Dare to Play Read online

  As she lay beside him, he couldn’t resist and picked up an ice cube that hadn’t yet melted from the bucket and laid it on her belly.

  She squealed and popped up from her reclining position. “What are you doing?”

  “Cooling you off.” He ran the melting cube over her just-tanning skin. “And giving myself something to taste.” Leaning over her, he licked the damp driblets on her skin, taking in the salty flavor and groaning as he ran his tongue down to the edge of her bathing suit where heaven waited.

  Feeling her eyes on him, he hooked his fingers into the sides of her suit and pulled it down her thighs, revealing her damp sex. She pulled in a shuddering breath as he lowered his head and flicked at her sweet pussy.

  She raised her hips and rolled herself against him. It didn’t take long for her soft moans to grow until she was coming as he lapped up her juices.

  “Good God,” she muttered, flopping her body against the chair.

  “Glad to be of service.” He chuckled, wiping his mouth on his arm and ignoring the hard-on behind his swim trunks.

  She shot him a wry look as she slipped her bikini bottoms back up. “Let’s go cool off,” she said, rose, and started for the ocean.

  He followed, completely enthralled with this woman who was now his wife.

  They spent the rest of the day alternating between the sun and a cabana, Macy drinking piña coladas and Jaxon his cousin and brother’s Dirty Dog Vodka, neat. It was the first truly relaxing day he’d had in ages, and he’d never had such a peaceful time enjoying female company.

  She confided in him about how hard it had been growing up having lost her mother, her father’s attempt at finding a replacement, and his disappointing ultimate choice of Lilah as his second wife and her stepmother.

  They’d already discussed Jesse Prescott that night at dinner with Hannah, so he didn’t see the need to bring up the subject today, and apparently neither did she. Which was why, when she did ask him about his family, the subject was a surprise.

  “So tell me about Paul being your biological father.”

  He coughed on his vodka. “It’s a weird situation,” he admitted. “On the one hand, it was a relief to know Jesse wasn’t my dad. That his disappointment in me stemmed more from his feelings about himself, not making pro ball due to an injury. Not being able to have kids. On the other hand, it would have been nice if my mother, knowing the truth, had stepped in.”

  “I’m not making excuses, but I’m sure she found herself in a tough situation,” Macy said.

  He nodded. “I know she did. She’s admitted as much. My father Jesse’s behavior got worse as time went on. She’s a good mom, was a buffer when he got to be too verbally abusive. But I have to admit it was a relief when Paul needed a kidney and Mom told us the truth last year.”

  “Austin was the donor.” She shifted on the chair.

  He nodded. “I wasn’t surprised. I love my brother but he is the golden child. Football player when Dad wanted one, naturally talented, Paul’s savior. But he’s a great guy. And I would always want him to have my back.”

  She sighed. “That’s how I want Hannah to feel about me one day.”

  “And she will. You’re there for her, you’re fighting for her, you do right by her. She’s lucky to have you and she’ll grow up knowing it. Or come to realize it,” he assured her.

  She tipped her head to the side, meeting his gaze. “I hope you’re right.”

  He grinned. “I usually am.”

  She laughed. “Good to know.”

  She turned her body to her side so they were facing each other. “So I have another question, and you don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.” She propped her head in her hand, waiting for him to reply.

  “We’re husband and wife. No secrets, right? Go ahead and ask.” Though he wasn’t looking forward to the question, he figured they were being open and honest.

  “Why don’t you believe in marriage? Or at least the happily-ever-after part?”

  Once again she’d taken him off guard, but he decided to fill her in. “Well, when I was younger, I did believe.” Facing Macy, he forced himself to tell the story. “Katie and I met in college. We got very serious very quickly. She always knew I wanted to play Major League Baseball. And she knew what that entailed. One hundred and sixty-two games a year, excluding postseason, no control in the early days of what state or team I’d end up on. No guarantee of big money, though I was talented.”

  She laughed at his deliberate tossing in of ego. “Of course you were.”

