The Dare Collection August 2019. Christy McKellen

he stepped up after their parents split up.’

      I nod. ‘Yes, that’s who he is—a natural leader, someone to take charge of a situation.’

      ‘Yes, and for a while Kit was in a pretty bad place after his wife died and Drake came home from the army with PTSD. He was their rock, their constant—they both agree he helped them through some pretty tough times.’

      I choke up just thinking of Reid and the burdens he’s shouldered, past and present, and how he feels he has to do it all alone because of one bad relationship experience. ‘It’s great that they have each other, that they’re so close, especially in light of Graham’s diagnosis.’

      Mia nods, her hand stroking her belly as if soothing her unborn child. ‘Yes, but Reid insists on taking on the lion’s share of the burden.’

      ‘He feels he owes Graham the most, I guess.’ I feel defensive for Reid, although she’s in no way attacking him—another sign, if I needed one, of my growing investment in the man.

      Kit bids his companion goodbye and turns to Mia. ‘Are you ready to go home?’ He kisses her with such tenderness, I look away.

      At that moment Reid returns, his hand caressing my bare shoulder.

      ‘We’re off,’ says Kit. ‘Mia is tired.’

      The brothers hug and then Reid kisses Mia’s cheek and helps her into her wrap.

      Kit touches my shoulder and leans in to press his cheek against mine. ‘I wanted to apologise for what you overheard that day at lunch,’ he says, his voice low. ‘My surprise—mine and Drake’s—was for Reid; he’s been so closed off for so long I was shocked and delighted that someone had finally broken through his shield and that it was you of all people. I know we used to tease you when we were younger, but, seriously, we couldn’t be more thrilled for you. And Reid.’

      I stare, too dumbstruck for speech. Have I broken through to Reid? Could Reid possibly care for me as I do for him? Could we ever be more than we are now? Could we be a serious couple with a future together?

      ‘You’re good for him,’ says Kit, his stare sincere and as deep and dark as Reid’s. ‘Goodnight, Blair.’ He collects Mia from Reid and they head off, their arms around each other, their love clearly on display.

      I turn to Reid, who slings his arm casually around my shoulders in that way I love, but then tucks me into his side with a sigh and a protracted sniff of my hair. ‘Want to get out of here?’ I feel the weight of his question to the tips of my toes and see the fatigue and something else, something tantalising, behind his eyes.

      ‘Yes.’

      ‘Good, because I have a surprise.’

      I lift an eyebrow in question, too touched by his smouldering delight and his thoughtfulness for more. I’ve already had a wonderful evening—with this level of attentiveness, he needs to be careful—the love Mia and Kit left wafting in the air could become contagious.

       CHAPTER TEN

      Blair

      INSTEAD OF LEAVING the hotel, Reid heads for the lifts, a knowing smile twitching his sexy mouth. ‘We’re not going home?’ I ask, my stomach swirling with anticipation and nerves, as if I’m still on the dance floor, spinning too fast.

      He shakes his head as he selects the top floor and the lift doors close. ‘I thought it might be nice to stay here.’

      ‘Good idea.’ Touched, I snuggle into his side, my arm gripping his waist inside his jacket. ‘I had a wonderful evening. Thanks for inviting me.’ Why is it so hard to tell him?

      His deep voice rumbles against my cheek. ‘So did I—thanks for coming.’

      We arrive on the top floor and my head swims as Reid leads the way to the penthouse suite.

      The door clicks open and he steps aside for me to enter first. I gasp, one hand covering my mouth. The suite is in darkness, but for a million twinkling seed lights decorating every available surface. This would have taken a long time and considerable cost. That he’s thought ahead and made such a romantic gesture gives me enough hope, my pulse ricochets. Would he go this far if he didn’t care too? If it was just sex to him? That doesn’t mean he sees a future for us though, and now I need to know, as much as I need to touch him. I’m not leaving this room until I cross that terrifying threshold and find out one way or another.

      Reid shrugs his jacket off, an indulgent smile dancing on his lips as I fight the urge to cry at his thoughtfulness, or to blurt out my true feelings and completely scare him off. It’s a good thing that I’m speechless.

      Reid pours two glasses of champagne from a bottle chilling in ice and hands one to me with a sexy smile.

      ‘To five-star hotels and chance meetings.’ His eyes say what I desperately want to hear, but I calm my raging pulse with a swallow of delicious, ice-cold bubbles and force myself to simply live in the moment, to enjoy this. There’s no need to rush my confessions—we have all night.

       Coward.

      I allow myself to be distracted as Reid steps close and skates his fingers lightly down my arm from shoulder to wrist, setting off a cascade of delicious anticipation. ‘Tell me another fantasy.’ His lips brush mine, the taste of champagne and him merging to create a sublime new flavour.

      Tonight, it’s easy. ‘You’re my fantasy. Being whatever you need to be.’ Having all of you.

      ‘I want you too.’ He quirks one eyebrow, waiting, but I have nothing but honesty to offer.

      ‘Then I’m yours.’ Show me how you feel.

      His eyes darken until the colour disappears and merges with his pupils. ‘That’s an intoxicating offer... A man could get used to that.’

      My heart lurches and I place my glass on the table with a trembling hand, need burning through me. I want him physically, yes, as fiercely as ever, but I need more, and I need to know that he can give me what I need. Because if I do this, lay myself open, I’ll want everything in return. No half measures, no settling for mediocre, and only complete, transparent trust.

      Slowly I reach for his tie, loosening the bow and tossing it aside. All the while he watches my every movement, lazily sipping champagne, savouring it, his stare heavy with desire.

      I undo the top few buttons of his shirt and press my mouth to his, keeping my eyes open to watch every nuance of his reaction. ‘Why don’t you show me what that, what you need, looks like?’

      His pupils dilate and he rests his free hand on my hip, his fingers flexing, as if he can’t not touch me. ‘Keep going with the buttons.’

      I smile to hide my nerves and get to work, ensuring I brush my knuckles over his exposed chest with every loosened stud, because I want to brand him for every woman still in the ballroom downstairs to see. To show him the depth of my feelings. To tell him without words and have everything reciprocated.

      When I reach his waistband I look up, licking my parched lips.

      One look from him and I continue. When I open his trousers and push down his boxers he steps back, denying me the prize of his thick, heavy cock.

      ‘Take off the dress. Just the dress.’ His command is gruff, thrilling.

      While I rush to his bidding he grips himself with one hand, his thumb circling the head of his cock on every up-stroke and continues to sip his champagne. ‘This is for you—I can’t wait.’

      My breath seesaws in excited gasps—he knows I love that he’s greedy and impatient. He’s so urbane, so decadent, so sexy standing there, his immaculate shirt and tailored trousers open, commanding our pleasure and spinning any fantasy I desire. He wants me physically, I’ve never doubted