Dare to Stay (Dare Nation 4)

“Oh my God, you’re never going to believe this!” Aurora came rushing over, excitement in her voice. “Bri offered me a desk job at Dare Nation! She knows I only have a high school diploma, but she said I could answer phones and be trained. I don’t have to stand on my feet all day taking orders anymore!” She covered her belly with her hand. “And I’ll be making more money. There’s a bus that goes from the diner to the area where Dare Nation is… Wait.”

The bubble of excitement popped, and her shoulders drooped. “Merry may not let me stay in my room if I’m not working for her.”

“I think it’s amazing Bri offered you a job,” he said. His sister had a big heart.

Braden met Willow’s gaze. He really wanted her to take more time and think about the idea of Aurora moving in, but he saw exactly where this situation was leading. She hadn’t gotten over her past, and that was pulling her to Aurora more deeply than he’d imagined.

“It’s great,” Willow agreed. “And I have a solution to your living situation if you’re interested.”

Aurora’s eyes opened wide as she listened to Willow’s offer. The next thing he knew, the girl was crying in gratitude, Willow was hugging her tight, and Braden’s throat grew full. This woman deserved the world, and he only knew that somehow he had to find a way to give it to her. To prove to her that he wouldn’t fail her again.

After Aurora centered herself and was ready, they went to the buffet table and filled their plates. Aurora hesitated to load hers up, taking a tiny bit of turkey, sweet potato, and vegetable. Willow met his gaze, and he took over, grabbing the spoon and filling all three of their plates until the women were laughing and begging him to stop.

They wound up at the end of the dining room table his mother had added extensions to and settled in to eat. Aurora was across from them in deep conversation with Bri.

And Braden couldn’t take his gaze off Willow, wondering how he’d ever get alone time now that she would have a roommate. He’d just have to cajole her over to his place. Or maybe he could finagle connecting rooms at their next away game, even though the last time was a fluke.

“How’s dinner?” he asked, wanting to keep his mind off of how he could get Willow into bed.

“So good.” She put a huge spoonful of sweet potato pie into her mouth and groaned, the sound going straight to his cock.

Thank God the tablecloth covered the front of his pants.

“So aren’t you glad I showed up unannounced and saved your day?” he asked, eating but not paying attention to his own food.

“Okay, yes. I’m glad,” she said, turning to the turkey and dipping it in extra gravy.

“And glad we came to an agreement?” he asked, speaking quietly, glad Quinn, who was on the other side of Willow, was busy feeding baby Jenny in the high chair. He didn’t need an audience for this conversation.

She turned and met his gaze. “I’m not really sure what we agreed to.”

He treated her to his best grin. “More of what happened between us earlier, that’s what.” And more emotional moments where he could cement their connection, but he wasn’t about to tell her that and freak her out.

She swallowed hard. “I can handle that.” She spoke softly.

His mother tapped a glass, calling for everyone’s attention. “I’d like to say a few words.”

Around the table, everyone grew silent.

His mom stood, tucking a strand of her dark hair with blonde highlights behind her ear. “It’s a rare treat for me to have all my children home for a holiday, nobody off playing a game or rushing out on a work emergency, and today I’m grateful.”

“We love you, Mom!” Damon called from beside his wife.

Everyone laughed and murmured agreements.

She glanced around the table, taking everyone in. “I want to welcome all our guests, as well. I’m so happy to have everyone.”

Instinctively, Braden reached over, grasped Willow’s hand, and squeezed tight, bringing it to his lap. This was what he wanted, her to be a part of his big, boisterous family.

His mom continued. “My family is expanding and I couldn’t be more thrilled.” Her gaze traveled to the new women in their world, Macy, Quinn, and Evie, ultimately landing on Willow and remaining for a few seconds.

A few too long. Because a glance at her profile told him his mom’s words had been too much for her. She was suddenly stiff and looking around to escape.

Leaning over, he whispered to her. “Relax. Nobody’s forcing you to marry me today,” he said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

And this time he didn’t add the word yet. Although he thought it.