  “Anyway, she went into the relationship with eyes wide open. I just don’t think she realized my first stop in the minors would be Washington State.” His stomach cramped at the reminder of having to deliver the news. He hadn’t thought she’d like it, but he had believed they were in it together.

  “Pretty far from Florida. I take it that’s where she was from?” Macy asked, eyes full of compassion.

  “Yes. And suddenly, she couldn’t handle the lifestyle. She dumped me very easily considering the plans we’d made.”

  Reaching out, Macy grasped his hand. “You didn’t deserve that.”

  “Regardless, it did teach me a lesson. Family life isn’t for me.”

  She narrowed her gaze. “I realize you were hurt but don’t you think that’s shortsighted? It’s not like you’ll play forever, and a more understanding, stronger woman could most definitely handle being on her own.”

  She shook her head. “All I’m saying is don’t let the rest of your life be defined by something that happened when you were young.”

  “You sound pragmatic,” he said, taking in her words and filing them away to dissect another time.

  She shrugged. “I’m just telling it like it is.” She squeezed his hand. “We might be short-term but you do deserve happiness.”

  His stomach twisted at the reminder that this part of his life wasn’t permanent, surprising him. He’d only been with Macy for a week, and already he felt a connection with her that was stronger than any he’d experienced before. Even with Katie. And that completely threw him for a loop.

  His reaction was to deflect. “How do you feel about lobster?” he asked.

  Her eyes danced with the knowledge that he was ending their conversation on purpose. “Love it. Why?”

  “Damon can’t stop raving about a place he took Evie to when they were here on the island.” His brother said it was on the water, romantic, and he highly recommended he bring Macy there. “I made us a dinner reservation tonight if you’re up for it.”

  She smiled. “I am. It sounds great.”

  “Then it’s a date.” He rolled onto his back and soaked in the sun, shutting off thoughts of Katie, the past, and losing Macy in the future.

  Chapter Ten

  Macy returned to Florida tanned and chilled out, amazed at how one full day on the beach on Sunday and two nights on the island had relaxed her. She also felt closer to her husband and warned herself to be careful and not take his confidences too seriously. They were friends, exchanging information, nothing more. He wasn’t trying to win her over or get into her heart. And she didn’t want him to. Right? Right.

  “Want to pick up Hannah on the way home? We can get started with our family life, picking out her room, winning her over. She has to be upset with Lilah right now, after she canceled their plans,” Jaxon suggested.

  Macy nodded. “It’s a good idea. I miss her. And when I spoke to her from the Bahamas, she sounded hurt.” Which wasn’t something Macy wanted, but she couldn’t deny it helped her in her custody battle.

  She needed Hannah to want to live with her. “Let’s surprise her at Ruby’s instead of calling first,” she said, excited to pick up her sister.

  Jaxon grinned. “Sounds like a plan. Let’s do it.”

  Except when they arrived at Ruby’s, Hannah’s teenage friend greeted Macy at the door. “Hannah’s not here.”

  “What? Where is she?” Jaxon immediately slid an arm around her sh
oulder.

  “Her mother picked her up this morning with some guy. They left for the day and she took her bag,” Ruby said.

  Her mother walked up behind her. “I thought it was okay to let her go since Hannah said she was supposed to be with her this weekend before her mom canceled. Is there a problem?” the woman asked, starting to panic.

  Jaxon squeezed Macy in warning.

  “No. It’s fine,” she lied, hating that Lilah was playing a game. “Thank you for having her,” she said.

  “Our pleasure and congratulations on your wedding,” Ruby’s mom, Cindy, said. “You look tan and happy.”

  “We are,” Jaxon said from behind her, his warm breath on her neck. “I’m sure we’ll see Hannah back at the house tonight.”

  Macy felt certain his words were more for Macy’s benefit than conversation with Ruby’s mom, and she appreciated his certainty or at least his attempt at reassurance.

  She just wasn’t sure she believed him.

  They walked down the steps and back to the car that was driving them home, sitting in the back seat. “Remember I had both of your things moved to my house this weekend.”

