What he had to do was convince her to choose him over Adam. He was sure he could do it but … his chest tightened … he hated knowing that would cause Adam pain. But Dare had to look out for his own happiness, too.

And Ashley’s.

He walked across the lobby toward the glass doors. It was a beautiful sunny day outside. He wondered what Ash was doing right now.

He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and glanced at his texts. There was one from Ashley.

Can we talk? I finish work at 5.

He glanced at the time display. It was almost five now.

He left the building and his driver opened the door of the town car for him. He slid into the backseat, then tapped in a return text.

Pick you up in 5 min?

The magazine was about eight blocks from here. He gave the driver the address.

*   *   *

As soon as Ashley got the text from Dare, she closed up her e-mail and grabbed her purse from her desk drawer. When she hadn’t heard back from him, she didn’t think they’d connect this evening, but he must have been in a meeting.

“You’re leaving early tonight.”

Adam’s voice startled her. She hadn’t seen him walking by.

“It’s after five,” she said defensively.

He laughed. “I wasn’t complaining. You’ve been staying late a lot these days. I think it’s good that you’re getting away on time for a change. Got a hot date?”

“I’m going to talk to Dare tonight. About what we were discussing yesterday.”

Adam nodded. “I see. Well, I’d say have a good time, but…” He shrugged.

The flickering conflict in his eyes was almost comical. She could tell he wanted to convince her not to go, but he knew she had to talk to Dare to find the answers to the questions raised yesterday. Of course, he was afraid she’d go back to Dare’s place and that they’d have sex. Adam probably wanted to drag her into his arms and kiss her senseless so that he could convince her to go home with him instead. Or maybe he wanted to drag her into his office and make good on his suggestion of bending her over his desk and taking her.

The thought sent desire shimmering through her. She missed Adam and wanted to be in his arms again.

But Dare was probably waiting for her downstairs right now.

“I’m sorry, I have to go.” She picked up her purse and hurried to the stairs, not wanting to wait for the elevator. It was only five floors down.

When she reached the lobby, she hurried across the marble floor toward the entrance, a little winded. She stepped out onto the sidewalk and drew in a deep breath of the warm fresh air.

Dare stood leaning against a shiny black car, looking devastatingly handsome in a charcoal business suit, tailored to perfection. She hadn’t seen him in a suit before and the effect was … wow!