Dare to Stay (Dare Nation 4)

She stroked his cheek with her fingertips, her gaze meeting his. “I’ll follow you home, okay? Just let me text Aurora and tell her not to expect me tonight.”

“Sounds good,” he said, relieved.

A short while later, they were in his bedroom. He’d given her a tee shirt, and she excused herself to take a quick shower, and once she finished, he did the same. They were both drained, and he didn’t press for a joint shower because, despite how much he desired her, he lacked the mental energy and stamina to do more than hold her as they fell asleep.

And when they finally crawled into his bed, he wrapped his body around hers, feeling at peace with her in his arms.

* * *

The next morning, Willow woke before Braden and prior to the alarm he’d set, his warm body curled around hers. The sound of his heavy breathing told her he was in a deep sleep. Knowing how exhausted he’d been last night, both physically and emotionally, she let him be, quietly sliding out from beneath his arm that lay over her.

When he’d admitted to needing her yesterday, he’d slipped past the final barrier she’d kept in place, and she’d melted inside. It meant something, knowing she could give to him as much as he’d been doing for her. She couldn’t fight herself or him any longer, and she was done trying. She’d gone and fallen in love with him, fully and completely, this time without any more hesitation or reservation. She just needed him not to disappoint her.

Leaving him a quick note that said she’d see him at work, she went home to change, eat something, and head over to the stadium.

When she arrived home, she let herself inside and discovered Aurora at the small kitchen table, drinking a cup of tea.

“Morning,” Willow said, dropping her keys into the basket where she kept them.

“Morning.”

“What are you doing up so early?” she asked.

Aurora shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep. Plus I wanted to talk to you before you left for work.”

Willow sat down in a chair beside her. “Sure. What’s up?”

Aurora twirled a strand of her hair around her finger and found it hard to look Willow in the eye.

“Hey. Talk to me. Whatever it is, I promise it’s fine,” Willow said.

She drew a deep breath. “I’ve really liked getting to know Linc and Jordan, Linc’s personal assistant and best friend.”

“Hey, that’s great!” Willow said, meaning it.

Aurora glanced up. “You’ve been so good to me. You and Braden both but–”

“You’re going to New York to meet your family and let them take care of you.”

Aurora nodded, tears in her eyes. “Are you angry?”

“Oh my gosh, no! I’m so very happy for you,” Willow said, grasping the young girl’s hand. “What is it we both wanted growing up? People to love us? You have that now. And you’ll still have me. I promise I’m not going anywhere. We can talk, FaceTime, and I can come visit. I’m going to want to see the baby!”

Willow said everything she could to make it easier for Aurora to go. To be at peace with her choice. And to know she’d still have Willow here if she needed her.

“Yeah?” Aurora’s face lit up. “I’d love that!” She grinned. “Did you know Linc has a private jet? We’re going to fly to New York on it tomorrow.”

So soon. Willow’s stomach twisted in sadness, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but laugh at Aurora’s enthusiasm. “That’s really cool. Can we have a final dinner together tonight?”

Aurora nodded. “Definitely.”

Willow smiled. “Okay, I have to grab clothes and get dressed for work, but tonight you’re mine.” She started for the bedroom when Aurora spoke.

“Don’t forget to invite Braden!” she called out.

Willow was very happy to do just that.

* * *

Braden sat in the office at Thunder Stadium, trying to concentrate when his mind was on both his brother and the woman who’d slipped out of his bed early this morning. She’d had to rush home in order to get ready for work, but she’d left him a note. As he’d lain in bed, the scent of her lingering on his sheets, he couldn’t help but think about how perfect they fit together, how well their lives meshed, and wondered whether it was time to tell her how he felt about her.

A knock sounded on his door, interrupting his thoughts, which he didn’t mind since he hadn’t come to a decision yet anyway. “Come in!”

Hudson walked in, shut the door behind him, and sat down in a chair, making himself comfortable. “How’s Damon?”

“I spoke to him this morning. Usual concussion symptoms and taking it easy. Evie’s making sure he doesn’t move from their bed.”

Braden was worried about his retirement, the decision he’d made so easily, and the announcement, but even this morning, Damon insisted he’d accepted his fate and was at peace with it. Since meeting Evie, his priorities had changed, something Braden could now understand.