Dare to Play Read online

  “Gross! God. Can’t you keep it in the bedroom?” Hannah stormed in and headed straight for the refrigerator for a snack.

  “Hi, Hannah.”

  She peeked her head out of the fridge. “Hello, Jaxon.” She pulled out a can of soda. “I’m going back to my room so you two go back to whatever you were doing.” She waved a hand dismissively.

  Jaxon met Macy’s gaze and grinned. “This is called living the good life.”

  “Says the man who said he wouldn’t get married or make a commitment in this lifetime.”

  He shook his head and laughed. “This is the one and only time I’ll admit to being wrong.”

  “Arrogant man.”

  “Good thing I have you to keep me in line,” he said and kissed her once more, reminding her that all good things in life were worth waiting for.

  Epilogue

  Jaxon joined his siblings at Allstars. It was the first time they’d hung out together since Braden’s return, and he was thrilled to have the family together. Bri had given them the brush-off, telling the boys to go hang out. He knew Braden and Bri would have their own catch-up time.

  Braden cracked his knuckles, a definite indication that his brother was stressed. He’d been doing it since he was a kid. Considering he’d just returned and was probably floundering with what to do next, Jaxon didn’t blame him for being uptight. Braden had rented a house with his friend Hudson Northfield, whose decision to join Doctors without Borders had prompted Braden, who’d always had a soft spot for those in need, to do the same.

  Shifting in his seat, Braden glanced around, obviously trying to get comfortable. After the tents he’d slept in, no doubt everywhere he went took getting used to. Jaxon was just glad his brother was home and hoped it was for good.

  “So what are you two thinking of doing career-wise?” Austin asked before taking a sip of his club soda.

  “Hudson and I have a meeting tomorrow with a health clinic in downtown Miami where we want to volunteer,” Braden said.

  Hudson raised a glass in acknowledgment.

  “What about taking the opportunity from Ian as head doctor for the Thunder?” Jaxon asked about their cousin’s football team.

  Ian had offered Braden the position of head team physician, taking over for Dr. Jonas, who was currently in prison after pleading guilty to numerous crimes, not the least of which was injecting Damon with performance-enhancing drugs without his knowledge in order to obtain money to pay off gambling debts and money owed to the IRS. He’d also generously offered Hudson a position as well.

  Braden stiffened. Obviously this wasn’t a subject he wanted to discuss. “I’m considering it. He needs an answer soon.”

  “Hudson?” he asked his brother’s friend.

  The other man rolled his shoulders. “Same. It’s a big change from the work I was previously doing. I need to know it will work for me before I make a commitment.”

  Jaxon respected that, just as he understood why this was a difficult decision for his brother. Braden had never chosen anything to do with sports, thanks to the way his father had treated him. Jesse had had no respect for Braden’s intelligence, caring only that he couldn’t nor did he want to be a football player. Jaxon got why Braden might want to spite Jesse Prescott, but Braden needed a job now that he was home and this was a good one. Not to mention, Jesse was long gone, even if the scars he’d left were never forgotten.

  “What’s holding you back?” Austin asked.

  “A few things,” Braden said vaguely.

  “Including the fact that Willow works there as an athletic trainer?” Damon chimed in with the question and Jaxon winced.

  Even he knew better than to bring up Braden’s ex. All Jaxon knew was they’d been together and then one day Braden announced he was leaving for two years, taking everyone from his family to his girlfriend by surprise. From what he’d seen of her, he thought she’d been a nice woman and a good compliment to Braden.

  Hudson remained silent. Considering he’d been with Braden after the breakup, he probably knew more than Jaxon did about the fallout.

  “You do realize she’d have to ultimately answer to you,” Damon added.

  Braden shrugged. “I mean, it won’t be easy working with her considering things didn’t end on a good note, but it won’t affect whether or not I take the position. Besides, she’s a professional. She’ll deal just like I will.” If the long sip of his scotch was any indication, he didn’t believe the words he spoke as much as he wanted to.

  Jaxon couldn’t help but notice his sibling was being deliberately vague with the emotional aspect of his answers, whether because he was confused about his next steps or he wanted to keep the information to himself, Jaxon didn’t know.

  “Maybe her presence will sway you toward taking the job?” Damon asked.

  Jaxon had to admit, his sibling didn’t give up.

  Glancing at Braden, Jaxon wondered the same thing. Was he sorry he’d left her? Or relieved? Braden kept his feelings close. Always had.

  “When is your wedding?” Braden clearly changed the topic and looked to Austin for an answer.

