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.
“Add Alex and Jason too,” Ian said, escaping out the door before Olivia could stop him.
“Argh! Brothers!” Olivia grumbled, lowering herself back into her seat. “They are such a pain in the ass.”
Riley laughed. “I wouldn’t know. Only child here.”
“Well, my oldest brother is bossy, but maybe you know that already?”
“He’s…persuasive,” Riley said.
“And you’re diplomatic. Anyway…” Olivia gestured to the chair across from her desk. “Have a seat. Relax. And we’ll get you set up here.”
A few hours later, Riley had been to HR, filled out paperwork, and found herself officially employed by the Miami Thunder organization. She was given a desk in a small side office, a computer and a password into the system, and her own instant message name within the company.
All the things a working girl could ask for. Best of all, she didn’t feel like she was being given special treatment, which had worried her.
She was just about to sign out for the day when her message box blinked on her computer.
Ian: Hungry?
She laughed and typed back: Always
Ian: I’ll come by and take you for dinner.
She wrinkled her nose at his bossiness.
Riley: That’s not asking me if I want to go.
Ian: That’s because I’m not asking. You’re hungry, I’m hungry. We’ll go get something together.
And there it was, the presumptuous side coming out. She swallowed hard, not liking the idea of being pushed.
Riley: It’s been a long day. I planned to grab something at home.
Without warning, he stepped into her office. His shirt was unbuttoned, revealing an enticing expanse of tanned chest, his tie hanging loosely around his neck, and he’d slung his jacket over one arm, clearly finished for the day.
“Ready?” he said, looking more attractive than any man had a right to.
“I didn’t say yes. I’m going home.”
He frowned. “You have to eat, yes?”
“Well, yes, but—”
“Then let’s go.”
She meant to argue but somehow found herself being led to the parking lot, his possessive hand on her back. They stopped at the first spot, his name on the reserved sign. The lot had emptied out, and not many cars remained. A black Porsche waited for him there.
“Umm, my car is over there.” She pointed in the direction of her vehicle.
He frowned, as if he hadn’t thought of that. “Leave it here. We’ll figure it out later.”
“But—”
He hit his remote, the car beeped, and the doors unlocked. Before she could argue further, he nudged her toward the passenger side, and soon she was inside and buckled in. He was brilliant at getting his way, though she had to admit she hadn’t fought all that hard. She wanted to be with him even if she didn’t want him overriding her express wishes.
Enclosed in the small confines of the sports car, his cologne permeated every one of her senses. He took her to one of his favorite restaurants, an Italian place where the owner knew him by name and hovered to make sure he was satisfied with the meal and the service. To her surprise, time passed quickly with interesting chitchat and fun banter. Ian was good company, interested in everything she had to say. He asked a lot of questions about her life. Simple questions. He didn’t dig deep, but she suspected he was merely biding his time. She was doing the same, satisfied to learn about him in small increments.
The pattern continued throughout the week. He’d show up to take her to dinner, not take no for an answer, and she’d invariably stopped arguing. His persistence endeared him to her even more. He didn’t hide his interest, and she couldn’t help but respond. Although he took their get-to-know-you dance slowly, he didn’t mask his ultimate intent to wine, dine, and seduce her.
He was a tactile man, something she wasn’t used to but quickly grew accustomed to and even desired. He always reserved them a booth and sat close by her side, his arm stretched behind her head, his big hand tangling in her curls. She felt the pull from her scalp to between her thighs, and it was all she could do not to attack him at the table. Especially when every single night he kissed her long, hot, and deep but ultimately sent her home, leaving her aroused and aching for so much more. She supposed that was his plan, and he was accomplishing it spectacularly.
How could she not want to be with him?
Alex came to mind, as he did when she was alone and not overwhelmed and seduced by Ian. She wanted—needed—to talk to him and make him understand the job and the relationship or whatever she was having with his half brother wasn’t a betrayal. She couldn’t control her feelings for Ian nor did she want to. But Alex was in LA on a promotional trip, and this conversation couldn’t happen over the phone. He’d be back on the red-eye Friday night, and she’d tell him on Saturday. As an excuse, it was a legitimate one, and though she didn’t relish the conversation, a part of her was relieved to put it off.
By the time the weekend rolled around, she was ready for anything, almost wishing he’d take that next step. He pulled up to Prime 112 and left his Porsche with the valet.
The hostess greeted him with a warm smile. “Mr. Dare, it’s wonderful to see you. Your usual table?”
He inclined his head. “Thank you, Maria.”
He’d reserved a table with a view but one that still afforded them privacy. With no booths, he still didn’t sit across from her. Instead, he held out her chair then sat beside her.