  She nodded.

  “So Hannah couldn’t get her own things to go anywhere with her mother. Just stay calm. My hunch tells me she’ll show up on my doorstep. That Lilah is just trying to get you to lose your temper.”

  “Well, I have,” she said, clenching and unclenching her fists. “She has no right to make decisions about where Hannah goes. And I should know where my sister is.” Her heart pounded in her chest, anger and frustration building.

  “We’ll talk to Jonathan in the morning. I think it’s time to set down some rules via the court. In the meantime, when Hannah gets home, don’t give Lilah what she wants. Don’t lose it and don’t yell at Hannah. Got it?”

  She nodded. “I got it. And thank you, because left to my own devices, I would have freaked out.”

  “We’re going to figure this out.” He covered his hand with hers.

  She dialed Hannah, got her voicemail, and left a message letting her sister know they’d be at Jaxon’s, giving her the address, which she already had, but Macy wasn’t taking any chances. She did the same with Lilah, using the number she’d had to force from her sister, who hadn’t wanted to share it.

  Biting on her lip, she worried about whether Lilah could or would disappear so she’d never see Hannah again and decided against it. Her stepmother needed legal custody for anything she wanted to do with Hannah, from enrolling her in school to taking her out of the country. God forbid.

  Deciding Jaxon was right and Lilah was testing her temper, she blew out a breath and glanced at the man keeping her calm.

  Turning, she took in his handsome profile, how sexy he looked, how tanned, and she fed off his peaceful mood. She also fed off the sexual tension that hadn’t dissipated since they left the island.

  He turned his stare from the window and met her gaze, the heat emanating from him a tangible thing. They were married and had an ongoing sexual relationship. She didn’t need to pretend she didn’t want him. So she slid across the seat, climbed into his lap, and sealed her lips over his.

  She kissed him, ignoring the driver in the front seat, pretending they were alone, appreciating the fact that he so easily let her forget her problems. She didn’t think Lilah would disappear with Hannah, so what she needed now was to redirect her focus until she saw her sister again.

  And Jaxon was the perfect distraction.

  With her sex directly over his erection, she began to shift her hips, rocking against him, desire overwhelming her. Taking her to a place where nothing else existed but the sensual feelings flowing through her body.

  He slammed his hand down on the seat beside him. “Shut the fucking window,” he barked at the driver before gripping her hips and holding her down, his thick cock taking her on a ride of pleasure. Waves built. Need grew. And the partition rose, protecting them from prying eyes though the man clearly knew what was going on in his back seat.

  “Keep riding me,” Jaxon said in a gruff voice, whispering in her ear.

  “Oh, God. It feels so good.” The only thing missing was him inside her.

  He jerked his hips up, his hard cock rubbing against her clit. She rocked back and forth until she exploded, delicious sensations taking her over into utter bliss. And Jaxon stilled, his low groan telling her he’d come as well. They were like teenagers grabbing time alone in the back seat of a car.

  Her cheeks burning when they arrived at his house, she ignored the driver as Jaxon took their bags and led her inside.

  They took a quick shower together, Jaxon picking her up and carrying her over his shoulder into the master bath. “After that little performance, you’re not leaving me alone.”

  “I don’t want to.”

  They stripped down and stepped into his gorgeous marble shower with multiple jets, taking turns lathering each other up, her using his woodsy shower soap on him, him using her fruity gel on her. When he said he’d had her things moved, he’d meant everything, and she didn’t want to know how he’d accomplished it.

  Because they hoped Hannah would show up soon, there was no more playtime in the shower, but he’d promised her the real thing tonight when they climbed into bed.

  Her sex gave a pulse of approval at the thought.

  * * *

  Macy kept calling both Hannah’s and Lilah’s numbers, neither one of them answering. But that didn’t stop her from trying or leaving multiple messages.

  Dinner passed. She and Jaxon ordered in Italian food, including Hannah’s favorite chicken parmigiana, but she still hadn’t come back. They ate in silence though Macy barely tasted her chicken scarpariello.

