“Helen, don’t even—”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and gazed at him with longing. “But I’ve wanted you for so long. And I know you want me, too.”

He grabbed her wrists and dragged her arms from around him.

“Helen, you know I don’t feel that way about you.”

“Do I? Then why are you fucking that slut who is my age? I’m sure it’s because you really want me.”

“Don’t talk about Ashley that way.”

He should deny her claim that he wanted her—which he didn’t, sexually. She used to be his stepdaughter, for God’s sake, but how did he put that into words that didn’t make her feel unwanted as a human being? She’d been abandoned by her own father, and two other stepfathers. Even her mother didn’t show her the love she needed. Didn’t make her feel like she belonged anywhere. Dare didn’t want to hurt her more than she had been already, but he walked a fine line.

She pouted and rested her hand on his chest. “I’m sorry, I just want you so much. Mom was an idiot to walk out on you. I’d never, ever do that.”

Her hand glided upward and he flattened his on top of it and drew it away.

“You don’t want me, you just think you do.”

Before he knew what she was doing, she grabbed her robe and pulled it open, exposing her naked breasts.

Fuck. He pulled it closed again, grasped her shoulders and spun her around, then marched her to the door.

“This is completely inappropriate, Helen.” He guided her down the hall to her door, then opened it. “If you try a stunt like this again, you won’t be welcome here.”

He closed the door behind her, then strode back to his room. This time he locked the door.

* * *

Ashley dropped onto the couch and slumped down. She’d tried to arrange a movie with Jessica this evening, but Jess had a date with Eric, a guy from work whom she’d had a crush on for a while.

Ashley sighed. She just wanted something to keep her mind off Dare. She should be over there right now.

Helen coming to town had thrown everything off. With her staying with Dare, Ashley had no idea when she’d see him again, or even if she would before he returned to New York. He wasn’t the kind of man to let things just drop between them, though, so she had to trust that she’d hear from him when the time was right.

Her cell phone chimed, indicating a text. She picked it up and glanced at the display.

You’re late.

She stared at the message from Dare, her heart lurching.

With Helen there, I thought tonight was canceled, she typed.

Get your ass over here, he replied. I expect you here within 20 mins.

She jumped to her feet and ran into the bathroom to refresh her makeup, then she grabbed a sexy bra and panty set from her drawer—sheer black with lacy flowers edging the cups and the skimpy front of the panties. Then she threw on a slinky, formfitting dress in a deep blue print. She was out the front door in record time, her heart pounding in her chest.