I think we’re going to have to disagree on that one.”

“Fine.” Cocking his head at me, he asked, “So will you come with me?”

I nibbled on my bottom lip. I was totally sold on going back to Boston with him when I imagined a date night with dinner and a movie or dinner and dancing. It was quite another to attend a family affair with him. “Call me crazy, but do you usually take casual acquaintances around your family?”

“I think we blew past casual when I stalked you down.”

“I’m serious, Dare.”

“I met your family last night.”

“That was a fluke, and I certainly wouldn’t have asked you to meet them so soon.”

Dare took my hands in his. “Look, we both know you’re gun shy about men and relationships. But I like you. Sure, you’re a fantastic lay–”

“Seriously?”

He scowled at me. “Let me finish.”

“Fine.”

“You’re a fantastic lay, but you’re also a lot more. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had as much fun with a woman as I’ve had with you.”

“Really?”

“Fuck yeah.”

I squeezed his hands. “I had a lot of fun with you the past two nights.”

“Then let’s just have more fun. We don’t have to label anything.”

“But family means something,” I protested.

Appearing thoughtful, Dare said, “So, my brothers are my best friends. Would hanging with friends, rather than family, make it less serious?”

“I don’t know.”

His brows furrowed. “Do you not want to come because you think I’m love bombing you?”

A laugh burst from my lips. “Excuse me?”

“You know, like I’m coming on too strong so I can control you later on.”

“Um, no. That’s not it.”

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