Page 30 of Dare to Love

“You’re the one good thing that came out of that period of my life. You’re my daughter, Riley. There’s nothing you can’t discuss with me. So what is it about Ian that scares you? Because I can tell something does, and it’s not all about Alex.”

Amazed at how well her stepmother read her, Riley laughed. “You’re pretty perceptive.”

Melissa shrugged. And waited.

“Ian’s need for control scares me. I’m afraid I’m so taken with him that by the time I realize he’s like my father, it will be too late. And yet I know that’s so wrong. Ian would never—” Riley choked up and waved her hand, indicating she needed time.

She hated that after all these years, the memories could still shake her to her core.

Melissa squeezed her hand tighter. “Your instinct is everything. Honey, I knew. Deep down, when I look back at the days before we got together, I knew. He never made me feel safe and secure. Those are powerful words. So trust your instincts.”

Riley nodded. “But there’s still Alex’s feelings to deal with, and he has every right to resent Ian. Not to trust him. And I trust Alex’s instincts too.”

“He could be too emotionally invested to see his half brother for who he really is,” Melissa said rationally. “He can’t tell you who to date as a condition for loving you or being there for you. That’s not fair either.”

Riley blinked at that. “You always make sense.”

“School of hard knocks, honey. But remember, there’s always light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Life brought me David.” And Melissa beamed at the mention of her new husband.

Happy to have the topic of Alex and Ian behind her, she changed the subject to Melissa’s honeymoon. This time, Melissa was only too happy to comply, and over the rest of their delicious dinner, she regaled Riley with stories of the Greek islands, giving her a much-needed distraction.

***

Ian’s siblings arrived at his apartment earlier than the others were due to show up. He appreciated their support. Without discussing it, they all knew how difficult today would be. Robert Dare’s eight children had never been alone together in one room.

Yes, the girls had all gotten close, but not the guys. Ian figured they all harbored their own resentments, but they’d agreed to come today.

“Hey, good call on the burgers,” Tyler said, walking into the kitchen. “These are my favorite.” He eyed the Kobe beef burgers piled on a chafing dish and French fries in a second tray. He reached out to grab a fry.

“Hey!” Olivia swatted Ty before he could snag one. “Wait for the company to arrive,” she said, sounding a lot like their mother.

“Spoilsport,” Ty grumbled. “I’m going back to watch some baseball with Scott.”

“Grab a beer,” Ian called out as Ty left the room.

Olivia laughed. “Men and their stomachs. You’re so easily led around.”

“Meanwhile, Avery’s in with them, and that’s where the chips are,” Ian said.

“She always could keep up with the boys.”

“You’re no slouch yourself,” he reminded her.

She grinned. “I have to tell you, this is quite a spread you’ve got here.”

“I’m just doing my best to be a decent host.”

“Or trying to impress a certain woman?” Olivia glanced around and grabbed a burger for herself, taking a bite before Ian could stop her.

He rolled his eyes at her audacity, though he shouldn’t be shocked. He also wasn’t about to touch the comment about Riley.

He’d had her in his bed, he’d been inside her body, and he wanted to go there again. Hell yes, he wanted to impress her.

And to do that, he needed her here.

He glanced at his watch. Not only were his half siblings late, but so was Riley. His stomach churned, and he didn’t think it was hunger.

He joined his siblings in front of the television, but as the next half hour passed with no company and no phone call or explanation, anger burned in his gut.

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