Page 15 of Dare to Love

“You don’t think he’ll be upset you’re working for the opposition, do you?”

“Don’t you mean working foryou?”

Ian shrugged. “That too.”

All of the above had crossed her mind, had her wondering whether she shouldn’t show up this morning as promised.

In the end, she’d been unable to resist the lure of opportunity any more than she’d been able to resist Ian so far. “Alex wants what’s best for me. No matter what form that takes.” But it didn’t mean he’d be happy.

And if her best friend knew she’d kissed Ian again or that he clearly intended for them to end up in bed, their longstanding relationship would be in jeopardy. So she’d put off telling him. At least for now.

“We’re here.” Ian stopped at a closed wooden door with Olivia Dare’s name on the brass plate beside it.

He knocked once and pushed open the door.

“Come on in,” a female voice called.

“We already are,” Ian said, his hand settling on Riley’s lower back again as he escorted her into the room.

His touch was warm, hot, and felt too good. Because his sister was watching, she eased away from him.

“Olivia, this is Riley Taylor. I told you about her this morning.”

The other woman rose from her desk. Tall like her brother and model thin, she was the opposite of Riley and her more petite body and full curves. If she hadn’t come to peace with herself long ago, she’d be envious of Ian’s sister.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Olivia said, extending her hand, which Riley gratefully shook.

“I’m happy to be here myself.”

“When Ian told me you’d be working here and I just needed to find the perfect fit, I was thrilled. Frankly, we need someone to jump between PR and travel. Our travel secretary has the shingles, and he’s out for who knows how long. An extra set of hands will be useful while booking for the season. Once things settle down, we can find a more permanent place for you. I hope that’s okay?” Olivia asked, talking a mile a minute.

Pleased to be useful and not a burden imposed by Ian, she grinned. “I can handle anything you throw at me. I ran the distribution department at a sporting goods manufacturer. I’m used to glitches and problems and moving people and dates around.”

“I knew you two would get along well,” Ian said, sounding pleased. “I’ll leave you to it.” Ian started for the door, then turned. “Olivia, do me a favor and invite Tyler, Scott, and Avery to my place on Sunday? Afternoon by the pool and dinner.”

His sister nodded. “Sure thing.”

“Add Sienna to the guest list.”

Riley recognized Alex’s sister’s name and turned to stare. She knew how strained the relationship between Ian and the other side of the family was.

“Whoa. Did hell freeze over?” Olivia asked.

His mouth tightened. “No, I made a bargain with the devil.” Ian’s gaze slid from his sister’s to Riley’s, warming as their gazes made contact. “And it was worth it.”

Riley shivered beneath his heated stare.

Olivia’s eyes narrowed, catching Ian’s not-subtle wink at Riley.

Just what kind of deal had he made, and what did she have to do with it, Riley wondered.

“Why do I have the feeling the deal didn’t include me doing your dirty work?” Olivia astutely asked.

Ian grinned, and Riley assumed he’d gotten his way with that smile many times in his life.

“I remember going to a certain party for you and Avery the other night, so...”

Olivia raised her hands in a gesture of defeat. “Fine. I’ll invite them. Just add it to my to-do list,” she said, grabbing a piece of paper and jotting something down.

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