  Austin grinned, obviously happy with the chance to talk about his future with Quinn. “Valentine’s Day at the Meridian Hotel. Between our family and Quinn’s, we have a boatload of people. We needed more room than our house could provide.”

  Braden sat up straighter in his seat. “You’re getting married at Robert Dare’s hotel?” Out of the loop, Braden sounded shocked.

  Robert Dare was Paul’s brother, Ian’s estranged father, and the man who had had two families at the same time, in secret.

  Austin chuckled. “I forgot you wouldn’t have heard. Robert had to sell his hotels to help pay for the divorce settlement. Savannah, his second wife, took him for a bundle. Apparently they had a prenup. She learned from being his mistress first. Shockingly, he signed it, thinking he’d be faithful. Stupid given the old adage once a cheater, always a cheater.” He shook his head. “Could have saved himself a fortune.”

  Braden laughed. “The man always was an ass.”

  Jaxon couldn’t argue the point. “I guess you don’t know who purchased the hotels, either. The Dirty Dares.”

  “I still can’t believe you call them that,” Austin muttered.

  Jaxon ignored him. “They all went in on the hotel venture together. But with Harrison busy acting and Asher having his hands full with Dirty Dare Vodka, Nick, Zach, and Emery are deciding who wants to work the business full-time.”

  “Sounds like I’ve missed a lot.”

  Jaxon swung an arm around him. “The good news is you’ll have plenty of time to catch up. You’re not sure about the job with Ian, but you’re not leaving, are you?”

  Braden immediately shook his head.

  Good, Jaxon thought. His brother was home to stay.

  “Glad to hear it,” Austin said, rising from his seat. “I’m going to get home to Quinn and the baby.”

  “On that note, I’m out of here, too.” Damon stood. “I told Evie I wouldn’t be home late.”

  “I’m beat.” Hudson, who hadn’t spoken much during the evening, also rose to his feet. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you all.”

  And Jaxon hoped to learn more about the enigmatic man his brother had followed to foreign countries.

  Braden looked to Jaxon, the only brother who hadn’t announced his departure. Sensing his sibling needed an ear, he shook his head. “I’ll stick around awhile if you will.”

  “I’m here.”

  Jaxon waited until everyone left before turning to his brother. “You’ve been quiet. And not very forthcoming about what’s going on in your head. If you need a shoulder, I’m here.”

  With a sigh, Braden rested his back against the chair.

  “Is it about Jesse?” He’d stopped thinking of him as Dad and it hadn’t been difficult.

  Braden shook his head. “His words are always with me, but I won’t let him decide what I do with my life. But me ending up in
sports? It’s just ironic and I need to come to terms with the idea, you know?”

  Jaxon nodded. “But volunteering downtown will fill the need you have to help people. It can be the best of both worlds.”

  “It isn’t traveling and I’ve gotten used to that. I like going to different countries and coming to the aid of people in need.”

  Jaxon spent so much time on the road he valued his home time more than ever. He hoped Braden would come to appreciate the value of staying in one place near the people he loved, too.

  “No one says you have to take this position with the Thunder forever. If it doesn’t work for you, so be it.”

  Linking his fingers behind his head, Braden met his gaze. “You make the decision sound easy.”

  “That’s because it is. Unless there’s another reason you’re hesitating.” Jaxon paused. “Like Willow?”

  Braden groaned, running a hand through his hair. “To be honest? Yeah. The thing is, we were exclusive but not serious. I wasn’t ready for something intense. Which doesn’t excuse my sudden decision to leave the country for two years. It came out of nowhere and I get why she was upset.”

  Jaxon mulled over his brother’s words. “You two keep in touch?”

  With a shake of his head, Braden said, “She didn’t answer my calls or texts. And to be honest, I didn’t realize how much I cared about her until I was away. By then she was ignoring me and I gave up. It wasn’t like I could do much from a foreign country.”

  “And now?”

  “Who knows.” He finished the last of his drink. “But if I take the job, I guess I’ll find out. Anyway, I’m done talking about myself. It’s time to get out of here. You ready?”

  Jaxon nodded. “I’m going home to my wife.” And he hoped one day Braden could get his head on straight, figure out what he wanted out of life, and maybe say the same.

  Don’t miss the next DARE NATION series book DARE TO STAY with Braden Prescott and Willow James.

  DARE TO STAY

  Braden Prescott, the prodigal son, returns home but what kind of reception will he get from family and the girl he left behind?

  CLICK HERE to order!

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  About the Author

  NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  About the Book

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Epilogue

  About Dare to Stay

  Keep Up with Carly

  About the Author