  Not even the hot peppers affected her, she was so distracted. “If Hannah’s not home by eight, I’m calling the police. I have custody and her mother said she couldn’t take her this weekend. I didn’t give permission for them to be together after Lilah canceled.”

  “Evie’s brother’s a detective. I’ll text him,” Jaxon said, his worried eyes on hers.

  She swallowed hard and nodded. “I appreciate it.” Just as she placed her fork down, the doorbell rang.

  Her eyes met Jaxon’s over the table. “Remember, calm, relaxed, don’t show your hand. We want Lilah to be shocked when we ask to move up the date of the hearing and request she not be allowed to see Hannah without your permission until then,” he reminded her.

  Blowing out a breath, she nodded. “I still want to rip Lilah’s hair out,” she muttered. “I’ve been worried sick.”

  She ran for the door and opened it up to find Hannah standing with her bag. Lilah, obviously not wanting an argument, waited in the car.

  “Hi, I’m home!” Hannah said, a bright smile on her face.

  “So are we. I tried to pick you up at Ruby’s.” Just because she wasn’t going to fight with Lilah didn’t mean she wouldn’t get the story from her sister.

  “Oh! Well, Mom has a boyfriend, and he’d surprised her with show tickets, so she couldn’t take me the whole weekend, but she picked me up Sunday morning.” Hannah pulled her suitcase in and Macy glanced at Jaxon.

  Boyfriend? That was interesting though exactly what Macy had expected. “Did you meet him?” Macy asked Hannah.

  Hannah nodded. “He’s young,” she said, giggling. “And hot. He’s a gym manager. I’m hungry. Do you have anything for dinner?” She changed the subject like a pro.

  “Hey, kid. We ordered you chicken Parm. I hear it’s your favorite. Want to eat or pick your room first?” Jaxon asked her, shaking his head at Macy, obviously warning her to keep her questions light.

  “Room! Then food.”

  Smiling at Hannah’s enthusiasm, Macy followed Jaxon and Hannah to the side of the house with three extra bedrooms. It was obvious to Macy that the rooms already had a woman’s touch. Probably his mother or Bri had decorated the guest rooms.

  “Remember, you can change yours up any way you want,” he said.<
br />
  Hannah ran from room to room.

  “Don’t go by size,” Macy said. “One has a wall across from the bed with the TV, another has a TV on the side. It might be less comfortable watching. One has room for a desk to do your work. Another might not. You and I have time to go through all three and make a decision. Just pick one for tonight,” she said.

  Hannah chose the one with the bed by the window overlooking the pool. “When can my friends come over?” she asked.

  “Maybe next weekend. We’ll discuss it.” Macy left Hannah in the bedroom to unpack and walked into the hall where Jaxon waited.

  “A boyfriend,” she said to him, “who’s a gym manager. He can’t give her the lifestyle she wants.” She bit down on the inside of her cheek.

  “Add it to the list to give to Jonathan’s private investigator and we’ll go from there,” Jaxon instructed her.

  She nodded, a sudden wave of exhaustion overtaking her. But she still had to give her sister dinner and show her where the shower and towels were and discuss a morning schedule for school before turning in for the night.

  * * *

  Jaxon met Linc at the stadium gym, leaving Macy home to work in a sunlit room she’d chosen to use as her work space. They walked inside together because Jaxon had driven them both.

  “So will Lizzie and I be seeing you at the Children’s Benefit Saturday night?” Linc asked.

  “Son of a bitch.” He slammed his hand on his thigh. “I forgot all about it.”

  Linc chuckled. “Considering all that’s going on in your life, I’m not surprised. But it’s a mandatory event for all players.”

  Through the publicity department, the team sponsored an organization that supported kids in foster homes. Meeting and greeting the team in a formal setting encouraged donors to reach deep into their pockets to help the kids, and even if it hadn’t been required, Jaxon wouldn’t have missed it.

  But all he needed to do was put on a tuxedo, which he had hanging in his closet, cleaned, pressed, and ready to go.