Page 3 of Daring to Love You
“Okay, it’s time to stop hiding out back here,” Raven, Dorian’s sister-in-law, said after sidling up to her. She had to talk loudly to be heard over the music, but not too loud for the people on the other side of the buffet table to hear.
Raven was another one who’d been recruited to help with cooking along with Dorian’s oldest sister, Essence, and their mother, Virginia. Raven had also taken on hosting duties. Shewas a virtual assistant by trade, but she really could’ve been a party planner considering all the great ideas she’d come up with for this event.
Raven bumped Dorian’s shoulder with hers. “There are a few single guys here from Harrison’s tech company. You should be out there mingling and getting to know some of them.”
Dorian had spotted a few people who seemed to be there solo, but no one really snagged her attention. Nope. She seemed to only zone in on the numerous couples who were hugged up with their spouses or dates. It was getting tough to watch others who had clearly found the love of their lives. Especially Nyla and Harrison, who were in the middle of the dance floor staring lovingly into each other’s eyes as they rocked to “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.
Dorian’s heart softened as she continued watching them. It was clear Nyla and Harrison were crazy in love and having a good time. She wanted that for them. Wanted them to have a happy and prosperous life together. They deserved it, especially Harrison. His life had literally been a living hell, and she was glad he’d found Nyla and their family.
Still gazing out at the dance floor, Dorian’s hand flew to her chest. “Raven, look,” she said and nodded to where Harrison had moved across the room and guided his mother onto the dance floor.
“Aww,” Raven said, and they both watched as he danced with the woman who he’d been estranged from for years.
Harrison and his mother were working on rebuilding their relationship. Her brother-in-law’s efforts were commendable because, the way his mother had betrayed him and left him to rot, Dorian wasn’t sure she could’ve ever forgiven her.
Yet, she loved how Harrison was making the effort. It said a lot about his character as a man and a human being. Despitebeing a bit envious of his and Nyla’s relationship, she was overjoyed her sister had found a good guy.
“Yes! He made it,” Raven said excitedly.
“Who made—” Dorian started to say but stopped when she spotted theheRaven was referring to. Her heartbeat immediately went into a tailspin, and her breathing increased.
Lynix “Frickin” Mathews.
“Who invited him?” Dorian murmured, not meaning to pose the question out loud and with such distaste in her mouth.
Yet, that was the effect Lynix had on her. He was so… so beautiful and a major pain in the butt with his arrogant, God’s gift to women persona. That attitude had seemed to multiply over the last couple of months, ever since their conversation during Zion and Raven’s wedding reception.
Granted, Lynix was all that and then some, but the fact that he knew he washotgot on her nerves. Some of the crap he spewed made her want to punch him. Playfully, of course, because she didn’t want to break her hand on his rock-hard muscles. Then other times, she wanted to leap into his arms, kiss him hard, and claim him as hers.
Too bad I’m not brave enough to do either.
He had told her he wasn’t giving up on them being together. He was just waiting for her to catch up with what he already knew—that they were made for each other.
It was just more of the cocky crap he kept whispering in her ear every chance he got, which had been often lately. With them being the godparents of her niece and nephew, Zion and Raven’s twins, they’d been forced to see each other more than Dorian preferred.
But right now, despite trying to look away, she couldn’t help but check him out. As usual, the tall, gorgeous man was hard to miss and practically sucked all the air out of the room with his imposing presence.
Why’d she have to be attracted to him?Why?She hated noticing the way his black Polo shirt hugged his muscular upper body, especially his impressive biceps. Or the way his long, thick legs looked in his black dress pants.
Just stop looking.
“I invited him,” Raven said, snapping Dorian out of her thoughts. Her sister-in-law looked pleased with herself as she grinned. “He was over at the house yesterday hanging out with the babies, and I suggested he stop by the party. He was so gracious in letting us use his family’s house for our wedding and reception. The least I could do was invite him to a family gathering since he’s like family. Wait. I’d think you’d be happy to see him.”
Dorian frowned at the woman who had not only become her sister but had quickly become one of her best friends. “Why would you think that? I can’t stand him.”
Raven narrowed her eyes and planted her hands on her hips, giving Dorian ayeah rightlook.
“I can’t believe you can say that with a straight face. Why are you lying? More importantly, why are you lying to yourself? I’ve seen you two together, and you guys are always stealing glances at each other.”
Dorian didn’t respond because she found herself looking at Lynix more often than she preferred. How could she not? The man was too good-looking to be ignored, and the way he made her body stir, even without touching her, was starting to be a problem. He was always a perfect gentleman, but she didn’t miss the way his potent gaze always took her in.
“And clearly, you have forgotten how I saw you and Lynix sneaking around on his family’s property during my wedding reception,” Raven added.
Heat spread to Raven’s cheeks as the memory slammed into her like a ninety-miles-per-hour baseball pitch. Yeah, sheremembered that night at the lake well. It was one of the few times that she and Lynix hadn’t argued, bantered, or got on each other’s nerves. He told her a little about the property, which his wealthy family owned, and how he used to hang out at that lake a lot as a kid. He’d claimed the stars seemed a little brighter in that particular spot at night, and after witnessing it, Dorian had to agree.
But then he kissed her.
The kiss had been long, passionate, and there were times, even months later, she could almost feel his mouth on hers. It was hands down the best kiss she had ever experienced, but Dorian knew his type. Heck, she had even dated a man who reminded her of Lynix in some ways. Confident. Determined. And a player. Her ex had been her coworker, which should’ve been one of many warnings to stay clear of him.
