Dare to Play (Dare Nation 3)

“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.EpilogueJaxon 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.