But Dare only wanted her for now. They had no future.

“It doesn’t have to be over, you know.”

“What?” Her heart thudded in her chest at Dare’s words.

“Your friendship with him. From what you’ve told me, you two are very close, and I don’t believe he’ll give you up that easily.”

“He seemed pretty convincing.”

“Just give him time.” He nuzzled her ear. “Now go to sleep. Everything will look better in the morning.”

* * *

Ashley awoke to the sun shining brightly and the smell of bacon wafting around her. Her eyelids popped open and she sat up.

A moment later, the door opened and Dare smiled from the doorway. He was heart-stoppingly gorgeous in just his jeans and bare chest. A broad, sculpted chest that she knew was rock hard, with muscles that rippled when he moved his arms.

A ridiculously hot guy and bacon. Could this morning get any better?

“Come down and have breakfast,” he said.

“I need to shower and change first.”

“Nonsense. Relax and come join me.” He walked to his closet and pulled out a robe, then tossed it on the bed. “It’ll be a bit big, but I like the idea of you wrapped up in my robe.”

She picked it up, luxuriating in the feel of the soft silk. She glanced at him, waiting for him to turn away while she pulled on the garment, but he didn’t. He just smiled at her. So she pushed back the covers, exposing her nakedness, then stood up and pulled on the robe. Knowing he was watching her sent heat through her and she wanted to entice him to join her in bed again.

But the bacon beckoned, and there was always after breakfast.

She followed him down the stairs, then into the dining room. She sat down and poured herself a coffee from the thermos on the table while he returned to the kitchen. He appeared a moment later with two plates of bacon and scrambled eggs.

She ate a strip of bacon and then took a bite of the eggs. “Mmm. These are delicious.”

“I add some herbs to the eggs to make them a bit more exciting.”

She couldn’t believe Dare could cook. She’d imagined he’d have someone do that for him. Like a maid, or one of his subs. In fact, she was surprised he hadn’t ordered her out of bed to make breakfast for him.

A knock sounded at the door.

He continued eating.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” she asked.

“I’m not expecting anyone at this time of the morning, and I see no reason to interrupt a nice breakfast for an impolite stranger.”

But the knock sounded again. At the third one, he sighed and pushed himself to his feet. He walked to the door and pulled it open.

“Daddy, it’s so good to see you.”

Ashley froze at that voice. She pulled the robe tighter around her as she glanced at the door. She wanted to run. To hide. Anything to prevent being seen by the newcomer.