Page 13 of Daring to Love You
They hadn’t spoken in a couple of weeks. The last time had been a week after Nyla’s wedding reception. He had called and asked Dorian out to dinner, but she’d already had plans—a date—and turned him down. He didn’t seem too disappointed and told her that he wasn’t giving up, but she hadn’t heard from him this week. Which was probably for the best.
All she had to do was remember why it wasn’t a good idea to hook up with Lynix. He might be sexy, funny, and easy on the eyes, but he was also a player. Granted, he insisted he had changed, but she didn’t believe him. Besides, dating her brother’s best friend was taboo. Or at least that’s what she’d heard.
But man, her mind kept circling back to Lynix’s delicious kisses. As well as the way her body sparked to life whenever he hugged or touched her. Dorian hoped going out with other men would distract her from her sensuous thoughts of Lynix. Clearly, that wasn’t working, but hopefully it would eventually.
Unfortunately, that last thought made her think of Keenan, a blind date she’d had a few days ago. He was the cousin of a former client, who insisted they were perfect for each other. Wrong!
Keenan, an investment manager, was a nice-looking guy and a great dresser. Yet, he’d been unbelievably boring. He had taken her to a high-end restaurant, and the food had been amazing. Yet, the conversation had been stilted, and she found herself counting down the minutes until the date was over.
No more blind dates, and she also planned to put an end to her mother’s matchmaking. The latter wasn’t going to be as easy, but Dorian had to do something. Her mother was clearly getting obsessed, and it didn’t help that she rarely took no for an answer.
Well, she’s going to have to start getting used to me saying “no” because I’m not letting her fix me up with anyone else.I can find my own dates.
The alarm on Dorian’s phone chimed, informing her that Glen would be there in fifteen minutes. She grabbed her stuff, and checked to make sure she had everything, then left the bathroom.
Voices and laughter from somewhere in the house sounded. Hopefully, it was her mother talking to guests. That way Dorian could sneak out the front door without running into her—but no such luck. When she rounded the corner, her mother was standing behind the registration desk working on the computer. As if sensing her, she glanced over her shoulder.
“You look wonderful, baby. Do you know where Glen’s taking you tonight?”
“I do,” Dorian said. She pulled her small purse from the duffel bag, then shoved the large bag into the cabinet under the desk. “But I’m not telling you. Can’t have you showing up on my date.”
“I wouldn’t do that,” she insisted, and Dorian just looked at her. “Seriously, I wouldn’t.”
So far, she hadn’t done it to her or any of Dorian’s siblings, but she wouldn’t put it past the woman.
“I’m going to wait outside,” Dorian said, and her mother grabbed her elbow, stopping her.
“That’s not what I taught you,” she said with authority. “You wait until the young man comes to the door and gets you.”
“Normally, I would, but knowing you, you’ll intercept him and ask him more questions that aren’t any of your business.”
“If it involves you, it’s my business.”
“Mom, I know it’s hard to believe sometimes, but I’m a grown woman. You have to stop this. Otherwise, you won’t know who I’m dating until after I’m engaged. Is that what you want?”
“No.”
“Then please stop with all the matchmaking and inserting yourself into my love life.”
“I’ll try, but sweetie, I can’t help it. I want the best for you and yes, maybe I get carried away, but you’re my baby.”
Dorian huffed out a breath. “Why do I even bother?” she mumbled just as she heard the front door open and caught sight of Glen. “Bye, Mom.” Dorian rushed away before her mother could say another word. Glen looked at her in surprise when she grabbed his hand and pulled him back out the door.
Yes, it might’ve been rude not to let Glen at least say hi to her mother, but it was for his own good.
“Umm, is everything all right?” he asked, confusion in his expression.
“Everything is fine.”
Like her, he was dressed casually. He had smooth fair skin, deep brown eyes, and his best feature was his friendly smile. He didn’t have movie-star good looks, but with his buzz cut fade, clean-shaven face, and a tall, runner’s build, he would definitely catch the eye of other women.
“Sorry, I’m a couple of minutes late,” he said as he placed his hand at the small of her back and guided her to his Toyota Supra. “Traffic was a little heavy.”
“No problem. You were actually right on time. Let the fun begin.”
Chapter Seven
Dorian watched as the eight ball slid into the left corner pocket, and Glen did a fist pump in the air before grinning at her.
