Dare to Desire (Dare to Love #2)(35)
Author: Carly Phillips

Even she knew what a big deal it was for Alex to bring a woman home, especially after he’d mentioned he’d done the same with Rachel. She pushed thoughts of the other woman away. Again. Madison’s insecurities were just that, her own. Alex had given her no reason to let them interfere in the present. She’d counseled enough women over the years to know how to talk to herself and keep herself looking forward, not back. She found the more she kept thinking positively, the easier it became to continue on that way.

She chose a pastel-printed sundress along with a tasseled pair of sandals. Because of the heat and humidity, she pinned her hair up in a loose bun, letting soft strands fall to her shoulders. A spritz of light perfume, a swipe of blush, some lip gloss and she was as ready as she’d ever be. It certainly was the most she’d angsted over clothing choice, she thought wryly.

Her doorbell rang just as she’d changed her purse to something small she could slip over her shoulder. Drawing a deep breath, she headed to answer the door for Alex, who’d showered and changed at home after a trip to the gym.

She answered the door, her gaze drifting over his fine form, a pair of khaki cargo shorts, and docksiders on his feet, a light blue collared short-sleeve polo shirt accenting his tanned skin and brown eyes.

His gaze skimmed over her in return, those chocolate eyes darkening. “You look beautiful, Angel.”

She felt herself blushing. “Thank you. You look pretty hot yourself.”

He grinned. “Ready?”

She nodded. “Just let me grab my purse and the gift.”

He shook his head. “You didn’t have to buy them anything.”

“I can’t show up at your parents’ house empty-handed! What will they think of me?” She stepped into the entry, where she’d left her bag, keys, and a small arrangement of flowers.

“They’ll think you’re amazing just like I do.” He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Damn, baby, you’re nervous?”

She turned to face him, their bodies in intimate contact, her gaze close to his. “Your father owns one of the most luxurious hotels in Miami. Your mother’s been photographed in magazines with him. She’s gorgeous. And you’re their oldest son. Yes, I’m nervous!”

He smoothed his thumb over her lower lip, replacing her nerves with desire. “They’re going to love you just like I do,” he assured her, his gaze hot on hers.

She swallowed hard, not knowing how deeply to read into those words. They weren’t I love you per se, and yet her heart kicked up a silly rhythm of excitement and hope. Damn, how she hated hope. It always knocked her on her ass. And yet … it remained.

A forty-minute drive later, thanks to traffic, they arrived at a well-kept home in a regular neighborhood, similar to Franny and Daniel Grayson’s. Ian’s car was already in the driveway, and Alex pulled up behind him. She stared at the house in silence, trying to process the difference in what she saw and what she’d expected.

“You okay?” Alex asked.

“Yes. I’m just surprised. I thought the place would be bigger.”

“Grander?” he asked, a grin on his face.

“Well … yes.”

He let out an amused chuckle. “Galls my father to no end. His home with Ian’s mother was like a mansion. It turns out, at first, he put Mom up in a regular house so nobody would suspect she was an important man’s mistress.” He snorted, letting her know what he thought of that situation. “Later, when they married, my mother refused to change her lifestyle or ours. She didn’t want us spoiled by money.”

Madison shook her head and smiled. “Turns out your chosen career did that instead.”

He tipped his head back and laughed. “Never thought of it that way, but you’re right. Then it took it all away just as quickly, which is why I appreciate my mother’s down-to-earth ways.”

“Yet you kept the Porsche,” she said, patting the dashboard lightly.

“A man’s gotta have his toys and some luxuries.”

She caught his wink and grinned, unable to resist him when he was playful and fun. Okay, she was never able to resist him.

“Ready to go in?”

She blew out a long breath and smiled. “Actually, I am.”

He led her up the front path, surrounded by perfectly manicured greenery and flowers. He knocked once and pushed open the door.

Alex’s mother greeted them as soon as they stepped inside. Madison recognized the beautiful woman from the photo shoot in a local magazine that had spotlighted her devotion to charitable causes.

“Alex!” She wrapped her arms around her son, pulling him in for a motherly hug.

“Hi, Mom.” He hugged her back before easing out of her embrace.

“It’s been too long,” she chided him. “It’s about time you stopped hiding from the world. And is this the woman I have to thank?”

Madison blushed, certain she hadn’t had anything to do with that change in Alex. More likely, it was Ian’s job that had given him purpose again and made him feel worthwhile.

“Mom, this is—”

“Madison! I know. I’ve heard all about you from Riley and of course from the little I could pry out of my son.” She stepped over to Madison and grasped her free hand. “It’s so wonderful to meet you.”

“I feel the same way, Mrs. Dare.”

“Oh my goodness, call me Savannah, please.” She squeezed Madison’s hand and released her.

Madison blinked. Alex had been right. She liked his mother already for making her feel comfortable immediately. She’d expected a staid, Palm Beach type of socialite. Instead of a set, trendy bob, her blonde highlighted hair fell past her shoulders, and although she wore a sundress, on her feet were flats, not heels. There was no air of pretense to be found.

Instead, Savannah Dare was real. Madison breathed out a sigh of relief and held out the flowers. “Thank you for inviting me today.”

Savannah smiled, giving Madison a glimpse of an expression similar to her son’s. “These are beautiful.” She paused to sniff the fragrant blooms. “Thank you, although you really shouldn’t have. Now come inside, you two. The rest of the family is in the great room. Unfortunately, your father had an emergency at the hotel, so he’ll be back in a little while.”

Alex led Madison inside, his hand on her back, a position she was beginning to anticipate and get used to. She relaxed when he laid his hand on the base of her spine, and she’d long since stopped cautioning herself not to, even if the occasional thought did pop out as a warning. She was getting better at trying to accept things when they were good. Not so much at stopping the notion of anticipating the other shoe falling.